Are my front tyres fitted correctly? (Mini Cooper S 2011)

[arun1993]

Hi,

I just noticed that one of my front tyres was not sitting flush to the rim, as my other one is. Is this normal? I have realised that this has been the case since at least September last year, from photos I took then. However, both tyres were previously sitting on the rear axle and I've now had them moved to the front. So I'm worried now whether they are in fact fitted correctly. If so, what has actually happened to the one not sitting flush?

Thank you,

Arun

Edited by arun1993 on Tuesday 20th March 10:43

Edited by arun1993 on Tuesday 20th March 10:54

[Flibble]

Looks fine from that angle, maybe a comparative photo would help?

[arun1993]

Sorry, I hadn't put the 2nd photo up. That's the non-flush one.

[cerb4.5lee]

Are they both the same tyre? It looks to me as if one tyre has a rim protector moulded in and one hasn't. Looking at the photo I dont think its anything to worry about, and its just that one of your 4 tyres has the rim protection on it.

Edited by cerb4.5lee on Tuesday 20th March 10:58

[familyguy1]

cerb4.5lee said:

Are they both the same tyre? It looks to me as if one tyre has a rim protector moulded in and one hasn't.

what he/she said....

[arun1993]

Hi, yes they are the same. Continental Contact Sport 3 SSR (Run Flats). I don't know if they were fitted with rim protectors.

Edited by arun1993 on Tuesday 20th March 11:07

[arun1993]

Right, OK so it seems to be a rim protector on one and not the other. That's quite strange as the previous owner had all 4 fitted new originally. Thanks everyone for your help.

If anyone has any other thoughts please let me know.

[cerb4.5lee]

It's not that easy to see but my MINI Cooper S has the rim protection on it and you get the gap and its built into the tyre.


Edit, added another photo to show how it helps to protect the rim better. It is strange how three out of the four you have don't have it though.

Edited by cerb4.5lee on Tuesday 20th March 11:16

[arun1993]

I see. Thank you. I just don't understand why only this tyre has the protection though. Why get the protection for one tyre only? I'm inclining to get it checked out at my local garage.

I've checked photos of the other 2 tyres (which were replaced a few days ago, but the same type and fitment date) and they also sat flush:





I wonder if the tyre can be loosened or dislodged by driving over potholes? It's been over some horrible ones in the past. It's difficult to diagnose from just photos, I appreciate.

Edited by arun1993 on Tuesday 20th March 11:22

[arun1993]

OK thanks Cerb4. Yeah it does seem to match your tyre. I'm going to take it to my garage, and see what they suggest.

Cheers!

[Jonno02]

Jesus.

It's a rim protector. The gap protects your wheel if you come in contact with a kerb. It's not going to blow up. It's not going to fall off. Tyre designs change, previous gens that had no protector can now come with them. Judging by the black nicks on the wheel, you should welcome the rim protector.

Chill out man.

[E-bmw]

arun1993 said:

OK thanks Cerb4. Yeah it does seem to match your tyre. I'm going to take it to my garage, and see what they suggest.

Cheers!

Just curious, what do you think there is for them to suggest?

If you want tyres with rim protectors you will need to change those that aren't.

The tyre place that fitted them probably only had so many with/without meaning the car has a mix, it is NOT an issue.

[M12MTR]

Both tyres are fine. Look like different brands; whereas one has the rim protector design and the other does not.
Nothing to worry about at all..... as long as other aspects of each tyre are good (Both run flats, pressures, treads etc).

[arun1993]

I had no idea it was a rim protector. Now I know that's what it is, thanks to this forum.

Regards,

Arun

[Gunk]

It’s not a great idea to have mismatching tyres on the same axle. They might not even be the same speed or load rating. The car will drive much better with two identical tyres on the front.