Traction Problems
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7
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C240
Traction Problems
I own a C240 (non 4 matic version) which has terrible traction on rainy days and especially on snowy days. This past winter I spent several hours spinning my wheels and getting nowhere.
Trading up to a 4 matic version or to an SUV is unfortunately not an easy option for me.
I read somewhere that buying Winter tires would be the best option for my snow issue, but unfortunately cannot use these tires all year. So I will have to switch tires every season or so. I heard all season tires are not that effective.
I am not sure if I am the only one with this problem or other C240 (non 4 matic) owners have a second auro to rely on in bad weather conditions. Any advice would be much appreciated (I know winter is a long ways away...but just thinking ahead)
Trading up to a 4 matic version or to an SUV is unfortunately not an easy option for me.
I read somewhere that buying Winter tires would be the best option for my snow issue, but unfortunately cannot use these tires all year. So I will have to switch tires every season or so. I heard all season tires are not that effective.
I am not sure if I am the only one with this problem or other C240 (non 4 matic) owners have a second auro to rely on in bad weather conditions. Any advice would be much appreciated (I know winter is a long ways away...but just thinking ahead)
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
1999 C230 Kompressor Sport
I have a 99 C230 Komp, and I bought an extra set of rims from the scrapers, steelie rims and some winter tires (new Kumo's)and no matter how much snow, i plow through everything with ease. I would suggest getting some snow's now, or even find some steel rims and wait for winter tires to go on sale. What's the worse case sinario, you still find the car drives the same, you can always sell them, better than spending large $ on a newer car. Does your tranny have the Winter and Summer setting, that help's alot too.
Like I said before, I've driven my car in many Canadian winters, pretty much same as you guys down in Long Island, and winter tires are well worth it, all season tires in the snow are garbage. If your tires still spin like you said, might be a problem with your Traction Control, tires should start to spin and Traction control should take over. I actuaclly don't mind driving in the winter with my car, even if i hammer the gas in the snow i never get wheel spin, all i get is the traction control light going off like a christmas tree lights and the car moves with ease..
Like I said before, I've driven my car in many Canadian winters, pretty much same as you guys down in Long Island, and winter tires are well worth it, all season tires in the snow are garbage. If your tires still spin like you said, might be a problem with your Traction Control, tires should start to spin and Traction control should take over. I actuaclly don't mind driving in the winter with my car, even if i hammer the gas in the snow i never get wheel spin, all i get is the traction control light going off like a christmas tree lights and the car moves with ease..
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 183
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From: Cincinnati OH
C280
yeah, I posted a thread back in winter with the same problem. I was completely stuck in the snow, my car would not go anywhere, the tires would just spin. Even in the rain, traction is still pretty weak. Frustrating thing is, people will still post stuff like "learn to drive" or "learn to handle it better in the snow" and "meet me up here and let me show you how to drive in the snow" BC is right, tires are the big problem. During the non winter months, I recommed Michelins (I know their expensive, but they'll last the longest without cupping and they get great traction) and snow tires on a set of cheap wheels. I didn't have snow treads last year, but everyone seems to say its night and day difference. So I'll be on that bandwagon next winter.
