exintern

Is this even recommended? And if so I assume they would go on the rear wheels? I'm from California so forgive the ignorance

Teckno

It's in the manual, maybe more in online one.
Yes there are times they must be fitted, even with 4Matic.
From memory they are fitted to front wheels, given % difference between drive allocated by computer between front and rear.
This is for Australia, only in snow season, within National Parks, when directed. It mandatory to carry chains in Parks in snow season and fit when directed.
Otherwise no need . Agree fitting them last resort and ideally you have winter tyres. We tend to only run summer tyres here, unless you are a committed 4x4 afficianado, then you would not be using a GLC !

Mr. J

Your're from Cali so you won't need chains unless you plan on driving in some serious mountain backcountry. If you have all season tires on the car you will be fine. My FIL goes up and down Mt Baldy all the time w/ his TT running decent all season tires.

Where are you intending to travel that you believe chains would be necessary?

dejongj

In Europe, depending on the season and the weather, snow chains will be mandatory. But only ever wear them when you really need them

exintern

The chains are for Tahoe trips. That's about the extent of it. Others I know with XDrive & Quattro never put them on. But I think the CHP requires you to have them at least. If anything the chains slow down the typically terrible CA drivers.

Mr. J

You would only need them if you were caught in a winter storm. It's probably best if you get them and stow them away in the cargo hold if you run up to Tahoe frequently. Good insurance just in case.

Regarding fitment:
Chains need to be fitted to the drive wheels. Since the GLC is an AWD system that's based off of RWD as the primary drive train that distributes power to the front end as needed, I believe the chains should be fitted either to the rear wheels or to all 4 wheels. Double check the manual to be sure before you buy them.

fabbrisd1

In California - there are those specific mountain/ski areas where California Highway Patrol will post (including online) if chains are "recommended by 4x4 OK" or if chains are required for all vehicles incl 4x4's. Mammoth Mountain is one area like that - again CHP posts todays requirements based on weather on the web.

In chains required - best if you mount all 4 wheels.

Mr. J

No!
I justed checked the manual. It clearly states on pp377 to never mount snow chains on the front wheels. It states to mount a pair of chains to the rear wheels only.

fabbrisd1

My apologies - I stand corrected...

pkattack

I would recommend a set of good winter tires to use instead of chains unless it's absolutely necessary.

I know that Caltrans has a rarely-used "chains required without exception" requirement (see http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist3/departme...ireschains.htm ), but the website itself admits that highways are usually used before that rule is invoked. When I lived in wintery areas, I always kept two sets of wheels, and they did wonders.

MB-Owner

I own a 2016 GLA250 4Matic and 235/50R 18 wheels. My manual, on page 273, has a safety warning that states to never install chains on the rear wheels; only mount snow chains in pairs on the front wheels.

UPDATE: Sorry, I see now that I am in the wrong forum. I thought I was in a GLA250 forum. I can't find a way to delete my post so will just leave this update. (I've set up message boards before and I always allow posters to delete their own posts. Unfortunately, some message board owners don't allow it because they want high post counts to appear on their forums and never allow any to be deleted...tsk tsk)