Mercedes-Benz E 300, Owner'S Manual, Page: 322 / 465

Noise or unusual handling characteristics
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pulling
to one side. This may indicate that the wheels or
tyres are damaged. If you suspect that a tyre is
defective, reduce your speed immediately. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible to check the
wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden tyre dam‐
age could also be causing the unusual handling
characteristics. If you find no signs of damage,
have the tyres and wheels checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Regular checking of wheels and tyres
& WARNING Risk of accident from dam‐
aged tyres
Damaged tyres can cause tyre pressure loss.
As a result, you could lose control of your
vehicle.
#
Check the tyres regularly for signs of
damage and replace any damaged tyres
immediately.
&
WARNING Risk of aquaplaning due to
insufficient tyre tread
Insufficient tyre tread will result in reduced
tyre grip. The tyre tread is no longer able to
dissipate water.
This means that in heavy rain or slush the
risk of aquaplaning is increased, in particular
where speed is not adapted to suit the condi‐
tions.
If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
tyres may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tyre tread.
#
Thus, you should regularly check the
tread depth and the condition of the
tread across the entire width of all
tyres.
Minimum tread depth for:
R
Summer tyres: 3 mm
R
M+S tyres: 4 mm
#
For safety reasons, replace the tyres
before the legally prescribed limit for
the minimum tread depth is reached.
Carry out the following checks on all wheels reg‐
ularly, at least once a month or as required, e.g.
prior to a long journey or driving off-road:
R
Check the tyre pressure (
→
page 320).
R
Visual inspection of wheels and tyres for
damage.
R
Check the valve caps.
The valves must be protected against mois‐
ture and dirt by the valve caps approved
especially for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
R
Visual check of the tread depth and the tyre
contact surface across the entire width.
The minimum tread depth for summer tyres
is 3 mm and for winter tyres 4 mm.
Notes on snow chains
&
WARNING Risk of accident due to incor‐
rect snow chain fitting
If you have fitted snow chains to the front
wheels, the snow chains may drag against
the vehicle body or chassis components.
Wheels and tyres 319