The Mini Cooper is a timeless favorite for its stylish looks and spunky driving, but it’s also a practical car. At an affordable starting price of just $24,250, the Cooper offers great fuel economy and decent cargo space for such a famously tiny ride. And, unlike many new cars, the Mini Cooper comes with a spare tire, making roadside changes an easy matter.

For more information about the Mini Cooper spare tire, including where to find it and how to use it, check out this guide from

Jerry

the

car repair

expert. We’ve got answers to all your Mini Cooper spare tire questions, plus an extra tip to save on your

Mini Cooper insurance costs

Is there a spare in a Mini Cooper?

Yes—most Mini Cooper models are equipped with a spare tire, known as a space-saver tire. The major exception is the sporty

S trim

, which typically comes without a spare.

If your Mini Cooper comes with a spare tire, you’ll find it stashed underneath the car for maximum economy of space. To access the spare, all you need to do is:

Park your car on a safe, level area away from traffic

Remove the lower floor panel in the cargo space

Use the lowering mechanism to release the tire

If you’re driving a Cooper S or an older model that came without a spare, your Mini likely has run flat tires, which are designed to support your car’s weight even after a puncture—so you won’t need to stop and make an emergency tire change.

But don’t treat those run flat tires as indestructible! You’ll still need to get the tires changed if you get a flat; you’ll just have the freedom and support you need to get to a mechanic safely without any need for roadside maintenance.

MORE: How to fix a flat tire

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How to use the spare tire on a Mini Cooper

If you get a flat on your Mini Cooper, don’t panic! Navigate calmly to the side of the road or, if possible, to a level area away from traffic, such as a parking lot. Once you’re safely away from the road, put the car in park and place some heavy objects (think bricks or stones) in front of the front and rear wheels.

Remove the spare tire by accessing the lowering mechanism through the floor of the trunk. Check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions if you run into trouble.

Jack the car up, remove the flat tire, and

install the spare tire

on the axle. Remember to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern so that the tire’s snugly attached.

Take your car to a mechanic

as soon as possible. The Mini Cooper’s spare tire isn’t designed to carry you a long way—it’s just meant to get you safely to your next destination so you can arrange a more permanent repair.

MORE:

Will insurance cover a flat tire?

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How to save money on car insurance

A flat tire isn’t just an annoying inconvenience—it can lead to some major repair expenses. A single tire replacement could run you $100 or more, and if you roll up to the mechanic to discover that your rear tire blew because all four are dangerously worn, you could be looking at a hefty repair bill.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to save money on car-related expenses. All you need to do is download the

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Sign-up takes about 45 seconds, and getting your rate locked in is almost as quick! And the savings average out to about $887 a year. That’s enough to buy a full set of brand-new tires for your Mini Cooper, with money to spare!

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