I'm the owner of a LY '06 Mini with 6K on it - it's 8 months old now and we're facing our first really cold weather. I had it back at the dealer because I have the cold weather package but the washer fluid that came out of the front jets froze into a goopy gel and didn't make it to the window - fluid on rear window worked just fine - had defroster going on both windows. The car had been back to the dealer once before because the actual washer tank itself had a leak in it, the dealer replaced it, and refilled it with the recommended Mini Washer fluid. I haven't had to replace fluid since that repair.

Dealer stated he couldn't find anything wrong with washer jets, that they were heating up properly. Has anyone else had this problem?

Also what about tires. I have the original Pirelli 3000 15" it came with, which is really a summer only tire, they aren't worth a crap in the snow, and I'm sliding all over the place with only an inch on the ground. (I am a seasoned Winter driver BTW) I don't want to buy a snow tire per se, (as our snow fall amounts are rarely major - more annoyance) and then have to switch them out again in the summer, - recommendations anyone for a good all season/higher performance tire where I won't have to sacrifice handling?

Only other option is to drive the husband's '02 Saab with all weather's on them anytime there is a "threat" of the weather changing and that's not why I bought BuzzB. - I want my Mini!

Thanks for the advice in advance!

 

This is probably a lame answer, but go with the narrowest performance snow tire you can find. Also, check the Tires and Brake thread for other (and more specific) suggestions.

 

Grab a nice all-season tire if you don't do much snow driving, and plan on replacing it well before it gets to the wear bars if you want any snow traction at all. Better, in snow, get a good snow tire. I have Dunlop M3's and they drive much like a good all-season tire. Michelin X-Ices do too. Neither are too noisy at all, both are good in rain. Check www.tirerack.com or IM Alex on here, he's a Tire Rack rep and apparently pretty good. As an alternative, also check discount tire - if they're located near you they have some good selections.

If you're getting snows, though, stay away from the cheapies. Anything studdable = noisy (rubber compound has to be hard enough to retain studs, which is too hard for ice and gets noisy.)

Oh - and answering your question directly - I XC skate ski and mountain bike in snow (when I'm not pulling handbrake u-turns). :D

 

The best way to go is to get the snow tires, but a nice fresh all weather tire (with an M+S rating) would be OK. I don't know what the deal is with the windshield washer fluid, but I've never had a problem with mine, and I don't have the cold weather package...I use the orange stuff during the winter. Perhaps you had some summer fluid in there and it couldn't handle the freezing temps? Good luck!

 

i typically make snow angels :-D

 

P- Nero/Zero M plus 2, Had no prob. coming to work today 2 day's after the Denver Blizzard. No slidding , good stability etc. Currently have 18 thousand miles on these tires. Are grt in summer also!

 

I drive our Volvo XC70

 

I used these guys to get some Conti All Seasons for my '05 Cooper.
You cannot beat the price or service!
Have a look...
http://www.tirerack.com/snow/WinterT...=W&search=true

Just got my original All Seasons replaced after 2 seasons of heavy driving.

Minnesota gets a bit of snow...these did the trick year round for me.

Good luck.

Motor on.

 

you all should put loose chains on the mini with 18 inch wheels and runflats.

thats my vote.

SCCCRRRREEEAAAAAEEEAACCCHHH clack clack clack

 

We get a mixed combination of snow and ice in Kodiak. So I went with a set of 185/65R15 Pirelli Winter Carving tires and had them studded for additional performance on icy roads. They're kinda noisy because of the studs, but I love how they handle (much nicer than the Blizzaks I've had on my other vehicles) - very predictable, and the steering is still precise. If you don't drive on a lot of ice, you probably won't need to get these tires studded.

They seem to bite very well in deep snow, as well as pure ice. It's to the point where I'd rather drive the Mini over my Jeep Cherokee in the winter because of how well the Mini is glued to the road w/ a decent set of winter tires. Still a little disconcerting to hear the plastic pieces underneath the Mini scraping in deeper snow, but the car just keeps motoring along.

I went with 185/65R15 instead of the narrower 175/65R15 because there's more choices in the 185 size.

 

Spring for a set of snow tires on 15" steel rims. In the end one helluva lot cheaper than paying for a tow and body shop repairs.

p.s. MINIs perform pretty well in the white stuff, provided you dress them appropriately.

 

My OEM 15" 8-spokes and stock Continentals work great in the snow and slush...well, WHENEVER we get the snow and the slush here, anymore.

 

well personally, since we rarely get snow I don't worry about snow tires ... but if we did have snow I'd use my snow tires to drive me to a nice place to find a big pile of snow and make snow angels. These mud angels are too messy to do on a regular basis.

 

Leave it in the garage and drive your beater.

 

We've only had one major snow storm but with lots of ice. I left my Mini in the garage and drove our 4-wheel drive. I wouldn't be able to handle it if my baby got trashed in a ice-related accident. Besides, the salt on the roads are death to any car's finish.

 

I drive my truck when it snows. Only 9000 miles on my MINI as of yet.

 

In winter its time for abandoned parking lot Russ Swift like manuvers.

 

you might want to upgrade to a snow tire or a all-season tire.

 

A set of snow tires of any brand will work great on take-off rims. Also extends the life of your summer tires while providing the best performance in all conditions.

.02

 

If you live where there is a lot of snow, all-seasons are a waste of money. Better to get snows.

Mark

 

We get a decent snow two, maybe three times per year. I drive slowly on my performance tires, just minding the momentum of the car and distance to other objects (like cars). Knock on wood, I've had no problems.

 

Sadly, we have not had snow here yet, so I haven't had my MINI out ...still waiting for little bit of the Denver weather to come our way. I just want to see how it handles around the neighborhood. If if gets bad, the MINI will go back on the garage and I will drive my SUV.

 

I write my name.
MINIs, like all FWD cars, are great in the snow. Try to break one loose!
Unless you are playing snowplow, don't think you will have any problems.

 

I walk......seriously. Around here, snow almost always comes w/ ice and since it happens maybe once a year and rarely only last a day or two, I park my MINI and walk about the neighborhood where (fortunately) I can run any errand I may need to. Sure it's a bit nippy, but I prefer to leave the roads to those who really need to get out.

 

Summer tires on an S (more torque and HP to balanance) and I seem to have been doing fine when hade snow ealrier this year I can't wait for more (Denver you could spare few inches for Chicago right?) ASC+T off and utilize the LSD. I've had a blast snow driving this year and am just as happy as I was with the all seasons, snow tire for snow Just be smooth.









This was 3-4 in deep long before the plows made it out had a foot by the next morning and 16in by the day after that.

No getting stuck no issues handling and even went and had some P-lot fun. If it snows just drive and remeber the SUV has at least twice the mass it needs to stop so make sure none of the idots onthe road hit you.