What is “Crabbing” and how does it affect the performance of my Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG?

Are you experiencing tyre skipping on your Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG? In this article, we’ll talk you through what “crabbing” is, and how this common characteristic affects your tyres and performance. 

If you own or have previously driven a Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG, you may have noticed a tyre skipping or skidding sensation, usually when manoeuvring on a full-lock position, such as reversing into a tight parking space. This is particularly noticeable at low speeds and during colder driving conditions and is a known characteristic called “crabbing”. 

What happens during crabbing?

Crabbing, also known as tyre skipping, is a juddering sensation that occurs when the tyre tread flexes in the opposite direction to your turning circle and is caused by the geometry of the vehicle’s suspension in combination with the steering set-up and the grip characteristics of your tyres. The feeling may be unnerving initially, but it is a common and harmless characteristic on several models. Specifically, performance models, including the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S and the A45 S, but it has also been reported on other models, including the GLE450d. 

These models experience crabbing due to a combination of factors, including:

•    Wide, low-profile tyres
•    Stiff suspension setups
•    High-performance all-wheel drive systems
•    Hard or less flexible tyre compounds (Summer Tyres) 

Naturally, AMG models are designed and engineered to provide optimum performance, with seven key feature differences between other Mercedes-Benz models (read more about AMG here). However, it’s these components that can lead to a juddering sensation at lower speeds and in colder temperatures. 

Should I worry about crabbing on my vehicle?

Whilst it can be an odd sensation to experience initially, tyre skipping is a common characteristic and affects several car brands, often on high-performance four-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive models. It is important to know that tyre skidding does not impact the performance of your vehicle and, if you deem it necessary, there are certain factors that can be changed to minimise the sensation. 

Here in the UK, your Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG is fitted with summer tyres as part of the standard vehicle equipment, and these tyres are designed for optimal performance during warm and dry conditions, due to a harder rubber compound and a shallow tread pattern. However, during colder temperatures (specifically 7 degrees Celsius, or less) the tyres become less pliable, which exaggerates the skipping sensation as they flex in the opposite direction to the track of the car. You may even find that specific makes of tyre brands perform differently, due to their tread design. 

We spoke to Andy Heal, our Tyre Specialist from Stapletons, who advised that Michelin Pilot Sport 4s are the best brand of tyre to help reduce the skipping feeling on your Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG. These tyres are often fitted as standard, especially on larger vehicles with 21-inch alloys, such as the GLC 63 S, but there are other types of tyres that can mitigate the skipping sensation. 

How can I minimise tyre skipping? 

If you find the crabbing sensation uncomfortable, there are a few ways it can be reduced by switching to winter tyres or all-season tyres during colder months, as our Tyre Specialist, Andy, recommends. 
Winter tyres excel in cold temperatures due to their deeper tread pattern and softer rubber compound and stay flexible in snowy and icy conditions. They may also have larger shoulder blocks on their tread pattern and can be easily identified thanks to their symbol, known as 3PMSF, for “3 peak mountain snowflake”. Drivers who switch to Winter tyres during the colder seasons reported a significant reduction in crabbing their Mercedes-AMG models. 

Naturally, replacing your tyres – or wheels, depending on the size - will come at an additional expense so, if you’d rather not foot the bill on a set a four brand new tyres or wheels, we recommend ensuring your tyres are correctly inflated, in a good condition and to avoid full lock turns where possible in very cold weather, as gentle steering input can help reduce the skipping.

Reassurance from Mercedes-Benz South West

Every vehicle that enters our Service workshops in Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth or Truro will receive a complimentary Visual Health Check or VHC, where our highly trained technicians assess the condition of your tyres and provide a tread measurement and feedback on the wear and tear. Your confidence and satisfaction with your vehicle is our top priority, so our expert team is always happy to provide guidance and reassurance on any aspect of your Mercedes-Benz ownership.

If you have any questions about tyre skipping on your Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG, or if you’d like to discuss tyre or wheel replacement, our specialist teams across the South West are available to assist you. 

Looking for more expert advice or updates from Mercedes-Benz South West?
Browse our blog, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or get in touch with our friendly team today on 01392 822700.