Hello all,

having learned to drive back East (Massachusetts) I never really knew what "chains" were; that is until I moved to N. California and tried to drive to Tahoe. Seems CHP requires these devices. With my (former) Jeep this wasn't really an issue. Now that I have the Mini it is an issue. For those of you that ski/snowboard, specifically CA, what do you use if anything?

Do you have another set of rims mounted with snow tires?

Do you use chains and if so what type?

Or do you use devices like "Spider Spikes" ? (http://www.spike-spider.com)

Looking forward to your responces and opinions.

Cheers

PS: looked through the tire and wheel forum, but nothing really jumped out.

 

Reminds me of my first rental car during a Mass ice storm - Huh? No chains, no nuthin'! Fortunately, I knew how to drive, in spite of being a Californian...

No such luck here. Note that per the manual, MINI only recommends chains on 175mm tires. It's a rough drive up to Tahoe on snow tires, and you don't need them often, but chains are a pain.

Me? I take the Subaru.

 

silly CHP.

Let us know what you use and how they work!

 

I had the exact same issue when I moved from Massachusetts to Seattle. With an MCS, you can't use chains (try sticking your hand between the back of the tire and strut. There isn't really any clearence).

I picked up a set of SCC Tire cables:
http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20..._app_guide.asp

I haven't had an opportunity to try them out this winter (although came close once or twice), but i have put them on and they do fit the 16 inch wheels (but just barely).

The benefit of using cables is you can probably get away with also leaving your stability control turned on. The downside is there is less traction then with chains, however, I'm totally comfortable using cables instead of chains in the case of the Mini.

If you're not comfortable with cables, you could probably get away with a set of 15 inch rims, snow tires and a set of low-clearance chains.

btw- prepare for some looks when you pull up into a ski resort parking lot with a Mini and snowboard on the roof. SUV owners think you're crazy for risking the snow covered pass

 

I just noticed you have a JCW... cables will only work on the 16" wheels and *maybe* the 17" wheels (i wouldn't bet on the 17"). Anything larger and you should just go for a set of 15" wheels with snow tires and a set of low-clearance chains to keep the California, Oregon and Washington state troopers happy.

 

Actually I prolly should have stated this earlier: when I said "chains" I was actually refering to the lighter/thinner cable variety. The precursor to my Jeep was a Dodge sedan that I used cable chaines on to good effect. The Jeep needed none.

My Mini... I could see using the cable variety, but even those look like they might do a number on my 17" web-spokes... not good since I REALLY like my wheels. Right now I'm headed toward using the Spider Spikes, but have been a little gun-shy about pulling the trigger on an item costing $330+ especially if they don't work well. I was hoping to find someone in this forum that had used them with a Mini and had an opinion they could give me.
Cheers

 

The SSC "Super Z6" model cable traction device is said to require only 1/4" (6.3 mm) inside clearance, so it SHOULD work on OEM MINI 16" wheels. One could also get more clearance on the inside with a set of 5mm spacers with longer wheel bolts for the front wheels. These are available from many vendors.

 

I just love blowing by the big SUVs heading up the 80 to Tahoe. Best move is to let one race up on your a$$ at 75-80, then downshift, hit the rear fogs and mash it. Later, Mr. 12mpg! The truth is, SUVs are the ones taking a risk on a snowy highway with their huge mass, high COG and total lack of road feel.

Unless you have more than a half-foot of new snow, the MINI rocks. Just be prepared to apply lots of opposite lock. Woo hoo!