Hey Everyone,

Well, it's snowing here in Philly and we are supposed to get 10 inches of it! How does the MINI handle in the snow? I have a 2004 CVT.

-Al

 

I can give u my ..limited experience form last year here in NY :smile:

I had Toyo Proxes T1S's on my MCS last winter during our snow season..and simply stated .....my MCS was a sled :smile:. It was....a challenge for sure :smile:
ZERO...traction...absolutely ZERO!!!!!

DO NOT leave on/use..... high performance tires during the winter months.

Yesterday I mounted my new Blizzaks ...
I'll know real soon how they'll handle the ...snow :smile:
I've heard only terrific things about these Blizzaks.

Peace,
D

 

See these threads

I'm considering a MCS or a WRX. Please help. How is the Coop in the snow?
How does the mini handle in the snow (Winter Driving)?
Mini's and SNOW!!!!!
Mini in the Snow

Also try clicking HERE

Dave

 

I have a '02 Cooper - 5 speed, with 15" 8spoke wheels and the Conti All Season tires and had no problems last winter. The tires only had 2500 miles on them when winter started so they worked really well, I can see with some wear they will probably not do as well. This winter I have 10,500 miles on the car, but I rotated the fronts to the rear at 9500 miles so the fronts are like new for this winter.

If you know how to drive in the snow I think you will be surprised how well this MINI goes in the snow !

 

not with my Yoko's

 

My MC with 16" and performance runflats was actually not-bad this morning in Philly with DSC - going up a Hill i had to turn off DSC - but it kept me pretty straight when I was "losing control"

That said, it was obvious I would benefit from snow tires

but i might not get them anyway...

 

While I'm new in SF area, and enjoying the learning curve with rain and fog motoring, I can tell you about snow stuff. I'm new from Colorado's Rockies. 1) Get the wipers with black rubber covering the frame/support on the balde. When wipers work badly in snow it's often because the blade is not allowed to flex/conform to the glass throughout its arc. The wipers are heavy so change them in the spring to avoid burning out your wiper motor. It's probably not the compound in the blade. 2) As others have said, clearance is a big deal. No matter what your tires, if the depth is over the axles the accumulated snow can lift the tires off the road as it builds beneath the transfer case. 3) I have always found great tires for the money via Consumer Reports winter tire report. Studs are great if you will face hard pack or ice often, but they wear out quickly if you drive on pavement most of the time. If you will drive a frequently on hard pack or ice, GET STUDS. If only once/twice per season, just drive slower - studs on pavement noticeably decrease your dry surface traction.

 

Try checking the Canadian MINI site http://www.mini.ca
I don't have the exact link, but you can click "MINI insider" on the top of the site then scroll to "Winter Mini." They have some tips and videos of the MINI doing some winter driving.

As for the MINI and winter, I have yet to try it, but within the next couple of weeks I'll be in snow with my Kumho tires...should be interesting. Hopefully it won't live up to BMW's reputation in the snow. haha

_________________
Mel A.
you're talking to a kid
2003 Mini Cooper S-DS/B, pkg. 1,2,3, HK, TMS stage 1, ALTA CAI, Kumho tires
1995 Land Rover Discovery-loaded, locked, lifted

 

i still have stock tires on my mini, and it did really well in the snow this weekend. i only slid a few times. have to say im impressed.

jess