24 replies to this topic

[samsfern]

as above, how much difference do snow chains make on a mini in the snow? Thanks

[1984mini25]

Personally I would say you wouldn’t need them, just get your self a set of 12” steels and the chunkiest looking tyres possible and of you go.

[minimaff]

Not got a clue lol

I older guy who i worked with last year had mini's in the late 60's use to say how good the mini was in the snow when other cars back in them days

got stuck in the snow. Dont think i would ever take my baby out in the snow once it's finished lol

[coopdog]

Personally I would say you wouldn’t need them, just get your self a set of 12” steels and the chunkiest looking tyres possible and of you go.

sounds good would it be better if the tyre was thinner to?

[1984mini25]

Well at the beginning of the year when we had all that snow I had no problems what so ever with the 25, running standard steelies and budget 145 tyres.

I was just about the only one (witch ******* every one right off) that could get up the steep un-gritted hill covered in snow and sheet ice.

Edited by 1984mini25, 10 October 2010 - 05:32 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

Living in Sweden where studded or snow tyres a compulsory if its below 0c and or snowing! I would say snow chains are a bit over kill. I have never seen a car with them here! Im not even sure if they are legal. Arent tehy also a pain to fit and remove etc.

I guess maybe if you think they are necessary for rural roads fine BUT you will need to remove them if you come into town. I know here that major cities ( i think stockholm and olso) do not allow studded tyres due to road damage and increased pollution from dust.

What i can say though, is the snow tyres i used last winter were fantastic. i think you can now buy them from minisport now Hanook winter icepts.

[pikey7]

get the narrowest wheels you can fit over your brakes, and some decent winter tyres (colway M&S, nokian). You'll be laughing at BMW X3s in ditches. You can't beat a narrow tyred mini in the snow.

edit: oh and raise those hilos!

Edited by pikey7, 10 October 2010 - 05:48 PM.

[samsfern]

who said i intend on using them in the uk ;p, lol. i will be raising the mini up, and refitting my fog and spot lights.

[minisilverbullet]

who said i intend on using them in the uk ;p, lol.

No one did!

like 1984mini25 said, you would be surprised by how good the mini is on m&s tryes!

I dont like the idea of snow chains "rattling" about under arches and on alloys.

Have you ever seen snow socks? Look kinda weird, do a quick google (if they come in the correct size)

[james105]

My neighbour used snow socks on his VW Bora during the last snow we had! They were brilliant! I just watched him cruise past cars struggling, and was very impressive when he was using his brakes as well

[frenchie851]

arent snow chains illegal in UK?

[Broomer]

If the roads are bad enough to need snow chains, surely you just stay at home?

[pikey7]

arent snow chains illegal in UK?

no.

I can guarantee you though if you are seen by the rozzers on a nice bit of blacktop after you've got off your snow covered driveway, they will pull you over and give you a nasty telling off for damaging the road surface. (and maybe more)

But no, they aren't illegal in themselves. Just where and how you use them.

Edited by pikey7, 10 October 2010 - 06:29 PM.

[MrSporty]

Snow socks look great but ive yet to find them in 10"

Ive got a set of chains that fit my 10" and i must admit they work wonders. Lets me get out and about in hilly yorkshire and are fantastic on the untreated side roads but do get a bit noisy on the gritted mains.

[frenchie851]

If the roads are bad enough to need snow chains, surely you just stay at home?

not if you have to get to work!! Had a look at the socks, chains seem cheaper!!! Surprises me.