
212 Driving instructions
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated
roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see
page 318.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing temperatures
see page 259.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
Wa r n i n g !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure
that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a
window slightly on the side of the vehicle not
facing the wind.
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270 Tires, Wheels
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Notes:
Before storing the jack, the jack arm must be lowered
almost to the base of the jack.
For proper storage of vehicle jack see page 261.
Wa r n i n g !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or
rusted.Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.Damaged wheel hub threads should be repaired
immediately.Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened
mounting bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the
correct mounting bolts.
Wa r n i n g !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use
for over a total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km)
(aggregate of all uses) may cause wheel rim failure
leading to an accident and possible injuries.CLK 320 with Sport Package, CLK 430,
CLK 55 AMG:The dimensions of the spare wheel are different
from those of the road wheels for the rear axle
(CLK 320 with Sport Package: The dimensions of
the spare wheel are different from those of the road
wheels). As a result, the vehicle handling
characteristics change when driving with a spare
wheel mounted on the rear axle.The spare wheel should only be used temporarily,
and replaced with a regular road wheel as quick as
possible.
J_A208.book Seite 270 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

320 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their suitability in
our engines. Therefore, use only engine oils
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Information on
recommended brands is available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Please follow Service Booklet recommendations for
scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so could result in
engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. They may be
harmful to the engine operation.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.Air conditioner refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG lubricating oil
is used in the air conditioner system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lubricating oil,
otherwise damage to the system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of the brake
fluid is continuously reduced through the absorption of
moisture from the atmosphere. Under extremely hard
operating conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system thus reducing
the system’s efficiency.
The brake fluid must therefore be replaced every two
years, preferably in the spring.
It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
will provide you with additional information.
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328 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
CD changer
See Audio system ...................................................... 140
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 157
Center console .................................................................. 20
Central locking switch .................................................... 35
Central locking system ................................................... 27
Automatic central locking ......................................... 36
Choosing global or selective mode ........................... 30
Electronic key .............................................................. 25
Locking and unlocking .............................................. 29
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 32
Remote control ............................................................ 27
Changing wheels ...........................................................266
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp ............ 228
Check regularly and before a long trip ......................226
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator ...................................112
Via oil dipstick ...........................................................256
Child restraint .............................................. 58, 63, 64, 75
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 75
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .................................302
Clock, setting .................................................................. 106
COMAND, radio and telephone ................................... 178
Combination switch .......................................................117
Consumer information .................................................. 324Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 178
COOLANT (coolant level) - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 240
Coolant level
Adding coolant .......................................................... 258
Checking .................................................................... 257
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 241
Coolant temperature gauge ............................................86
Coolants .......................................................................... 322
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 322
Cruise control ................................................................. 214
Cup holder
Center console, front ................................................ 153
DDaytime running lamps ................................................ 115
Deep water
Driving instructions ................................................. 213
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems) -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 235
Display illumination ........................................................85
Doors ..................................................................................33
J_A208.book Seite 328 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09