A summer tire guide... to treating your Mercedes-Benz right

Your Mercedes-Benz deserves the best. After all, you chose a Mercedes-Benz because you want the best. So when it comes to maintenance, you don't skimp and you give your vehicle the best treatment possible.

In the case of summer tires, this requires precision and knowledge. Here are some steps to follow.

Time to change your summer tires?

With the arrival of spring, it's time to replace your winter tires with those designed for summer. The best thing to do is to visit your Mercedes-Benz dealer so that they can do it for you and also store your winter tires. The first thing to check is the condition of your summer tires. Are they due for a change? Do they have 5/32" or less tread wear? Are they cracked or dented? In fact, the slightest sign of wear is a safety hazard.

If your tires need to be replaced, your Mercedes-Benz expert will know what kind of tire is right for your vehicle. You don't fit an SL with the same type of tire as a GLE or an E-Class.

All-season tires?

You may have been advised to buy all-season tires for your Mercedes-Benz. While this type of tire has some advantages, it's not ideal for your model. Here's why.

First of all, an all-season tire is there to offer a compromise. It's more durable and offers a bit more comfort because of its tread that's designed to provide proper traction in the summer, but also in the winter, which requires more flexibility. However, with a vehicle that is designed to offer excellent road performance, like your Mercedes-Benz, you ruin it with all-season tires. In the summer, they don't offer the same quality of grip, so you won't be able to enjoy the sporty character of your model. You'll find the steering slow to react (due to the slower response of the tires), the braking poor and the handling limp. And in the winter, you won't recognize your vehicle because it will lack bite.

When you have a model with a state-of-the-art chassis, you need treads that can handle it. A good summer tire when the weather is warm and sunny; a good winter tire when it's cold and the roads are covered with snow and ice.  

Your Mercedes-Benz vehicle is designed to perform year-round. That's why it's important to equip it with tires that are well suited to the seasons.