Noises or unusual handling charac-
teristics
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tyres are damaged. If you suspect that
a tyre is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden
tyre damage 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 wheel and tyre checks
G
WARNING
Damaged tyres can cause tyre inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of
your vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tyres regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tyres immediately.
G
WARNING
Insufficient tyre tread will reduce tyre trac-
tion. The tyre is no longer able to dissipate
water. This means that on wet road surfaces,
the risk of aquaplaning increases, in particular
where speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, tyres
may exhibit different levels of wear at differ-
ent 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 tyre 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
tyre tread depth is reached.
Regularly conduct the following checks on all
wheels at least once a month or as required, e.g.
before a long journey or when driving off-road:
R
check the tyre pressure (
Y
page 210).
R
check wheels and tyres for damage.
R
check the valve caps.
Valves must be protected from moisture and
dirt with valve caps specifically approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
R
check the tyre tread depth and the tyre tread
over the entire width.
For summer tyres, the minimum tyre tread
depth is 3 mm and for M+S tyres (winter tyres)
4 mm.
Notes on snow chains
G
WARNING
If you have fitted snow chains to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tyres.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R
never fit snow chains on the front wheels
R
fit snow chains to the rear wheels in pairs.
G
WARNING
If you drive too fast with snow chains fitted,
they may snap. As a result, you could injure
others and damage the vehicle. There is a risk
of an accident.
Observe the maximum permissible speed for
operation with snow chains.
When driving with snow chains fitted, do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
50 km/h. When using snow chains, please
observe the legal requirements of the country in
which you are driving.
Notes on snow chains
209
Whe
el
s
and
tyre
s
Z
