Necessary to take off 19s during winter?
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Joined: Jun 2010
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2011 C300 4matic
Necessary to take off 19s during winter?
Hey guys,
I live in Toronto and I've been driving an '08 C300 4matic with zero problems in the winter without changing the stock all-seasons. It's not my car but I drive it whenever the weather gets really bad the handful of times each winter. In a couple of months I should have a 2011 C300 4matic (sport/premium/nav packages) for myself.
I'm strongly considering getting 19" avant garde M-328s. I was looking forward to the convenience of not having to change to winter tires during the season (based on my experience and that of others who own new 4matic cars), but the stock 17s just don't cut it for me. I was wondering how bad it would be to drive with the 19s and good all-seasons year round (aside from the cosmetic risk)? Also keep in mind that I do not drive a ton.
I live in Toronto and I've been driving an '08 C300 4matic with zero problems in the winter without changing the stock all-seasons. It's not my car but I drive it whenever the weather gets really bad the handful of times each winter. In a couple of months I should have a 2011 C300 4matic (sport/premium/nav packages) for myself.
I'm strongly considering getting 19" avant garde M-328s. I was looking forward to the convenience of not having to change to winter tires during the season (based on my experience and that of others who own new 4matic cars), but the stock 17s just don't cut it for me. I was wondering how bad it would be to drive with the 19s and good all-seasons year round (aside from the cosmetic risk)? Also keep in mind that I do not drive a ton.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,700
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From: Bergen Co,NJ
14' CLS550
Hey guys,
I live in Toronto and I've been driving an '08 C300 4matic with zero problems in the winter without changing the stock all-seasons. It's not my car but I drive it whenever the weather gets really bad the handful of times each winter. In a couple of months I should have a 2011 C300 4matic (sport/premium/nav packages) for myself.
I'm strongly considering getting 19" avant garde M-328s. I was looking forward to the convenience of not having to change to winter tires during the season (based on my experience and that of others who own new 4matic cars), but the stock 17s just don't cut it for me. I was wondering how bad it would be to drive with the 19s and good all-seasons year round (aside from the cosmetic risk)? Also keep in mind that I do not drive a ton.
I live in Toronto and I've been driving an '08 C300 4matic with zero problems in the winter without changing the stock all-seasons. It's not my car but I drive it whenever the weather gets really bad the handful of times each winter. In a couple of months I should have a 2011 C300 4matic (sport/premium/nav packages) for myself.
I'm strongly considering getting 19" avant garde M-328s. I was looking forward to the convenience of not having to change to winter tires during the season (based on my experience and that of others who own new 4matic cars), but the stock 17s just don't cut it for me. I was wondering how bad it would be to drive with the 19s and good all-seasons year round (aside from the cosmetic risk)? Also keep in mind that I do not drive a ton.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Imagine 4 spinning hard and slick wheel-shaped rocks on a hard and slick surface......not a good formula for traction...does not matter how many wheels are driven if nothing is grabbing the road surface. Or, just think of the famous scene of Bambi on ice.
I don't even drive 17" all season tires in our Michigan winters, not that different from yours. The rubber compound does not stay soft enough in subfreezing temps to hang on to even a dry road as well, no less one with ice or snow on it. My best advice is to get some low cost 17" rims with dedicated winter Blizzak WS60 (or there may be a newer model, the WS70) which is a studded tire alternative...outstanding in subfreezing temps and gripping ice and snow. Your four tire contact patches are the only connection your car has with the outside world.....don't skimp!!!! Go to tirerack.com and they will send you the tires mounted on rims with TPMS already installed, ready to just lugnut on!
I don't even drive 17" all season tires in our Michigan winters, not that different from yours. The rubber compound does not stay soft enough in subfreezing temps to hang on to even a dry road as well, no less one with ice or snow on it. My best advice is to get some low cost 17" rims with dedicated winter Blizzak WS60 (or there may be a newer model, the WS70) which is a studded tire alternative...outstanding in subfreezing temps and gripping ice and snow. Your four tire contact patches are the only connection your car has with the outside world.....don't skimp!!!! Go to tirerack.com and they will send you the tires mounted on rims with TPMS already installed, ready to just lugnut on!
