misra

I drive to the mountains in Maine and Vermont almost every weekend in the winter, and found that the stock tires are average in snow.

Any thoughts on snow tires? Also, do you recommend separate wheels for winter or just change the tires?

skw

I'm a firm believer in snow tires. Last year I bought a new set of Blizzak's for my MDX, 255/55/18. Barely used them last winter so they're going onto the ML this year as soon as I get a set of 18" wheels. In years past, I used to have seperate summer vs winter wheel/tire setups so the change over was just a little bit of my time in the driveway w/ a floor jack. On the MDX, I never got around to buying another set of wheels so I had to go to a shop to dismount, mount, and balance. $80 and change each time plus the wait, plus adjusting how torqued down the wheels bolts were, plus adjusting the tire pressure... was more of a headache to me, not doing that again. I'd rather have a dedicated set of winter wheels w/ tires and then a second set for the summer.

dougiebear

Really bad for the tires to mount dis/remount. Separate wheels always. High risk of bead damage

Morro

Living in Quebec, we have our fair share of crap in the winter. Also, its the law to have 4 snow tires on by December 15th. With that in mind, I have only my original rims and keep changing the tires on them every season. I've done this for 20 years with all my cars and have never had any problems...if you go to the right tire place, not Canadian Tire or the guy at the end of your street.

I have Blizzaks on my SUV and Dunlop 3D's on my car. I find they are both outstanding winter tires. Although, I used to have the Pirelli Scorpions which were also amazing tires.

Go to TireRack and read the reviews of all the tires, that should help.

dougiebear

Wow you've been lucky unless they don't hold air well. Funny the good tire guys here won't do it or u have to sign saying not there responsible

Morro

They hold air just fine. Also, I have them put Nitrogen instead of regular air so that helps too. Letting your tires sit around all year on your rims doesn't do them any better though either.

dougiebear

Great to hear, I have been thinking about the nitrogen filling. Some like others think not worth it.

PS Please tell us thats ur wife's photo LOL

frtdog

First of all thanks to Greg for the info as I got my wheels for snow tires. They are OEM 19" (2012/2013 ML350). If you are looking for wheels at a good price get ahold of:

Dennis Foster
Assistant Parts Manager
Park Place Motorcars Grapevine
1300 Texan Trail
Grapevine, TX 76051
817.310.7431
817.310.7496 FAX
DFoster@parkplace.com
www.parkplace.com

Apparently they can get all kinds of wheels new and used as people trade in their wheels for the newer fancy ones. The four I got are in excellent condition.

For tires I am thinking about Blizzak DM-V1 245/55/19. We don't get much snow in the valley but the mountains get plenty and the Blizzaks I had on my 2006 ML were great.

ljm301

Thanks for sharing. I have a 13 ML63 and have to come up with some sort of winter solution.