Winter driving

[hornmeister2000]

Can't believe how many Minors I've seen out on these salty roads. Who uses theirs through the winter and how do you cope with the rust?!

[plastic_orange]

Just buy a new one
They are very good in the snow.

Pete

[mike.perry]

Stick a shovel in the boot and go for a spin around your local car park (not multi story). Most people around here were too scared to get their 4X4s out of their garages last winter.

[bmcecosse]

The salt KILLS these cars - madness. Mine never leaves the garage until the clock changes again!

[Sidney'61]

As has been said many times before they are cars made to be driven and used so use them! What's the point in owning a car if it just stays in the garage?

[alanworland]

Must say mines a bit 'cossetted' nowdays, but I can remember me and a mate found this huge empty car park full of snow - what a night we had! I did about 40 miles - in the car park! Great fun!

[Alex'n'Ane]

Bmc is becoming a purist i see. These cars are designed to be driven. Rear wheel drives are a lot more fun in the snow, and most minor drivers are considerably more skilful at controlling their vehicles in these conditions than most road users.

[hornmeister2000]

It's not the driving that bothers me: it's the salt attacking the bodywork!

[cadetchris]

it gives us something to fix and repair when the weather gets warmer

[SGTBILKO]

As we all know rust protection was not of the best on these cars. Having said that my father's Morris Traveller, bought new in 1962 only needed one spot of welding underneath after eight years of use. Most Fords or Vauxhalls of the same vintage were scrapped by this time due to the dreaded rust. The BMC 1100/1300 series were not that brilliant either. I have to admit to being a coward and putting my Minor away for the duration but I suppose that if the underside is well protected and the salt is washed off regularly they won't come to much harm.

[stevey]

Well one is driven all the time, if you check your underseal before winter and hose the underside to get the grit off now and again its great!!! They are made to be used, also theres something satisfying in getting down streets BMWs cant!!!

[simmitc]

Absolutely! As per one of my recent posts, I helped push a BMW up a hill and then drove the Traveller up the same hill with no problem at all. Waxoyl / Dinitrol in the cavities, good underseal, kick off all accumulated snow and wash the car thoroughly to get rid of the salt deposits. I wish you all safe driving.

[stephenpolhill]

My car being totally original I don't want to rust quickly. However because of my love for it I drive it everyday and starting next week, for work everyday. Why not. She has been waxoyled by a professional and will be undersealed properly next year. Regular cleaning and good protection will last for years.
<3

[MColes]

Well here's what my car looks like right now...

[frame][/frame]

I'll be clearing it off a bit to go do some shopping (the lovely local council haven't gritted the roads at all! )

[stephenpolhill]

Who needs grit when you have a minor and can drive properly!

[MColes]

Who needs grit when you have a minor and can drive properly!

The other local drivers who are minorless and can't drive that well on a good day

[hotrodder13]

mine now needs a new rear chassie leg which it didnt need at the mot about a months ago

[chickenjohn]

Its not the snow and road salt that worries me as much as the carelessness of other drivers in such poor winter road conditions! This time of year is the absolute worst time for accidents so I'd rather use a more disposable car at this time of year.

As for the salt, if the car is properly seam sealed and freshly wax treated underneath and you hose the car down on top and underneath it will fare quite well. Whatever you do don't rely on horrible old underseal!

I've have spent a few hours over the last few days topping up the anti rust wax on the traveller, so i will be using him on the East Kent branch New Years day run. A good hose off will get the salt off afterwards.

[nigelr2000]

Nice one, so you are The Doctor can't fool me as you posted the picture 13 minutes before it was taken

Well here's what my car looks like right now...

[frame][/frame]

I'll be clearing it off a bit to go do some shopping (the lovely local council haven't gritted the roads at all! )

[chrisd87]

If you think using a Minor on a daily basis is bad then you should probably talk to the guy who I spot on my way to work in the morning who's driving what looks like a pre-war Morris 8. Can't imagine it's that warm!

I've been using my Minor every day all through the winter, and apart from the battery dying it seems to cope fine. I am making sure to wash the salt off, but I am expecting a bit of 'damage', so to speak. Agreed with John though about other drivers, you do see some sheer lunacy out there considering the conditions!