This is going to be my first winter with my Mini and as much as I care about her, I just couldn't afford a winter car so I can keep her off the salty Mass roads over the snow season. I had invested 300 dollars in my school park lot spot but that's all I have done in preparation for winter, but I still have to park my car in the open lot when I go to work. I also have a set of winter tires that will be put on in the near future. But, what else can I do?

 

Good question.

 

Don't sweat it. Just get the car, especially undercarriage washed every now and then, and enjoy motoring! I think cars are more rust-proof than before.

 

In my humble opinion, the best thing that you can do is to get under the vehicle in the spring after winter and after a good bottom wash and inspect for salt residue, any new rust or unknown damage, etc. You can then treat the necessary spots and make any touch ups or repairs as necessary.

 

One of my biggest concerns is to chip the snow off on the windshield and pan roofs.
I wish there is some "Mini Winter Survival Kit/Manual" out there somewhere...

 

Thanks ACEKraut11
I will do that as soon as I see leaves turning green next year...

 

move to Florida!

 

They do make windshield covers for winter use - the idea is to just peel off the cover each morning. I usually have a garage, but this winter I am not sure...

You may also want to invest in a winter car starter (where u can start your car from the comfort of your home).

 

If you can, wash the underside of the car any time the weather gets warm enough for the snow/ice to start melting. Salty water will really do a number on any exposed steel it come into contact with, so when you get to the point where the ice turns into water, you want to rinse off all of the salt!

...Or you could live in FL or CA, or one of the "snow-optional" areas.

 

NAPA sells a sno-rake that is safe for the surface of cars.

http://www.snorake.com/

I use that to help remove the snow safely. But it will do no good if you have dirt in between the snow and paint. So you will need to have the car washed before each accumulating snow storm, which goes against logical thinking. Also, if you plan ahead and start your car in advance enough to allow it to warm up for awhile it will melt a lot of the snow cover, or loosen the ice so that it can come off easily. Also make sure you have a good coating of wax on the car before it gets too cold. You can put several coats on one after the other to help protect the car.

 

Look into waxoyl to treat the underbody of your vehicle. You can do it yourself or have a waxoyl installer do it for you. If you do a search for it on goggle you will find a plethora of information on it and those who have used it to protect their cars with it. A lot of guys in the Rover, MGB, Austin Healy world use it for protection of the elements. It is great for limiting rust formation.
http://www.roversnorth.com/store/m-19-waxoyl.aspx

You can also buy a car cover to keep the snow and ice off you vehicle when it is outside. Just throw it in the boot when you are ready to drive! California Car covers have some great ones for inside or outside. The Ultraweave and the Superweave are awesome.
http://www.calcarcover.com

 

+1 I have a friend who is fortunate to have a lift in his garage and his routine is to clean the exposed rust, spray with rust inhibitor, spray with paint or your choice of underbody coating, then coat with waxoyl. Sure sounds comprehensive to me.

 

Don't forget the paint. You need to use a high quality microfiber mitt and carwash to wash Your car and then do a very good clay job. After clay use a high quality wax. Several coats before winter and then Black wow all the black portions if it needs it. If you get a nice period of weather I would then do the same thing. If you keep your paint waxed well and clean your car will retain it new car look for years.