MINI Winter Tyres & Wheels
What are MINI winter tyres and wheels?
MINI Winter Wheels
When winter arrives and weather conditions worsen, you might want to consider fitting MINI winter tyres and wheels to your car.
MINI winter tyres can provide improved grip, which can increase performance and maximise safety when roads are slippery and affected by snow, ice, and heavy rain. All of these adverse weather situations can make driving more challenging than in the summer, when roads are typically drier.
For example – if you’re driving your MINI in the snow, you might find it more difficult for your tyres to get sufficient traction on the road. If you notice this being an issue, you should switch to MINI winter tyres during the cold weather months.
Get in touch with our MINI servicing teams at our dealerships in Bristol, Hungerford (near Andover and Newbury), Melksham (near Bath) and Swindon to find out more. Our approved technicians can advise, supply and fit MINI winter tyres and wheels. We have tyres to suit all models, including winter tyres for MINI Cooper.
How do MINI winter tyres work?
MINI winter tyres are designed to function in the cold weather, when the temperature drops. MINI Original Cold Weather Tyres have been specially formulated for driving in temperatures below 7°C and deliver improved performance in those conditions compared to summer tyres.
Winter tyres are made of rubber mixtures that are better suited to the cold. In terms of design, they have deeper, wider grooves compared to summer tyres, so they are equipped to handle snow better. These same grooves can also disperse water more effectively too – which helps if there’s standing water on roads, and you’re driving through deep puddles or a flooded surface.
How are MINI winter and summer tyres different?
The main difference between MINI winter tyres and summer tyres is the rubber compound they’re made from, and the treads. A winter tyre will have softer rubber and a deeper tread, enabling it to grip better in snow, or ice. Summer tyres aren’t designed with the same tread, so could lose traction on the road in extreme cold weather conditions.
When it comes to performance, there’s a clear difference between MINI Original Cold Weather or winter tyres, and summer tyres with winter tyres providing up to 10% shorter braking distances on wet roads; up to 40% less tyre wear, and up to 50% shorter braking distances on snow.
So, in adverse weather conditions, MINI winter tyres are definitely recommended. Contact your nearest Dick Lovett MINI dealership for more information.
How long do winter tyres and wheels last?
Winter tyres don’t last any longer than standard, or summer, tyres – they’re susceptible to wear and tear over time and will eventually need replacing. As with all tyres, you should check tread depth and inspect them for any signs of damage.
As winter tyres are best used during that particular season, you can preserve their lifespan by only using them for the winter months. Have them fitted to your MINI ahead of winter, and take them off, replacing them for summer tyres, come the spring. If you leave winter tyres on your MINI all year round, they’re likely to wear faster than standard tyres as the rubber compound in them isn’t suited to warmer road conditions.
Can I store my winter tyres when not using them?
To get the most of your MINI winter tyres, you can remove them during the summer months, and store them – ready to be fitted again when the weather turns colder again.
Be careful where you store your winter tyres, though. They should be kept in suitable conditions to keep them protected. This should be inside, protecting them from the sun and high temperatures – and ideally in a cool environment. A garage, if you have one, is a good option.
Speak to a member of our Parts team at our Dick Lovett MINI dealerships in Bristol, Hungerford, Melksham and Swindon to find out more.