1 - Tyres
Tyres are the must have for handling, it's the only part connecting you to the road!
Most Minis came with '145' tyres, which indicates the tread width. Upgrading to '165' tyres will result in a very noticeable handling improvement and increase grip.
You should also check your Mini's tyres regularly - check the tread depth and for uniform wear across the width and circumference of the tyre, check the inner and outer tyre walls for cracks or tears together with the tread - the front tyres should wear faster than the rear tyres as the Mini is front wheel drive and front wheel steering.
Always keep in mind that the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across 75% of the tyre width but must be the uniform all around the circumference of the tyre.
- If your tyres are worn more on the outside edges than the middle, the tyres are under inflated.
- If the tyre are worn more in the middle than the outer edges then the tyres are over inflated.
- If the front tyres are worn more on one edge than the other, this could be either incorrect wheel alignment or excessive positive or negative camber or excessive castor this will need checking out by a specialist.
- If the rear tyres are worn excessively on one edge, this could be incorrect wheel alignment or excessive negative or positive camber - this will need checking out by a specialist.