atmcpm

I'll be traveling to the NC Outer Banks in a few weeks and would like to try my GLK on the beach. However, before I do, I wanted to get the thoughts of the group and see if anyone else had any experience with their GLK in the sand. I routinely took my former car (a 4WD Honda Pilot) on the beach with partially deflated tires and never any problems.

What you think?

Thanks in advance,

Andy

NYCGLK

https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...ading-glk.html
he didn't have any

slk55er

I used to run my BMW 1988 325iX (AWD) on the frozen lake in Georgetown, Colorado (18 inch thick ice!) One time one of my friends with a Subaru deflated his tires enough that when he slid sideways into a rut in the ice, the tire came off the rim. So...everything in moderation.

G*L*K

Partially deflate your tyres and you should'nt have any problems. Driving on 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear max applying ever so little pressure on the accelerator pedal.

I have 20" wheels and if I'm taking my car into the desert, I drop the pressure down to 19psi from 34psi. So for beach driving, I'd advice dropping down to atleast 25psi which should be sufficient. But do take care when your driving your vehicle back onto the asphalt because you can damage your tyre if driven on a hard surface due to low tyre pressure.

I always carry two compact air compressors (with the 12V adapter) with me and a pressure gauge. Before I get back onto the tarmac, I make sure that the tyres are refilled to 34psi. I'd recommend you purchase these as well, it will come handy.

MB_Owner

In addition to the air compressor which is already part of the GLK's standard equipment and hidden away in the under-cargo storage compartment? Or is it possible you don't have the Mercedes-provided compressor in your country? (I'm assuming you're not from the USA based upon the British spelling of "tires.")

G*L*K

Your right, I'm not from the U.S.

The air compressor does come as standard in the European Models as well but I've never used it as it seems to be underpowered but I'm only judging it by its size. It might be appropriate for the space saver wheel but im sure it would take a lot of time to fill in air. I use a black & decker air station unit which tops up the 'tires' from 19psi to 34psi within 4 minutes. Heres a link to the product : http://www.blackanddecker.com/Produc...roductID=15542

Does a decent job.

atmcpm

Thanks for the replies! I've got a good air compressor I used with my Pilot doing just what was described above. I used to lower the pressure (normal profile tires) to 18 psi, I'll probably lower the GLK tires to 20. I didn't realize the car came with a compressor, but I'll keep my old one - at least for now.

Andy

NYCGLK

not much benefit from deflating 20's.

The whole idea of deflating tires is to have sidewalls to add to the contact patch, which in turns decreases amount of pressure put onto the sandy surface by the wheels. 20's have very little sidewall to flex so the benefit of deflating them is probably negligible.

Picture for reference:

MB_Owner

@"20's have very little sidewall to flex"

I had that same thought, NYCGLK. Good post!

G*L*K

True, theres very little sidewall to flex but the reduction in pressure even on 20s does make a big difference. When on sand, you immediately notice that you tend to bounce less, the ride becomes smoother and you simply sail through sand. Trust me, its not negligible. I can vouch on this out of experience.

I have 235 45 R20 in front and if i remember well right now, 255 40 R20 at the rear.

Good post NYCGLK. When on sand, the idea is to get the maximum tread foot print of your tyres.

atmcpm

FWIW drove the GLK on the beach without a hiccup. I did deflate the tires to 20 psi but I'm not sure I needed to.

Andy

MBRedux

Just remember that salt water and aluminum don't like each other, and most of your suspension along with many underbody components are all made of aluminum.... so after you have fun in the sand and water, do your GLK a favor and wash down the entire under carriage with a fresh water hose.

We own a place down there.... it's getting a little over crowded during the peak season but still nice in the off season when we usually go.

Have fun!!!