The MINI Cooper offers a host of creature comforts and safety features which make it one of the best quality British vehicles available in the U.S. Many Americans love to take their cars off-roading, but can you do this in a MINI Cooper? Whether you want to prepare for wilderness trips or build an off-roading MINI Cooper as a hobby, it’s essential to know the extra work you’ll need to do on your MINI.
Lifting and Tires
MINI Coopers have a very low profile, which is not ideal for off-roading, as you want your vehicle avoiding as much of the surface as possible. A lift kit is essential if you want to go off-roading in a MINI Cooper. A lift kit raises the suspension of the vehicle so it sits higher off the ground. Couple this with some heavy-duty off-road tires and you will be ready to handle tough terrain.
It’s important to be reasonable with your expectations of taking your MINI Cooper off-road. You should be able to manage dirt roads, gravel, small rocks, and sand relatively easily in most places, but a MINI Cooper does have limits. Don’t expect to be climbing the same rock formations you see other larger off-road vehicles clear.
Essentials to Bring With You
A MINI Cooper’s small size can be a hindrance in some situations and a boon in others. If your MINI Cooper becomes stuck or flips over, it will be much easier to right than a larger vehicle. Many MINI Cooper owners outfit their cars with roll cages and other off-roading fixtures to help prevent accidents and rollover damage. Make sure your off-roading packing list includes any necessary personal items and a first aid kit.
Make sure you have a heavy-duty tow strap in case you need your MINI Cooper pulled out of a jam. Other essentials include the things you should always have in your vehicle: jumper cables, an inflated spare tire, a jack, and a tire iron.