I have an 08 Clubman S and we live in Florida but just got a cabin on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and need to know how chains work on the Clubman. Has anyone used them and if so, what ones.

 

I wouldn't run chains or cables on our MINI's there is very little clearance. I'd look into this product http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...k/autosock.jsp

 

It snows in Virginia? lol

 

That autosock looks perfect for the occasional snow day or ice storm here in Puddletown. Bummer that it doesn't count as a traction device for the mountains. I've always used Spikes Spiders on my other cars but man they are expensive...

 

Sharonandjames,

I have swung steel many time in my years driving over the road. For chains to be effective there must be several inches of snow. They really do not work well on ice, and will ruin your tires on dry road. Many states, especally in the east do not allow chais because they tear up the pavement. Get a set of winter tires and go for it. There is a saying on the road " If its bad enough to chain up, its bad enough to park"

I also belive the same as one of the other posters, that the cluman doesn't have enough clearance for chains.

Good Luck,

Larry

 

Do check page 169 of the Owners Manual where there are tire-sze restrictions - only 175/65R15 and 175/60R16 are "permitted" to have chains mounted. Out of luck if you have 17- or 18-inch wheels. Manual, of course, says "contact Dealer for details". I'd call one of the northern states dealers.

 

What did you find out? My wife and I are going to take a trip the weekend after New Years into the mountains here in WA.

 

you are correct on all counts. only those tire sizes are "permitted" to have chains.

the Spikes-Spider system will work, but it is damned expensive!! i got the SCC Shure Grip Cable Z and used it last weekend in the eastern sierra nevadas (california) and they worked great. although they did throw the "Low Tire" sensor into permanent on, i have to figure out why. but perfomance wise, the worked out great. i have the 175/65R15 tire size and got the SZ319 cable size. that cable size is so small that it barely fits, barely goes on. very hard to install. so maybe one size up from there, whatever that is?

i'd definitely call dealers in northern states. my southern california dealer almost had never heard of snow chains or cables. and when you ask them about it, they just read the same manual you have in your hands. not very helpful. i'm sure a northern states dealer would be much better about this.