2008 Mercedes-benz CL Class Owners Manual

lamp cleaning system For more information on refilling the wash- er reservoir, see “Windshield washer sys- tem and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 560).

Coolant For more information on coolant, see “Coolant level” (컄 page 559) and see “Fu- els, coolants, lubricants, etc.” (컄 page 733).

Brake fluid

! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately. Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the problem. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 611) and (컄 page 643). For information on brake fluid, see “Brake fluid” (컄 page 736).

왔 Engine compartment Hood

Warning!

Do not pull the release lever while the vehi- cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could be forced open by passing air flow.

This could cause the hood to come loose and injure you and/or others.

Opening

Warning!

1 Release lever 왘 Pull release lever 1. The hood is unlocked.

You could be injured when the hood is open – even when the engine is turned off.

Parts of the engine can become very hot. To prevent burns, only touch owner serviceable components described in the Operator’s Manual and comply with all relevant safety precautions.

2 Lever for opening the hood

Operation Engine compartment

! To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are folded forward away from the windshield. 왘 Push lever 2 on the hood upwards. 왘 Pull up on the hood and then release it.

The hood will be automatically held open at shoulder height by gas-filled struts.

Warning!

To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running.

The radiator fan may continue to run for ap- proximately 30 seconds or even restart af- ter the engine has been turned off. Stay clear of fan blades.

컄컄

553

Operation Engine compartment

컄컄

Warning!

Closing

If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine compartment, or if the coolant tem- perature gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open the hood until the engine has cooled down. If neces- sary, call the fire department.

Warning!

The engine is equipped with a transistorized ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is dangerous to touch any components (ig- nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the ignition system 앫 with the engine running 앫 while starting the engine 앫 if ignition is “on” and the engine is

cranked manually

Warning!

When closing the hood, use extreme caution not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that you do not close the hood on anyone.

Make sure that the hood is securely en- gaged before driving off. Do not continue driving if the hood can no longer engage af- ter an accident, for example. The hood could otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in motion and endanger you and/or others.

왘 Let the hood drop from a height of ap-

proximately 1 ft (30 cm). The hood will lock audibly.

왘 Check to make sure the hood is fully

closed. If you can raise the hood at a point above the headlamps, then it is not properly closed. Open it again and let it drop with somewhat greater force.

554

Engine oil

The amount of oil your engine needs will depend on a number of factors, including driving style. Higher oil consumption can occur when 앫 the vehicle is new 앫 the vehicle is driven frequently at

higher engine speeds

Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the vehicle break-in period.

! Do not use any special lubricant additives, as these may damage the drive assemblies. Us- ing special additives not approved by Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. More information on this subject is available at any Mercedes-Benz Center.

Notes about checking engine oil level When checking the oil level 앫 the vehicle must be parked on level

ground

앫 with the engine at operating tempera-

ture, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 5 minutes with the engine turned off

앫 with the engine not at operating tem- perature yet, the vehicle must have been stationary for at least 30 minutes with the engine turned off

Checking engine oil level with the control system (CL 600 and CL 65 AMG) To check the engine oil level via the multi- function display, do the following:

i The menu overview can be found on (컄 page 284). 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 365). 왘 Press ( or & to select the menu

“Service”.

왘 Press $ or % to select “Engine

Oil Level”.

왘 Press #. The following message is seen in the multi- function display: “Measuring Engine Oil Level Accurate Only When Vehicle Is Level”

Operation Engine compartment

One of the following messages will subsequently appear in the multifunction display: 앫 “Engine Oil Level

OK”

앫 “Add 1.0 qts. Engine Oil

At Next Refueling” (Canada: “1.0 l”)

앫 “Add 1.5 qts. Engine Oil

At Next Refueling” (Canada: “1.5 l”)

앫 “Add 2.0 qts. Engine Oil

At Next Refueling” (Canada: “2.0 l”)

i If you want to interrupt the checking proce- dure, press button L on the multifunction steering wheel. 왘 If necessary, add engine oil

(컄 page 557).

For more information on engine oil, see the “Technical data” section (컄 page 733) and (컄 page 736).

555

If you see the message “Engine Oil Level Not Measurable With Running Engine” 왘 Turn off the engine. 왘 If the engine is at operating tempera- ture, wait 5 minutes before checking oil.

왘 If the engine is not at operating temper-

ature yet, you must wait 30 minutes before checking oil.

If there is excess engine oil with the engine at operating temperature, the following message will appear: “Reduce Engine Oil Level” 왘 Have excess oil siphoned or drained

off. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could cause damage to the engine and catalyt- ic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

For more information on messages in the multifunction display concerning engine oil, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 670).

Operation Engine compartment

Other display messages If the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO* start/ stop button is not in position 2, the follow- ing message will appear: “For Engine Oil Level Ignition Must be On” 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 365). If you see the message “Need More Time to Check Engine Oil Level” 왘 If engine is at operating temperature, wait 5 minutes before repeating check procedure.

왘 If engine is not at operating tempera-

ture yet, wait 30 minutes before repeating check procedure.

556

Checking engine oil level with the oil dipstick (CL 550 and CL 63 AMG) To check the engine oil level with the oil dipstick, do the following: 왘 Open the hood (컄 page 553).

Example illustration from CL 550
1 Oil dipstick 2 Upper mark 3 Lower mark 왘 Pull out oil dipstick 1. 왘 Wipe oil dipstick 1 clean. 왘 Fully insert oil dipstick 1 into the dip-

stick guide tube.

왘 Pull out oil dipstick 1 again after ap- proximately 3 seconds to obtain accu- rate reading.

The oil level is correct when it is between lower mark 3 (min.) and upper mark 2 (max.) mark of the oil dipstick.

i CL 550 only: The filling quantity between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).

i AMG vehicles only: The filling quantity between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately 1.6 US qt. (1.5 l). 왘 If necessary, add engine oil. For adding engine oil (컄 page 557). For more information on engine oil, see the “Technical data” section (컄 page 733) and (컄 page 736). For more information on messages in the multifunction display concerning engine oil, see the “Practical hints” section (컄 page 622).

Operation Engine compartment

Adding engine oil

! Only use approved engine oils and oil filters required for vehicles with Maintenance System. For a listing of approved engine oils and oil fil- ters, refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) in your vehicle literature portfolio, or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Using engine oils and oil filters of specification other than those expressly required for the Main- tenance System, or changing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer than those called for by the Maintenance System will result in engine or emission control system damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

557

왘 Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck. 왘 Add engine oil as required. Be careful

not to overfill with oil.

Be careful not to spill any oil when adding. Avoid environmental damage caused by oil entering the ground or water.

! Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off. It will cause damage to the engine and emission control system not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. 왘 Screw filler cap 1 back on filler neck. For more information on engine, see the “Technical data” section (컄 page 733) and (컄 page 736).

Transmission fluid level

The transmission fluid level does not need to be checked. If you notice transmission fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the automatic transmission.

Active Body Control (ABC) fluid level

Regular fluid level check is not required. If you notice fluid leaks or malfunction mes- sages in the multifunction display, have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the ABC-system.

Operation Engine compartment

Example illustration from CL 550

CL 63 AMG 1 Filler cap

558

Operation Engine compartment

왘 Using a rag, turn cap 1 slowly approx- imately one half turn counterclockwise to release any excess pressure.

왘 Continue turning the cap counterclock-

wise and remove it.

The coolant level is correct if the level 앫 for cold coolant: reaches the white

marking (plastic bridge) inside the cool- ant expansion tank

앫 for warm coolant: is approximately

0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher

왘 Add coolant as required. 왘 Replace and tighten cap 1. For more information on coolant, see the “Technical data” section (컄 page 738).

Coolant level

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze. When checking the coolant level, 앫 the vehicle must be parked on level

ground

앫 the coolant temperature must be

below 158°F (70°C)

앫 Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx- imately 1/2 turn to relieve excess pres- sure. If opened immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will be blown out un- der pressure.

앫 Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine

parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly- col which may burn if it comes into con- tact with hot engine parts.

Warning!

The coolant expansion tank is located on the passenger side of the engine compart- ment.

In order to avoid potentially serious burns: 앫 Use extreme caution when opening the hood if there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking from the cooling system, or if the coolant temperature gauge indi- cates that the coolant is overheated.

앫 Do not remove pressure cap on coolant

reservoir if coolant temperature is above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to cool down before removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is under pressure.

Example illustration from CL 550
1 Cap 2 Coolant expansion tank

559

Operation Engine compartment

Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system

The washer fluid reservoir is located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment when looking in the direction of travel. It supplies the windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system with wash- er fluid.

1 Cap Fluid for the windshield washer system and the headlamp cleaning system is supplied from the windshield washer reservoir. It has a capacity of approximately 6.87 US qt (6.5 l).

560

During all seasons, add MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “MB SummerFit” to water. Premix the windshield washer fluid in a suitable container.

Warning!

Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma- ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may ignite and burn. You could be seriously burned.

왘 To open washer fluid reservoir: Pull

tab of cap 1 upward.

왘 Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield

Washer Concentrate and water (or commercially available premixed wind- shield washer solvent/antifreeze, de- pending on ambient temperatures).

! Always use washer solvent/antifreeze where temperatures may fall below freezing point. Failure to do so could result in damage to the washer system/reservoir. Only use washer fluid which is suitable for plastic lenses. Improper washer fluid can damage the plastic lenses of the headlamps. Do not use distilled or de-ionized water in the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the washer fluid level sensor could be damaged. 왘 To close washer fluid reservoir:

Press cap 1 onto filler hole until it en- gages.

For more information, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system” (컄 page 741).

왔 Tires and wheels Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for information on tested and recommended rims and tires for summer and winter operation. They can also offer advice concerning tire service and purchase.

Warning!

Replace rims or tires with the same designa- tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa- tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are mounted: 앫 The wheel brakes or suspension

components can be damaged.

앫 The operating clearance of the wheels and the tires may no longer be correct.

Warning!

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, re- place them.

When replacing rims, only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.

Retreaded tires are not tested or recom- mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be recognized on re- treads. The operating safety of the vehicle cannot be assured when such tires are used.

Operation Tires and wheels

Important guidelines

앫 Only use sets of tires and rims of the

same type and make.

앫 Tires must be of the correct size for the

rim.

앫 Break in new tires for approximately

60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.

앫 Regularly check the tires and rims for

damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure loss and damage to the tire beads.

앫 If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire

inflation pressure and correct as required.

앫 Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in (3 mm).

앫 When replacing individual tires, you should mount new tires on the front wheels first (on vehicles with same-sized wheels all around).

561

Tire inspection Every time you check the tire inflation pressure, you should also inspect your tires for the following: 앫 excessive treadwear (컄 page 563) 앫 cord or fabric showing through the

tire’s rubber

Life of tire The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to: 앫 Driving style 앫 Tire inflation pressure 앫 Distance driven

앫 bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in

the tread or side of the tire

Warning!

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after 6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.

Replace the tire if you find any of the above conditions. Make sure you also inspect the spare tire periodically for condition and inflation. Spare tires will age and degrade over time even if never used, and thus should be in- spected and replaced when necessary.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire care and maintenance

Warning!

Regularly check the tires for damage. Dam- aged tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them.

Regularly check the tire inflation pressure at least once a month. For more informa- tion on checking tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended tire inflation pres- sure” (컄 page 569).

562

Tread depth Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in (3 mm). Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visible at a tread depth of approx- imately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be re- placed. Recommended minimum tire tread depth: 앫 Summer tires 1/8 in (3 mm) 앫 Winter tires 1/6 in (4 mm)

Warning!

Although the applicable federal motor safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we recom- mend that you do not allow your tires

to wear down to that level. As tread depth approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.

Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

Operation Tires and wheels

Storing tires

! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Pro- tect tires from contact with oil, grease and gaso- line.

Cleaning tires

! Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The intense jet of water can result in dam- age to the tire. Always replace a damaged tire.

1 TWI (TreadWear Indicator) The treadwear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

563

Operation Tires and wheels

Direction of rotation

Loading the vehicle

Unidirectional tires offer added advan- tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor- mance. To benefit, however, you must make sure the tires rotate in the direction specified. An arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended direction of rotation (spinning) of the tire.

i Spare wheels may be mounted against the direction of rotation (spinning) even with a unidi- rectional tire for temporary use only until the reg- ular drive wheel has been repaired or replaced. Always observe and follow applicable temporary use restrictions and speed limitations indicated on the spare wheel.

Two labels on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry. 1) The Tire and Loading Information

placard can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar. This Tire and Loading Information placard tells you important information about the number of peo- ple that can be in the vehicle and the total weight that can be carried in the vehicle. It also contains information on the proper size and recommended tire inflation pressures for the original equipment tires on your vehicle.

2) The certification label, also found on

the driver’s door B-pillar tells you about the gross weight capacity of your vehi- cle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. The certification label also tells you about the front and rear axle weight capacity, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR

564

is the total allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). Never exceed the GVWR or GAWR for either the front axle or rear axle.

1 Driver’s door B-pillar Following is a discussion on how to work with the information contained on the Tire and Loading Information placard with regards to loading your vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information

Tire and Loading Information placard

i Data shown on Tire and Loading Information placard example are for illustration purposes only. Load limit data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustration below. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

1 Load limit information on the Tire and

Loading Information placard

The Tire and Loading Information placard showing the load limit information is located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564).

Operation Tires and wheels

왘 Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.” on the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard. The combined weight of all occupants, cargo/luggage and trailer tongue load (if applicable) should never exceed the weight referenced in that statement.

Seating capacity The seating capacity gives you important information on the number of occupants that can be in the vehicle. Observe front and rear seating capacity. The Tire and Loading Information placard showing the seating capacity is located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564).

i Data shown on Tire and Loading Information placard example are for illustration purposes only. Seating data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustration below. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

565

Operation Tires and wheels

1 Seating capacity information on the Tire and Loading Information placard

Steps for determining correct load limit The following steps have been developed as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”. Step 1
왘 Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Infor- mation placard.

566

Step 2
왘 Determine the combined weight of the

Step 6 (if applicable) 왘 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,

load from your trailer will be trans- ferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle (컄 page 568).

The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with varying seating configura- tions and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a load limit of 1500 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard (컄 page 565).

driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

Step 3
왘 Subtract the combined weight of the

driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX lbs.

Step 4
왘 The resulting figure equals the avail-

able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 – 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

Step 5
왘 Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in step 4.

Example Combined weight limit of occupants and cargo from Tire and Loading Information placard 1500 lbs

1500 lbs

1500 lbs

Number of occupants (driver and passengers)

Seating configura- tion

Occupants weight

Combined weight of all occupants

750 lbs

front: 2

rear: 2

front: 1
rear: 2

front: 1

Occupant 1: 190 lbs Occupant 2: 200 lbs Occupant 3: 190 lbs Occupant 4: 170 lbs Occupant 1: 200 lbs Occupant 2: 190 lbs Occupant 3: 150 lbs Occupant 1: 150 lbs

The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is available. For more information, see “Trailer tongue load” (컄 page 568).

Operation Tires and wheels

Available cargo/luggage and trailer tongue weight (total load limit from Tire and Loading Information placard minus combined weight of all occupants) 1500 lbs – 750 lbs = 750 lbs

540 lbs

1500 lbs – 540 lbs = 960 lbs

150 lbs

1500 lbs – 150 lbs = 1350 lbs

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Operation Tires and wheels

Certification label Even after careful determination of the combined weight of all occupants, cargo and the trailer tongue load (if applicable) (컄 page 568) as to not exceed the permis- sible load limit, you must make sure that your vehicle never exceeds the Gross Vehi- cle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. You can obtain the GVWR and GAWR from the certification label. The certification label can be found on the driver’s door B-pillar, see “Technical data” (컄 page 722).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The total weight of the vehicle, all occupants, all cargo, and the trailer tongue load (컄 page 568) must never exceed the GVWR. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The to- tal allowable weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear). To assure that your vehicle does not ex- ceed the maximum permissible weight limits (GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle), have the loaded vehicle (including driver, passengers and all cargo and, if applicable, trailer fully loaded) weighed on a suitable commercial scale.

Trailer tongue load The tongue load of any trailer is an impor- tant weight to measure because it affects the load you can carry in your vehicle. If a trailer is towed, the tongue load must be added to the weight of all occupants riding and any cargo you are carrying in the vehicle. The tongue load typically is 10% of the trailer weight and everything loaded in it. Your Mercedes-Benz has been designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo. Mercedes-Benz does not recom- mend trailer towing with your vehicle.

568

Recommended tire inflation pressure

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564). The tire inflation pressure should be checked regularly and should only be ad- justed on cold tires. The tires can be con- sidered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Follow recommended cold tire inflation pressures listed on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar.

Operation Tires and wheels

Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best handling, tread life and riding comfort. In addition to the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar, also consult the tire inflation pressure label (if available) on the fuel filler flap (컄 page 550) for any additional infor- mation pertaining to special driving situa- tions. For more information, see “Important notes on tire inflation pressure” (컄 page 570).

569

Operation Tires and wheels

i Data shown on Tire and Loading Information placard example are for illustration purposes only. Tire data are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in the illustration be- low. Refer to Tire and Loading Information placard on vehicle for actual data specific to your vehicle.

1 Tire and Loading Information placard with recommended cold tire inflation pressures

The Tire and Loading Information placard lists the recommended cold tire inflation pressures for maximum loaded vehicle weight. The tire inflation pressures listed apply to the tires installed as original equipment.

570

Important notes on tire inflation pressure

Warning!

If the tire inflation pressure drops repeatedly: 앫 Check the tires for punctures from

foreign objects.

앫 Check to see whether air is leaking from

the valves or from around the rim.

Tire temperature and tire inflation pressure are also increased while driving, depending on the driving speed and the tire load. If you will be driving your vehicle at high speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal and conditions allow, consult the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap (if available) on how to adjust the cold tire inflation pressure. If you do not adjust the tire infla- tion pressure, excessive heat can build up and result in sudden tire failure.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap, contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for proper tire inflation pressure.

i Driving comfort may be reduced when the tire inflation pressure is adjusted to the value for speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h) as specified on the tire inflation pressure label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Be sure to readjust the tire inflation pressure for normal driving speeds. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire inflation pressure. Some vehicles may have supplemental tire inflation pressure information for vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded vehi- cle condition (컄 page 577). If such infor- mation is provided, it can be found on the tire inflation pressure label (if available) located on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 550).

Tire inflation pressure changes by approxi- mately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind when checking tire inflation pressure where the temperature is different from the outside temperature.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Regularly check your tire inflation pressure at least once a month. Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold. The tires can be considered cold if the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If you check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are warm (the vehicle has been driven for several miles or sitting less than 3 hours), the reading will be approximately 4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold tire in- flation pressure. Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.

Warning!

Follow recommend tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adverse- ly affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road de- bris, potholes etc.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driv- er’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in han- dling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Operation Tires and wheels

Checking tire inflation pressure manually Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire inflation pressure: 왘 Remove the cap from the valve on one

tire.

왘 Firmly press a tire gauge onto the

valve.

왘 Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge and check against the recom- mended tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564) or, if available, the tire in- flation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If necessary, add air to achieve the recommended tire infla- tion pressure.

컄컄

571

Operation Tires and wheels

컄컄

i If you have overfilled the tire, release tire in- flation pressure by pushing the metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation pressure with the tire gauge. 왘 Install the valve cap. 왘 Repeat this procedure for each tire.

Checking tire pressure electronically with the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced TPMS)

i The Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Advanced TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunc- tion telltale in the instrument cluster (컄 page 618). Depending on how the telltale illu- minates, it indicates a low tire inflation pressure condition or a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS system itself: 앫 If the telltale illuminates continuously, one or more of your tires is significantly underin- flated. There is no malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.

앫 USA only:

If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and then stays illuminated, the Advanced TPMS system itself is not operating properly.

572

i USA only: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

i Canada only: This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Any unauthorized modification to this device could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The Advanced TPMS only functions on wheels that are equipped with the proper electronic sensors. It monitors the tire in- flation pressure, as selected by the driver, in all four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a decrease in pressure in one or more of the tires. Tire inflation pressure inquiries are made using the multifunction display. The present inflation pressures are displayed only after a few minutes of travel time.

i Possible differences between the readings of a tire inflation pressure gauge of an air hose, e.g. gas station equipment, and the vehicle’s control system can occur. Usually the readings issued by the control system are more precise.

i The menu overview can be found on (컄 page 284).

왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 365). 왘 Press ( or & to select the menu

“Service”.

왘 Press $ or % to select “Tire

Pressure”.

왘 Press #.

i When the message “Tire Pressures Dis- played After Driving a Few Minutes” appears in the display, the individual inflation pressure val- ues are matched with the tires. The individual values are displayed after a few minutes driving.

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the Advanced TPMS on the recommended cold inflation pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehi- cle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

i With a spare wheel without wheel sensor mounted, the system may still indicate the tire inflation pressure of the removed wheel for some minutes. If this happens, keep in mind that the indicated value where the spare wheel is mount- ed does not reflect the actual spare tire inflation pressure.

Operation Tires and wheels

Warning!

The Advanced TPMS does not indicate a warning for wrongly selected inflation pres- sures. Always adjust tire inflation pressure according to the Tire and Loading Informa- tion placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the supplemental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

The Advanced TPMS is not able to issue a warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a for- eign object). In this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering maneuvers.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Warning!

causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

the system may not be able to detect or sig- nal low tire pressure as intended.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recom- mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label on the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with an advanced tire pres- sure monitoring system (Advanced TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significant- ly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possi- ble, and inflate then to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire

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Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may effect the vehi- cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the Advanced TPMS is not a sub- stitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain cor- rect tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the Advanced TPMS low tire pressure tell- tale.

USA only: Your vehicle has also been equipped with an Advanced TPMS malfunction indicator to in- dicate when the system is not operating properly. The Advanced TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pres- sure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approx- imately one minute and then remain contin- uously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,

Advanced TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installa- tion of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the Ad- vanced TPMS from functioning properly. Al- ways check the Advanced TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to en- sure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the Advanced TPMS to continue to function properly.

i If a condition causing the Advanced TPMS to malfunction develops, it may take up to 10 minutes for the system to signal a malfunc- tion using the Advanced TPMS telltale flashing and illumination sequence. The telltale extinguishes after a few minutes driv- ing if the malfunction has been corrected.

i Operating radio transmission equipment (e.g. wireless headsets, two-way radios) in or near the vehicle could cause the Advanced TPMS to malfunction.

Reactivating Advanced TPMS The Advanced TPMS must be reactivated when you have adjusted the tire inflation pressure to a new level (e.g. because of dif- ferent load or driving conditions). The Ad- vanced TPMS is then recalibrated to the current tire inflation pressures.

Warning!

It is the driver’s responsibility to calibrate the Advanced TPMS on the recommended cold inflation pressure. Underinflated tires affect the ability to steer or brake the vehi- cle. You might lose control over the vehicle.

왘 Using the Tire and Loading Information

placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564) or, if available, the sup- plemental tire inflation pressure information on the inside of the fuel fill- er flap (컄 page 550), make sure the tire inflation pressure of all four tires is correct.

i Reactivate the Advanced TPMS after adjust- ing the tire inflation pressure to the inflation pressure recommended for the vehicle operating condition. Tire inflation pressure should only be adjusted on cold tires. Observe the recommend- ed tire inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver’s door B-pillar (컄 page 564). Some vehicles may have supple- mental tire inflation pressure information for driving at high speeds (컄 page 570) or for vehi- cle loads less than the maximum loaded vehicle condition. If such information is provided, it can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap (컄 page 550).

i After wheel rotation or sensor replacement, the vehicle must be parked for 20 minutes be- fore attempting to reactivate the Advanced TPMS.

i The menu overview can be found on (컄 page 284). 왘 Switch on the ignition (컄 page 365). 왘 Press ( or & to select the menu

“Service”.

왘 Press $ or % to select

“Tire Pressure”.

Operation Tires and wheels

왘 Press #. You will see 앫 the current inflation pressures for

each tire or

앫 the message

“Tire Pressures Displayed After Driving a Few Minutes”

appear in the multifunction display.

왘 Press %. The message “Use Current Pressures As New Reference Values Press "OK" to Confirm Tire Press.” appears in the multifunction display.

컄컄

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Operation Tires and wheels

컄컄

왘 Press #. The message “Tire Pressure Monitor Reactivated” appears in the multifunction display. After a few minutes driving, the current tire inflation pressure values are ac- cepted as reference values and then monitored.

If you wish to cancel activation: 왘 Press L. or 왘 Press $ to exit menu screen.

i When the wheel positions are changed on the vehicle, it is possible that the air pressure is temporarily displayed for the wrong position. This will be corrected after driving for several minutes, and the air pressure will be shown for the correct position.

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Potential problems associated with underinflated and overinflated tires

Underinflated tires Underinflated tires can: 앫 cause excessive and uneven tire wear 앫 adversely affect fuel economy 앫 lead to tire failure from being

overheated

앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.

Overinflated tires Overinflated tires can: 앫 adversely affect handling

characteristics

앫 cause uneven tire wear 앫 be more prone to damage from road

hazards

앫 adversely affect ride comfort 앫 increase stopping distance

Warning!

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.

Tire labeling

Besides tire name (sales designation) and manufacturer name, a number of markings can be found on a tire. Following are some explanations for the markings on your vehicle’s tires:

Operation Tires and wheels

1 Uniform Quality Grading Standards

(컄 page 583)

Tire size designation, load and speed rating

2 DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

(컄 page 581)

3 Maximum tire load (컄 page 582) 4 Maximum tire inflation pressure

(컄 page 583) 5 Manufacturer 6 Tire ply material (컄 page 585) 7 Tire size designation, load and speed

rating (컄 page 577)

8 Load identification (컄 page 581) 9 Tire name

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration. For more information, see “Rims and tires” (컄 page 727).

1 Tire width 2 Aspect ratio in % 3 Radial tire code 4 Rim diameter 5 Tire load rating 6 Tire speed rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

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Operation Tires and wheels

General: Depending on the design standards used, the tire size molded into the sidewall may have no letter or a letter preceding the tire size designation. No letter preceding the size designation (as illustrated above): Passenger car tire based on European design standards. Letter “P” preceding the size designation: Passenger car tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “LT” preceding the size designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S. design standards. Letter “T” preceding the size designation: Temporary spare tires which are high pressure compact spares designed for temporary emergency use only.

578

Rim diameter The rim diameter 4 (컄 page 577) is the diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating The tire load rating 5 (컄 page 577) is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support. For example, a load rating of 91 corre- sponds to a maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) the tire is designed to support. See also “Maximum tire load” (컄 page 582) where the maximum load as- sociated with the load index is indicated in kilograms and lbs.

Tire width The tire width 1 (컄 page 577) indicates the nominal tire width in mm.

Aspect ratio The aspect ratio 2 (컄 page 577) is the dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width and is expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at by dividing section height by section width.

Tire code The tire code 3 (컄 page 577) indicates the tire construction type. The “R” stands for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag- onal or bias ply construction; letter “B” means belted-bias ply construction. At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18). For additional information, see “Tire speed rating” (컄 page 579).

Warning!

The tire load rating must always be at least half of the GAWR (컄 page 586) of your vehicle. Otherwise, tire failure may be the result which may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury to you or others.

Always replace rims and tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.

For additional information on tire load rating, see “Load identification” (컄 page 581). i Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 577) and tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 577) are also referred to as “service description”.

Tire speed rating The tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 577) indicates the approved maximum speed for the tire.

Warning!

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure, causing loss of vehicle control and possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.

Operation Tires and wheels

i Tire load rating 5 (컄 page 577) and tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 577) are also referred to as “service description”.

Summer tires

Index (Y) ZR

Speed rating up to 100 mph (160 km/h) up to 106 mph (170 km/h) up to 112 mph (180 km/h) up to 118 mph (190 km/h) up to 130 mph (210 km/h) up to 149 mph (240 km/h) up to 168 mph (270 km/h) up to 186 mph (300 km/h) above 186 mph (300 km/h) above 149 mph (240 km/h)

579

the speed rating and the speed capabil- ity of the tire is limited to 186 mph (300 km/h).

앫 Any tire with a speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR” in the size designation AND the service description must be placed in parenthesis. Example: 275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating in parenthesis designates the maximum speed capa- bility of the tire as being above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire manufacturer for the actual maximum permissible speed of the tire.

All-season and winter tires

Speed rating Index Q M+S1
up to 100 mph (160 km/h) T M+S1 up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H M+S1 up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V M+S1 up to 149 mph (240 km/h) 1 or M+S.for winter tires

i Not all M+S rated tires provide special win- ter performance. Make sure the tires you use show M+S and the mountain/snow- flake.marking on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction performance requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers As- sociation (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifi- cally for use in snow conditions.

Operation Tires and wheels

앫 At the tire manufacturer’s option, any

tire with a speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size designation (for exam- ple: 245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum speed capability of the tire, the service description for the tire must be referred to. The service description is comprised of the tire load rating 5 (컄 page 577) and the tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 577). If your tire includes “ZR” in the size designation and no service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 577) is given, the tire manufacturer must be consulted for the maximum speed ca- pability. If a service description 5 and 6 (컄 page 577) is given, the speed capa- bility is limited by the speed symbol in the service description. Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y. In this example, “97Y” is the service description. The letter “Y” designates

580

Load identification

1 Load identification

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

In addition to tire load rating, special load identification 1 may be molded into the tire sidewall following the letter designat- ing the tire speed rating 6 (컄 page 577). No specification given: absence of any text (like in above example) indicates a standard load (SL) tire.

XL (Extra Load): designates an extra load (or reinforced) tire. Light Load: designates a light load tire. C, D, E: designates load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure.

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

U.S. tire regulations require each new tire manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identifier which facili- tates efforts by tire manufactures to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchasers the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identification mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Operation Tires and wheels

1 DOT 2 Manufacturer’s identification mark 3 Tire size 4 Tire type code (at the option of the tire

manufacturer)

5 Date of manufacture

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol 1 (컄 page 581) which denotes the tire meets require- ments of the U.S. Department of Transpor- tation.

581

Operation Tires and wheels

Manufacturer’s identification mark The manufacturer’s identification mark 2 (컄 page 581) denotes the tire manufacturer. New tires have a mark with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym- bols. For more information on retreaded tires (컄 page 561).

Tire size The code 3 (컄 page 581) indicates the tire size.

Tire type code The code 4 (컄 page 581) may, at the option of the manufacturer, be used as a descriptive code for identifying significant characteristics of the tire.

Date of manufacture The date of manufacture 5 (컄 page 581) identifies the week and year of manufac- ture.

582

The first two figures identify the week, starting with “01” to represent the first full week of the calendar year. The second two figures represent the year. For example, “3202” represents the 32nd week of 2002.

Maximum tire load

Warning!

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure.

For more information on tire load rating (컄 page 578). For information on calculating total and cargo load capacities (컄 page 566).

1 Maximum tire load rating

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

The maximum tire load is the maximum weight the tires are designed to support.

Maximum tire inflation pressure

Warning!

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (U.S. vehicles)

Operation Tires and wheels

1 Maximum permissible tire inflation

pressure

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This is the maximum permissible tire inflation pressure for the tire. Always follow the recommended tire inflation pressure (컄 page 569) for proper tire inflation.

Never exceed the max. tire inflation pressure. Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being over- heated.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride com- fort, wear unevenly, increase stopping dis- tance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road de- bris, potholes etc.

Tire manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three performance factors: treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.

1 Treadwear 2 Traction 3 Temperature resistance

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

583

Operation Tires and wheels

Quality grades can be found, where appli- cable, on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:

Treadwear Traction Temperature 200

AA

All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rat- ing based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For ex- ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly

584

from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction The traction grades, from highest to low- est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep- resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor- mance.

Warning!

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature The temperature grades are A (the high- est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis- tance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem- perature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex- cessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to the minimum level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning!

Tire ply material

The temperature grade for this tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin- flation, or excessive loading, either sepa- rately or in combination, can cause excessive heat build-up and possible tire failure.

1 Plies in sidewall 2 Plies under tread

i For illustration purposes only. Actual data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above illustration.

This marking tells you about the type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.

Operation Tires and wheels

Tire and loading terminology

Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or not).

Air pressure The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or bars.

Aspect ratio Dimensional relationship between tire section height and section width expressed in percentage.

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Operation Tires and wheels

Bar Another metric unit for air pressure. There are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Bead The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.

Cold tire inflation pressure Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Curb weight The weight of a motor vehicle with stan- dard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air conditioning and additional optional equipment, but without passen- gers and cargo.

586

DOT (Department of Transportation) A tire branding symbol which denotes the tire meets requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on each axle must never exceed the GAWR for the front and rear axle indicated on the certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) The GVW comprises the weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel, installed accessories, passengers and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated on the certification label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) This is the maximum permissible vehicle weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of the vehicle including all options, passen- gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue load). It is indicated on certi- fication label located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

Kilopascal (kPa) The metric unit for air pressure. There are 6.9 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 psi; another metric unit for air pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Maximum load rating The maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, total load limit and production options weight.

Maximum tire inflation pressure This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.

Normal occupant weight The number of occupants the vehicle is designed to seat, multiplied by 68 kilograms (150 lbs).

Occupant distribution The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at their designated seating positions.

Production options weight The combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those standard items which they replace, not previously considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.

PSI (Pounds per square inch) A standard unit of measure for air pressure -> bar, kilopascal (kPa).

Operation Tires and wheels

Recommended tire inflation pressure The recommended tire inflation pressure for normal driving conditions is listed on the Tire and Loading Information placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar and provides best handling, tread life and riding comfort. If so equipped, supplemen- tal information pertaining to special driving situations can be found on the tire inflation pressure label on the inside of the fuel filler flap.

Rim A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.

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Operation Tires and wheels

TIN (Tire Identification Number) Unique identifier which facilitates efforts by tire manufacturers to notify purchasers in recall situations or other safety matters concerning tires and gives purchases the means to easily identify such tires. The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s identifica- tion mark”, “Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of manufacture”.

Tire load rating Numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can support.

Tire ply composition and material used This indicates the number of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufac- turers also must indicate the ply materials in the tire and sidewall, which include