I hear you on the piece of mind thing.

I was just pointing out that I don't think it is the "necessity" some people make it out to be.

Putting one on can't hurt, other than the wallet.

 

For some folks, me included peace of mind is a necessity.

 

I am used to snow storms that are mostly snow, not ice. However this first one here in the northeast left a lot of ice chunks behind. I guess I will have to play it by ear. I think it would be great if I vendor could come out with an affordable skid plate.

 

I don't know if this affordable to you, but it is on sale.

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NM.../InvDetail.cfm

 

I guess I haven't been so lucky. While the Mini is just downright awesome on winter roads w/ a proper set of winter tires, it's much too low to the ground for roads that haven't been maintained so well.

So far this winter I've had:
1. Plastic skid plate broken in several pieces
2. Power steering fan plugged w/ snow, which blew the fuse (and broke it's little protective grille)
3. Air dam piece underneath bumper broken in several pieces.
4. Frozen parking brake cable (I don't use the parking brake in freezing weather anymore)

I'm definitely on the market for a good metal skid plate. Last thing I want is a hole in my oil pan.

I took a look underneath my car, and haven't noticed any additional damage aside from what's listed above. There appears to be some fuel lines or fuel vent lines that are somewhat vulnerable, but aside from that, it's pretty much just the exhaust and little plastic air dam pieces that could be damaged.