10 replies to this topic

[hethe1991]

It recently snowed where i live and because the Mini's the only mode of transport i had to drive to work in it,i was quite surprised at how good it was in the snow also it was very enjoyable but now im worried it will be eaten by the road salt.Would you suggest i cleaned car after been driven or is it ok just to leave it say once a week?

[CCX]

If you can hose down the underside (subframes) it will make a big difference to how quickly rust develops. The more often you can do this the better, once a week would probably be enough but it depends how far you are driving it and in what conditions.

[hethe1991]

Thanks i know my post my sound over the top but iv just got it on the road and really want to look after it.

[mattbeddow]

A quick hose as often as you can should get rid of most of the salt, underseal if you can with something like waxoyl and a proper clean once a week or so should keep the rust gremlins at bay.

as for the drive-ability, theyre great in the snow, the thin tires cut through the snow to give better grip and the lack of abs and traction control give you better grip on slippy surfaces and actually allow you to stop in snow

[hethe1991]

I'd be quite interested to know if quite a few people use there Minis as daily drivers in the winter months,where i live there only seems to be me on the road with one.

[CCX]

The only thing that would stop me is rust. Still it's tempting to buy some cheap steel wheels and fit some studded tyres, sounds great fun!

[Cooperman]

Using any classic car on salted roads is a problem. The 60's and 70's cars were very poorly designed in terms of corrosion resistance and that will always be the case. The Mini is no worse than, say, an MGB, Healey 3000, Cortina or E-Type - they all just rust away.
All you can do it to rust-proof it as much as you can and keep the corrosion from building up.

[charie t]

Can't wait to see the ice rink on your driveways in the morning, after you guys have hosed off the salt.

[hethe1991]

Haha that will surely piss off the neighbours because my driveways a slope so all the running water will turn to ice on the road side,lucky for me i dont live on a main road so isnt that bad.

[JustSteve]

just one tip, don't use warm water as it the heat will catalyse the corroding.

[SA MINI]

Cold rinse then hot soap rince. Hot wax on the subframes & under body is effective too I did this at my bp jet wash the other day. The hot wax gave the wax oiled underside of the car a nice shiny layer :)

Edited by SA MINI, 07 December 2012 - 06:35 PM.