Driving and parking
106
Controls in detail
O tire types for certain regions, areas of
operation or conditions of vehicle use
O interchangeability of tires, etc.
Modifications to the brake system or
wheels are not permissible, nor is the use
of spacer plates or brake dust shields. Any
such modifications will invalidate the vehi-
cle's general operating permit.
Treadwear Indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and be-
come visible at a tread depth of approxi-
mately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced. The Treadwear Indicator appears
as a solid band across the tread.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subject to extreme operating con-
ditions (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).
For detailed information on tires, see "Tires
and wheels" (
e page 165).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.
Tire traction
Tire grip is greatly reduced on a wet, snow
covered or icy road. Speed and driving
style must therefore be adapted to suit
road conditions. The safe speed on a wet,
snow covered or icy road is always lower
than on a dry road.
Below a tread depth of 1/8 in (3 mm), tire
grip begins to decrease rapidly on wet
roads.
Pay particular attention to the condition of
the road whenever the outside tempera-
tures is close to the freezing point.
G Warning
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is at a safe distance from the
road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle undercar-
riage for possible damage. If the vehicle or
tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer or
tire dealer for repairs.
G Warning
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the Treadwear Indicators (TWI) become visi-
ble at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), do
not allow your tires to wear down to that lev-
el. As tread depth approaches 1/8 in (3 mm)
for summer tires or 1/6 in (4 mm) for winter
tires, the adhesion properties on a wet road
are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
G Warning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
G Warning
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weath-
er conditions, drive, steer and brake with ex-
treme caution.
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