I recently adopted my mini in april. I haven't been through the winter yet but I was wondering how it is in the snow? I live in NJ and can get a little or a lot of snow lol. Thanks!

 

I think it has a lot to do with tires. My dunlop all seasons were just barely enough, but I was able to move through the snow this winter. Unlike my Saab with Dunlop M3 snow tires, on which I was able to drive though the snow. The major limitation of the car is ground clearance. More than a couple of inches, or if you have to drive a route where you'll encounter the chunks of ice which can fall of trucks in the border states, I'd drive an alternative vehicle (if you have one) or take alternative transportation.

 

It really is all about the tires, spend a little now and get a good set of snow tires on separate rims. I live in Aspen and ran Blizzaks on 15" steel rims and got around without problems. I agree that clearance can sometimes be a problem especially with the plows make windrows in the middle of the street, but overall, front wheel drive withe the traction control make it a decent winter car.

 

I live in NW Wisconsin. I got Blizzaks - not on separate rims because I didn't have the extra $$ for an extra set, it is only about $40 to get them switched.

Blizzaks are great. There was only one snowstorm I couldn't get through last winter - barely anyone got through so I don't feel too badly about that.

 

thanks. I just have the stock 15". I will have to look into getting snow tires I guess. About how much do the Blizzaks cost? and are they probably the best brand to get? Thanks again.

 

What about for 17's? Could you go to a 205/45/17 for snow tires?

 

With snow tires you want a little more tire and a little less rim. Awfully easy to damage 17 inch wheels in slush. Given the importance of wheels and tires it is a reasonable "mod" to get steel 15 inch rims for the snow. The narrower tires will actually do better than wider ones.

You can check at www.tirerack.com to see what they may sell you for 17 inch rims.

 

Depends on the wheel diameter. Let me know when you decide 15's or 17's



Bridgestone Blizzak WS50's are one of the best snow and ice choices.

Dunlop M3's are good if you have less severe snow and ice, and drive agressivley.

Alex

 

Pirelli Snowsports on 16" 5-spokes. Performed fine in a Canadian winter.

 

I've spend 3 winters in Quebec with my MCS. As many of you know, Quebec's Winter are really rough.

Every Winters, I've came across severe snowstorms. The MINI is a great car to drive in snowstorms. It handles really well, and easy to drive. The only "downside" is that it's a little low.

I have some good Winter tires (Vredestein SnowTrac2) and the awesome MINI's DSC.

 

My first winter with the MINI, I had a bit of a problem with the stock runflats (they had about 15K on them). As my MINI is my daily drive (I work in the Detroit area), last winter I bought a brand new set of Blizzaks from Chad at DT and mounted them on the S-lites. A week later we had a 6" snowfall overnight. I was the first vehicle out on our street in the morning and literally plowed my way out for 3 blocks, snow flying up over the bonnet, with zero traction problems. Needless to say, I am sold on the Blizzaks!