Page 316 of 481

315 Operation
Engine compartment
Batteries contain materials that can harm 
the environment if disposed of improperly. 
Recycling of batteries is the preferred 
method of disposal. Many states require 
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries 
for recycling.Windshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system*
The windshield washer reservoir is located 
on the passenger side of the engine com-
partment.SLK 350 (example)1Washer fluid reservoir cap
Fluid for the windshield washer system and 
the headlamp cleaning system* is supplied 
from the windshield washer reservoir. It 
has a capacity of approx. 7.4 US qt (7 l).
G
Observe all safety instructions 
and precautions when handling 
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion
D
Keep flames or sparks away 
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not 
allow it to come into contact 
with skin, eyes or clothing. 
In case it does, immediately 
flush affected area with clean 
water and seek medical help if 
necessary.
E
Wear eye protection.
C
Keep children away.
F
Follow the instructions in this 
Operator's Manual. 
     
        
        Page 346 of 481

345 Operation
Tires and wheels
GVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle 
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of 
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable, 
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on 
certification label located on the driver’s 
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are 
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air 
pressure is bars. There are 100 kilopascals 
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and 
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, 
vehicle capacity weight and production 
options weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air 
pressure that should ever be put in the tire 
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is 
designed to seat, multiplied by 
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle 
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed 
regular production options weighing over 
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those 
standard items which they replace, not 
previously considered in curb weight or 
accessory weight, including heavy duty 
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty 
battery, and special trim.PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure 
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure 
listed on placard located on driver’s door 
B-pillar for normal driving conditions. 
Provides best handling, tread life and 
riding comfort.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube 
assembly upon which the tire beads are 
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and 
the bead. 
     
        
        Page 349 of 481

348 OperationWinter drivingBefore the onset of winter, have your 
vehicle winterized at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service 
includes:
Checking anticorrosion and antifreeze 
concentration.
Adding of cleaning concentrate to the 
water of the windshield and headlamp 
cleaning* system. Add 
MB Concentrate “S” to a pre-mixed 
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze 
which is formulated for temperatures 
below freezing point (
page 456).
Battery test. Battery capacity drops 
with decreasing ambient temperature. 
A well charged battery helps to make 
sure the engine can be started, even at 
low ambient temperatures.
Tire change.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures 
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry 
road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated 
tires provide special winter performance. 
Make sure the tires you use show M+S and 
the mountain/snowflake.marking on 
the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific 
snow traction performance requirements 
of the Rubber Manufacturers Association 
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of Can-
ada (RAC) and have been designed specif-
ically for use in snow conditions. Using 
winter tires is the only way to achieve the 
maximum effectiveness of the ABS and 
ESP
® in winter operation.For safe handling, make sure all mounted 
winter tires are of the same make and have 
the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the 
winter tires mounted to your vehicle. If the 
maximum speed for which your tires are 
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect 
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.!When scraping ice or snow from the 
rear window, be careful not to damage 
the sealing strip or apertures along the 
side of the window. 
Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 
1/6 in 
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation. 
     
        
        Page 479 of 481

478 IndexV
Valve extractor (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Vehicle
Battery 314, 421
Bulbs 401
Fuses 430
Individual settings (Control 
system) 134
Jump starting 424
Lifting with jack 413
Locking 62
Proper use of 16
Towing 426
Unlocking/locking in an 
emergency 394
Vehicle capacity weight 346
Vehicle care 353
Vehicle Identification Number see VIN
Vehicle jack 389
Vehicle loading terminology 344
Vehicle status message memory menu 
(Control system) 132
Vehicle tool kit 388
Collapsible wheel chock 390
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
VIN 436, 463W
Warning sounds
Anti-theft alarm system 87
Driver’s seat belt 71
Exterior lighting 61, 111
Maintenance service indicator 351
Panic alarm 80
Parking brake 53, 363
Tow-away alarm 88
Warranty coverage 435
Washing the vehicle see Vehicle care
Wear pattern (Tires) 347
Weights 448
Wheel bolts 392
Wheel chock (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Wheel wrench (Vehicle tool kit) 388
Wheels see Tires
Wheels, tightening torque 419
Where will I find...? 388
Wind screen 259, 463
Windows see Power windowsWindshield
Washer fluid reservoir 315
Washer system 456
Windshield wipers 56
Replacing wiper blades 406
Wiper blades, cleaning 357
Winter driving 348
Instructions 299
Snow chains 349
Tires 348
Winter tires see Tires
Wood trims, cleaning 360