Hi everyone.. I'm new here.. just got my mini 3 days ago! Anyhow, I was driving north on Crenshaw Blvd, crossing 190th street, and I couldn't avoid this flattened cardboard box on the road.. I was behind a big sport utility, and it was impossible for me to move. So, I ran over it..

 

Welcome to MCO! Enjoy your stay, and ignore some of the drama.

As for running over boxes and other trash, I have done it many times. It's sometimes impossible to avoid trash like that in the road so you inevitably run over it. Rarely do you do any damage to you car running over boxes; running over plastic bags can sometimes have them melt onto your exhaust system. It's something entirely different if the boxes or bags have something IN them.

It's sometimes safer to simply run over something that to swerve into other traffic to avoid it. Though with the MINI, you are much more nible and capable that if you were driving an SUV!

 

I would caution against running over anything where you are uncertain what it really is. In the case of a cardboard box it might be something hard inside the partially smashed box like a stick or wood or a pipe or even a sharp piece of metal. Since you cannot see it you will never know what it is until you collide with it and it does damage. While normally a box or even orange cone is OK- there are still some sensitive spots under the MINI that are prone to getting hit or dislodged- hence the value of a skid plate. I think I remember hearing that a cone hit one of the O2 sensors under the car and caused some trouble.

As for water- don't go into water deeper than 12 inches and go very slowly to the water doesn't splash up high and into your air intake. Water into the engine via the air intake is disaster.
Be careful out there. That is why giving the car in front of you enough space is good for judging anything that might be a hazzard to you or your MINI. Even a pothole is big trouble and very common.

 

I just got home and... wow...

1) ran over a blown out tire
2) ran over a piece of another blown out tire
3) ran over a box

with that said: driving at night is unpredictable
also: I hate the 91 fwy :evil:

haha
-Nardo

 

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it! I have been very cautious driving around today... and will definitely keep my eyes scanning the pavement. Nowadays, its been fine with the weather and all.. I'm just glad to hear about what to do with driving in the rain. Tonight my hubby and I have to drive to Fontana.. and take the 91 back.so I better be extra careful!

 

I found myself scanning the road ahead a whole lot more carefully when I went from a Suburban to my MINI. Things that didn't seem so threatening in a big SUV became downright scary in a MINI! Watch the dips, too!

BCNU,
Rob in dago

 

Some time back, before I had my MCS, I was making a late night trip up to Santa Barbara. For what ever reason the weather was in an uproar and the resulting wind had blown all kinds of trash over the freeway. Then to my supprise I found myself speeding towards a 2X4 at 60mph. At the time I had 92' civic hatchback that was lowered with a bodykit, the 2X4 went straight through both bumpers. I was upset to say the least. Then I got my MCS and all was right in the world