I bought my Mini S convertible and moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia in June, 2005. Moved back to Michigan in September, 2005. Now, am driving in stinkin snow (22" so far since Thanksgiving). Anyone have ideas about different tires than the run-flats? I drive Woodward Avenue from Pontiac to Royal Oak 3 days a week and am having some trouble in deep snow (trouble with Michigan lefts!). Thanks for the anticipated help.

 

There are tons of threads on this subject, depending on how much time you have. However, for what it's worth, I'd go with 15'' wheels for winters with a snow tire, or at least, all season tread. Especially, if you intend to keep the runflats.

I get a fair bit of snow in Minnesota and have been loving my 15'' holies on a standard 175/65R 15 all season tire. I get a good grip from them and the 15'' size keeps snow from clogging up my wheel wells.

There will be many varied opinions from our fellow motorists, who undoubtedly will have much more expertise than me. Check my gallery for some snow pics. All I have to offer is personal experience. Good luck. Motor on.

 

Send a pm to alex@tirerack. He'll fix you right up with wheels and Blizzaks and whatever else you need in they way of snow tires.
You may also wish to visit the Tires & Wheels forum for indepth information on winter setups.
And also, Welcome to the madness and congrats on your MINI!

....Les

 

I went with Tire Rack and bought a set of 15" rims with Pirelli 190
Snow controls 175/65/15 mounted and balanced. A great deal for a great tire.
Cheers

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hlight=pirelli
After reading this I made my choice to get the Pirellis.

 

I've no experience with the Pirellis, but I can vouch for the Blizzaks


I have also found that when it snows with any significant accumulation, the problem isn't so much getting traction, but the MINI has such a low ground clearance that driving on snow covered streets can be difficult since you are partially plowing the whole time....

 

Snow tires and wheels are the best. They extend the life of your summer wheels/tires. Get 15" or 16" and narrow width to slice through the snow.

We get snow almost everyday here. 4x4 or AWD just puts you further in the ditch faster.

 

Same as rest of posters,175-65-15 ,we call them pizza cutters up here,tall thin and lots of tread.Make sure you get snow rated,look for a logo with a mountain with ice crystal molded in tire wall.We bought Hercules brand and they have been great.

 

all season. I live in Maine and this is my second winter with them. Zero problems, but you have to drive reasonably or you're toast. :-)

 

I use a set of the 7-holies on my MSC for the winter with 185/65-15 Nokian Hakka2s and they are great in the winter. Much better than the stock no-season tires that came with the car.