Driving instructions
218
>> Operation
Tire speed ratingRegardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of 90 mph
(145 km/h).The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the maxi
mum speed permitted by the electronic speed
limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
t h e " T e c h n i c a l d a t a s e c t i o n " (
page 299), for
example when purchasing new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see "Tire
size designation, load and speed rating"
(
page 196)
.
If you are uncertain about the correct read
ing of the information given on a tire’s side
wall, any authorized smart center will be glad
to assist you.i
For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see "Allseason and winter tires
"
(
page 199).
For additional general information on tire
speed markings on tire sidewall, see "Tire
speed rating" (
page 198).
Winter driving instructionsThe most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering maneu
vers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow chains*,
see "Snow chains*" (
page 209).
G
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never oper
ate a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control
and possibly resulting in an accident
and/or personal injury and possible
death, for you and for others.
G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never down
shift in order to obtain braking action.
This could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s
ABS will not prevent this type of loss of
control.
Flat tire
>> Practical hints.
265 Preparing the vehicle
Upon experiencing any type of problem with
the vehicle's tires, switch on the hazard warn
ing flasher, carefully slow down and exit the
roadway in a cautious manner.
>Park the vehicle at a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface when
possible
.
>Set the parking brake.
>Turn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight ahead position.
>Move the gear selector lever to park
positionP.
>Turn off the engine.
>Remove the key from the starter switch and
take the key with you.i
Open door only when conditions are safe to
do so.
>Have any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway.
Using the tire repair kitThe tire repair kit can be used to seal punc
tures of up to approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) on
the tire tread.
The tire repair kit enables you to drive on the
sealed tire to the nearest authorized smart
center.
>You should have the sealed tire replaced at
an authorized smart center.
G
Warning!
Take care not to allow the contents of the
tire sealant to come in contact with hair,
eyes or clothing. The tire sealant is
harmful if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
through the skin it may causes skin, eye
and respiratory irritation. Wear gloves
while using this product if they are avail
able.
Any contact with eyes or skin should be
flushed immediately with plenty of water.
If clothing comes in contact with the tire
sealant, change clothing as soon as pos
sible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash,
consult a physician immediately.
