so i've owned many subarus in the past and haven't had the need to worry about chicago winters. now with the MINI i'm not quite sure if i want to drive it or get a beater for this winter.

for those driving your cars year round how is the MINI during the Chicago winter and what things should I looko into buying to better cope (e.g. snow tires, etc)

thanks,
nirmit

 

shukes24- cheep wheels and snow tires. i would even recommend going with
a larger overall diameter so that you can run your car through the car
wash without scraping the rear strut bottom.

4x100 PCD 56.1mm center bore
45mm offset
16x7 205/55/16's (especially since you're not lowered, should fit just fine).

 

In Madison, I run 15"x7" Kosei K1-Racing wheels with 205/55 Bridgstone Potenza G009 tires. They grip well enough in snow and on hot pavement.

The MINI's clearance is low enough that I don't want to be driving in unplowed snow that's deeper than 3-4" --> power steering fan replacement due to parking in packed snow probably won't be covered after 36k.

 

I'll be getting snow tires for the S-lites in the fall and figuring out how to wash Pearl by hand in the garage as any power wash is completely out of the question (even the touch free).

Just had the heated seats fixed last week.

Keep an extra blanket and small shovel in the boot

I need to think about something to protect the PS fan though.

 

I had my stock Mini Cooper out all winter in Chicago and drive about 500 miles a week, never had any issues and feel safe and sound in my Mini. I went out the night of that BIG snow, when the Southwest plane broke free and found some deep parking lots to play in, anything over 8 inches was "ify" but fun.

If you are in snow, do get your car washed ASAP, and make sure the wheels are clean on the INSIDE of the rim, snow can build up there and your bal will fall off. The DSC is great and makes life in snow even better.

Drive Safe and enjoy the snow fall, Dustin

 

Had my first winter in my MCC and didn't have any problems at all. I too was caught in that blizzard b4 Xmas. Took me 45 minutes to move less than 1 mile. I felt more in control in the MINI compared to driving my wife's Element.

Since they plow the main streets, I don't feel the need for snow tires. But I wouldn't mind getting a set if I had the $$ and space to store them .

If you're in the city... I would keep a shovel in the boot. Especially if they plow the side streets. Those sidestreets will get you everytime, especially if it's a 2-way sidestreet and you have to pull over to pass...

 

3 seasons in the winter months now.... i had narrow 185/65-15 winter tires and steel wheels and it was wonderful in the snow...

then i swapped to bigger brakes, so i am now running 17s in the winter...


this is me having WAYYY too much fun on 17s, and lowered!

that said, if i was to do it again, i might have saved the money and went with coilovers

 

thanks for the info all...looks like i'll be mounting winters on my 16" stockers

 

Few things to add,

I'll be looking into an auto off for my ASC, found the snow driving much better when I took advantage of the LSD instead of having the computers get in the way.

I'll be using the S-heavies in the snow they seem to sink in just fine (not quite as well as my last car that had 5inch wide tires). Anyone reccomend good 17" snow/winter tires?

And an observation, whats this talk of 4 seasons???? Construction and Winter did I miss something?

 

Shukes24,

I don't know if your snowfall is that much more than Kansas City, but for what it's worth, I've spent three KC winters with 16" all-seasons and have had a blast!

Ditto with Kyriian's photo . Nothing beats a MINI for fun factor in empty parking lots with 3-4" of new snow. The lower lip on the airdam is pretty low. I'd be careful with with heavy, deep snow.

 

When we ordered our JCW, I ordered it with the All Seasons on 16" V Spokes. Knowing I was going to pull the runflats for aftermarket wheels and tires, I figured I'd use the all season's for winter. But after the first snow, I wasn't happy with the traction and bought a set of Blizzaks for the V Spokes. Much better.

And I'd agree with Motor On, I found better control with the DSC off and the LSD doing the pulling.

A_Sr.