Winter Tires
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Winter Tires
I am seeking input on winter tires from guys who live in the lower mainland of BC or who live in the Pacific Northwest of the US (WA. OR) for an input on winter tires.
I am asking specifically for these areas because our snow is wet and packs instantanously to soft ice unlike snow say in Ontario or upstate New York where it is much colder and the snow drier.
My first winter experience last winter with winter tires I was told would be good was a disaster. No grip at all. Wheels would spin in gear on idle. I moved on, gave them to my kid who is running them on his Kia Soul as everyday tires.
What experiences have others had with various brands. Is there a consensus on which winter tire works best on this beast?
Does anyone have any experience with Nokian Hakkapellita with or without studs.
I have to buy winters and I will be buying new summers in the spring so I don't want to repeat the errors of my ways first time out.
Thanks guys.
I am asking specifically for these areas because our snow is wet and packs instantanously to soft ice unlike snow say in Ontario or upstate New York where it is much colder and the snow drier.
My first winter experience last winter with winter tires I was told would be good was a disaster. No grip at all. Wheels would spin in gear on idle. I moved on, gave them to my kid who is running them on his Kia Soul as everyday tires.
What experiences have others had with various brands. Is there a consensus on which winter tire works best on this beast?
Does anyone have any experience with Nokian Hakkapellita with or without studs.
I have to buy winters and I will be buying new summers in the spring so I don't want to repeat the errors of my ways first time out.
Thanks guys.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Alex, I know a few local guys on the Hakka's and they swear by them. One in a W205 C63 and one who has them on his E63 and GL550, for some specific MB/AMG examples. The GL550s are studded I think. They will be what I get when its time to re-up.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
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2013 C63 AMG
Alex, I know a few local guys on the Hakka's and they swear by them. One in a W205 C63 and one who has them on his E63 and GL550, for some specific MB/AMG examples. The GL550s are studded I think. They will be what I get when its time to re-up.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Alex, I know a few local guys on the Hakka's and they swear by them. One in a W205 C63 and one who has them on his E63 and GL550, for some specific MB/AMG examples. The GL550s are studded I think. They will be what I get when its time to re-up.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
You are right about the local 'snow' lol.
Last February I was in Maple Ridge on the only bloody weekend it snowed. I got moving and the easiest way out from my daughters place is via the back alley. Turned the corner and a guy was stuck across the road. I got out to help and when I got back in it would not move. More to the point those crappy tires I bought would spin in gear on idle hence the interest in the 9s.
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2012 E550 Cabrio
I would go studless. The fella with the GL550 goes to the Interior a fair bit, and if I did that, or drove the Malahat regularly, I would do studded.
Everyone I have talked to with the studless Hakka's have just supreme confidence that they will get where they are going, and at the point I need the studs Ill just drive my wife's Odyssey and crash it instead lol.
Everyone I have talked to with the studless Hakka's have just supreme confidence that they will get where they are going, and at the point I need the studs Ill just drive my wife's Odyssey and crash it instead lol.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
I would go studless. The fella with the GL550 goes to the Interior a fair bit, and if I did that, or drove the Malahat regularly, I would do studded.
Everyone I have talked to with the studless Hakka's have just supreme confidence that they will get where they are going, and at the point I need the studs Ill just drive my wife's Odyssey and crash it instead lol.
Everyone I have talked to with the studless Hakka's have just supreme confidence that they will get where they are going, and at the point I need the studs Ill just drive my wife's Odyssey and crash it instead lol.
Thanks for the input.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
I am seeking input on winter tires from guys who live in the lower mainland of BC or who live in the Pacific Northwest of the US (WA. OR) for an input on winter tires.
I am asking specifically for these areas because our snow is wet and packs instantanously to soft ice unlike snow say in Ontario or upstate New York where it is much colder and the snow drier.
My first winter experience last winter with winter tires I was told would be good was a disaster. No grip at all. Wheels would spin in gear on idle. I moved on, gave them to my kid who is running them on his Kia Soul as everyday tires.
What experiences have others had with various brands. Is there a consensus on which winter tire works best on this beast?
Does anyone have any experience with Nokian Hakkapellita with or without studs.
I have to buy winters and I will be buying new summers in the spring so I don't want to repeat the errors of my ways first time out.
Thanks guys.
I am asking specifically for these areas because our snow is wet and packs instantanously to soft ice unlike snow say in Ontario or upstate New York where it is much colder and the snow drier.
My first winter experience last winter with winter tires I was told would be good was a disaster. No grip at all. Wheels would spin in gear on idle. I moved on, gave them to my kid who is running them on his Kia Soul as everyday tires.
What experiences have others had with various brands. Is there a consensus on which winter tire works best on this beast?
Does anyone have any experience with Nokian Hakkapellita with or without studs.
I have to buy winters and I will be buying new summers in the spring so I don't want to repeat the errors of my ways first time out.
Thanks guys.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 919
Likes: 116
2009 c63
Happy with my Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...on#testResults
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...on#testResults
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From: Canada
E350 4Matic 2011
I used Hakka R's on my Benz for a number of years and they were outstanding even when worn down. I am now going to buy the newer R2. If you need studded tires, go with the Hakka 9. Nokian invented the winter tire and they are the best.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 549
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2012 Mercedes C63 AMG S
Just for reference on tire "nominal" (not necessarily "actual") diameters,my understanding is that the stock OEM tires on our C63s are:
OEM tire sizes:
- 18's stock is 235/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.4” front & 25.02” rear)
- 19's stock is 235/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.5” front & 25.0” rear)
Note that the rear wheels are nominally about 1/2" smaller, or 2% smaller, in diameter than the front. This does not necessarily mean that the ABS and ETC will tolerate a 2% difference.It MIGHT, but it might also merely be that MB programs the ABS and ETC to expect exactly a 2% difference between front and rear rotation speed.
So these are presumably the "ideal"nominal diameters we should be trying to match or to come within some unknown percentage variance.
For anyone looking at the Nokian Hakkapelliitta tires website, there is good news and bad news.
Hakkapelliitta winter tires are available in 18" and 19" wheelsize in some International markets, but in North America, supposedly only 18" (I'm just stating what the website shows).
In the British Columbia region (where Alex lives), the tire dealer chain shown as the official Hakka dealer chain is Cal Tires.
Jim G
OEM tire sizes:
- 18's stock is 235/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.4” front & 25.02” rear)
- 19's stock is 235/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.5” front & 25.0” rear)
Note that the rear wheels are nominally about 1/2" smaller, or 2% smaller, in diameter than the front. This does not necessarily mean that the ABS and ETC will tolerate a 2% difference.It MIGHT, but it might also merely be that MB programs the ABS and ETC to expect exactly a 2% difference between front and rear rotation speed.
So these are presumably the "ideal"nominal diameters we should be trying to match or to come within some unknown percentage variance.
For anyone looking at the Nokian Hakkapelliitta tires website, there is good news and bad news.
Hakkapelliitta winter tires are available in 18" and 19" wheelsize in some International markets, but in North America, supposedly only 18" (I'm just stating what the website shows).
In the British Columbia region (where Alex lives), the tire dealer chain shown as the official Hakka dealer chain is Cal Tires.
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; Oct 8, 2017 at 06:13 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Just for reference on tire "nominal" (not necessarily "actual") diameters,my understanding is that the stock OEM tires on our C63s are:
OEM tire sizes:
- 18's stock is 235/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.4” front & 25.02” rear)
- 19's stock is 235/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.5” front & 25.0” rear)
Note that the rear wheels are nominally about 1/2" smaller, or 2% smaller, in diameter than the front. This does not necessarily mean that the ABS and ETC will tolerate a 2% difference.It MIGHT, but it might also merely be that MB programs the ABS and ETC to expect exactly a 2% difference between front and rear rotation speed.
So these are presumably the "ideal"nominal diameters we should be trying to match or to come within some unknown percentage variance.
For anyone looking at the Nokian Hakkapelliitta tires website, there is good news and bad news.
Hakkapelliitta winter tires are available in 18" and 19" wheelsize in some International markets, but in North America, supposedly only 18" (I'm just stating what the website shows).
In the British Columbia region (where Alex lives), the tire dealer chain shown as the official Hakka dealer chain is Cal Tires.
Jim G
OEM tire sizes:
- 18's stock is 235/40-18 front and 255/35-18 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.4” front & 25.02” rear)
- 19's stock is 235/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear. (nominal tire dia = 25.5” front & 25.0” rear)
Note that the rear wheels are nominally about 1/2" smaller, or 2% smaller, in diameter than the front. This does not necessarily mean that the ABS and ETC will tolerate a 2% difference.It MIGHT, but it might also merely be that MB programs the ABS and ETC to expect exactly a 2% difference between front and rear rotation speed.
So these are presumably the "ideal"nominal diameters we should be trying to match or to come within some unknown percentage variance.
For anyone looking at the Nokian Hakkapelliitta tires website, there is good news and bad news.
Hakkapelliitta winter tires are available in 18" and 19" wheelsize in some International markets, but in North America, supposedly only 18" (I'm just stating what the website shows).
In the British Columbia region (where Alex lives), the tire dealer chain shown as the official Hakka dealer chain is Cal Tires.
Jim G
If you check your numbers the difference on 18s front to back is 0.38 inches not 0.500 but I will assume you are right on the 19s.
That said I suspect but would have to check that the software is programmed to take that minor difference into account on either set up. I have moved between 17 and 16s, 18s and 17s and now 19s and 18s on a number of cars summer being the larger diameters and never have had on iota of system issues. The ESP works fine, the ABS, BAS etc all are seamless.
The nominal diameter differences will be influenced by tha accuracy of the aspect ration and of course inflation pressures influence diamter. SInce the ABS sensors actually work on differences in wheel speed circumferential length is what controls all these functions and as I suggested the system is programmed to deal with minor issues.
Last edited by Alex.currie44; Oct 9, 2017 at 12:15 AM.
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2012 Mercedes C63 AMG S
edit:I did a quick Google search and the results are interesting:
"In British Columbia (BC) Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, tires with studs up to 3.5 mm high can only be used between October 1 and April 30. The regulations limit tires to 130 studs each for vehicles weighing less than 4,600 kg, or 175 studs each for vehicles weighing more than that. It’s important to note you can only use studded tires on the front wheels if you’re using them on rear wheels also (at least one studded tire per rear wheel). This means if you have a rear wheel drive vehicle you usually only use the studded tires on the rear wheels; however if you have a front wheel drive vehicle and use studded tires on the front wheels you must mount studded tires on the rear wheels also."
So, apparently, we can run our C63s with studded tires in BC, and can have up to a grand total of 130 studs on the combination of front and rear axles.
The author of the quote above clearly understands that some drivers of rear wheel drive cars will only put studs on the rear tires,but when dealing with lower mainland and Island BC black ice, studs on both axles is clearly a better idea.
Of course if the other vehicles behind, beside, or even in front of you do NOT have studded tires or chains, you can still be in plenty of trouble when THEY lose control.
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; Oct 9, 2017 at 05:18 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 549
Likes: 85
2012 Mercedes C63 AMG S
The Nokian Hakka website still shows the 8. I think Nokian alsohas multiple websites covering different market regions. I guess The World is changing a little too fast for even our technology updates to keep up with!
I suppose the best way to find otu what is actually sold in any given region is to talk to a local dealer.
Jim G
I suppose the best way to find otu what is actually sold in any given region is to talk to a local dealer.
Jim G
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
The Hakka 8's are studded. Are studs legal in British Columbia for fulltime use? (i.e. not just for road segments that require chains from October through March?)
edit:I did a quick Google search and the results are interesting:
"In British Columbia (BC) Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, tires with studs up to 3.5 mm high can only be used between October 1 and April 30. The regulations limit tires to 130 studs each for vehicles weighing less than 4,600 kg, or 175 studs each for vehicles weighing more than that. It’s important to note you can only use studded tires on the front wheels if you’re using them on rear wheels also (at least one studded tire per rear wheel). This means if you have a rear wheel drive vehicle you usually only use the studded tires on the rear wheels; however if you have a front wheel drive vehicle and use studded tires on the front wheels you must mount studded tires on the rear wheels also."
So, apparently, we can run our C63s with studded tires in BC, and can have up to a grand total of 130 studs on the combination of front and rear axles.
The author of the quote above clearly understands that some drivers of rear wheel drive cars will only put studs on the rear tires,but when dealing with lower mainland and Island BC black ice, studs on both axles is clearly a better idea.
Of course if the other vehicles behind, beside, or even in front of you do NOT have studded tires or chains, you can still be in plenty of trouble when THEY lose control.
Jim G
edit:I did a quick Google search and the results are interesting:
"In British Columbia (BC) Under the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations, tires with studs up to 3.5 mm high can only be used between October 1 and April 30. The regulations limit tires to 130 studs each for vehicles weighing less than 4,600 kg, or 175 studs each for vehicles weighing more than that. It’s important to note you can only use studded tires on the front wheels if you’re using them on rear wheels also (at least one studded tire per rear wheel). This means if you have a rear wheel drive vehicle you usually only use the studded tires on the rear wheels; however if you have a front wheel drive vehicle and use studded tires on the front wheels you must mount studded tires on the rear wheels also."
So, apparently, we can run our C63s with studded tires in BC, and can have up to a grand total of 130 studs on the combination of front and rear axles.
The author of the quote above clearly understands that some drivers of rear wheel drive cars will only put studs on the rear tires,but when dealing with lower mainland and Island BC black ice, studs on both axles is clearly a better idea.
Of course if the other vehicles behind, beside, or even in front of you do NOT have studded tires or chains, you can still be in plenty of trouble when THEY lose control.
Jim G
Kal Tire I expect is experienced enough to not recommend any illegal tires in BC.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 66
From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
The Nokian Hakka website still shows the 8. I think Nokian alsohas multiple websites covering different market regions. I guess The World is changing a little too fast for even our technology updates to keep up with!
I suppose the best way to find otu what is actually sold in any given region is to talk to a local dealer.
Jim G
I suppose the best way to find otu what is actually sold in any given region is to talk to a local dealer.
Jim G
