Technostorm

I know this has been argued and discussed in the past but with no definate answers. I lived in Southern California and lately, we've had some nice cold storms and all of our local mountains have powdery snow.

I'm planning to take my kids up perhaps to Mammoth Mountain (was there last month too)..

The only problem is Cal Trans have issued alerts about having chains. My GLK is 4 matic with 20" Pirellis Scorpians and they seemed to do excellent in wet, slippery conditions recently. However, I'm just worried that after a few hours of drive, we might come to a full stop and CHP mandating chains or turn back. So in order to be safe is to at least have a pair of chains in the SUV...

So Question is:

1. What type of chains is pratical (not expensive since we don't ski that often).

2. Do we mount the chains in the rear wheel or front wheels? (its been debated to no end!)

3. If we do mount chains, do we need to turn off our ESP as per owner's manual?

Also, those SoCal seasonal skier commuting with their GLK, please provide some advice.. I'm also considering taking the Cayenne S4 instead..

TIA

W210

I got 2 sets (for all 4 wheels), Thule XG-12 Pro, size 247 for my 20 in. Getting them for the same reason, just in case there are road blocks.

The XG-12 Pro are cheaper than the K-Summit XL, about half the price.

Technostorm

Thanks but I read somewhere that you weren't suppose to mount chains on all 4 wheel?

Technostorm

so anyone who had mounted the chains, does it go on the front or rear tires? say for 1 set only = pair.

ngborabo

Manual says you are supposed to mount them on the rear wheels only. ESP off too. And from one of the post here in the forum, this guy has been using his all season wheels 20" in horrific snow weathers without chains. Works for him well and can even climb icy hills. I am driving my GLK tomorrow to Lake Tahoe for the SuperBowl!!!

dwlovell

So I go to the Thule page for snow chains, guess which vehicle is used to demo all their chains:

http://www.thule.com/en-GB/US/Products/SnowChains.aspx

NYCGLK

those are some hightech chains...600 bux...damn

kyoshiro

right up our alley LOL

KenNinBC

I haven't bought chains yet, but since I plan to take the GLK to roads in the mountains where provincial law requires that I carry chains in the vehicle (even if the vehicle is equipped w/winter tires and AWD) I'll have to buy eventually.

When I do, I'll get these:

http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20...Trac_SZLT.html

The Z pattern of the chain means smoother and quieter than normal chains that run straight across the tire. Friends that have these chains say they're easy to install and remove.

Bout 75 bucks a pair at Amazon.com. As a minimum, I'd say get them on the rears, but I'll probably get two sets and cover both F&R.

Kn.

W210

What winters do you have on your GLK? I'm got chains for emergency but am still using the Pirellis.

I guess from the photo on Thule's side, we can more of less confirm that it is ok to cover both front and back?

KenNinBC

I've put the Blizzak DM-V1 235-55/18 from Tire Rack and they've been working really well. Haven't had the chance test in deep snow but they just chew through 6-8" of snow cover flawlessly. Even when I tried to make the car slip (in a safe area) by turning the wheels hard over and bashing the gas pedal I only got minimal slip.

I can't see why mounting chains on all 4 would be a problem, and since all 4 wheels can be driven it just makes sense to me. I admit though, I need to study the owner's manual to see if there are any warnings regarding chains.

Kn.

kyoshiro

Ken ya kno if the pirelli all season with snowflake mountain symbol is good enough for cypress by law?

GLKKa2H

From the (MBUSA) GLK Operator's Manual: ! If snow chains are mounted to the front wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle components. The tires or the vehicle could be damaged as a result.

In an European manual is a note with regard to Technical Data, stating that snow chains are not allowed to be used on tire width 255/-.

harmonda

I was in very deep snow with my blizzaks on my GLK just this weekend. Sorry...posted this before I noticed this thread was already going. I can't imagine needing chains. However, I did notice that the most recent catalog from Auto Anything has a silver GLK on the cover with those snap-on snow "spider" thingies on and a ski rack.

https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...roads-u-p.html

coolboarder

I understand the the concern about the California R-2 requirement, but of all the years I've been driving to Tahoe (I average 6 to 25 days per season), I've never carried chains. As a matter of fact, they've always just waved my ML through without even asking me anything. I think they will close the highway before posting a R-3.

lemon8

I'm still considering buying the GLK... Isn't the 4matic like 4wd? When I go up to tahoe in my Jeep Rubicon the CHP at the road block usually just asks if I have 4WD and lets me through if I say yes...

kyoshiro

extra safety, 4WD/AWD wont save you if you dont have proper tires.
our tires are snow rated but chains allows to go on ice a lot stabler which anything without studs/chains may possibly slip. Just like how winter tires will allow you to get thru deep snow up until the point you need tracks.

coolboarder

I've driven with studded tires, with 4WD, in the mountains in logging town in deep snow and on interstate that looked more like an icy ski run than a highway. NOTHING will save you if you don't know how to drive in the snow or lack of common sense.

kyoshiro

yep experience is important!

MBRedux

If there is one thing that scares me the most is seeing chains on a car or SUV where the freeway is not even fully covered in snow. Chains are best left to roads that are fully covered in snow. Use snow tires on partially covered or low covered roads. I use Thule systems on our GLK and Audi SUV's.



Link:https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...235-45r20.html



Also if your GLK is a 4-Matic, they must be on all fours to get the max. benefit. These systems are great because they can be installed and
removed very easily and quickly... just right when road conditions suddenly change!