MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires.

So… you really
think you can
replace me with
some cheap
imitation?
We were made for each other.
MINI approved tires. Sole mates for your mini.
CONTENTS
MINI Approved Tires
2
MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires
5
MINI Approved Winter Tires
6
MINI Approved All-Season Tires
8
MINI Approved Performance Tires
9
The Writing is on the Wall
10
MINI Approved Tires 101
12
1
Sole mates. Mini approved tires.
WELCOME TO THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE.
MINI Approved Tires don’t simply provide the sole connection between your MINI
and the road. They’re ingrained in the DNA of every MINI to make every minute you’re
behind the wheel better than the last.
Read on for an education in tires — from tire construction and unique properties to staying
solid in all driving conditions — and find out why MINI Approved tires are the wise choice.
Because when the rubber meets the road, every MINI driver deserves the
uncompromising excellence of MINI Approved Tires.
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Tires featuring the MINI Approved Tire marking meet or exceed our
ridiculously high standards across four key performance indicators:
Driving Dynamics, Safety, Comfort and Economy.
SEARCHING FOR YOUR SOLE MATE? YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
Hold up your hand for a minute and consider this: The
surface area of your palm is a pretty close approximation of
the area of contact between your tire and the road. Now,
imagine having to transmit information like brake force,
engine power and driving dynamics to this relatively tiny
area — all in the blink of an eye.
Clearly, your tires play a big behind-the-scenes role in the
handling and performance of your MINI. That’s why we
teamed up with the biggest names in tire manufacturing
to create MINI Approved Tires. All-season to performance,
conventional to run-flat, every MINI Approved Tire delivers
amazing value on three levels — uncompromising safety,
unparalleled handling, and unbeatable vehicle performance.
features with the solid acceleration, crisp cornering, and
smooth braking you expect from your MINI.
Though lesser tires may look similar or bear identical
type designations, only those carrying the raised star are
guaranteed to have the design features and properties
exclusive to MINI Approved Tires.
Why settle for less? By insisting on MINI Approved Tires,
you’re assured a perfect match to your MINI — the sole mate
you’ve been seeking.
MINI Approved Tires — easily identified by the stylish star
molded into the sidewall — are designed and manufactured
to exacting performance standards. Extensively tested
and specifically matched to individual MINI models, MINI
Approved Tires are crafted to deliver superior handling
2 3
What we’re made of.
Take a peek inside MINI Approved Tires and you’ll find they are surprisingly high-tech products,
manufactured from state-of-the-art materials and designed with the latest safety research in mind.
Good-looking, hard-working exterior
With a sophisticated interior to match
1. Tread area for superior road grip
and maximum water displacement
4. Cord body insert for shape
retention even at high levels of
interior pressure
2. Body ply for advanced high-speed
capability
3. Steel cord belt layers for optimized
driving stability and roll resistance
5. Protective layer to seal the
air-filled interior
6. Side strip to guard against lateral
tire damage
7. Core profile for improved driving
stability, steering and comfort
response
8. Steel core to ensure firm grip
between tire and wheel
9. B
ead reinforcement to maximize
driving stability and steering
response
Look for the built-in tread wear indicators (also known as wear bars) on every
MINI Approved Tire. If you can see them, you know your tire has fulfilled its
destiny and needs replacement.
Why Buy MINI Approved Tires from a MINI center?
BUYING MINI APPROVED TIRES
FROM a MINI Dealer
BUYING TIRES “OFF THE RACK”
FROM A TIRE OUTLET
They’re MINI Approved…guaranteed
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Immediate availability
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Installed by a MINI trained technician
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Installed using MINI approved equipment
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Competitively priced
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✔
Thick skinned and always in control.
MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires.
MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires represent a cool quantum leap
forward when it comes to tire manufacturing technology.
With their reinforced sidewalls and precision fit on specially
designed wheels, these 21st-century road warriors offer
numerous benefits to today’s MINI driver:
Smooth, safer handling in an emergency. Your MINI
maintains its directional stability in the event of sudden
pressure loss due to road debris or a pothole.
The ultimate in convenience & safety. Even with complete
pressure loss, it is still possible to drive without changing
tires — no more struggling at the side of a busy road. At a
maximum speed of 50 MPH, drivers can travel up to 150
miles depending on vehicle load and extent of tire damage.*
Conventional tire and wheel
after a puncture
MINI Approved Run-Flat Tire
and wheel after a puncture
*Certain limitation and restrictions apply. Check your specific vehicle’s
Owner’s Manual for complete details.
4 5
Enjoys cold weather and motoring in the snow.
MINI Approved Winter Tires.
Did you know that chilly weather has an immediate impact
on the all-season and performance tires of your MINI,
starting at just 45° F? That’s because the rubber begins
to harden as temperatures drop, negatively affecting not
only their road gripping ability, but also the steering and
responsiveness of your MINI.
In addition to the characteristics that make every MINI
Approved Tire special, MINI Approved Winter Tires offer up
these extra perks:
Cold-resistant silica compounds retain their flexibility even at
low temperatures.
Deep self-cleaning treads significantly improve tire
performance on wet roads.
When the snow’s falling, MINI Approved Winter Tires can
significantly shorten braking distance compared to allseason and performance tires. Improved stopping distance
can mean the difference between coming to a safe, secure
stop and dealing with the hassles of an accident.
Slick, wet road surfaces can also prove problematic to
conventional tires at low temperatures. The deeper tread
pattern of MINI Approved Winter Tires makes short work of
water, reducing your risk of hydroplaning.
Snazzy tread design with interlinking ribs improves tire grip
on ice and snow.
Let’s Get Physical.
Tread More aggressive tread
pattern increases traction and
maximizes your contact with
the road.
Grooves Did you know that snow
adheres to itself better than
rubber? These groovy channels
trap snow in the tread so it can
stick to snow on the road.
Sipes Thousands of tiny slits
make the tread more flexible
and enhance traction on
slippery surfaces.
MINI Approved Tire
Star Marking
Blocks Sharper edges and closer
spacing let these rubber “cells” get
a firm grip on snow and ice.
Formulations Special rubber
compounds keep your treads soft
and flexible at low temperatures.
Symbol This cool mountain/
snowflake mark confirms that your
winter tire meets specific
performance requirements for
wild winter conditions.
6 7
Practical yet fun –
Adapts to almost any situation.
MINI Approved All-Season Tires.
When flexibility and versatility are tops on your tire
“must-have” list, MINI Approved All-Season Tires fit the bill.
Designed for year-round use, all-season tires feature a blend
of technologies — from premium compounds to detailed
tread configurations — for strong performance and handling
under a variety of driving conditions.
MINI Approved All-Season Tires are built to provide good
wear and solid traction in road conditions ranging from wet
and muddy to light snow. Of course, common sense dictates
that all-season tires cannot match the performance of tires
built for a particular category, such as MINI Approved Winter
Tires. Even if your MINI is equipped with Dynamic Stability
Control, you won’t achieve optimum performance with MINI
Approved All-Season Tires in climates where winter driving
means deep snow, icy roads and subfreezing temperatures.
As always, sole mate selection for your MINI should be
based on your unique driving profile as well as the climate
you call home.
Adrenaline junkie with a racy personality.
MINI Approved Performance Tires.
Just like your vehicle, MINI Approved Performance Tires are
as much art as science — delivering high-performance thrills
when grip is paramount and precise steering is a must.
Advantages of MINI Approved Performance Tires include:
No longer reserved for racing enthusiasts alone, MINI
Approved Performance Tires give you a stylish edge with lowprofile side walls, larger tread blocks for dry traction grip, and
stiff sidewalls for better handling, cornering and control.
Improved traction and handling thanks to “sticky”
treads, because better road grip = better braking
distances and handling.
Resistance to heat build-up, especially during hot
summer months.
Higher performance index rating, which translates into a
smoother, safer ride at highway speeds.
Why choose MINI Approved Performance Tires? Because
every MINI driver is a performance driver.
Note: Low-profile wheels and tires are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential
damage. Some of the wheels shown may not be compatible with all models. Consult your local
MINI dealer for compatibility details.
8 9
The writing is on the wall.
The abbreviations on the sidewall of a tire can
sometimes stump even experienced automotive
pros. Here’s your decoder ring for a quick-read
snapshot of commonly used tire lingo.
Speed symbol
(H = up to 130 mp/h)
Load index
(91 = 615 kg)
Tire width in mm
(from flank to flank)
MINI Approved Tire
star marking:
tires tested and
recommended
by MINI
Speed Rating.
Every tire includes a coded speed or
performance index — the maximum mph
for which a particular tire is designed.
MINI Approved Tires are rated at the
highest available speed index for
optimal performance.
P – up to 93 mph
H – up to 130 mph
Q – up to 99 mph
V – up to 149 mph
R – up to 106 mph
W – up to 168 mph
S – up to 112 mph
Y – up to 186 mph
T – up to 118 mph
ZR – over 149 mph
Load Index.
65 series =
the proportion of tire
height to tire width is
65:100
R = radial (belted tire)
Interior diameter
in inches
(same as wheel diameter)
The load index indicates the maximum weight
that a tire can accommodate vertically at a
given PSI (pounds per square inch). Typically,
the load index of the tires for passenger cars
and light trucks range from 80 to 100.
XYZ = tire designation
DOT code and date
of manufacturer:
calendar week/year
Load Index
Pounds
Load Index
Pounds
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
992
1019
1047
1074
1102
1135
1168
1201
1235
1279
1323
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
1356
1389
1433
1477
1521
1565
1609
1653
1709
1764
1819
Can’T you see I am worn out?
Tire wear patterns can serve as indicators of vehicle condition. Learning to read the early warning signs can often prevent
premature shortening of tire life and indicate the need for service such as a front-end alignment.
NEW TIRE
CENTER WEAR
EDGE WEAR
TOE WEAR
CAMBER WEAR
DIAGONAL WEAR
Thin tread in
center of tire
Thin tread wear
along both edges
Thin inner
or outer edge
Exaggerated inner
or outer edge wear
Diagonal ‘scalloped’
tread wear
Proper diagnosis required to determine actual cause of wear. (eg. low tire pressure, alignment, vehicle overload, worn or damaged suspension components, etc.)
10 11
Mini approved Tires 101.
All You Need to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask).
Q. Why buy MINI Approved Tires?
Tire characteristics have a surprisingly significant impact
on all driving properties. That’s why MINI undertakes such
extensive research and development in the design and
manufacturing of MINI Approved Tires, recognizing that the
result is a sole mate that perfectly matches your vehicle in
terms of quality, driving dynamics, comfort and value.
Q. Should tires be rotated by axle pairs?
Sole mates are happiest in pairs. MINI doesn’t recommend
putting new tires on just one axle or exchanging tires
between your front and rear axle, as this can impair driving
properties. In addition, many MINI models feature different
tire sizes on the front and rear to optimize handling, so
rotating between axles is not feasible.
Q.Is there really any difference between MINI Approved
Tires and off-the-rack tires without the star?
Tires with the MINI star have been designed and
manufactured specifically for your MINI. These engineering
marvels can be very different from those offered by
independent tire dealers, even if the tire has a similar or
identical look and type designation. Outward appearances
can be deceiving, as it is primarily the tire’s internal
engineering that distinguishes it from look-alikes.
Q. What’s the best way to maintain MINI Approved Tires
and MINI Wheel Sets?
Correct inflation is the way to go, especially during winter
months when cooler temperatures can cause your tire
pressure to fluctuate. The wrong tire pressure — both too
high or too low — can lead to less-than-stellar handling,
reduced braking performance and vehicle stability, tire
damage and even poor fuel economy. To maintain the sharp
appearance of MINI Approved Tires and Wheel Sets, MINI
cleaning products are designed specifically for use with MINI
light alloy wheels and tires.
Q. A
re MINI Approved Tires more costly than
regular tires?
MINI Approved Tires are competitively priced with premiumquality performance tires. Though one can easily compare
price, it is more difficult to compare value and performance,
as only MINI Approved Tires are manufactured specifically
for each individual MINI model.
Q. When is a tire considered “old”?
Though today’s tire materials contain additives to preserve
their properties, aging depends largely on how a tire
is used and stored. Best practices dictate that a tire be
fitted on your vehicle within five years of manufacture,
assuming optimal storage conditions. As a general rule, MINI
recommends changing tires older than six years, regardless
of how many miles they’ve traveled.
Q. How do MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires compare to
conventional tires in handling, comfort and mileage?
Thanks to their innovative design, MINI Approved Run-Flat
Tires have high handling reserves, especially in terms of
steering. When it comes to mileage, MINI Approved Run-Flat
Tires are no different from conventional tires.
Q: S
hould MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires continue to be
used with reduced pressure?
MINI Approved Run-Flat Tires retain their main properties
for emergency use only. This ensures that as long as you
stick to the recommendations in your Owner’s Manual, you
can continue driving until the earliest opportunity to replace
the damaged tire.
Q: Should my MINI be sporting winter tires if I live
somewhere without much snow?
Snow and icy road surfaces are just one small part of winter
driving. When temperatures fall, rubber begins to harden —
significantly impacting safety and performance. Known
by the technical term “glass transition temperature,” this
phenomenon generally occurs at 45° F for non-winter tires.
With the silica compounds used in MINI Approved Winter
Tires, the transition temperature is delayed to an estimated
-4° F to -13° F. Big difference, huh?
Q. W
hat about MINI models with Dynamic Traction
Control (DTC)?
Even the most advanced systems will only function properly
if the vehicle’s tires are suitable for the road conditions.
Q: D
on’t winter tires wear faster? I’ve also heard they’re
super noisy and uncomfortable.
Because they are built for the cold, MINI Approved Winter
Tires are by no means noisy or uncomfortable when used
in winter weather. Their use is definitely not recommended
during summer heat, as they will indeed wear more quickly
due to their softer rubber compounds.
Q. What is the recommended tread depth for MINI
Approved Winter Tires?
In ice and snow, the tires’ specially ribbed, self-cleaning
profiles effectively ensure that traction and directional
stability are maintained and provide the shortest possible
braking distance. For this reason, MINI recommends a
minimum tread depth of 5/32" for winter tires.
Q. A
re different wheels necessary for MINI Approved
Winter Tires?
In some cases, the same wheels can be used for MINI
Approved Tires and MINI Approved Winter Tires. However,
many drivers choose to customize the look of their
vehicles based on the season. All Original MINI light alloy
wheels are resistant to wind, weather and road salt,
and with the proper care will maintain their attractive
appearance for years.
12 13
Note: Low-profile wheels and tires are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damage. Some of the wheels shown may not be compatible with all models. Consult your
local MINI dealer for compatibility details.
© 2011 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. The vehicles pictured may contain non-US equipment.
MTC-01 Printed in USA