Page 53 of 288

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53
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Engine Oil ConsumptionWhen the engine has passed the break-in period, oil
consumption may reach 0.5 % of the fuel consumption
recorded in actual operating circumstances. In isolated
cases and in arduous operating conditions, oil
consumption may increase to 1 % of the fuel
consumption recorded in actual operating
circumstances.
Engine oil consumption depends on the driving style
adopted and the operating conditions. It can only be
judged after the engine has passed the break-in period.
SAFETY TIPS Check the vehicle’s lights and the general condition
of the vehicle before each trip.
Keep tires at the recommended inflation pressure.
All occupants should fasten their seat belts before each trip.
Driving in an environmentally responsible manner will reduce noise, fuel consumption and exhaust
emissions.
Allow the engine to warm up under low load use.
Avoid unnecessarily hard acceleration, driving with the throttle fully open, and carrying loads not
specifically needed on the journey.
Stop the engine during lengthy waiting periods, for example at traffic lights.
Remove ancillary parts, such as wind deflectors and roof racks, as soon as they are no longer needed.
Page 175 of 288

STARTING AND OPERATING 175
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Tire GripTire grip is greatly reduced on a wet or icy road. Speed
and driving style must therefore be adapted to suit
road conditions.
In winter, install M+S radial tires.
Below a tread depth of 1/8 inch (3 mm), tire grip
begins to decrease rapidly on wet roads.HydroplaningDepending on the depth of the water layer on the road,
hydroplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid grooves in the
road, and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
TIRE PRESSURES
WARNING!
If tire pressures are too low, there is a risk of the
tire’s tread deteriorating and sudden loss of pres-
sure due to the excessive temperature of the tire.
This has an adverse effect on road safety and in-
creases the risk of an accident.
The limiting speed for the tires (tires and tire
pressure) must not be exceeded. Exceeding the
permissible maximum speed causes tire damage,
which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
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 recommended
inflation pressures.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified
vehicle capacity weight as indicated by the label on
the base of the driver’s seat. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout,
which could cause an accident resulting in severe
personal injuries, death and property damage.
Page 198 of 288

198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIESCHANGING THE TIREIf you get a flat tire while driving, gradually decrease
your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slowly
move to a safe place on the side of the road. The
pressure of the spare wheel always has to be checked
regularly (at least after every tenth time at the filling
station).
WARNING!
Only certain tires meeting the tire size/load/speed
rating specifications contained in the Tire Pres-
sure Tables are certified to conform to FMVSS 120
for the Sprinter vehicle at this time. Please check
your side walls of your originally equipped tires
for specific makes/sizes, and speed load ratings
when you need to replace your tires.
To prevent accident, injury or possible death, use
only the correct tires for your tire replacement.
WARNING!
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the
vehicle at the jack take-up brackets built into ei-
ther side of the vehicle. To help avoid personal in-
jury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a
wheel change. Never get beneath the vehicle
while it is supported by the jack only.
Keep hands and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake
and block wheels before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle
is raised.
Always use the jack on a level surface.
Do not change wheels on either steep uphill or
downhill grades. Be sure that the jack arm end is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. The
vehicle may begin to move and fall from the jack
which could cause serious or fatal personal injury
and property damage.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity
jack stands before working under the vehicle.
Page 203 of 288

WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 203
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JACK Using the Jack
The jack is located together with the vehicle tool kit
under the hatch in the front passenger footwell, refer to
"Vehicle Tool Kit".
1. Loosen the wheel bolts before raising the vehicle.
2. Close the release valve on the jack.
3. Assemble the pump leve r provided and insert it
into the socket on the jack.
4. Secure the lever by turning it clockwise in the socket.
Position the jack under the appropriate jack point and
raise the vehicle by pumping the lever.
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of serious or fatal injuries or vehicle
damage, please bear the fo llowing points in mind:
The jack is intended only for raising the vehicle briefly, for instance, when changing a wheel. If it is
not designed to enable work to be carried out
underneath the vehicle.
Do not crawl under the jacked-up vehicle. For work
under the vehicle, stands must be used.
The jack must be placed on a firm, flat surface only.
Do not change wheels on uphill or downhill gradients under any circumstances.
Make sure that no persons are present in the vehicle when jacking up the vehicle.
Do not start the engine while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the distance between the underside of the tires and the ground does not exceed 1.2 in (30
mm). Otherwise the vehicle may tip over.