Best grip in the snow??

[Wayne Parley]

Hi
Recently traded my ML for a C Class Estate & driving in the snow was never really a problem. However, after waking up to a few inches of snow & taking the C Class out its become apparent that my new car is useless in the snow. Any good tips on improving grip?
Cheers
Wayne

 

[wemorgan]

Best grip in snow is with winter tyres
Tyre tests at tyrereviews | the online tyre guide

Next decision is :

A) whether you want to buy a second set of alloys for these winter tyres and use only during the winter months
B) Use winter tyres for the whole year
C) Use all-season tyres
D) Not bother and take the chance of never really needing any thing other than summer tyres

 

[DSM10000]

You have come from a 4x4 to a rear wheel drive car so you may have to have to relearn the techniques to be able to drive according to the conditions? I have a C320 and managed to get around in the last snow with no significant problems.

What tyres are on the car? Winter tyres would help in snow but the worst of the winter is over so probably not worth the cost now. I had new Michelin Primacy on my car when we last had snow and with care could get around with relative ease.

 

[Dieselman]

I had new Michelin Primacy on my car when we last had snow and with care could get around with relative ease.

I had worn out ones on for one day of proper snow and had no problems, but could feel there was a general lack of grip, so fitted new ones and had no issues at all.

 

[Mr. B]

Hi
its become apparent that my new car is useless in the snow. Any good tips on improving grip?
Cheers
Wayne

Leave it parked in the garage.

 

[G.P]

Any good tips on improving grip?
Cheers
Wayne

Load the back with some weight, chains, socks or snow tyres...

 

[grober]

If what you value most in your car is an all weather, anytime ,any conditions, year round vehicle like your ML and fully intend to use it in that way the closest you will get is to fit a set of winter tyres and run them all year round. What you will miss out most on the ML will be ground clearance. Winter Tyres are ultimately the best solution for year round motoring in the UK on a rear wheel drive car. When you do this of course will depend on the state of your present tyres. While there are of course valid opinions on both sides of the argument I would point out that the individuals advocating that you don't need winter tyres are talking from a position whereby they don't have such tyres on their car [a perfectly valid personal choice of course] whereas those advocating wearing winter tyres are normally talking from a position of actual experience having said tyres on their vehicle. This I would submit yields a slightly different perspective

 

[Wayne Parley]

Cheers guys. Grip on my tyres are good at present but they are low profiles so that won't help.
Probably try the winter tyres first.

 

[robtt]

I came from an A4 quattro equipped car. Winter tyres on my |C class make it nearly as good as A4 on summer tyres. Have only had one incident this winter where I needed a push, when I had to stop behind a stuck car on a steep icy hill.So, yes winters are best. If you have them on all year you will benefit with traction off wet ground ( at races ,concerts etc) as a pal in a 3 series demonstrated to me last summer !

 

[MicB]

I use winter tyres in the winter on my SL which is then just as effective as my awd Volvo on Pirelli Scopions.
I do not use winter tyres on the SL in the summer because as temperatures rise they lose feel and become squidgy when pushed in the dry.......a little disconcerting.
Warm weather tyres above 7C and cold weather tyres at and below 7C.......perfect.

Mic

 

[cinek]

Winter tyres do the job for me, enough grip with tad of savvy gets me anywhere I need to be.

 

[Andlyn61]

winter tyres are a must, totally transform your car. No wheel spin and no flashing dashboard lights. Bought some Khumo winter tyres and put them onto standard rims and bought new summer rims - cool

 

[c63chris]

Depends on where you are driving. Winter tyres are the best solution and if you live down south like I do it's an expensive solution given the number of days you really would benefit from them. I use snow socks on my. Work well and keep you moving.

 

[Rayny]

As Chris says, if you are down in Sussex it hardly makes sense to have a set of winter tyres for the few days that they are needed.

Late last year I bought a set of snow socks and have kept them in the boot. I used them for the first time on Monday evening and left them on for this morning - The car took me everywhere I needed to go, up and down hills - I drove past a lot of abandoned cars.