Tires and wheels
182
>> Operation Contact an authorized smart center for infor
mation on tested and recommended rims and
tires for summer and winter operation. They
can also offer advice concerning tire service
and purchase.
Modifications to the brake system and wheels
and the use of spacer and brake dust rings
are not permissible.
Important guidelines• Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
• Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
• Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
• Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
• If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire infla
tion pressure and correct as required.
• Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than
1/8in (3 mm).
G
Warning!
Replace rims or tires with the same des
ignation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. Contact an autho
rized smart 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.
G
Warning!
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
smart wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom
mended by smart, since previous damage
cannot always be recognized on retreads.
The operating safety of the vehicle can
not be assured when such tires are used.
Towing
>> Practical hints.
279
!
Towing of the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing eye bolt.
Never attach tow cable, tow rope or tow rod to
the vehicle chassis, frame or suspension
parts.
!
Towing the vehicle with a base carrier*
mounted is not permissible. The vehicle must
not be towed by the base carrier*.
Towing eye boltThe towing eye bolt is located in the passen
ger’s footwell under the carpet.1
Towing eye bolt
>Unscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger’s footwell (
page 234).
>Lift the carpet.
>Take out towing eye bolt1.Covers
Depending on whether you are towing a vehi
cle or you are being towed, the towing eye bolt
can be screwed into threaded holes which are
located behind covers on the front and rear
bumper.
1
Front cover
G
Warning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering systems. In this case, it is im
portant to keep in mind that a consider
ably higher degree of effort is necessary
to brake and steer the vehicle. Adapt
your driving accordingly.
