Snowstorm Coming - Driving Advice
#1
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Snowstorm Coming - Driving Advice
So, as most of you probably know, the northeast is going to get hit with a significant snow storm this weekend. This is the first time I personally will be driving my 550 over snow.
Should I raise my ride height via that button that raises the car 1"? Is what what you guys typically do?
My car has the AMG sports appearance package, so it is a bit "low".
Should I raise my ride height via that button that raises the car 1"? Is what what you guys typically do?
My car has the AMG sports appearance package, so it is a bit "low".
#2
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If you get 40" of snow, I would make some popcorn and watch sports.
I have the same model as you and I never raise it up for snow here even if we get a foot.
oh yeah, good luck with this blizzard. It looks to be a doozy.
I have the same model as you and I never raise it up for snow here even if we get a foot.
oh yeah, good luck with this blizzard. It looks to be a doozy.
Last edited by KEY08; 01-22-2016 at 10:25 AM.
#3
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2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
It should be interesting to say the least. I've only used the raise all the way up feature to get by flooded areas primarily and it is very useful.
For the most part if the snow is not plowed and it's in the foot range there is a good chance of getting stuck even with the car raised. I will however use it to to traverse patchy areas when I expect to be going 25 mph area and the snow is 4-6 inches thick.
For the most part if the snow is not plowed and it's in the foot range there is a good chance of getting stuck even with the car raised. I will however use it to to traverse patchy areas when I expect to be going 25 mph area and the snow is 4-6 inches thick.
#5
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I'm heading to a local ski resort after work today. As much as I'd like to take my new AMG 4-matic wagon with new snow tires I suspect I'll take my RAM 1500 4x4 just for ground clearance. I just have to get that trailer off there first.
#6
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Definitely a weekend to stay home and watch some Football. I guess 1" will not make too much of a difference anyway. Maybe I will give it a shot for kicks.
NY is lucking out a bit. Up to a foot of snow expected, but nothing like DC, etc. Hopefully the plowers around these parts have plowed us out by the Monday morning commute!
NY is lucking out a bit. Up to a foot of snow expected, but nothing like DC, etc. Hopefully the plowers around these parts have plowed us out by the Monday morning commute!
#7
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Snow isn't so bad, ice is what gets tricky. But with a low car, I'd rent an AWD SUV or stay home...and if you get a foot, you'll have to wait for the roads to be plowed regardless. Good luck!
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#8
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2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
If I have to go out I'll just take the Murano but I do want to head out just for a few minutes when a couple of inches have fallen. Looking to see how the RWD does in the snow.
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16 E550 Cab, 2003 Ram bright red crewcab 4x4 we call Clifford :)
The extra 1" isn't gonna help much, if ya really plan to drive in snow you need 4 good snow tires like Blizzak or Hakkapeliitta.
Remember just cause you have 4wd and can accelerate well you can't stop any better than people with 2wd
This coming from an ex New Englander who drove Audi Quattro's for years....
Had an extra set of rims with snows and swapped over when they announced the 1st snow of the season...
Remember just cause you have 4wd and can accelerate well you can't stop any better than people with 2wd
This coming from an ex New Englander who drove Audi Quattro's for years....
Had an extra set of rims with snows and swapped over when they announced the 1st snow of the season...
#11
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I've raised mine a few times with heavy snow, but cant say it makes much of a diff. These cars are great in the snow provided you have at least all season tires....have fun and I'm real happy this storm is missing us this time. Go Pats!!
#12
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If you lowered the vehicle from stock but did not correct any chamber issues, than I would say raising it will increase the contact area of the tires as much as possible. If suspension is all stock, I doubt raising it will have little effect. As stated above, these cars are much easier to get moving than to stop in adverse conditions. Empty parking lot is a great place to test this concept... and actual streets tend to be even more slick due to exhaust/black ice. Good luck!
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Only real advice is to go slow on the turns and easy on the throttle. And no sudden moves. Last year we got over 100 inches of snow and I wasn't that happy with 4matic, rear end still slid out on turns at regular speeds, my other front wheel drive car was better. I mainly blame the tires, when they're too wide, they just tend to slide around, 245 is just too wide, didn't have that much trouble with snow when tires were in the 175-215 range.
#14
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Well we are getting up to 2 feet now. Somehow I think I won't be driving for the next couple of days ha ha. I'll let you guys know my snow driving experience on Monday!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
The same county snowplow that tried to turn around in the ditch in front of my house (getting stuck for two hours in the process) last night took out a BMW next to my mailbox this morning.
Still coming down strong. Winds are expected to increase tonight so we'll have another batch of snow to clear tomorrow.
Nobody in their right mind is on the roads today unless you are a first responder or plow operator.
#16
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Originally Posted by CEB
Correct. The yardstick in my front yard showed 19 inches this morning.
The same county snowplow that tried to turn around in the ditch in front of my house (getting stuck for two hours in the process) last night took out a BMW next to my mailbox this morning.
Still coming down strong. Winds are expected to increase tonight so we'll have another batch of snow to clear tomorrow.
Nobody in their right mind is on the roads today unless you are a first responder or plow operator.
The same county snowplow that tried to turn around in the ditch in front of my house (getting stuck for two hours in the process) last night took out a BMW next to my mailbox this morning.
Still coming down strong. Winds are expected to increase tonight so we'll have another batch of snow to clear tomorrow.
Nobody in their right mind is on the roads today unless you are a first responder or plow operator.
#17
Junior Member
If you are asking the question then I'm guessing that you don't know how to drive in the snow. If that is the case then stay home. A major snow storm is not the time to try your luck. If you have to go out, drive slow. Slower. Keep your distance between yourself and the car in front. More distance. Even more. If you have to be on the freeway then lock yourself behind a semi, he'll plow the road for you. Stay in the tracks already plowed by the above mentioned semi or other vehicles and do not change lanes unless absolutely necessary. Better yet, stay home.
#18
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I Know what you mean I wish I had a Land Cruiser or something right now....would be nice to have a truck as a third vehicle.
#19
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Originally Posted by Benzgeist
If you are asking the question then I'm guessing that you don't know how to drive in the snow. If that is the case then stay home. A major snow storm is not the time to try your luck. If you have to go out, drive slow. Slower. Keep your distance between yourself and the car in front. More distance. Even more. If you have to be on the freeway then lock yourself behind a semi, he'll plow the road for you. Stay in the tracks already plowed by the above mentioned semi or other vehicles and do not change lanes unless absolutely necessary. Better yet, stay home.
Time to go shovel!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I've got a 130 ft driveway and a landscaper stopped by to offer to shovel it for $200.
#21
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Ouch. My brother-in-law lives in Silver Spring and got 30". He cleared the driveway, but as of last night no plow has come down his street, so he is SOL.
#22
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We got around 25 inches in NY - fell short of the all-time snow record by an inch.
Yesterday was cleanup day! Today, back to work. The snow plows around here have done a good job on the main highways. The back roads are another story.
The 4-MATIC is pretty nice! I did "slide" a bit during turns over some back road snow, but that's to be expected with any vehicle. But, hey, I feel more safe in this car than any other non-AWD car I've owned. I did try the 1" raise for kicks to see if it works and it does. No airmatic issues for me yet and not hoping for any in the future!
Yesterday was cleanup day! Today, back to work. The snow plows around here have done a good job on the main highways. The back roads are another story.
The 4-MATIC is pretty nice! I did "slide" a bit during turns over some back road snow, but that's to be expected with any vehicle. But, hey, I feel more safe in this car than any other non-AWD car I've owned. I did try the 1" raise for kicks to see if it works and it does. No airmatic issues for me yet and not hoping for any in the future!
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2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
My town is still closed today (schools etc.) due to many un-plowed roads still left today. I had to take off yesterday since I was pretty much stuck. I did take the car out last night and there was 2-3 inches left on the road even after plowing on the streets that got done. My RWD held up fairly well, with a few traction control light ups and some slight getting stuck moments but it pulled through each time.
I usually ride in sports mode suspension but I left it in comfort last night and today on my way to work. Overall, I'm quite impressed with how the car has held up. One thing I did notice Sunday was after I shoveled the car out and turn it on it had the (Wait for car to raise) message come up that I've never seen previously. I assume, all the weight of the snow on top of the car confused the system some how. We got about 27 inches where I'm at.
I usually ride in sports mode suspension but I left it in comfort last night and today on my way to work. Overall, I'm quite impressed with how the car has held up. One thing I did notice Sunday was after I shoveled the car out and turn it on it had the (Wait for car to raise) message come up that I've never seen previously. I assume, all the weight of the snow on top of the car confused the system some how. We got about 27 inches where I'm at.
Last edited by jahquan3; 01-26-2016 at 11:23 AM.