I've been researching and have my specs pretty much set to order in the next few weeks, but I have been reading so much about the tires that Mini sells with their cars and their lack of traction in rain and snow/ice. I don't want to get tires that are useless, so I chose the all season tires with the 16" bridge spoke wheels. Is that a good choice for our area? I will not be driving my Mini in heavy snow, but will these wheels/tires work well for most of our weather conditions? After spending so much on the car, I'm hoping I won't have to run out and buy another set of tires right away. Thanks for your advice.

 

We had the same feeling as well and we ordered the 16" bridge spokes with all season too. I am not happy with Continental tires but they will do us good for now and will last a bit longer than the performance tires.

 

First off.. welcome! click my sig for a link to the Chicago MINI Motoring Club (CMMC)

Second, are you in the city or do you drive mostly in the 'burbs? your answer will really give those in the know a better idea.

This is the 3rd winter for me on the stock run-flats. I haven't had an issue, but most of my commute is on plowed streets in the near 'burbs. Ice is the only real concern..

 

You guys, thanks so much for the replies, I appreciate it! I mostly drive in the 'burbs but once I get more experience driving the Mini, I'll venture farther away. I'm a careful driver, haven't done any racing or anything, so I was concerned after reading some of the posts that maybe this is too much car for me. But I test drove it and it was so much fun. My MA said I don't need sport suspension, so I'm not getting that, but I am getting the DSC based on a bunch of posts here. I was initially thinking of going with the JCW brake system and fancy wheels because I love the red calipers showing through, but for safety, I decided to go with the all season tires. I can always upgrade my wheels/tires later and maybe pay someone to paint my brakes.

 

The main streets get cleared pretty quickly in the city and the burbs. Some of the side streets and alleys can be bad for awhile. On all seasons, you should be fine aside from deep snow. Use the all seasons until they wear out. Replace them with snow tires at that time, and then you'll have an excuse to get some summer wheels and tires.

 

so which dealership are you placing your order? (just being nosy )

my commute is 10 miles each way on main streets, no highway. If you're in the far 'burbs, snow tires might be a good investment since some of those roads don't get plowed right away.

I've driven through a blizzard on unplowed roads and the only issue I had was snow hitting the under-carriage (very noisy) and the bottom lip on the front of the car (I don't have the aero kit). The DSC has some getting used to (especially if driving manual) and I carry a small shovel in the boot.. just in case

besides.. if you order by the end of the month... you'll probably get it when it stops snowing just in time for the first driving event of the year.

 

I think I'm buying from Patrick MINI.

 

My MCS's first birthday is on the 15th! What a way to break in a MINI, during winter! But circumstances would not permit. Anyway...

I have the 17" run flats and have had no issues driving in snow. Ice is another thing, but I think that affects everyone. It's just a matter of being sensible, or perhaps years of experience driving in da Midwest.

WELCOME!

 

well I have the 17" all seasons my my R56 and so far so good... (not that I have done a ton of snow driving)

on 12/8 when it was snowing like crazy I was out and about with no problems...

Get the heated seats!!