2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SL55AMG spare tire

303 Operation
Tires and wheels
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only. Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 302) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (page 302) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 302) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 304).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 302) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (page 302) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 308) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.

312 OperationTires and wheelsTire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross A
xle W
eight R
ating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.

317 Operation
Winter driving
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 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.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i
Block heater not available for SL 55 AMG
and SL 65 AMG.

318 OperationWinter drivingSnow chainsSnow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(page 435).


Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Any autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.


Do not use snow chains on the spare
wheel (
page 440).


Do not use snow chains on wheels with
MOExtended tires* (
page 439).
!
When driving with snow chains, always se-
lect setting 1 of the level control system
(
page 225). Other settings may result in dam-
age to your vehicle.
!
Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clear-
ance for snow chains. To help avoid serious dam-
age to your vehicle or tires, use of snow chains is
not permissible with


285/35 R18 97W


285/35 R18 97Y


285/35 ZR18 97Y


285/30 ZR19 98Y XL (Extra Load)
!
If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle
components. The tires or the vehicle could be
damaged as a result.
i
When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to deactivate the ESP
® (page 91) before
setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve
the vehicle’s traction.

344 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Warning!
G
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or the tire inflation pressure
label. If your vehicle has tires of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or the tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significant-
ly underinflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Please
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driv-
er’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
USA only:
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is com-
bined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the mal-
function indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of in-
compatible replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.

363 Practical hints
What to do if …
Left display
Right display
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
Tire pressure
displayed after
driving for
a few minutes
Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
The tire inflation pressure is being
checked.

Drive the vehicle for a few minutes.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
The TPMS or Advanced TPMS* is
malfunctioning.

Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Tire pressure monitor
inoperative
No wheel sensors
There are wheels without appropriate
wheel sensors mounted (e.g. winter
tires).

Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Tire pressure monitor
Wheel sensor missing
One or more sensors defect (e.g. emp-
ty sensor battery).
One or more wheels without appropri-
ate wheel sensors mounted (e.g. spare
wheel).

Have the TPMS or Advanced TPMS*
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Have appropriate wheel sensors in-
stalled by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Vehicles with Advanced TPMS*:
The tire pressure for the respective tire
is indicated in the multifunction display.

390 Practical hintsWhere will I find ...?Storing the spare wheel after use
If you wish to store the spare wheel after
use, carry out the following steps. Other-
wise, the spare wheel may not fit the spare
wheel well.
Unscrew the valve cap from the valve
of the collapsible tire.

Take the valve extractor from the
vehicle tool kit (
page 388).

Unscrew the valve insert from the valve
and allow the air to escape.

Screw the valve insert back into the
valve.

Screw the valve cap back onto the
valve.

Store the spare wheel by carrying out
the steps described in “Removing the
spare wheel” (
page 389) in reverse
order.
Compressing the collapsible tire
(vehicles with 19" spare wheel only)
The collapsible tire on a 19" spare wheel
must be compressed with two tensioning
straps before you can store it back in the
trunk.

Extend the tensioning strap by pulling
the slider.

Place tensioning strap around spare
wheel rim and collapsible tire with the
buckle facing the inside of the rim.

Close the buckle.

Pull the loose end of the tensioning
strap.
The tensioning strap must be pulled as
tight as possible.
!
Make sure the spare wheel is dry before
storing it.
i
It may take a few minutes for the collapsible
tire to deflate completely.
i
Vehicles with 19" spare wheel only: Before
storing the spare wheel in trunk fasten tension-
ing straps, see “Compressing the collapsible tire
(vehicles with 19" spare wheel only)”
(
page 390).
i
The tensioning straps are shown in red for
illustration purposes. The tensioning straps on
the spare wheel of your vehicle are black.

405 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle in a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead po-
sition.

Set the parking brake.

Move the gear selector lever to P.
Vehicles with SmartKey:

Turn off the engine (
page 62).

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO* button on the gear
selector lever once (
page 62).

Open the driver’s door (this puts
the starter switch in position 0,
same as with the SmartKey re-
moved from the starter switch). The
driver’s door then can be closed
again.

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Mounting the spare wheel
i
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
Warning!
G
The dimensions of the spare wheel are dif-
ferent from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a mounted spare
wheel. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with spare wheel mounted, en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure and do
not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible to have the spare wheel
replaced with a regular road wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one spare wheel mounted.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a spare
wheel is mounted.