Tires: Snow Tires for RWD Mercedes Benz, dry traction, snow tires

Question
I have a 2003 RWD C230 Sports Coupe which is bad in the snow even in the "W"inter mode. Would adding same size or wider snow tires "All-around" make a difference? In additon will adding weight over the wheels help?

Len

Answer
Len,

The theory with snow tires is that you want narrower tires, which will better penetrate through the snow to the pavement.  The pavement is always going to have better traction than the snow.

The other theory is that weight also helps penetrate through the snow.  But this only works if you have an inherent deficiency, like a poor weight distribution.  RWD vehicles typically have more weight on the front tires than on the rear, so the rear traction, used to generate forward motion, is usually the problem, and additional weight will help.  HOWEVER, this additional weight hurts the braking action as the front tires do most of the work and the weight simply adds mass to slow down and, if not placed correctly, will unload the front tires a bit.

Snow tires all around adds traction in the snow, however dry traction is sacrificed.  So you need to be aware of that and provide additional room in case of emergency situations.

Hope this helps.