GLC43 Slides on wintery road
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
GLC43 Slides on wintery road
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time on this forum. I just recently got a GLC43! I live in Ontario and it's snowing intermittently and not all the roads are plowed.
A few questions, after driving for the past 2 days in the snowy condition, and experiencing sliding:
1. Mercedes is always rear wheel drive?
2. Is there a way to turn all wheel on (I thought 4matic meant all wheel drive)?
3. I have all season tires, would changing to winter tires help?
The reason for asking the above questions, is primarily because I noticed the snow is causing a lot more sliding with my GLC 43 than my other vehicles.
This is my first time on this forum. I just recently got a GLC43! I live in Ontario and it's snowing intermittently and not all the roads are plowed.
A few questions, after driving for the past 2 days in the snowy condition, and experiencing sliding:
1. Mercedes is always rear wheel drive?
2. Is there a way to turn all wheel on (I thought 4matic meant all wheel drive)?
3. I have all season tires, would changing to winter tires help?
The reason for asking the above questions, is primarily because I noticed the snow is causing a lot more sliding with my GLC 43 than my other vehicles.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 690
Likes: 84
From: GA
X3 M40i
First, do you have the 21' Run-flat continentals (Summer Performance tires) on your GLC43? If so, good luck in the Winter, you should change them out ASAP. If the answer is yes please refer to the "Crabbing/Shuddering" threads.
If you have the 19's or 20's do you have have All-Season tires, Summer performance or a winter setup?
If you have the 19's or 20's do you have have All-Season tires, Summer performance or a winter setup?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
First, do you have the 21' Run-flat continentals (Summer Performance tires) on your GLC43? If so, good luck in the Winter, you should change them out ASAP. If the answer is yes please refer to the "Crabbing/Shuddering" threads.
If you have the 19's or 20's do you have have All-Season tires, Summer performance or a winter setup?
If you have the 19's or 20's do you have have All-Season tires, Summer performance or a winter setup?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 38
From: CANADA eh!
Very very slow
Eventhough you did not mention what size of tires you have but I am guessing you have 20 inches Goodyear all season run flat tires.
The GLC43 is an all wheel drive with rear wheel bias (69 rear/31 front).
So you will might experience the rear kick out a bit in the snow when you're accelerating.
Dedicated Snow tires will be better in the snow.
The GLC43 is an all wheel drive with rear wheel bias (69 rear/31 front).
So you will might experience the rear kick out a bit in the snow when you're accelerating.
Dedicated Snow tires will be better in the snow.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
Eventhough you did not mention what size of tires you have but I am guessing you have 20 inches Goodyear all season run flat tires.
The GLC43 is an all wheel drive with rear wheel bias (69 rear/31 front).
So you will might experience the rear kick out a bit in the snow when you're accelerating.
Dedicated Snow tires will be better in the snow.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 136
From: Northeast, USA
GLC43, GTI, X3, Mazda3
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time on this forum. I just recently got a GLC43! I live in Ontario and it's snowing intermittently and not all the roads are plowed.
A few questions, after driving for the past 2 days in the snowy condition, and experiencing sliding:
1. Mercedes is always rear wheel drive?
2. Is there a way to turn all wheel on (I thought 4matic meant all wheel drive)?
3. I have all season tires, would changing to winter tires help?
The reason for asking the above questions, is primarily because I noticed the snow is causing a lot more sliding with my GLC 43 than my other vehicles.
This is my first time on this forum. I just recently got a GLC43! I live in Ontario and it's snowing intermittently and not all the roads are plowed.
A few questions, after driving for the past 2 days in the snowy condition, and experiencing sliding:
1. Mercedes is always rear wheel drive?
2. Is there a way to turn all wheel on (I thought 4matic meant all wheel drive)?
3. I have all season tires, would changing to winter tires help?
The reason for asking the above questions, is primarily because I noticed the snow is causing a lot more sliding with my GLC 43 than my other vehicles.
2. No. And no "rain", "snow", or "off-road" mode.
3. ABSOLUTELY. I think pretty much a requirement if you get any kind of winter weather consistently.
This article talks about it pretty well...
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/merce...43-first-test/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
1. No. Fixed torque split of 69 rear/31 front as others mentioned.
2. No. And no "rain", "snow", or "off-road" mode.
3. ABSOLUTELY. I think pretty much a requirement if you get any kind of winter weather consistently.
This article talks about it pretty well...
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/merce...43-first-test/
2. No. And no "rain", "snow", or "off-road" mode.
3. ABSOLUTELY. I think pretty much a requirement if you get any kind of winter weather consistently.
This article talks about it pretty well...
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/merce...43-first-test/
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
I took delivery of my 2018 GLC43 in late November and I made sure that they installed winter tires before delivery. I would not think twice about winter tires - just get them installed. Ontario should adopt Quebec’s approach making it a requirement between specific months. So far with the snow we have receive in the GTA this year winter tires have been great.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
I took delivery of my 2018 GLC43 in late November and I made sure that they installed winter tires before delivery. I would not think twice about winter tires - just get them installed. Ontario should adopt Quebec’s approach making it a requirement between specific months. So far with the snow we have receive in the GTA this year winter tires have been great.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 7
From: SE Wisconsin
GLC 43
Thank you and everyone for the details. I am an incredibly big newb to purchasing a new vehicle. I had the worst experience of my life today after slipping and sliding, so I once again (10th time maybe) asked my father(the man who insisted we get a brand new vehicle and was in charge of the purchase), whether he is sure those are all season tires. Please keep in mind, it's winter in Ontario right now and yes I could/should have checked myself, but I was 99% sure he(as well as the person he asked, in this case the sales rep) was sure of what they are talking about. I came home today (after all the slipping and sliding) and saw my tires in a state of being covered in snow and can't even see the tire(which an all season should not be, at least not this much). I immediately checked the tire treads, and tbh I'm not all too familiar but I believe the tires were summer sports tires. The rim is 21" btw. Well that's all folks. I'm getting new tires soon and will be driving my old car for now. What a day! I was genuinely afraid for other people's lives today.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
If you have 21 inch rims your tires are more than likely summer tires and not all season. That is why you had no traction in snow and understandably felt very apprehensive about driving. My previous 2016 E63 wagon had summer performance tires and there is absolutely no way it could be driven in snow with those tires installed (I put on winter tires and the car was great in winter). Winter tires are really the only way to go on a vehicle that comes with summer tires. I am surprised that the dealer said they were all season tires (particularly on an AMG). Mercedes has a 19 inch winter tire package which I had installed but you can certainly go to other tire stores
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
GLC 43 (2018)
If you have 21 inch rims your tires are more than likely summer tires and not all season. That is why you had no traction in snow and understandably felt very apprehensive about driving. My previous 2016 E63 wagon had summer performance tires and there is absolutely no way it could be driven in snow with those tires installed (I put on winter tires and the car was great in winter). Winter tires are really the only way to go on a vehicle that comes with summer tires. I am surprised that the dealer said they were all season tires (particularly on an AMG). Mercedes has a 19 inch winter tire package which I had installed but you can certainly go to other tire stores
quoted $4200 (without installation) by Mercedes and $3200 by a local vendor-with installation(Premier Tire). I'm looking one more place before deciding. Also anyone have a suggestion on which setup to get, 20" or 19"?
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 203
Likes: 28
From: Thornhill, ON
2018 GLC 43 & 2014 SLK 350, gone 2016 E63 Wagon
The recommendation from Mercedes is 19 inches. That is what I purchased for $3500 including sensors and installation. I too placed my order in September but took delivery at the end of November. When I finalized the purchase with the finance folks a few days before delivery, I requested to add the winter tires since I knew that is what I required for the vehicle. When I purchased winter tires for my E63 wagon I went to Superior tire.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 20
From: central Illinois, USA
John Deeres, but wife has GLC43
For my GLC43, I bought a wheel/tire package from Tire Rack a year ago. Wheels are Rial "M10" 19x8.5. Tires are Pirelli Scorpion Winter NO 235/55R19 (made for Porsche Macan). A set of 4 with TPMS sensors will be about $2000 from Tire Rack. If you want a bargain, go for the 2014 production Pirellis and save $99/tire (same tires I assume, just been in the warehouse longer). My tires are 2014 production and I am very satisfied with them.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
2017 GLC43, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
Eventhough you did not mention what size of tires you have but I am guessing you have 20 inches Goodyear all season run flat tires.
The GLC43 is an all wheel drive with rear wheel bias (69 rear/31 front).
So you will might experience the rear kick out a bit in the snow when you're accelerating.
Dedicated Snow tires will be better in the snow.
On several occasions:
The rear kicks out and is not really possible to straighten out with the throttle like other AWD cars that move power to the front wheels
The traction control cuts the engine the second the rears start to slip, even though the front tires should have traction
Seems like we have a lot less sophisticated AWD system than all the competitors, which is a bit unfortunate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 264
From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
Having driven around on all season 20” Goodyears in the snow, I’ve concluded the GLC43 is ill-suited for snow driving. I get that snow tires help, as I’ve been driving rear drive performance cars for a couple decades, but I was somewhat expecting a daily driver that can handle more than a dusting of snow with stock tires.
On several occasions:
The rear kicks out and is not really possible to straighten out with the throttle like other AWD cars that move power to the front wheels
The traction control cuts the engine the second the rears start to slip, even though the front tires should have traction
Seems like we have a lot less sophisticated AWD system than all the competitors, which is a bit unfortunate.
On several occasions:
The rear kicks out and is not really possible to straighten out with the throttle like other AWD cars that move power to the front wheels
The traction control cuts the engine the second the rears start to slip, even though the front tires should have traction
Seems like we have a lot less sophisticated AWD system than all the competitors, which is a bit unfortunate.
My experience was quite different. The last snowstorm we had here I was picking up and shuttling our employees to work using my GLC 43 which was riding on 20'' Goodyear OEM tires. Grip was fine on un-plowed streets and ice over snow. Driving technique is a little different but easy to get used to. Reducing the throttle slightly allowed me to easily correct the orientation when I was playing around. It is harder to do donuts since the traction control on the 43s is never fully "off".
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
Having driven around on all season 20” Goodyears in the snow, I’ve concluded the GLC43 is ill-suited for snow driving. I get that snow tires help, as I’ve been driving rear drive performance cars for a couple decades, but I was somewhat expecting a daily driver that can handle more than a dusting of snow with stock tires.
On several occasions:
The rear kicks out and is not really possible to straighten out with the throttle like other AWD cars that move power to the front wheels
The traction control cuts the engine the second the rears start to slip, even though the front tires should have traction
Seems like we have a lot less sophisticated AWD system than all the competitors, which is a bit unfortunate.
On several occasions:
The rear kicks out and is not really possible to straighten out with the throttle like other AWD cars that move power to the front wheels
The traction control cuts the engine the second the rears start to slip, even though the front tires should have traction
Seems like we have a lot less sophisticated AWD system than all the competitors, which is a bit unfortunate.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
2017 GLC43, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
The point is Porsche Macan S, Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 M40 have all seen fit to provide torque vectoring -- MB seems behind the curve. Why would I buy a GLC300?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
I come from a RWD E63, and driving dynamics are fun / awesome. No AWD drives like that. I decided to have fun (save some $) and switched to a C43, and I love the 70/30 split - why? I can still send the back end out in corners (stability off) which is so much fun. The split makes it easier to stay in control, over a RWD. The system has been hailed as a great way to maintain the fun factor in many articles. So for me I don’t like the other systems that keep you straight no matter what.
I am getting the 2020 GLC43 as my kids are getting larger and need more space. I was tempted to get the 63 which has more drive options. But I have not had the opportunity to push a GLC43 as hard as I do not own one. I am hopeful it still feels RWD - though I doubt I will turn traction right off and try to slide this one!
So you can see there is a preference for some. I don’t consider it low tech. I am a dying breed (not many drift their Benz) so I can also see your point.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
BMW F30
I lived in Ontario for 10 years. Two words: winter tires.
The only time I have ever had a mishap in many years of driving is when I was driving my 2012 Audi Q5 with all season tires when it was -25C / -13F.
Quattro is great but unfortunately did not help me stop at a T-junction, and I slid off the road (not too bad). Got winter tires immediately, the feeling of control it gives you is great.
The only time I have ever had a mishap in many years of driving is when I was driving my 2012 Audi Q5 with all season tires when it was -25C / -13F.
Quattro is great but unfortunately did not help me stop at a T-junction, and I slid off the road (not too bad). Got winter tires immediately, the feeling of control it gives you is great.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
2017 GLC43, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
I agree winter tires would help, but part of the idea of a DD is not swapping tires. I also get that AWD can't help with braking or high lateral forces.
But torque vectoring would definitely reduce the tendency for the rear to lose traction around corners and for the car to grind to a halt (with TC on) when the rear tires start slipping on straights.
I'd love to drive the GLC43 and a Porsche Macan back to back on an ice track. Guarantee you the GLC43 would be much easier to spin.
Torque vectoring or a winter driving mode that changes how the power is applied would be a huge improvement for this car.
I will add that my tires are starting to wear which contributes to making this problem more obvious.
But torque vectoring would definitely reduce the tendency for the rear to lose traction around corners and for the car to grind to a halt (with TC on) when the rear tires start slipping on straights.
I'd love to drive the GLC43 and a Porsche Macan back to back on an ice track. Guarantee you the GLC43 would be much easier to spin.
Torque vectoring or a winter driving mode that changes how the power is applied would be a huge improvement for this car.
I will add that my tires are starting to wear which contributes to making this problem more obvious.
