Changing a wheel
Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
!
On vehicles fitted with a tyre pressure mon-
itor, electronic components are located in the
wheel.
Tyre-fitting tools should not be applied in the
area of the valve, as this could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tyres changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Interchanging front and rear wheels of differing
dimensions can render the general operating
permit invalid.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Fitting a wheel" (
Y
page 369).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear pat-
tern has formed on the tyres. The front tyres
typically wear more on the outer shoulder, and
the rear tyres in the centre of the tread.
On vehicles that have the same size wheels and
tyres, you can interchange the wheels every
5,000 to 10,000 km. Maintain the direction of
tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and the
brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is
interchanged. Avoid oily or greasy cleaning
agents.
Check the tyre pressure and reactivate the tyre
pressure monitor if necessary.
Check the tyre pressures.
Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of aqua-
planing. You will only gain these benefits if the
correct direction of rotation is observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates its
correct direction of rotation.
You may fit the spare wheel against the direction
of rotation. Observe the time restriction on use
as well as the speed limitation specified on the
spare wheel.
Storing the wheels
Wheels that are not being used should be stored
in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect
the tyres against oil, grease and fuels.
Fitting a wheel
Vehicle preparation
X
Stop the vehicle as far away as possible from
traffic and on a level, firm and non-slip sur-
face.
X
If your vehicle poses a risk to approaching
traffic, switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X
Apply the parking brake.
X
Turn the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X
Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage 1st gear or reverse gear.
X
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position
P.
X
Switch off the engine.
X
Passengers should leave the vehicle. Make
sure that the passengers are not endangered
as they do so.
X
Make sure that no one is near the danger area
while the wheel is being changed. Anyone
who is not directly assisting in the wheel
change should, for example, stand behind the
barrier.
X
Place the warning triangle or warning lamp at
a suitable distance.
Observe the legal requirements on the cor-
rect use of the warning triangle or warning
lamp for the country in which you are cur-
rently driving
X
Secure the vehicle against rolling away.
Observe the safety notes on parking under
"Driving and parking" (
Y
page 177)
Changing a wheel
369
Wheels and tyres
Z
