Alright so im planning a trip into the mountains this weekend. I need to know what to do/expect. I live near the beach and I have never driven in the snow. I have been in the snow many times. I need to purchase snow chains. Any tips would be helpful.
Thanks

 

I took a trip a couple of weeks ago from here (Denver) to Utah and then Wyoming. Snow, snow snow! Roads were icy and snow packed.
I have the Bilzzak snow tires, but I don't carry chains just a shovel.
No problems whatsoever. Front-wheel drive was one of the main reason I chose the MINI over the Miata and winter driving was the motivation. The MINI was fine, not so much as a bobble or slip. The DSC kicked in a time or two but good for it.

So here are a few winter driving tips:
- Carry enough winter gear to survive should you get stuck. Blanket, candle in a can and shovel are a must.
- If you do get stuck - never, never leave the car.
- Drive like you're on gravel (no braking in curves).
- If you start to slide while stopping (possible even with ABS) shift into neutral.
- Know that you will not break through a snow drift unless it is a very small drift or you are going very fast. Chances are you will high center and get stuck.
- Know where your tow hook is and carry your own tow rope.

So really except for ground clearance, the MINI is a pretty good winter car. Have fun and don't stress too much.

 

Be smooth, take whatever amount of time it takes to complete a task multiply that out by 10, this is your new minumum. Don't let yourself get confident. Only make the tires do one thing at a time (Gas OR Brake OR Turn, no mixing) Shut off the radio listne and feel the car, modulate the gas, do what you can to keep traction, do your best to slow up early and keep greens, less stoping and acceleration makes it easrier to keep control fo the torque. if you get stuck and spining stop clear the snow (if you bring sand use a little) get your self some traction and try agian. If you're in a bad storm and there are accidents stay IN the car unless visibility is greater that 100ft and only get out if absolutely nessarcy. Make a "winter kit" Shovel, blankets spare closes water, energy bars, flashlights etc. there are threads detailing some things that are good to carry. Keep your cell charged consider a spare battery, have a contact that knows oyur route ETA and a means to contact you if you don't arrive. ehhh thats the basics I'm sure you'll get more info.

 

I agree with the two previous posts, if you're going to be driving in snow, be prepared!! We had a snowstorm with ice underlay in Missouri last week and the snow drifts were so tall, I don't think I could have made it out of my driveway. I was dying to try, my husband said NO! He didn't want to have to come rescue me!

 

smooth and slow and you'll do fine.

 

All the above, do a search on "snow" and you'll find plenty of information.

Drive like there's a raw egg between you and every control you touch - be gentle and allow enough space. If you see snow, practice in a parking lot somewhere to get the feel for the vehicle. Use momentum smartly - in a front wheel drive car it's extraordinarily difficult to get started going up a hill, but with somewhat of a (safe) running start you'll make it.

One thing not mentioned - if you have the summer-type tires (sorry - "tyres"), you will go NOWHERE in snow. It's a deal-breaker. Either find some all-seasons (or snow tyres) or rent/borrow a car with all-seasons or snows. If you rent/borrow, remember that even AWD or 4 wheel drive vehicles have the same number of tires/tyres with brakes and steering as a mini, and are not immune to the laws of physics.

Good luck and don't sweat it too much, it's like driving in heavy rain only slipperier. Enjoy your vacation.

 

*Snickers*


Averaged 3in unplowed snow that night 28F. Good-Year Eagle HP Summer Preformance tires not reccomended for use under 70 deg F. Not saying I didn't have my fair share of tricks and experiance up my sleeve but it can be done. They handled the ice pretty decently as well. Just takes extra care.

Certainly not reccomended for your First experiance in snow, though.

 

Snow, I say learn how to do an e-brake donut.

I live in the snowbelt of Ohio, so no mountain passes here, but plenty of snow. One of the best things you can do is find an empty parking lot (snow covered) and take about 20 minutes putting your car through a workout. Do a couple of stops while turning the wheel to see how it'll react, etc.

Very important.... If you have DSC, make sure you don't turn it off. It's great in the winter.

 

I have a lot of experience driving in snow from the years I spent in Colorado, but if you have never driven on it and it is just a weekend trip, you might want to consider renting a very cheap car. If you can find something like a Ford Focus to rent, you can get a good feel for how a FWD car acts on snow without risking your MINI. Cheap weekend rates can be VERY inexpensive.

Growing up in Wyoming, we always had an extensive emergency kit in the family cars so that we could survive many days stuck in the snow.

If you are going to stay on major highways heading toward resort towns, you probably don't need to prepare to eat your own foot to survive, but it would not be a bad idea to toss some extra water, food, warm clothes, and a sleeping bag in the boot.

 

Just a note too, that chains and the amount of clearance we have (or don't have) does not mix well. If you are going to buy a set, get the cheap cable stye. Don't get the heavy gauge chains. Those will rip your wheel wells appart. But then try not use them. If you do, cables are pretty easy to put on. Well easy considering you will be under you MINI in freezing weather with snow/slush/ and muck all around you.

 

Im not sure what my tires are. They are Toyo Proxy 4's

 

I am not real familiar with that tyre, but I am pretty sure it is considered an Ultra High Performance All Season. I am sure someone else will post the details (or just correct me if I am wrong).

They should be good for the snow, but ice is still ice. Like everyone else has already said, just go slow, and bring extra supplies just in case. If you are going to get some cables, just tell the guys at the auto-parts counter what size your tyres are. They will get you the correct set. Schucks (I think you have those in CA) usually has a deal where you can return them if you have never opened the package. Good luck on your trip. Remember to take pics of your MINI in the snow.

 

Depending on where you are going it might be the law to have snow tires or chains in some areas. I know in Oregon you can be fined pretty big if you dont have one or the other and you are in areas where it is required this time of the year. Les Schwab usually has a good selection of chains if thats what you are looking for and they will take them back at the end of the season if they have not been used.