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- Apr 14, 2006
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Our 2011 MINI doesn't even have the donut spare, relying on run-flat tires instead. We'll see how that works out.
Not a day goes by that I don't see somebody driving on the freeway with one of the little spares at speeds in excess of 75 MPH.Anyone replace their toy spare tire with a real one? The payoff would come if you have a blowout in a very remote location. With a real tire, you could avoid driving a long distance at low speed.
Our 2011 MINI doesn't even have the donut spare, relying on run-flat tires instead. We'll see how that works out.
Our 2011 MINI doesn't even have the donut spare, relying on run-flat tires instead. We'll see how that works out.
.......... If you watch tread wear and look for cracks from dry rot on your tires, you will probably never be stuck on the highway with a flat..........
Typical life of run-flats is around 10,000 miles. If driving in winter conditions, really do not want to get down to the wear indicators. So figure 8K miles.Our 2011 MINI doesn't even have the donut spare, relying on run-flat tires instead. We'll see how that works out.
Dubuque's freeways must be wonderfully free of metal debris. Last week I cruised into the big city and saw 6 cars along the side of the freeway with flat tires - a couple of them were multiple tires.If you watch tread wear and look for cracks from dry rot on your tires, you will probably never be stuck on the highway with a flat.
You evidently don't have nails where you live.
I think this will be a growing trend and an unfortunate consequence of the higher govt mileage regulations. We'll see thinner sheet metal and structural components (cars will rust out sooner), smaller "good enough" components (starters, alternators, wiper and fan motors, struts, etc that won't last as long), and the use of more expensive parts (i.e. with lightening holes and lighter alloys) to reduce weight (and which will increase costs). The result may be more expensive cars with tires that won't go 15K miles, cars that have higher maintenance costs, that lose their value faster, and that go to the junkyard sooner. But they get 4 MPG more, which was enough for the manufacturer to avoid a penalty. It will be a losing proposition for many consumers, but (due to the deliberate manipulation of incentives), will benefit the car manufacturers.This is going to be the norm.
Saw something on TV that the new MPG laws are such that manufacturers are doing away with all sorts of things to cut down on weight (spare tire, jack, etc.).
Really? You had to remove the spare tire to make room for a beer cooler?...a 1979 Chrysler New Yorker...In this particular car, it really frees up a lot of space, which is especially critical, as now my beer cooler fits just fine.
I completely agree. I was an auto mechanic for 8 years...and I own an older CRV now. Even if I bought a new one, there's no way I'd use 0W-20...particularly in the summer. I'd have to do some research...but typically I use one weight heavier than they recommend...or in your case that would be 10W-30.I think we might already be there with motor oil. Our new car (Honda CR-V) specifies use of 0W-20 oil.
I completely agree. I was an auto mechanic for 8 years...and I own an older CRV now. Even if I bought a new one, there's no way I'd use 0W-20...particularly in the summer. I'd have to do some research...but typically I use one weight heavier than they recommend...or in your case that would be 10W-30.