Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class, Owner'S Manual

Page: 159 / 273

Tyres and wheels
156
may be adversely affected. In addition, the
wheels may come into contact with the
body or axle components when heavily loa-
ded or when driving with snow chains. This
could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle.
!
Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be detec-
ted on retreaded tyres. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not
fit used tyres if you have no information
about their previous usage.
G Risk of accident
If wheels or tyres other than those which
have been tested are fitted:
R
the brakes or chassis components could
be damaged
R
wheel and tyre clearances can no longer
be guaranteed
This could cause an accident.
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted, nor is the use of
spacer plates or brake dust shields. This inva-
lidates the General Operating Permit for the
vehicle.
Notes on selecting, fitting and replacing
tyres
R
Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type
and make.
R
Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R
After fitting new tyres, run them in at mod-
erate speeds for the first 100 km as they
only reach their full performance after this
distance.
R
Fit new tyres on the front wheels first if
tyres of the same size are required on the
front and rear wheels.
R
Replace the tyres after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear. This also applies to
the spare wheel*.
R
Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (aquaplaning).
!
Store tyres that are not being used in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect
the tyres against oil, grease, petrol and die-
sel.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tyres
R
Regularly check the wheels and tyres of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctu-
res, tears, bumps on tyres and deforma-
tion, cracks or severe corrosion on wheels),
at least every 14 days, as well as after off-
road trips or after travelling on rough roads.
Damaged wheels could cause a loss of tyre
pressure.
R
Regularly check the tyre tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tyre (
Y
page 157). If neces-
sary, turn the front wheels to full lock in
order to inspect the inner side of the tyre
surface.
R
All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture.
R
Regularly check the pressure of all your
tyres (including the spare tyre*), particu-
larly prior to long trips, and correct the
pressure as necessary (
Y
page 157).
Notes on driving
R
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteris-
tics, e.g. pulling to one side. This may indi-
Operation
* optional
171_AKB; 3; 4, en-GB
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