Hello everyone!

My name is Grace, I am a long time MINI owner and member of SCMM, Audrey was my first car ('04 CR/W MCS with a few mods). Currently we live in sunny So Cal but in January we will be moving to Milwaukee for 3 months for my new job training.

Since we are snow virgins we were hoping all you seasoned vets could give us some tips! How does your MINI handle in the snow, what tires are you running? In So Cal at the slightest flurry the news casters start saying "Storm Watch 2011! Chains required on all cars.." blah blah blah.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

Hope you enjoy the Brew city! Too bad you were not staying in the summer... that is when the area is more fun. Winter is not bad just be sure to pack a snow shovel (for when you get plowed in), have good tires, a snow brush, keep the car fluids current, have good wiper blades, dress warm and you will be good to go! People generally drive like clowns at the first snow. Once the third and forth snow storm hits everyone remembers how to winter drive again. Just take it easy and don't drive faster than what you feel comfortable with. Most accidents are from too much speed. Take of your Mini in the wonderful Wisconsin weather that is ahead.

 

Make sure you have the all season tyres not the summer performance tyres. In our one yearly snowstorm we had last winter I was very impressed how well my Mini did in the snow with the all seasons.

 

Welcome to Wisconsin! 1 thing missed coming from warm weather states is your washer fluid- make sure you put in the good stuff to keep the washer lines from freezing up!

 

Since you're going to be here in the heart of winter, you may benefit from a set of snow tires, especially if you haven't had snow driving experience. Living here, I will never own another car without snow tires. All-seasons *may* get you through much of the season, but you will be taking on an additional risk of accident and/or injury due to loss of control. My Clubman handles quite well with Blizzaks.

It is an expense, and not a small one, so no one will fault you for skipping the snows, but as a previous poster said, you will NOT want to run summer tires at all. Perhaps you can find a used rim/snow tire set in the NAM Market area... that's how I found mine. BTW, chains and studded tires are not legal in WI.

 

So, Grace...
We're ALL thankful for a mild Wisconsin winter this year, and I'll speak the crowd by saying: Most winters do bring more snow. Really. During one February about 3 years ago, we shoveled almost every day – but I hope your time here has been fruitful, and not too disappointing. At least you had a couple of measurable snows during your stay. Did you find a tire solution that was to your satisfaction? Hope you don't feel like we gave you a bum steer.

Come back in warmer weather and enjoy our back roads to their fullest, and think back fondly on our measly rush hours when you're creeping along on the 405... and have a Randy's buttermilk donut for me!