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Going on previous leases at some point with the mini countryman all4
I will need to visit KwikFit
I have never had to do so with an ALL 4 ( I have 1 on order an in the pipeline) and if/when that time does come
I want to be clear on what to expect from Kwikfit
Reading a little info on this
Will Kwikfit have to not only match the brands on the same axle but also ensure that both tyres tread equal
I have read of not only safety problems in not doing so but also it can damage the car
If anyone can throw further light on this it would be appreciated
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@kezo will be your man on this, but funnily enough I was reading about tyre changes on four wheel drive vehicles recently.
Apparently (and this was all news to me) the tread wear on all four tyres of a 4WD vehicle should be fairly evenly matched. If not, and the rolling circumference of the tyres is different (that may not be the correct term) this causes a problem with something called the transfer case. As a result, many experts suggest that you should have all 4 tyres changed at the same time to prevent this issue or (and this amazed me even more) have the tread ‘shaved’ on the new tyre so that it matches the remaining tyres.
All that being said, I have probably had over half a dozen 4WD cars and I have never once adopted this approach. I have only ever had the worn or damaged tyre replaced and nothing else and I have never once had a problem. The tyres on my new (private) car are £350 each, so there’s no way I am changing perfectly legal tyres, or shaving new ones, and in the unlikely event that the transfer case fails I will expect it to be sorted under warranty.
Assuming that your Mini is a Motability car, I wouldn’t waste a nano second worrying about this. Motability will only ever allow the worn or damaged tyre(s) to be replaced and, from memory, they don’t even insist on it being exactly the same tyre as on the other side of the same axle! In the highly unlikely event that it causes an issue it’s Motability’s problem, not yours, although if under 3 years old the car will still be under warranty.
It depends on the car.
My last car had mixed tyres on the same axle, it didnt matter and there was bo difference in braking or ride quality.
It used to be that some cars had to have the same tread depth on each axle or it blew the diff. But that was long ago.
Kwikfit should do what is right. But if its bot your car and it handles as it should, why would you care?
I think my main concern is not that its not my car so why worry
Its more from a safety point of view as my wife will be doing most of the driving
My thinking is that anything that is putting the cars parts under strain could well impact on its ability to perform things safely
Rather than ignore and not care
It is said and the main reason I asked the question is because of safety
On a Mini Countryman ALL4, ( example only ) not having the same branded tyre and tread pattern on the same axle creates uneven grip, unbalanced water disp ersal during rain, and different rolling circumferences. This forces the electronic all-wheel-drive system and differentials to constantly overcompensate, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a sudden skid
Now having read this and knowing Motorbility and kwikfit as we all do
I wonder what is the correct and safest course that should be followed when indeed a single tyre does need replacing
I just wanted to be clear about any safety concerns that may arise if things are not done correctly
I simply want to know what are the correct procedures and what I should expect from Kwikfit when the times comes
That time will come as it has with all of my other scheme vehicles ( Tho non being a ALL4 to date)
So for me its a bit of an unknown quantity
Many thanks for the above replies much appreciated as the more there are the more I will learn
Whilst understanding your concern, one of the unfortunate things about having a Motability car is that you are governed by their rules. This means that you have no choice other than to use Cr@p Fit for your tyres and they will only replace worn or unrepairable tyres. They will certainly not entertain replacing an undamaged tyre that is still within a legal tread depth just to match a new one on the same axle (unless it is very close to needing changing).
It’s commendable that you are concerned for your wife’s safety, but I repeat that I have had single tyres replaced multiple times on a host of 4WD vehicles, including a different make of tyre to the remaining one on the other side, and I have never once experienced any of the handling or safety issues mentioned.
I have recently taken delivery of a privately owned high performance SUV (well over 500 hp) and I still don’t intend to change tyres just to match the tread depths. There are several folk on a model specific forum that I look at who insist that if you need just one new tyre you should change all four of them, or have the new one shaved to match the remaining tyres. My view is that if this was deemed necessary it would say so in the comprehensive owners manual – and it doesn’t!
I really wouldn’t worry. Just enjoy the car. I know a couple of people with Mini ALL4s and they love them.
Its “recommended”, as the basics to place the same brand or same tread pattern, with the same seasonal tyre and tread depth across each axle to ensure optimal safety and performance. KwikFit go as far as saying so on their website, which also gives advise from several premium tyre manufacturers, which of course you could quote, if the time ever came. I can also provide in depth training manuals on tyre safety from Michelin/ATS from when, I served my apprenticeship, though doubt needed.
In the ideal world KwikFit or any tyre repair centre, would recommend tyres changed at least as axle pairs, as long as the customer/owner is willing to pay! However lease companies often opt for the cheapest option, rather than the tyre centre.
There is a clear line between what the law prohibits in the UK and what is merely a bad idea or safety concern!!
or have the new one shaved to match the remaining tyres. My view is that if this was deemed necessary it would say so in the comprehensive owners manual – and it doesn’t!
If you ever decide to take up motorsport, tyre shaving & profiling has many advantages, not least combat excessive heat build up, but shaving a fecking expensive brand new road tyre for road use is beyond me – It would be better on your pocket to put an accredited part worn on😂
or have the new one shaved to match the remaining tyres. My view is that if this was deemed necessary it would say so in the comprehensive owners manual – and it doesn’t!
If you ever decide to take up motorsport, tyre shaving & profiling has many advantages, not least combat excessive heat build up, but shaving a fecking expensive brand new road tyre for road use is beyond me – It would be better on your pocket to put an accredited part worn on
I’m glad that you are of the same view as me. There are some on the X5 forum who feel strongly that the World will end if you don’t replace all four tyres whenever one needs changing. At nearly £1,500 for a set of four, I’m certainly not going to be doing that 😱
Cheers everyone
Im now feeling much better informed
Low miles 6000 PA so will not be beating it to death lol
Would love to do the NC500 but that maybe stretching my physical abilities to far
Much appreciated
For others considering
Ordered Blue/white roof and mirrors countryman SE All4 1st June AP £499 delivery estimated Mid Nov
Cheers everyone Im now feeling much better informed Low miles 6000 PA so will not be beating it to death lol Would love to do the NC500 but that maybe stretching my physical abilities to far Much appreciated For others considering Ordered Blue/white roof and mirrors countryman SE All4 1st June AP £499 delivery estimated Mid Nov
Unless you have an unexpected puncture requiring replacement rather than repair, you can have some control over tyre replacement, by phoning up and booking in adavance (preferably mobile unit) and by requesting the tyre brand, modeland size equivulent to suit whats on the rest of the car. Its only when you show up at short notice, your more inclined to get what they have on the shelf.
Cheers everyone Im now feeling much better informed Low miles 6000 PA so will not be beating it to death lol Would love to do the NC500 but that maybe stretching my physical abilities to far Much appreciated For others considering Ordered Blue/white roof and mirrors countryman SE All4 1st June AP £499 delivery estimated Mid Nov
Unless you have an unexpected puncture requiring replacement rather than repair, you can have some control over tyre replacement, by phoning up and booking in adavance (preferably mobile unit) and by requesting the tyre brand, modeland size equivulent to suit whats on the rest of the car. Its only when you show up at short notice, your more inclined to get what they have on the shelf.
Many thanks Kezo I will keep that in mind
This post was simply an exercise in understanding something I had not come across before
Now thanks to Glos Guy and yourself
I am now a lot wiser
Appreciated and this highlights why you 2 experienced guys need to stay and keep posting 🙂
Yes but the others only gave you a limited picture, its an area they are both not the best to offer advice
If you have an ICE car you will get what Kwikfit decides.
As it is an EV, it is a different story.
With EV. Tyres you woll get what was originally in the car. EV tyres are rated much higher than normal ICE tyres.
With my ICE car yes Kwikfit did put michelin and continental tyres in the same axle.
When I needed my rear drive tyres replaced on the EV it was like for like.
But yeah …not the best advice from kez an glos. But yes Kez your old michelin days were a long time ago. Technology has changed a lot.
Just had my Enyaq EV done by KwikFit, had Bridgestone all round, only managed 14000 and needed 3 replaced, 2 front 1 rear.
Front they swapped for Pirelli Scorpions, rear they put another Bridgestone on, first bit of motorway driving and I got a tyre pressure warning for the remaining original tyre. Checked it and pressure was OK at 39psi so reset the warning.
Measured the tread depth this morning, original 4.2mm new one 6.5mm, Pirelli’s are also measuring 6.5mm. That’s measured using a digital caliper so not sure if it makes a difference to an actual tyre gauge.
Please excuse spelling/typos. Apart from being a clot it turns out I had one on my cerebellum that's now causing various problems!
Yes my tps was giving wrong readings after a tyre change as well. But after a few switch on and off it started behaving itself.
Yes but the others only gave you a limited picture, its an area they are both not the best to offer advice If you have an ICE car you will get what Kwikfit decides. As it is an EV, it is a different story. With EV. Tyres you woll get what was originally in the car. EV tyres are rated much higher than normal ICE tyres. With my ICE car yes Kwikfit did put michelin and continental tyres in the same axle. When I needed my rear drive tyres replaced on the EV it was like for like. But yeah …not the best advice from kez an glos. But yes Kez your old michelin days were a long time ago. Technology has changed a lot.
EV’s didn’t rewrite the history of the tyre, change the tyre laws or make tyres greener!
@Phaedra pointed out that his cars front they swapped for Pirelli Scorpions, which is a stark contrast with your point “With EV. Tyres you woll get what was originally in the car”!Putting different brands on the same axle on an ICE or EV is legal under UK law. Infact, I’ll go as far as sayying, fitting “different” brands, tread patterns or even tread depths to the same axle is legal in the UK and neither classed as an MOT faiilure. However, there is a clear line between what the law allows and what is merely a bad idea, therefore matching tyres across an axle gives far more predictable braking, handling and therefore safer!
You can avoid KwilFit putting different brands across the same axle by planning ahead or going via their mobile service, as stated!
Oh and whilst were here, its August and still no sign of a fuel shortage!
Prove me wrong!
Yes but the others only gave you a limited picture, its an area they are both not the best to offer advice If you have an ICE car you will get what Kwikfit decides. As it is an EV, it is a different story. With EV. Tyres you woll get what was originally in the car. EV tyres are rated much higher than normal ICE tyres. With my ICE car yes Kwikfit did put michelin and continental tyres in the same axle. When I needed my rear drive tyres replaced on the EV it was like for like. But yeah …not the best advice from kez an glos. But yes Kez your old michelin days were a long time ago. Technology has changed a lot.
EV’s didn’t rewrite the history of the tyre, change the tyre laws or make tyres greener!
Not exactly sure what that nonsense is about, maybe rambling a bit. It does not pertain yo anything I said. Are you OK?
! Oh and whilst were here, its August and still no sign of a fuel shortage! Prove me wrong!
Again and this is the 3rd time I have stated, ..I was only quoting the head of the IEA International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, who was doing his job and alerting Govt,s to the looming shortage of oil and European jet fuel.
I do not know why you keep mentioning it, maybe a bit slow today?? Possibly??
Whatever Birol says gets Govt attention and they did release their strategic stocks, so he is doing gis job.
Are you OK?
Again and this is the 3rd time I have stated, ..I was only quoting the head of the IEA International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, who was doing his job and alerting Govt,s to the looming shortage of oil and European jet fuel.
If my memory serves me correct it was Shell you quoted at the time, but yeh I’m ok, just thought I’d slip it in😂
Yes but the others only gave you a limited picture, its an area they are both not the best to offer advice If you have an ICE car you will get what Kwikfit decides. As it is an EV, it is a different story. With EV. Tyres you woll get what was originally in the car. EV tyres are rated much higher than normal ICE tyres. With my ICE car yes Kwikfit did put michelin and continental tyres in the same axle. When I needed my rear drive tyres replaced on the EV it was like for like. But yeah …not the best advice from kez an glos. But yes Kez your old michelin days were a long time ago. Technology has changed a lot.
Not exactly sure what that nonsense is about, maybe yet again its you thats rambling a bit.
I have an EV and Kwik Fit dont always put the originals on the car why because they dont need to by law and also because Motorbility said it was Ok not to
My post is about Tyres fitted on ALL4 electric vehicles
Seems you jump in on a post just for the hell of it without having a clue about what you are saying
Maybe find another forum to troll if your that bored
Again and this is the 3rd time I have stated, ..I was only quoting the head of the IEA International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, who was doing his job and alerting Govt,s to the looming shortage of oil and European jet fuel.
If my memory serves me correct it was Shell you quoted at the time, but yeh I’m ok, just thought I’d slip it in😂
Been banging his :)head on wood for too long lol 🙂
@jojoe thats not a nice thing to say about Kez…lol
Moving on & off topic somewhat,
Received a letter, as appointee re last week: daughters DLA to PIP
“We have all the information we need to decide if we can award PIP”
It only took 12 or more weeks to get this far, but looks like, it will be paper based and no assessment type required. The wait for a decision continues…
@Jojo22 Moving on & off topic somewhat, Received a letter, as appointee re last week: daughters DLA to PIP “We have all the information we need to decide if we can award PIP” It only took 12 or more weeks to get this far, but looks like, it will be paper based and no assessment type required. The wait for a decision continues…
I hope all goes well and I see no reason why it should not
They feel that they have been supplied with everything required
You will often get an SMS text message confirming a decision has been made just before your official letter arrives.
Maybe you could update us here once you know more
Best wishes to you and the family
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