Will my 2006 base model mini withstock tires do ok in winter driving conditions? I never had a mini before and I bought mine in fair weather. Now as winter approaches I was just wondering if anyone has driven their mini in snow conditions. []

 

I drove my '06 throughlast winter, and had several bouts with snow. It handles it very well, just like you'd expect a front wheel drive vehicle to do. If anything, it is considerably better than most front wheel drives. I drove it across several mountain passes. I hadsome cable chains in case Ineeded them (the law requires you have them around here), but never did feel a need to install them. I kept the stock Continentals on all winter.I bet with studs on, you'd be hard pressed to get into trouble, unless you did something stupid (which all of us are capable of doing).
Didn't have occasion to drive in freezing rain last year. That is a challenge in any vehicle, a Mini included. But I am sure it will do better than most under those conditions too.

 

Thanks Cougsfan. I think Iwill try the stocks until I feel the need to change. Maybe if we get a good snow I will go to the mall in the early hours before they plow the lot.

 

One other thing to keep in mind is that you don't have a excessive amount of ground clearance, which is mostly good, except in the snow. Not many cars work well if they are high centered, Mini's included.
Another trick that works quite well if you are afraid of getting stuck while driving in a snow or ice storm; let a few pounds of air out of your tires and the amount of traction your car gets really goes up noticably. Don't over-do it (never go below 20 psi), limit your speed and road racing techniques while your tires are under-inflated, and be darned sure to put the air back in when the storm is over.

 

ice+curb=bent tie rod as i just found out.i agree with cougs fan but just remember like all fwd cars once you start sliding its just keeps going straight until you hit something or just stop unless you can manage to think quick enough to pull ebrake to try to throw rear around to help stop.best thing you can do though is slow downtake your time and pay attention

 

185/65-15 Snow Tired. NEVER EVER EVER EVER have a problem with snow. Need a reason to buy new rims? Use the stockers for the snow tires. Little late..... But it's archived now.

 

I've never had any problem during the winter as well