Best type of tire chains - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ConnClark · #1 12-18-2006, 12:09 PM

Just curious on what peoples opinion on tire chains were.

Three years ago when we had a major snow storm here I had a set of cable chains for my w116. With those on I was able to cut through traffic like superman. Unfortunately the connector on the end of the cable broke and did a little damage to my fender. I just bought a set of chain tire chains for $80. Since I don't do much driving in snow I was wonder people here who do drive a lot in the snow if the chain tire chains were much better.

Also whats the opinion of getting chains for all the way around? I like being able to stop quickly equally as well as passing suv's like they are standing still.

airbus · #2 12-18-2006, 01:43 PM

You definately want the 'diamond'-pattern.

http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-local/chainsearch.cgi?size=205/65-15&model=WS1610&f=whtstral_l.htm

Stevo · #3 12-18-2006, 05:07 PM

I dont know much about chains either, living in the pac NW, but I bought a set of Les Schwab's "diamond" chains for the MB and a fancy set of "easy install" ones for the truck.

babymog · #4 12-18-2006, 05:14 PM

Do a search for Shure Grip Z by SCC.

I use them, like them, are cable-type and run great.

F18 · #5 12-18-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Do a search for Shure Grip Z by SCC.

I use them, like them, are cable-type and run great.

Friends of mine in the "Northern Kingdom" of Vermont swear by them for their passenger cars. The Performance Products Fall/winter Mercedes catalog features them on page 10 for $54.99 PR.
Cheers,

Pete Geither · #6 12-18-2006, 07:08 PM

When my wagon won't go with the tires I have on,,, I stay home.

Bio300TDTdriver · #7 12-18-2006, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

I dont know much about chains either, living in the pac NW, but I bought a set of Les Schwab's "diamond" chains for the MB and a fancy set of "easy install" ones for the truck.

You must not drive over the passes in the winter then or up to Mt. Baker to ski.

patbob · #8 12-18-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConnClark

Just curious on what peoples opinion on tire chains were.
..
Since I don't do much driving in snow I was wonder people here who do drive a lot in the snow if the chain tire chains were much better.

My opinion is that I use them only when I have to. I have cable chains for the convenience, and chain ones for the really deep snow.

Part of the convenience of cable chains is the ability to take my bypass cable cutter with me and remove a broken link while enroute. Saves on wheel well damage. They also are not as thick, which makes for a more comfortable ride when driving on the packed ice we get around here.

I've heard good things about the suction-cup type, but me and most around here use studs cause we can. They are my traction tire of choice when I want to go fast (i.e. freeway speeds). I've read there's non-metalic studs that don't tear up the roadways and might be legal where metal studs are not.

Quote:

Also whats the opinion of getting chains for all the way around?

I chain only (and all) the drive wheels. Works for me.

Quote:

I like being able to stop quickly equally as well as passing suv's like they are standing still.

Stopping quickly is a good way to break chains. Besides, the point of using chains isn't to be able to go fast, but to be able to go at all. Seems pretty reckless to me to play the "I can drive faster than you" game in conditions worthy of chains, but then I've probably seen a lot more accidents, most involving an accident causer and one or more accident victims. I strive to be neither.

Stevo · #9 12-18-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bio300TDTdriver

You must not drive over the passes in the winter then or up to Mt. Baker to ski.

You bet your ski boots I dont, snow is to be avoided at all costs as far as I'm concerned

lukas · #10 12-19-2006, 07:03 AM

I just use cheapo $40 cables. Any cables or chains will get trashed in short order, in my opinion, so it doesn't make sense to pay big $$$ for them. In fact, i just got a pair because i was on the way to Carson City from San Francisco during a pretty big snow storm on Saturday. I drove over US50 by lake Tahoe at 2am before the road was really plowed. When i was putting the chains on the CalTrans guy was like, "Are you sure this thing can do this?" "Its rear wheel drive, right?" Anyone who has driven this pass knows its treacherous, with some huge cliff drop offs. I just had the cables with the rubber tensioners in the back of my 83' 300d and it handled like a charm

I feel totally confident about taking this car skiing anywhere now. Just another case where this 25 year old beast proved that its a cut above the rest.
BTW: anyone use spikes spiders? They are becoming pretty popular around here.

Stevo · #11 12-19-2006, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukas

I just use cheapo $40 cables. Any cables or chains will get trashed in short order, in my opinion, so it doesn't make sense to pay big $$$ for them. In fact, i just got a pair because i was on the way to Carson City from San Francisco during a pretty big snow storm on Saturday. I drove over US50 by lake Tahoe at 2am before the road was really plowed. When i was putting the chains on the CalTrans guy was like, "Are you sure this thing can do this?" "Its rear wheel drive, right?" Anyone who has driven this pass knows its treacherous, with some huge cliff drop offs. I just had the cables with the rubber tensioners in the back of my 83' 300d and it handled like a charm

I feel totally confident about taking this car skiing anywhere now. Just another case where this 25 year old beast proved that its a cut above the rest.
BTW: anyone use spikes spiders? They are becoming pretty popular around here.

Thats good too know. We get some snow and ice around here every year. I have studded snows all around and keep 3 of those 60# sand bags in the trunk and always get where I NEED too go. Haven't had to put chains on for years

ConnClark · #12 12-19-2006, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patbob

My opinion is that I use them only when I have to. I have cable chains for the convenience, and chain ones for the really deep snow.

Part of the convenience of cable chains is the ability to take my bypass cable cutter with me and remove a broken link while enroute. Saves on wheel well damage. They also are not as thick, which makes for a more comfortable ride when driving on the packed ice we get around here.

The problem is once the cable connector breaks when your driving the damage to your wheel well is done. We normally get a light dusting of snow which doesn't require anything other than ordinary tires and brushing it off the windshield, but every now and then it dumps a lot very quickly (its been a wet year in the NW as I'm sure you know). It remains snow for one day then it gets packed, then becomes ice until it thaws or is worn away.
In other words If I need to chain up locally, I'll need it for about 3 days.

Quote:

Originally Posted by patbob

I've heard good things about the suction-cup type, but me and most around here use studs cause we can. They are my traction tire of choice when I want to go fast (i.e. freeway speeds). I've read there's non-metalic studs that don't tear up the roadways and might be legal where metal studs are not.

I chain only (and all) the drive wheels. Works for me.

Stopping quickly is a good way to break chains. Besides, the point of using chains isn't to be able to go fast, but to be able to go at all. Seems pretty reckless to me to play the "I can drive faster than you" game in conditions worthy of chains, but then I've probably seen a lot more accidents, most involving an accident causer and one or more accident victims. I strive to be neither.

My point of using chains isn't to go fast or play some game. Its about having maximum control of my car and avoiding trouble. Living in an area that doesn't get a lot of snow means people don't know how to drive in the conditions very well in snow or ice and fall back to their ordinary habits. Since most people that drive suvs don't need them or 4 wheel drive, they think that 4 wheel drive is a magic mode that means they can go faster in bad conditions, unfortunately they put very little thought into the fact it does nothing to help them stop. The only way to ensure they have adequate braking distance between you and them is to put it there yourself.