Hello, thank you for your time here.
I am traveling to other states soon from CA to NV and there are some places that require the snow tire chains. As I have zero idea about this, that would be great if you can help me out.
what kind of snow tire chain should I prepare for
2018 GLE 43 Coupe…? I checked the current tires and it says
Pirelli Tire
Front 285/40 zr22 110y
Back 325/35 r22 110y
any specific chain do I need to get or can be any…? Also all 4 tires need the chains…?
Don't you have 4Matic?
With M+ S tires you don't need chains.
Still if you plan on driving on back roads, get real chains for 2 wheels.
Thank you for your information! I don’t think my GLE comes with 4 Magic as I don’t see the “4Matic” logo at the back.
What do you refer “M+ S tires”…? I’m so sorry but I really don’t have enough knowledge on car I know I should..but I just like driving so I’ve never got myself into the detail….
Thank you for your information! I don’t think my GLE comes with 4 Magic as I don’t see the “4Matic” logo at the back.
What do you refer “M+ S tires”…? I’m so sorry but I really don’t have enough knowledge on car I know I should..but I just like driving so I’ve never got myself into the detail….
According to what I'm seeing all the GLE 43's have all wheel drive (4matic) so you should be OK there.
M+S indicates the tires will perform well in mud and snow. There will be "M+S" embossed somewhere on the sidewall if your tires are of the appropriate design and rating.
I looked up your tires and they are summer performance tires. The blurb says that they are suitable for rain. You might be able to get by in light snow but I'd suggest either getting a dedicated set of snow tires or the chains.
Your owner's manual is a good place to get guidance insofar as chains. There's a "Tires" section (there's also a lot of other good information about tires in that section and I recommend that you read it all). It will provide you with information about whether it's even recommended to use chains on your vehicle and whether to put them on front or rear.
With the low profile tires you have now I don't think you'll find a traditional set of tire chains that will work without damaging your rims. If I were in your shoes I'd get another set of rims in a smaller diameter (19" max) and put some true snow tires on them sized so that your speedometer still functions properly. Your owner's manual has a section in the back that addresses wheel and tire combinations for your GLE. It will provide rim dimensions and attendant tires sizes to use.
If you go with chains, you'll need to buy a set that fits the tires they will be put on (front or rear). You can do an internet search for "tire chains for 325/35 r22 110y" (if they go on the rear tires) to find options. You could also call around or visit your local auto parts stores to see if they have something that fits.
If you get chains, I strongly recommend that you put them on in your garage or driveway a couple of times so that you can do it more easily when you are sitting on your behind in a couple inches of snow with cold fingers.
Don't think it happens everywhere, but Caltrans in CA did read the tires for M+S so 4Matic or not, you might be in troubles having summer tires.
There is much more choices than chains.
Cables are much easier to put on and don't require big clearances. Some owners say snow socks are excelent.
I much appreciate all the valuable information! I learned a lot.
I went to a local auto parts and they recommend me to get the cable chains for the front tires even though the owner manual says the chains should go on the rear tires.
do you think that it’s ok to install the cable chains on the front….? I looked this up online and yes most of the sites say to install on the front tires but the manual says rear (it’s because they refer the chain…?)
I much appreciate all the valuable information! I learned a lot. I went to a local auto parts and they recommend me to get the cable chains for the front tires even though the owner manual says the chains should go on the rear tires. do you think that it’s ok to install the cable chains on the front….? I looked this up online and yes most of the sites say to install on the front tires but the manual says rear (it’s because they refer the chain…?)
I would definitely follow the owner's manual over an auto parts store counter person. I'm not a guru but one of the techs whom I trust at my dealer told me that the rear tires have priority in the drive system. That would justify putting the chains on the rear instead of on the front.
Just a thought to consider - have you thought about renting a vehcile for your trip instead of driving yours? It may be less than getting dedicated tires/chains and even better, the rental vehicle would collect all the rock chips, sand damage and road salt that would otherwise be on your expensive, pretty GLE 43. If you tell the rental agent you'll be in the mountain passes with snow they will most likely hook you up with something appropriate for the conditions.
John Ha, that was a very kind and thorough response!
People come here for answers. I thought it the least I could do to share my experience and knowledge instead of making snide remarks that add no value.
Also, check out the tire that is better than an all season but is not the normal snow tire and can be used all year around. , cant remember what its called, but it has a three peak mountain snow flake on the side. It can be used all year around but having them meets the requirement of snow chains. Several tire manufacturers have them Nokian WR G3 is one.
Also, check out the tire that is better than an all season but is not the normal snow tire and can be used all year around. , cant remember what its called, but it has a three peak mountain snow flake on the side. It can be used all year around but having them meets the requirement of snow chains. Several tire manufacturers have them Nokian WR G3 is one.
All Weather tires - they will have this symbol on the sidewall somewhere.
I much appreciate all the valuable information! I learned a lot.
I went to a local auto parts and they recommend me to get the cable chains for the front tires even though the owner manual says the chains should go on the rear tires.
do you think that it’s ok to install the cable chains on the front….? I looked this up online and yes most of the sites say to install on the front tires but the manual says rear (it’s because they refer the chain…?)
It is the same dispute as in case of dispute if in case of replacing 2 tires only, should they go on front or rear.
I think German engineers know better than kids at US part store. In last decades each time I go to chain automotive place and ask for "M8x30mm" bolt they keep asking me "what is your VIN ?" . "it is for my wheelbarrow"
True is that either way 2 chains will help, but front gives you more issues with clearances, where chains can rub something.
So 2 reason for rear installation, when the only advantage for front installation is better handling on corners.
Still for deep powder you might need 4 chains.
1 of the options is getting 2 chains and 2 cables. Cables are good for freeways with only small amount of sloshy snow as they allow for higher speeds and don't wear as fast as chains.
For deep powder put chains in the rear and cables on front.
Thank you for all the suggestion and your time with me here!!
I went to several stores since then but unfortunately none of the stores had either snow cable or chain for the rear tire if my gle…they all said that they don’t carry for this tire size so they can’t even order it…
I thought about buying the winter tires but I would prefer to save money since there won’t be heavy snow. There will be light snow but I’m not sure if CHP would require us to put the chain so just in case I thought I would get chains or cables for peace of mind.
do you know any sites that sell them online..? I looked up lot of sites but failed to find the one…
Hi again,
i see what I did… I looked up your car as an SUV gle43- those are the tire size I found. Since this is the SUV forum area…
anyways… try this one.
The next winter is coming and I just bought mountain cabin in UT, so plan to take my GLE there next week.
It is snowing heavily there as I type and the area had some snow a week ago. Daily temperatures are still above freezing, but solid freeze at night.
So anybody actually used GLE in heavy snow? I gave it a try on washed out mountain roads before winter and even my GLE doesn't have low range, it drove without any problem.
Snow is different story and having old cables from my pickup, I am thinking about rewelding them for GLE, just in case I hope.
Anybody is selling snowmobile on West Coast?
Another idea.
Tracks. They are pretty costly with $12k base price, but looks like a fun and minimal equipment hassle.
What scares me a bit is installation as I would have to do it on snowed parking loop, where those heavy things need good precision to bolt on.
Any chance a forum member used them?
Kajtek1,
i assume you are kidding about the tracks….
if not… are you in the Antarctic?
A good set of snow tires will pull you through anything (if you have 4-matic!)
my GLE 4 matic with good ONLY all season tires has gotten me through the last 6 winters in Chicago without a hiccup.
Be well!
GLE was great on snow up to 10" deep, but after overnight fall of 22" no chains were able to help as it high-centered.
I first put chains on rear wheels and they had not much effect. I did not check the data, but looks like the transfer case puts more torque on front.
So again, for up to 10" no chains required, even I have only Continental M + S tires. For 2 ft snow you need snowmobile, or tracks.
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