All season tyres needed with 4 wheel drive?

[Sirose]

Hi all, I bought a GLE Coupe a few months ago (first time with a mercedes) and I'll be needing to change the tyres in the next few months. From what I can see, I think I'm fairly limited to All season tyres due to the sizes (275/45r21 front and 315/40r21 rear) but question is, with the 4 wheel drive, are these needed or is the car up to the job on a good set of summer tyres- live in Glasgow so only really a few weeks of snow and ice a year to get through. Thinking of opting for the Continental Cross Contact LX Sport. Has anyone any experience of these - although rated for Mud and Snow, they are a summer tyre. While I don't want to lump out for a winter tyre, I dont wan't a 4x4 that can't be driven in all conditions so any advice appreciated

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

You’re better off sticking with all-season tyres as it mitigates the steering / tyre issues with the 4x4 system.

With summer tyres they have a tendency on full lock to crab badly

 

[Rotorhead500]

Welcome aboard. Remember, it's not just the "go", it's stopping too and 4WD puts you in just the same bracket as 2WD in that department. If temps are below 7 deg C, then you'll see a benefit from not using summer tyres. (The OEM fitment summer tyres on my current car make the switch at 10 degrees, quite a demonstrable decrease in traction at that point).

My "winters" for last two seasons have been Falken AS210 Euro All Season and have been impressed with them - ride well, crisp handling, no noticeable noise penalty either.

 

[Sirose]

Thanks both for the replies, I have noticed it has a tendency to crab even when getting close to full lock.

Absolutely right in terms of the stopping - no worse feeling than touching the brake and getting no response

For ease I was hoping to change to an all season tyre and leave it at that for the year but the only ones I've found for the rear are a Pirella at approx. £400 a pop.

Doesnt seem that even a "good" summer tyre will allow for the harshest conditions so sticking on a set of winters looking like my best option

 

[Rotorhead500]

£370 for rears on Tyreleader...

Must be an unusual size/profile as only ones I can see are the Pirelli Scorpion All Season.

Have you tried Camskill website too?

 

[onefortheroad]

See what mb recommends for winter use. Chances are the profile won't be the same ,they usually recommend the smallest sizes to fit the rim. Ice skates are better than big boots scenario.

 

[Sirose]

£370 for rears on Tyreleader...

Must be an unusual size/profile as only ones I can see are the Pirelli Scorpion All Season.

Have you tried Camskill website too?

Hadn't heard of Camskill before - thanks for the link. Had a look but still only showing the Pirelli. Plenty of options for the front but like you say, must be an unusual size on the back.

 

[Sirose]

See what mb recommends for winter use. Chances are the profile won't be the same ,they usually recommend the smallest sizes to fit the rim. Ice skates are better than big boots scenario.

Hopefully you're right - I'll get in touch with them and see what they - I'd be shocked if I was limited to a choice of one. Thanks

 

[AnthonyUK]

Watch this if in any doubt you need all season as a minimum.
What does your handbook say for winter sizes as i don't think those 21" wheels will do you any favours.
Maybe look for a winter set of wheels too in a smaller size is permitted.

 

[mioba]

See what mb recommends for winter use. Chances are the profile won't be the same ,they usually recommend the smallest sizes to fit the rim. Ice skates are better than big boots scenario.

MB recommended tyres are marked MO

 

[Wighty]

In the past winter tyres were narrow so they could break through the surface to gain grip , with tech changes , the tyres now collect snow and ice across the surface of the tyre and use this to gain grip .
You no longer have to go to smaller tyre widths during the winters for extra grip , but it is obviously cheaper to buy tyres of you do this (Second set of wheels aside )

 

[Sirose]

MB recommend either winters or tyres marked M+S. I've contacted them to see what other tyre profiles I can use on the rear which will hopefully then open up more options for all seasons.

Failing that, it will be a new set of wheels with winters fitted. Thanks all

 

[Blobcat]

MB recommend either winters or tyres marked M+S. I've contacted them to see what other tyre profiles I can use on the rear which will hopefully then open up more options for all seasons.

Failing that, it will be a new set of wheels with winters fitted. Thanks all

"MyTyres" and "Opponeo" are both very good for winter wheels and tyres - Germany Based so very familiar with winter tyres. I've bought quite a few sets from both and never been disappointed. £560 for a set of wheels and pirelli winter tyres for my SLK from MyTyres

 

[Sirose]

"MyTyres" and "Opponeo" are both very good for winter wheels and tyres - Germany Based so very familiar with winter tyres. I've bought quite a few sets from both and never been disappointed. £560 for a set of wheels and pirelli winter tyres for my SLK from MyTyres

Thanks for the heads up....cant argue with those prices at all...will check them out

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks for the heads up....cant argue with those prices at all...will check them out

I doubt your GLE will be as cheap unfortunately..

 

[Rotorhead500]

I know MB specced an unusual size on the GLA45... limits choices and raises costs as a result!

 

[Rotorhead500]

265/50 R20 comes up on willtheyfit.com and whatever as recommended downsized alternatives... not had a look at whether that opens up more All Season options yet.

 

[Mark A]

Thanks both for the replies, I have noticed it has a tendency to crab even when getting close to full lock.

I thought it was only the GLC that suffered crabbing, never noticed it on W163 nor the 2 x W164’s that we have had. What have Mercedes changed that makes the latest cars more prone to it??

 

[Blobcat]

I thought it was only the GLC that suffered crabbing, never noticed it on W163 nor the 2 x W164’s that we have had. What have Mercedes changed that makes the latest cars more prone to it??

They've made it right hand drive

 

[LostKiwi]

^^^this^^^

In doing so they had to move a suspension pickup point and/or steering component and this has messed up the geometry.