22 replies to this topic

[ap0llo_*]

Hi,

 

I have moved to Norway and would like to purchase a classic mini over here for year round usage. The travelling I do only entails a trip of 10 mins to the bus stop each morning, but being that we have snow from October - March and temperatures of sub -10 (sometimes -20), would a classic Mini cope with this?

 

Anyone who has experience using their Mini in any of the colder climates, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Tamworthbay]

Minis in snow are awesome. You will obviously need some winter tyres but they are available. The only issue you might have is that they are pretty low to the ground so if they don't fully clear the roads (as they don't where my sister is 20 miles north of Stavanger) then it may beach.

[Mini Cheddars]

Injection Minis start easier than carb Minis in the freezing cold, so that's something to bare in mind. Also snow tyres for a Mini with 10" wheels are harder to come by than 12" & 13", which adds to their cost.

 

The comment above about ground clearance is a good one too. May be worth increasing the height with some Hi Los, which you can adjust back down when the snow clears.

Edited by Mini Cheddars, 09 June 2013 - 08:05 PM.

[ap0llo_*]

What about a carb mini with electronic ignition fitted? I am guessing then starting won't be as much an issue ?

[ap0llo_*]

Minis in snow are awesome. You will obviously need some winter tyres but they are available. The only issue you might have is that they are pretty low to the ground so if they don't fully clear the roads (as they don't where my sister is 20 miles north of Stavanger) then it may beach.

Thats very helpful advice, thanks. Do you know whether your sister is using metal studded tyres (like the majority of cars over here) or simply winter tyres ?

[Tamworthbay]

Minis in snow are awesome. You will obviously need some winter tyres but they are available. The only issue you might have is that they are pretty low to the ground so if they don't fully clear the roads (as they don't where my sister is 20 miles north of Stavanger) then it may beach.

Thats very helpful advice, thanks. Do you know whether your sister is using metal studded tyres (like the majority of cars over here) or simply winter tyres ?

She doesn't drive, her partner has a Volvo xc70. I think he runs studs as they have a lodge up in the mountains as well so do a bit of driving off piste, but I know they get a tractor ride up the last 2 miles.

[classicminidriver]

As others have said, if you go for a carb mini, get an electronic ignition fitted!! mine has and it can still be a pig to start if left in the cold :)

Edited by classicminidriver, 09 June 2013 - 09:09 PM.

[Artful Dodger]

You would have to warm it up very morning as well because every journey where it's not getting any warmth will slowly kill it.

And do they use grit or salt in Norway? If its salt the mini will need constant body attention

[Cooperman]

And never start it with the clutch pedal pressed down. In all starts, but especially in really cold starts, if a Mini is started with the clutch pedal down the crankshaft thrust bearings are starved of oil and don't last long.

[stretch tech]

And never start it with the clutch pedal pressed down. In all starts, but especially in really cold starts, if a Mini is started with the clutch pedal down the crankshaft thrust bearings are starved of oil and don't last long.

 

i never knew that   i always start my mini (and any car for that matter) with the clutch down - makes it easier for the engine to turn over as you are not trying to turn the gear set, only from the crank upwards. sorry to thread steal but could you explain why this happens ? i'm not doubting you by the way i'm just intrigued 

 

Rhys

 

edit: to answer the original question a mini is fun on normal roads, they can only be better in the snow  as said above though, road salt and constant moisture on the body will quickly kill a mini if untreated  probably recommend injection over carb just to make starting up and running when cold smoother 

 

Rhys

Edited by stretch tech, 10 June 2013 - 11:13 AM.

[Artful Dodger]

 

And never start it with the clutch pedal pressed down. In all starts, but especially in really cold starts, if a Mini is started with the clutch pedal down the crankshaft thrust bearings are starved of oil and don't last long.

 

i never knew that   i always start my mini (and any car for that matter) with the clutch down - makes it easier for the engine to turn over as you are not trying to turn the gear set, only from the crank upwards. sorry to thread steal but could you explain why this happens ? i'm not doubting you by the way i'm just intrigued 

 

Rhys

 

edit: to answer the original question a mini is fun on normal roads, they can only be better in the snow  as said above though, road salt and constant moisture on the body will quickly kill a mini if untreated  probably recommend injection over carb just to make starting up and running when cold smoother 

 

Rhys

 

side load on the crank from depressing the clutch, the crank moves sideways, and as the car is on start up, there will not be oil delivered straight away, thus starving the thrusts of oil and making them wear must quicker:)

 

just start it out of gear, will not hurt or effect anything

[stretch tech]

ahh i get now thanks, makes sense really..... i don't want my thrusts going on my nice newly built/ran in engine 

 

Rhys

[jaydee]

All cars should be started in neutral without depressing clutch, just think of it, what will be the advantage of depressing clutch? none..

what are the cons? extra wear on the clutch and the crank bearings..

simples :)

Edited by jaydee, 10 June 2013 - 01:18 PM.

[minisilverbullet]

writing from Sweden.... not many of us use our minis in the winter, though some do. 

 

You will find the price of a mini on Norway and Sweden to be pretty high, almost a 30 - 40 % more than in the UK. So we tend to look after them and use them only in the summer months. The salt does take its toll on them. I used mine one winter which was real harsh and I needed new door skins, and some general cleaning up and a partial respray (though i wanted to keep the car looking tip top). 

 

Winter tyres - you wont find studded tyres easily. you may find an old 10" set of studded tyres, but they will be old! you will find a couple of brands at 12" and none at 13". 

 

The biggest hurdle will  be ground clearance, the channel of ice left in the middle of each lane by normal cars, caused havoc form us. we constantly bottomed out on it. 

 

Though the car drives and handles well in the snow and ice on a good set of tyres. 

 

Personally I wouldnt use the mini again in the winter. 

[stretch tech]

All cars should be started in neutral without depressing clutch, just think of it, what will be the advantage of depressing clutch? none..

what are the cons? extra wear on the clutch and the crank bearings..

simples :)

 

my dad told me to always depress the clutch in any car to reduce strain on the starter/make it easier to turn over 

 

he's been a mechanic for almost 30 years so i thought it was good advice but now i know about oil starvation to the thrust bearings i won't - is this just on minis or for any car ??

 

Rhys