R
After fitting new tires, run them in at mod-
erate speeds for the first 60 miles (100 km),
as they only reach their full performance
after this distance.
R
Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R
Replace the tires after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear.
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop at the onset of win-
ter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (
Y page 196).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction
and braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause tears to
form, thereby damaging the tires perma-
nently. smart cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of dam-
age and replace any damaged tires imme-
diately.
M+S tires
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less
than ã in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in
winter and do not provide sufficient trac-
tion. There is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ã
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †) use winter
tires marked with M+S.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking pro-
vide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driv-
ing safety systems such as ABS and ESP
®
to
function optimally in winter. These tires
have been developed specifically for driving
in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling charac-
teristics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted. Therefore, only use tire types and
sizes approved for smart. Observe the tire
load rating and speed rating required for
smart.
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a
risk of aquaplaning. These advantages can
only be gained if the tires are fitted corre-
sponding to the direction of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
When you have mounted the M+S tires:
X
Check the tire pressures (Y page 180).
X
Vehicles for USA: restart the tire pressure
monitor (
Y page 185).
Snow chains
G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R
never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R
always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
Winter operation
179
>> Wheels and tires.
Z
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
