Snow Tires - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

123c · #1 01-03-2009, 10:30 AM

This winter I might cave in, and buy snow tires

, since the roads aren't being maintained like in the years past. I just hate snow tires, and I feel that they are a crutch for a bad driver. However I might go with new All Seasons since mine are a little worn and might account for my slipping and sliding. I was looking for some BFG Traction T/A's, but they are all at least week out, the guy at Discount tire was trying to upsell me on some tire I didn't want. However, I think Costco has the one I had on my 300CD, which was awesome in the snow, but I can't remember which one it was. Anyone have any input for me?

Chad300tdt · #2 01-03-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123c

This winter I might cave in, and buy snow tires

, since the roads aren't being maintained like in the years past. I just hate snow tires, and I feel that they are a crutch for a bad driver. However I might go with new All Seasons since mine are a little worn and might account for my slipping and sliding. I was looking for some BFG Traction T/A's, but they are all at least week out, the guy at Discount tire was trying to upsell me on some tire I didn't want. However, I think Costco has the one I had on my 300CD, which was awesome in the snow, but I can't remember which one it was. Anyone have any input for me?

It's not possible to be a "good enough" driver to avoid other drivers forever. Snow tires definitely offer better traction (although nothing will help on ice other than studs or chains). The first time someone cuts you off or does something stupid near you on a snow covered road, you'll be happy you have snow tires.

I have a set of snow tires mounted to bundts for each of my 123s and a set of wheels with summer tires for each.

EDIT: I'm using Yokohama Ice-Guard IG20 tires for both cars.

Kuan · #3 01-03-2009, 10:47 AM

Michelin X-ice is quite good. I got a set for around $375 at Costco.

kerry · #4 01-03-2009, 10:54 AM

I run studded snows on all 4 wheels. I keep separate tires/rims for summer and winter. Around here, snow tires are pretty easy to find on Craigslist because lots of people have 2 separate sets of tires for summer/winter and when they buy a new car, the old snow tires often don't fit.

Gurkha · #5 01-04-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

It's not possible to be a "good enough" driver to avoid other drivers forever. Snow tires definitely offer better traction (although nothing will help on ice other than studs or chains). The first time someone cuts you off or does something stupid near you on a snow covered road, you'll be happy you have snow tires.

I have a set of snow tires mounted to bundts for each of my 123s and a set of wheels with summer tires for each.

EDIT: I'm using Yokohama Ice-Guard IG20 tires for both cars.

Thanks for your review, was thinking of putting the Ice Guard on my 300TD, I have Yokohama C Drives on them currently but they are strictly rain and dry, not good at all in ice and they were never meant to be. Gonna order them from Tire Rack.

pawoSD · #6 01-03-2009, 11:22 AM

Next year I might slap some studded snows in the back of my car....this winter has been horrible in terms of snowfall vs. them plowing. Our street had 2ft drifts on it that I had to get through just to park by my house!

Wodnek · #7 01-03-2009, 11:41 AM

I bought a 93 Saturn this year for a winter car. my first front wheel drive car. Ive found it to be awfull so far in the snow. Far worse then my 87 300D was last winter. So I found a set of four Michelin Arctic alpin tires on ebay new old stock for $159 on ebay. They are due to arrive on Monday. Meanwhile I took the 87 300D out of storage to drive until the tires get here. The 300 has Dunlop graspic winter tires on it, although not the highest rated, Ive found them to be good. Since last winter in Wisconsin, ive decided to use winter tires each year. Low cost for the extra security they offer.

123c · #8 01-03-2009, 11:52 AM

I remember what I had, they were the Michelin X Metric's. I think I can get a set of 4 for around $300 at Costco. The tires are really starting to wear, so they will need to be replaced anyways, and I want something cheap, these might fit the bill. I also don't want to invest a whole lot, since I want to dump the car for a wagon (subaru or volvo) of some kind this spring or summer.

dlevitt · #9 01-05-2009, 10:57 AM

As you've discovered, automatic superior snow traction for front wheel drive cars is a myth.

Over the years, I've had front wheel drive cars that were fantasic in snow [1971 Audi 100, 1989 Ford Probe GT] - but only when they had four new snow tires. [I can endorse the Arctic Alpin snows - I've passed several snow plows when the Probe was wearing a set].

I've had rear drive cars that are decent in snow [Fiat 131 wagon, and now my 300E] but again only with four new tires [studded snows on the old Fiat]

I've also had a front wheel drive car that all attempts short of tire chains proved to be a horrible snow car - a 1981 Lancia Beta Coupe. While well balanced on dry roads, 'helpless' would be the best description on even trace amounts of snow. [Even when wearing four Conti TS740 snow tires]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wodnek

I bought a 93 Saturn this year for a winter car. my first front wheel drive car. Ive found it to be awfull so far in the snow. Far worse then my 87 300D was last winter. So I found a set of four Michelin Arctic alpin tires on ebay new old stock for $159 on ebay. They are due to arrive on Monday. Meanwhile I took the 87 300D out of storage to drive until the tires get here. The 300 has Dunlop graspic winter tires on it, although not the highest rated, Ive found them to be good. Since last winter in Wisconsin, ive decided to use winter tires each year. Low cost for the extra security they offer.

aklim · #10 01-03-2009, 11:51 AM

I like the Bridgestone Blizzaks myself. They grip very well. I wouldn't recommend getting them in pairs. I change all 4 over. I'd rather not have one set that grips well and another that doesn't when things get snowy.

Chad300tdt · #11 01-03-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

I like the Bridgestone Blizzaks myself. They grip very well. I wouldn't recommend getting them in pairs. I change all 4 over. I'd rather not have one set that grips well and another that doesn't when things get snowy.

I was going to get the WS60 Blizzaks, but they were sold out nation wide for the rest of this year in the 14" size.

I went with the Yokohama Ice Guards because I could buy 8 of them in the size I needed, and they're a full tread snow tire with excellent ratings. The Blizzaks are a half tread which is their only downfall in my opinion.

LUVMBDiesels · #12 01-03-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

I like the Bridgestone Blizzaks myself. They grip very well. I wouldn't recommend getting them in pairs. I change all 4 over. I'd rather not have one set that grips well and another that doesn't when things get snowy.

You should never run snow tires on only two wheels! Steering and braking control is just as important as starting out without slipping!

I love my Blizzaks too. I had them on the SD last year and moved them to the BMW this year. I could not find them in the 15 inch size for the SDL so I had to get a set of General Altimax HP thires. They are almost as good as the Bridgestones.

Kuan · #13 01-03-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMBDiesels

You should never run snow tires on only two wheels! Steering and braking control is just as important as starting out without slipping!

Who cares where the rear end goes as long as the front tires are pointing in the proper direction.

Simpler=Better · #14 01-03-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

Who cares where the rear end goes as long as the front tires are pointing in the proper direction.

These Mercedes are correct-wheel-drive. Rear spinouts greatly affect where you're going.

Nate · #15 01-04-2009, 12:58 AM

I am cheap. I bought two unbranded (firestone) winterforce tires for $37 each.

It's on my FWD neon, and I've got new all seasons on the rear. The rear skidders around occasionally, but it's controlable. Couldnt afford 4...

Bought two rims, had walmart mount and balance the tires for $18. They wouldnt put them on the car because they're the wrong speed rating and the wrong size (1/2" shorter...)

I know I'm wrong, but i've got better traction then before.

BFG TRACTION TA TIRES ARE NOT SNOW TIRES!!! They're directional high performance all season tires...

~Nate