I plan to buy a 2005 CooperS Convertible soon...just test drove one today:smile: . However, I live in Michigan where it snows 6 months of the year and am wondering how these cars handle in the winter. Has anyone had to put snow tires on their MINI?

 

I motored the first winter on the all seasons.It was Ok,but it was tough going in any fresh snow.This past winter I ran with Pirreli snowcontrols,and it was greatAs long as the snow is not covering the headlights,I can go anywhere.Ice,fresh snow,drifts,snow packed back roads,they made the car able to go where most low sedans can't go.And if your good at driving in the snow,you can go where most SUVs can.Turn off the traction control,so you don't lose power to your right foot,and these little cars perform great in the snow[with snow tires].

 

I put a set of 15" Dunlop Graspics and steel wheels from Tire Rack on our 04 S and it was fantastic in the snow. We never got over 6" at a time so the depth wasn't a factor. You do have to learn when to turn off the DSC/traction control.

Jack T.

 

as long as i dont park in powder or try and get up a steep hill, my performance runflats dont do too bad of a job, although, i have been stuck more than a few times.

(you have a tow hook in your tool kit)

 

Never been stuck,only had to rock the car out of some deep stuff once this winter.But I'm getting another tow hook,and leaving them both in next winter.

 

Welcome MINI Michigan,

I took delivery of my MINI in Michigan at the beginning of January. I can’t comment on whether you *need* snow tires since I drove the performance run flats home on dry roads and then swapped them for a waiting set of snow tires in my garage. I believe that you should *want* a set of snow tires. The combination of front wheel drive, a high quality ABS/DSC system, and snow tires makes this car very competent. If it weren’t for the other drivers, I would look forward to snow days. If you factor in the reduced wear on your three season tires, the cost of running snow tires is very low and they enhance the driving experience. I’m thinking about buying another set of snow tires for my other vehicle next year.

 

Snows are great...when you need them. Took mine off yesterday, don't wanna see them again until December.

 

first, welcome aboard MINI Michigan! i ran this whole winter on balding all-season runflats and only got stuck twice. my car is also lowered, but for the most part i had very little trouble getting thru the snow. i do plan to get snow tires or a winter vehicle for next year.

p.s. check out www.michiganmini.com

 

I agree with Wraith1416. I've driven two winters with runflat all-seasons and they work reasonably well, even after the snows we had this year in MI. When they wear out, though, I'm planning on performance and winters instead of all-seasons. The difference is amazing.