23 replies to this topic

[maggies_minder]

As the title suggests im looking for some advice well i suppose you could say a few tips. My mini is my first car and this is going to be my first winter with her, shes my daily driver and im hoping that the winter won't be too harsh and she'll still be fine come the spring (ever the optimist).


This is where i hope you more seasoned folk (see what i did there?........... tough crowd) will come in and help out, im after some winter specific tips for keeping the car running sweetly without too many mishaps after all it is a mini!!i dont mind how big or small they are everything will be appreciated,
so please help me with as much advice as you can part with.

cheers John

[zero777]

found these to be a must for winter driving over here:

winter tires
block heater
thermostat
grille cover

[taffy1967]

We don't usually have such harsh Winters as Canada.

But that's not to say on a freezing cold morning (or evening) you aren't going to have problems.

So make sure your battery is in good order, replace it if it's been on there for more than say 5 years? Service/replace your electrics if they are due, because I've ended up running on 3 cylinders whilst trying to force my Mini up a snow covered hill in the past.

So good quality Spark Plugs (like NGK's) and HT Leads are a must. Don't forget the dizzy cap, rotor arm and the contact breaker points and condenser (unless your Mini has electronic ignition.)

Make sure you have your ignition weather shield fitted at all times, because the larger/later type does kind of act as a grille cover as well as keeping the damp out of your electrics.

It's worth checking your Minis coolant, so it doesn't freeze up. Also a full service is a good idea, because it'll run much smoother and happier regardless of how bad the weather is.

Are your windscreen wiper blades clearing the windscreen effectively and does your heater warm up nicely and blow warm air into the cabin?

Apart from all that and running on decent tyres with plenty of tread, it'd be well worth joining a break down service just in case too. Plus carry plenty of spare fuses around with you.

I'm sure others will add many more hints and tips, but if looked after a Mini will run perfectly well during freezing weather. The biggest worry is all the salt they'll put on the roads and the adverse effect this will have on the rear subframe and underside/sills.

So if you can't get it rustproofed with Waxoyl, at least try and get a high pressure lance under the car to get rid of the nasty corrosive salt that will eat your Mini alive in no time at all.

Edited by taffy1967, 01 November 2009 - 09:17 PM.

[coopersmate]

put a blanket or spare coat in the boot.
When it does breakdown you will be thankful

[GTIAlex06]

Thanks for the tips as im in the same boat too.

Changed the coolant today, and gave the brakes a good service aswell.
Im also planning to put new door and screen seals on as my mini loves to leak water from everywhere

[Pauly]

Every couple of days run some water over the body to keep the salt off and the rust down, even if its not a complete wash, just spray some water over.

Paul.

[dazzul]

me too, may also want to cover the window screen with somthing save the scapeing in the morning

[maggies_minder]

going to get one off those engine shields and have the heater flushed out and a new thermostat on friday as it would appear my heater is in fact a colder as these no difference in temp when its on!
is this time of year likely to be a major head ache?
i mean my cars running really well now but im guessing it would be nieve to assume its going to be a normal car and just run through the winter i suppose i'll have to make sure i've always got bus fair

[minisilverbullet]

My prep,

New set of winter tread tyres (its the law here (Sweden) if its get less than -1), they come in either studded or friction which are a much softer rubber with more tread. They really make a difference, especially if you have real thin wheels.

Set of jump leads could be also be very handy or better still one of those emergenct jump start - charger pack things!

I am also thinking of blocking off the 2 air vents (near the doors) as even when closed they seem to let a cold draft of air through.

Thick socks, - the spare jacket advice is great!! lol.

waxoyl how do you apply that?

[daemonchild]

If you have spare cash (about £70!) spend it on a 70amp alternator.
Then you'll easily charge that battery -- and it takes a pounding from all the lights, wipers, heater blower and rear screen heater work!
I found I couldn't have all four on at once until I upgraded.

[tuktuk]

i think my biggest problem come winter was the wetness. i always carried wd40 and had a rubber glove over the dizzy.

[daemonchild]

i think my biggest problem come winter was the wetness.

Snigger snigger.

[maggies_minder]

i think my biggest problem come winter was the wetness.

Snigger snigger.

i didnt even see that! i hope i dont suffer from this wetness (just messing)
keep these tips coming please folks!

[tuktuk]

i dont get it lol

[GTIAlex06]

i dont get it lol

me neither lol