Winterizing for Chicago
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Joined: Aug 2016
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From: South MS
2017 E300 Sport, 2017 GLC300 Sport/Night
Winterizing for Chicago
My daughter will be taking my GLC300 to Chicago in January and February. We live in Mississippi and see very few below-freezing days in any given year, so I want to make sure that both she and the GLC will be safe for her stay. She will be parking on the street.
Aside from engine coolant and windshield washer fluid, what else do I need to optimize for her trip? The GLC is fitted with All-Weather tires (three peak and snowflake emblem), which my Chicago-resident son assures me is more than adequate for getting around within the city with their plowing.
I have two bottles of Winterfit washer fluid to give protection down to -20 F.
The coolant is either orange or pink. Is there a specific tester that works well for either of those? I have heard that many of the floating-ball testers are calibrated for green coolant only.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Aside from engine coolant and windshield washer fluid, what else do I need to optimize for her trip? The GLC is fitted with All-Weather tires (three peak and snowflake emblem), which my Chicago-resident son assures me is more than adequate for getting around within the city with their plowing.
I have two bottles of Winterfit washer fluid to give protection down to -20 F.
The coolant is either orange or pink. Is there a specific tester that works well for either of those? I have heard that many of the floating-ball testers are calibrated for green coolant only.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51
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From: Calgary AB Canada
2013 E350 4matic coupe, 2013 C300 4 matic
Nothing much else to do. Those tires are a great choice, we have them on three cars. If the coolant is a factory fill it should be fine but not a bad idea to test it. The dealer would do that easy. As for washer fluid I prefer -35 0r -40 in winter especially when driving at speed, although I believe the GLC does heat the reservoir via a line from the coolant system. If it’s sitting outside check what oil is in it, you want an MB spec that is 0-30 or 0-40 for cold starts, That’s likely what’s in it anyway.
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From: DFW
SL63
I would for sure get a car cover.
Depending on the neighborhood, theft, or more likely vandalism is a big concern.
When parked overnight, a covered car will present more work, and more investment of time to achieve a return.
Most thieves are opportunistic, and will pass by a covered car.
Also, much better protection from the elements.
Depending on the neighborhood, theft, or more likely vandalism is a big concern.
When parked overnight, a covered car will present more work, and more investment of time to achieve a return.
Most thieves are opportunistic, and will pass by a covered car.
Also, much better protection from the elements.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I would for sure get a car cover.
Depending on the neighborhood, theft, or more likely vandalism is a big concern.
When parked overnight, a covered car will present more work, and more investment of time to achieve a return.
Most thieves are opportunistic, and will pass by a covered car.
Also, much better protection from the elements.
Depending on the neighborhood, theft, or more likely vandalism is a big concern.
When parked overnight, a covered car will present more work, and more investment of time to achieve a return.
Most thieves are opportunistic, and will pass by a covered car.
Also, much better protection from the elements.
I'd just make sure my Mercedes Me subscription is up to date, to help police find the Chop Shop it's taken to.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
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From: Richmond, Virginia USA
'12 E550, '10 ML350, '06 E350, '20 GLC300, '21 GLC300
How old is the battery? If at least 3 years old, I'd get it checked out. Load test it. If there's a spare tire like I have, put an electric air compressor in the the spare area and teach how to reinflate especially in colder climate. Does it make sense to get oil change done early instead of burdening someone else in an area unfamiliar shops. Replace the wipers. Think about taking both sets of key fobs in case something happens like a battery going dead. Put gps trackers of each fob key ring. Locate a MB dealer that most convenient so you know where to take it if necessary.
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From: DFW
SL63
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 143
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From: South MS
2017 E300 Sport, 2017 GLC300 Sport/Night
Thank you all for your thoughtful suggestions!
Crime in this neighborhood is low. Most people have at least one car on the street, none have been covered on any of our visits, including one in early December.
Good idea on the 0W oil! I had ordered some Motul 5W-40 oil from FCP Euro to change the oil before taking the GLC up, because it was one of the very few oils I could find that was MB229.52 certified. If anyone knows of an MB229.52-certified oil in 0W-40, I'll order it; otherwise, I'll get some Mobil 1 or other MB229.5 0W-40 locally.
The GLC has had Weathertech Floor Liners installed since delivery, so that's covered.
Does anyone make winter wipers for the GLC? Until recently, it's been difficult to find any replacement wipers outside of the dealership. I haven't seen any touted as winter wipers.
The battery is 3.5 years old. I'll get it checked.
Both fobs will be going to Chicago.
Mercedes Me is unfortunately not an option, given that the GLC is a 2017. It uses Mbrace, which is discontinued at the end of the year. I'll need to look into alternative tracking methods. [On a related tangent, a friend was carjacked in an ML350 a couple of years ago, and the first thing the thieves did was to disable the factory vehicle tracking. He was able to track the vehicle to where it was left through Apple Find My tracking of his laptop that was inside.]
Crime in this neighborhood is low. Most people have at least one car on the street, none have been covered on any of our visits, including one in early December.
Good idea on the 0W oil! I had ordered some Motul 5W-40 oil from FCP Euro to change the oil before taking the GLC up, because it was one of the very few oils I could find that was MB229.52 certified. If anyone knows of an MB229.52-certified oil in 0W-40, I'll order it; otherwise, I'll get some Mobil 1 or other MB229.5 0W-40 locally.
The GLC has had Weathertech Floor Liners installed since delivery, so that's covered.
Does anyone make winter wipers for the GLC? Until recently, it's been difficult to find any replacement wipers outside of the dealership. I haven't seen any touted as winter wipers.
The battery is 3.5 years old. I'll get it checked.
Both fobs will be going to Chicago.
Mercedes Me is unfortunately not an option, given that the GLC is a 2017. It uses Mbrace, which is discontinued at the end of the year. I'll need to look into alternative tracking methods. [On a related tangent, a friend was carjacked in an ML350 a couple of years ago, and the first thing the thieves did was to disable the factory vehicle tracking. He was able to track the vehicle to where it was left through Apple Find My tracking of his laptop that was inside.]
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 51
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From: Calgary AB Canada
2013 E350 4matic coupe, 2013 C300 4 matic
We live in Calgary Alberta so very familiar with the cold, it gets to -35 celsius on occasion. I didn’t realize it was a 2017 so it uses 229.5 oil. The 5-40 will be just fine. I put that in my daughter’s Q5 and it starts fine in the coldest weather(not in a garage and no block heater). 0-40 is very hard to find. I don’t think there is such a thing as winter wipers, certainly we never use them. Do put new batteries in the fobs, and hide an Air Tag with fresh battery somewhere in the vehicle. I now realize your washer fluid is in degrees F so it will be fine. I’m used to Centigrade!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,638
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Lived in Chicago for 4 years at the end of the last century. Never did anything special for the winter. Had an old Honda with AS tires. Chicago is flat like a pancake with all straight roads. We got stuck during and after a Blizzard until they cleared the residential roads, but that was about it. Roommate had an old Bronco, and during one Blizzard we got it going to get some food. We had to hang off the rear, so he could get enough traction to engage 4WD. That took a while, but he eventually got it in and we had some fun on the empty roads. Found one restaurant that was still open. That was during grad school and nobody thought about stocking the fridge ahead of the Blizzard...haha.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
My daughter will be taking my GLC300 to Chicago in January and February. We live in Mississippi and see very few below-freezing days in any given year, so I want to make sure that both she and the GLC will be safe for her stay. She will be parking on the street.
Aside from engine coolant and windshield washer fluid, what else do I need to optimize for her trip? The GLC is fitted with All-Weather tires (three peak and snowflake emblem), which my Chicago-resident son assures me is more than adequate for getting around within the city with their plowing.
......
Aside from engine coolant and windshield washer fluid, what else do I need to optimize for her trip? The GLC is fitted with All-Weather tires (three peak and snowflake emblem), which my Chicago-resident son assures me is more than adequate for getting around within the city with their plowing.
......
I'd get a jump starter, which doubles as cell phone/laptop charger and flashlight. I bought this one, and although it's discontinued there are several around $60. Peace of mind, more for you than her. https://a.co/d/iKfg4sE
Snow brush, ice scraper.
Make an additional gift, fun but often appreciated, of these hand warmers. https://a.co/d/hVmsoRq
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 298
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From: America's Mitten
on GLC300 #2, a 2022 CPO purchased b/c I really dislike the X254's UI (GL350 before those)
You're thoughtful about this, but don't overthink.
Wipers-just make sure they're fresh enough but don't seek out "winter" spec. Our cars use beam type blades, they're not like the old style open metal ones that freeze up faster. Remember, Germany gets winter, too.
Buy the Bosch wiper blades if you need new ones, last longer and cost less than MB. Watch Youtube video on DIY unclip and replace, very easy once you know the method. https://a.co/d/4WMvmGB
Window scraper/snow brush.
Your anti-freeze isn't dead yet, even 5w-40 is fine in MB spec, you're not in sub-20 ambient temps (Chicago windchill is another matter for your skin, I'd worry more about body protection!).
Wipers-just make sure they're fresh enough but don't seek out "winter" spec. Our cars use beam type blades, they're not like the old style open metal ones that freeze up faster. Remember, Germany gets winter, too.
Buy the Bosch wiper blades if you need new ones, last longer and cost less than MB. Watch Youtube video on DIY unclip and replace, very easy once you know the method. https://a.co/d/4WMvmGB
Window scraper/snow brush.
Your anti-freeze isn't dead yet, even 5w-40 is fine in MB spec, you're not in sub-20 ambient temps (Chicago windchill is another matter for your skin, I'd worry more about body protection!).
Last edited by mustbebenz; Nov 27, 2025 at 12:11 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 298
Likes: 32
From: America's Mitten
on GLC300 #2, a 2022 CPO purchased b/c I really dislike the X254's UI (GL350 before those)
I'd get a jump starter, which doubles as cell phone/laptop charger and flashlight. I bought this one, and although it's discontinued there are several around $60. Peace of mind, more for you than her. https://a.co/d/iKfg4sE
In any case, what's the likelihood of needing a jump if the car's driven with some regularity? It's got battery drain protection, so it shouldn't go dead aside from a failed battery-something that usually requires more than merely 3 years' aging. $10 set of jumper cables more useful, plus a small plug-in tire air compressor is nice to have.
YMMV, of course.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 383
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From: SFV
2025 C300
In the same vein, I'd also suggest using PIN protection for system-wide settings. There is an option for it in the MBUX settings. This will make it harder for anyone to disable location sharing or changes to the MM account. Still not fool proof as thieves can disable the cellular data connection all together, although it's much more uncommon.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
These jump boxes are only any good so long as the end user religiously maintains their state of charge, an effort most don't make.
In any case, what's the likelihood of needing a jump if the car's driven with some regularity? It's got battery drain protection, so it shouldn't go dead aside from a failed battery-something that usually requires more than merely 3 years' aging. $10 set of jumper cables more useful, plus a small plug-in tire air compressor is nice to have.
YMMV, of course.
In any case, what's the likelihood of needing a jump if the car's driven with some regularity? It's got battery drain protection, so it shouldn't go dead aside from a failed battery-something that usually requires more than merely 3 years' aging. $10 set of jumper cables more useful, plus a small plug-in tire air compressor is nice to have.
YMMV, of course.
They only need to be topped off twice a year, if that. A ten dollar set of jumper cables is no match for the capacitor that spins the engine - you should have 4ga or larger, and should reach a full car length. that would cost $30 to $50, and take up a whole bunch of storage. Maybe the whole spare tire well.
A capacitor box alleviates the "reach" problem and also prevents polarity and sparking issues.
Perhaps the more useful feature is charging a dead phone or flashlight capability.
Dad shouldn't load her up with a bunch of gear that she doesn't understand, IMO.
He would be better to teach you how to use the SOS button.
