Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Operator'S Manual

Page: 108 / 153

108
Tire Inflation Pressure
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire
inflation pressures specified for
summer and winter tires as well as for
the varying operating conditions.
Important!
Tire pressure differs by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a
garage - especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approx. + 68 °
F (+ 20 ° C) and ambient temperature =
approx. + 32° F (0°C) then the
adjusted air pressure = specified air
pr 3 psi (+ 0.2 bar).
Tire pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures for heavy
loads produce favorable handling
characteristics with lighter loads and
are perfectly permissible. The ride of
the vehicle, however, will become
somewhat harder.
Tire temperature and pressure increase
with the vehicle speed. Tire pressure
should therefore only be corrected on
cold tires. Correct tire pressure in warm
tires only if pressure has dropped be-
low the pressure listed in the table and
the respective operating conditions are
taken into consideration.
An underinflated tire due to a slow leak
(e.g. due to a nail in the tire) may cause
damage such as tread separation,
bulging etc.. Regular tire pressure
checks (including the spare tire) at
intervals of no more than 14 days are
therefore essential.
If a tire constantly loses air, it should
be inspected for damage.
Warning!
Do not overinflate tires.
Overinflating tires can result in
sudden deflation (blowout) because
they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road
debris, potholes etc.. Follow recom-
mended inflation pressures.
Do not overload the tires by
exceeding the specified vehicle
capacity weight (as indicated by the
label on the driver's door latch post).
Overloading the tires can overheat
them, possibly causing a blowout.