2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR CLASS winter tires

253 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires approved by
Mercedes-Benz for use on SLR vehicles.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
Important guidelines

For the first 100 miles (160 km) avoid
high-speed cornering. Do not exceed a
speed of 125 mph (200 km/h).
1


Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire inflation pressure loss and
damage to the tire beads.
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.


The operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
!A wheel change should only be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Otherwise there is a danger of
damaging the vehicle by jacking it up
incorrectly.
1Please always drive carefully and obey applicable
speed limits.

255 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tread depth
Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths under 1/8in (3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of approx-
imately
1/16
in (1.6 mm), at which point
the tire is considered worn and should be
replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:


Summer tires
1/8in (3 mm)


Winter tires
1/6in (4 mm)
1TWI (T
readW
ear I
ndicator)
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.Storing tires
Cleaning tires
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor safety
laws consider a tire to be worn when the
treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible at
approximately
1/16in (1.6 mm), we recom-
mend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches
1/8in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.!Never use a round nozzle to power
wash tires. The intense jet of water can
result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.Warning!
G
Have worn or damaged tires replaced in
pairs (front pair or rear pair). Otherwise, the
driving stability of the vehicle will be ad-
versely affected.

272 OperationTires and wheels

Any tire with a speed capability above
186 mph (300 km/h) must include a
“ZR” in the size designation AND the
service description must be placed in
parenthesis. Example: 275/40 ZR 18
(99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating in paren-
thesis designates the maximum speed
capability of the tire as being above
186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire
manufacturer for the actual maximum
permissible speed of the tire.All-season and winter tires
Load identification
1Load identification
Index
Speed rating
QM+S
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
TM+S
up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
HM+S
up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
VM+S
up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
iThe marking “M+S” next to the service
description designates tires with mud
and snow capabilities.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

284 OperationWinter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service
includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 382).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to make
sure that the engine can be started,
even at low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires*
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP in winter
operation.
For safe handling, make sure that all
mounted winter tires are of the same make
and have the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
!A wheel change should only be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Otherwise there is a danger of
damaging the vehicle by jacking it up
incorrectly.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.

371 Technical data
Rims and tires
Winter tires*Front axle:Rims (light alloy)
9J x 18
Wheel offset
1.77 in (45 mm)
Tires (radial-ply tires)
245/40 R18 97V XL M+S
Rear axle:Rims (light alloy)
9J x 18
Wheel offset
1.77 in (45 mm)
Tires (radial-ply tires)
245/40 R18 97V XL M+S
!Only use Michelin tires of the sizes and
types noted above. They are the only
tires approved for use on the SLR. Use
of tires not specially approved for the
SLR could result in unanticipated per-
formance characteristics. For more in-
formation, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

396 IndexDeep water see Standing water
Defroster
Rear window 181
Defrosting the windshield 188
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 132
Interior lighting 134
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 134
Delayed switch-off time
Cellular phone 205
Department of Transportation see DOT
Differential
Message in the multifunction
display 322
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while driv-
ing
With starting 49
Digital speedometer 122
Direction of rotation (tires) 256
Display elements
Audio system 144Displays
Digital speedometer 122
Maintenance service indicator 286
Showing vehicle status
messages 124
Vehicle status messages 304
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 138
Door
Handle 34
Message in the multifunction
display 318
Opening 100
Opening from the inside 100
Opening from the outside 100
Opening in an emergency 343
Unlocking from the outside 98
DOT 279
Downhill driving
Cruise control 198
Downshifting 168
Drinking and driving 229Driving 45, 50
Driving abroad 236
Hydroplaning 234
In winter 235
Problems 54
Safety systems 79
Through standing water 236
Driving abroad 236
Driving hints
SBC brake system 86
Driving instructions 229
Driving off 232
Driving safety systems 79
ABS 79
BAS 81
ESP 81
SBC brake system 84
Driving systems 197
Cruise control 197
Driving tips 173
Dust cover 222
Slipping on/off 223

409 Index
Telephone 203
Answering a call 140
Dialing 141
Ending a call 141
Hands-free microphone 33
Loading phone book 141
Operating 138
Operation 160
Redialing 142
Signal strength 139
Storage location 201
Temperature
Outside temperature indicator 115
Sensor 33
Setting interior temperature 185
Setting units in display 129
Tires 263Tightening torque 389
Time
Setting hours 128
Setting minutes 128
Time display mode
Setting 129
TIN 280
Tire
Vehicle maximum load on 281
Tire and Loading Information 257
Tire and loading terminology 278
Tire care and maintenance 254
Tire Identification Number see TIN
Tire inflation pressure 351
Checking 242, 262, 264
Checking manually 264
Setting units 136Tire inspection 254
Tire load rating 280
Tire ply composition and material
used 280
Tire speed rating 234, 271, 280
Tire terminology 278
Tire traction 234
TIREFIT kit 340, 349, 389
Using 349
Tires 253
Direction of rotation 256
Driving instructions 233
Message in the multifunction
display 331
Retreads 253
Rims and tires 369
Rotating 281
Service life 254
Temperature 263, 277
Tread depth 255, 284
Wear pattern 281
Winter* 284

412 IndexW
Warning sounds
Driver’s seat belt 69
Parking brake 50
Warranty coverage 365
Washer fluid
Message in the multifunction
display 339
Washer reservoir level
Checking 242
Washing the vehicle 289
Wear pattern (tires) 281
Wheels
Tires and wheels 253Windows
Automatic opening 194
Closing 193, 194, 195
Closing fully 194
Closing with SmartKey 195
Express-open 194
Opening 193, 194, 195
Opening fully 194
Opening with SmartKey 195
Stopping 195
Synchronizing power windows 196
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Refilling washer fluid 251
Washer fluid 251
Windshield and headlamp washer
system 382
Windshield washer fluid
Refilling 251
Wiping with 53Windshield wipers 27, 52
Fast wiper speed 53
Replacing the wiper blades 348
Single wipe 53
Switching on 53
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 53
Winter driving
Snow chains 285
Tires* 284
Winter driving instructions 235
Winter tires* 284
Wiper blade
Replacing 348
Wiper blades
Cleaning 291
Wiping
Interval 53
With windshield washer fluid 53