What Kind Of Tires Do I Need For My Classic Mini Cooper?

Summary: Classic Mini Cooper Tires at MINI MANIA

If you own a classic Mini, you know how important it is to have the right tires for your car. Tires (or tyres) affect not only the performance, but also the safety and comfort of your ride. Plus, when choosing tires, there are also considerations of the size, style, and price. 10"? 12"? 13"? What size all depends on what fits your needs.

The most common tire size for the Mini Cooper is 145/70 R10, which is a narrow tire with a low profile that helps to maintain the car's tight turning radius, which was one of its most appealing features.

The Dunlop Aquajet 145sr-10 Tire is the original tire that came with the classic Mini Cooper, and is still a popular choice among enthusiasts.

If you want a slightly wider tire with a more aggressive tread pattern that can improve handling and grip on the road, you may want to consider the Yokohama A008. However, keep in mind that the wider tire may affect the car's turning radius.

Ultimately, it's important to choose tires that fit your driving needs and preferences, as well as the specifications of your classic Mini Cooper.

In this blog post, we will guide you through some of the options available at minimania.com, one of the leading online stores for classic Mini parts and accessories. And for quick look at the tires Mini Mania sells, click on the size you are interested in, 10" Tires, Sets and Rim/Tire Kits, 12" Tires, Sets and Rim/Tire Kits, 13" Tires, Sets and Rim/Tire Kits or All Tires.

10 Inch Tires

10 inch tires are the original size for most classic Minis produced before 1984. They have a classic look and feel, and they fit within the fenders with no flares and minimal chance of contact with the body. However, they also have less grip and traction than larger tires, and they are harder to find nowadays. Minimania.com offers a variety of 10 inch tires from brands like Falken, Yokohama, Pirelli, and Dunlop. Some of the popular models are:

Falken 145/80/10 tire: A street tire with good performance and durability. It has a tread width of 5 inches and a section width of 4.5 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 5 to 4.5 inches. No flares are required for this tire.
Yokohama A008 165/70/10 tire: A high performance tire with excellent grip and handling. It has a tread width of 6 inches and a section width of 6 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 5 to 6 inches. Flares are recommended for this tire.
Dunlop Aquajet 145/80/10 tire: A classic tire with a retro design and a smooth ride. It has a tread width of 5 inches and a section width of 4.5 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 5 to 4.5 inches. No flares are required for this tire. They have a high profile of 80 or 70 and are suitable for original restorations.

You can also choose all weather tires from Pirelli Cinturato 145-70/12 All Weather Tire. These tires that have a higher profile of 80 or 70, which means they can fit without flares but offer less performance.

12 Inch Tires

12 inch tires are a popular upgrade for many classic Mini owners who want more grip, stability, and comfort. They also offer more choices and availability than 10 inch tires. However, they also require more clearance and suspension modifications, and they may not fit in the spare-tire well. Minimania.com offers a range of 12 inch tires from brands like Yokohama, Nankang, Falken, and Hoosier. Some of the popular models are:

Yokohama A539 165/60/12 tire: A versatile tire with great performance in wet and dry conditions. It has a tread width of 5.5 inches and a section width of 6.25 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 5 to 6 inches. Flares are recommended for this tire.
NA-1 Eco 145/70/12 Tire: An eco-friendly, all weather tire with low rolling resistance and noise. It has a tread width of 4 inches and a section width of 4.75 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 4 to 5 inches. No flares are required for this tire.

13 Inch Tires

13 inch tires are the largest size that can fit on a classic Mini without major modifications. They offer the best grip, handling, and comfort among all sizes, but they also have the highest cost, weight, and rolling resistance. They also require flares and suspension upgrades to avoid rubbing and scraping issues. Minimania.com offers several options for 13 inch tires from brands like Yokohama, Nankang, Pirelli, and Falken. Some of the popular models are:

Yokohama A048-R 175/50/13 tire: A premium tire with outstanding performance in dry and wet conditions. It has a tread width of 6 inches and a section width of 7 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 6 to 7 inches. Flares are required for this tire.

Racing Tires

Hoosier HOTDR 19x5x10 tire: A racing tire with exceptional grip and speed. It has a tread width of 4 inches and a section width of 7 inches. It fits on rims with a width range of 6 to 7 inches. They have a very low profile of 35 or 30, which means they require large flares and modifications to fit on your classic Mini.
Nankang Ar-1, 175/50/13 Track Tire are performance or track tires that have a low profile of 50 or 45 as well, but with a different tread pattern and compound. They are suitable for racing or spirited driving. The Hoosier tires are race tires that have They are not recommended for street use.

Classic Mini Tyres Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to classic Mini tires at minimania.com. You should consider your budget, driving style, and aesthetic preferences when making your decision. You should also check the tire pressure regularly and rotate them every few thousand miles to ensure optimal performance and longevity..

Overall, choosing the right tires for your classic Mini Cooper is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Whether it’s a 10 inch, 12 inch or 13 inch tire, it’s important to choose tires that fit the car's specifications and your driving needs. With the right tires, your classic Mini Cooper can continue to provide a fun and unique driving experience for years to come.

We hope this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about classic Mini tires or any other classic Mini parts and accessories at minimania.com, please feel free to contact us anytime. We are always happy to help you find what you need for your classic Mini.