Hey guys! We'll be collecting our clubman in a couple of days , and making a roadtrip from Boston to State College, PA. Thing is, we've never driven in the winter, let alone on all-season runflats.

Any advice on things to check/roads to take/places to avoid/ways to drive will be much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Get some Michelin Blizzak LM-25 winter run flats. Or stay out of the snow

 

Weather is not supposed to be to bad this weekend so you should be okay.

My only suggestion is that is if it is snowing keep your speeds down to a reasonable speed and be careful.

But I am confused. If you live in State College PA you should have driven in snow or is it that you have just not driven a MINI in the snow?

But at any rate I would as soon as possible dump the All Season Tires and get some real Snow Tires. It makes a big difference.

Good luck on your trip and let us know how it went

 

I live in Williamsport PA, which is an hour east of State College and there isnt going to be any snow for some time.

 

Before going on any roadtrip, I check my tire pressure and the fluid levels (oil, windshield washer and coolant). For the winter I also keep one of these collapsible shovels in my boot. They're about $8 at Bed, Bath and Beyond after coupon.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=11719619

One more thing to add: since your car is new, follow the break in procedure. (p. 84 in the 2009 Manual):

Up to 1200 Miles
Do not exceed 4500 rpm or 100 mph
Avoid full throttle operation and use of the transmission's kick-down mode.

After 1200 Miles
Engine and vehicle speeds can be increased

 

Thanks for the comments! Good to know that the weather might not be against us!

The car is coming with 450 demo miles on it, of which I'm sure it'll have hit redline quite often. Don't think I'll top 100mph though, and will keep the rev limit in mind, thanks.

I've not driven in the snow, ever! We just moved to Boston from Singapore (where it is about 100 degs all the time) - hence the apprehension. I guess I'm not that worried about snow per se - if it gets bad we can always go really slow or stop. What I'm worried about is icy roads/black ice that I won't detect until its too late....

 

Basically you need to be careful when making a turn when it's cold and icy on the road.

I used to live in State College for a few years. I never had any problem driving from school back to NJ.

 

And choose your luggage wisely. We just bought 2 new Samsonite bags and made sure they fit in the boot. Take out the floor pad and a large suitcase will fit in there perfectly, then a smaller case on top of that and the cooler/laptop case goes in beside it. And the cover...covers. Since you don't have a spare, that's a good space for the dirty laundry! Bellhops are amazed at what comes out of the back... Expect the runflats to be useless in winter conditions.

 

Oh yeah when you're in PA watch for the State Troopers, they are everywhere!! (I'm going to be one myself soon). Anywho also watch out for I-99/US 220, cops prowl on that day and night.

 

Will definitely be pushing the limits of the clubman luggage space as the trip is to my aunt's to get some of her hand-me-downs for our new apartment!

Good tip about the troopers! Not sure if I'll be driving that fast though...

 

PC you will be amazed at how well the MINI will do in the Snow, however head the warnings, drive careful in unknown conditions and keep your speed condition sensitive. Make sure you have an Emergency Kit in the car, Water for both of you for 3 Days, as many Warm Blankets as you can carry, the Collapsible Shovel is a Great Idea, some Sand or Kitty Litter in case you do get stuck, I've also heard some people carry a Single Rubber Floor Mat (used for Traction) or a Carpet Remanent.

Keep us posted on your Journey, if you ever need anything, just send up a Smoke Signal and I'm sure one of your MINI Buddies would come to your rescue!!

 

hahaha..I'm sure my emergency kit has a flare somewhere in there...

Car should have rubber mats, and will stock up on water + blankets.

Will try to take a photo of a very full clubman for you guys!

 

This looks good.

 

LOL that's in France (part of the old Monte Carlo Rally course)

 

The clubman does pretty well in the snow. I just drove mine in bad ice for the first time and it did pretty well. Just keep your speed under control and be very careful.

 

I've driven from Boston to Ohio multiple times, usually via PA. When I went thru this summer, there was tons of construction in and around Wilkes Barre. It beat up the suspension on my Mini pretty hard at times. I would suggest checking to see the status of PA highway repairs. If everything is still under construction, consider a back road route thru that part of the trip.

 

Looks like a snow storm is coming this Friday into Saturday. Isnt going to be much maybe 1-3 inches. Not sure if you have left for your road trip or not.