smart recommends winter tires
( Y page 132) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
GWarning!
Even when permitted by law, never operate
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.
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
maximum speed permitted by the
electronic speed limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle
in the “Technical data section”
( Y page 202), 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”
( Y page 126).
If you are uncertain about the correct
reading of the information given on a
tire’s sidewall, any authorized smart
center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” ( Y page 127).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” ( Y page 133).
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
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.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired
braking efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
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efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
GWarning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
GWarning!
The outside temperature display is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose. Indicated temperatures just
above the freezing point do not guarantee
that the road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
( Y page 132).
Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive slowly to prevent water from entering
the passenger compartment, the front
compartment, or the engine compartment.
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in
water being ingested by the engine through
the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
Passenger compartment
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items thrown
around inside the vehicle may injure
vehicle occupants.
The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects.
Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone
GWarning!
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle
safely. Only operate the radio or telephone
16 if road, weather and traffic conditions
permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
Telephones and two-way radios
GWarning!
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e.
without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could lead to a
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malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Radio transmitters, such as a mobile phone
or a citizens band unit should only be used
inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside
of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible legal limits.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications.
Any adjustments to the engine should
therefore be carried out only by qualified
smart center authorized technicians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly
according to smart servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
GWarning!
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while
driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at
least one window fully open at all times.
Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise.
! Excessive coolant temperature causes
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp 00AE in the instrument cluster
comes on.
The engine should not be operated with
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp illuminated. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
For more information on coolant
temperature warning lamp ( Y page 156).GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire.
You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by
opening the engine hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam coming from
it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away
from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get
out of the vehicle and do not stand near the
vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
Driving abroad
Abroad, there is an extensive smart service
network at your disposal. If you plan to
drive into areas which are not listed in the
index of your smart center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
an authorized smart center.
Symmetrical low beams
i If you drive in countries where
vehicles drive on the other side of the
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road than the country in which the
vehicle is registered, you must have the
headlamps modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be
obtained at any authorized smart center.
Vehicle care
Care tips
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.
smart recommends that you care for the
paintwork at least twice a year (e.g. in the
spring and autumn).
GWarning!
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning
the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.
! Follow the care tips. Wash your vehicle
preferably by hand.
While in operation or even while parked,
your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences, which left unchecked
can attack the paint as well as the vehicle
underbody and lead to permanent damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme
and varying climatic conditions, but also
by:
R Air pollution
R Road salt
RTar
R Gravel and stone chipping
To avoid paint damage, you should
immediately remove:
R Insects
R Bird droppings
R Tree sap, etc.
R Grease and oil
R Brake fluid
R Coolant
R Fuel
R Tar spots
! Failure to remove such dirt
immediately can cause damage to the
paint or the soft top fabric*.
Environmental influences are not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
Frequent washing reduces and/or
eliminates the aggressiveness and potency
of the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:
R near the ocean
R in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)
R during winter operation
You should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a
thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough
inspection. Damaged areas need to be re-
undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory
with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
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smart because of the possibility of
incompatibility between materials used in
the production process and others applied
later.
We have selected vehicle-care products
and compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain smart approved vehicle-
care products at an authorized smart
center.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion
or damage due to negligent or incorrect
care cannot always be removed or repaired
with the vehicle-care products
recommended here. In such cases it is best
to seek aid at an authorized smart center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning
and care of your vehicle and give important“how-to” information as well as references
to smart approved vehicle-care products.
Vehicle care
Contact an authorized smart center for
recommended and approved care products.
i Advice on caring for the soft top
system, see ( Y page 145).
GWarning!
After washing the vehicle, the brakes may
still be wet and thus their functionality
impaired. Therefore, when you start off,
brake lightly several times without
endangering traffic.
! To avoid damage to interior equipment and materials: Never rub roughly or use
cleaning spirits on the cloth upholstery, never use strong agents, stain remover etc.
on the leather upholstery. Never scour ore use solvent on plastic parts. Never use strong
and aggressive agents on windows, do not touch the inside of the windows with hard
objects such as an ice scraper or ring, doing so may damage the windows.InteriorSpecial
considerationsLight soilingHeavy soilingCloth upholsteryUse a clean, lint-
free clothLight soap sudsStain remover (test
on an inconspicuous
place first)Plastic partsUse a color-fast
clothDamp, clean cloth,
cockpit sprayDamp, clean cloth,
cockpit sprayLeather upholsteryUse a clean, color-
fast clothClean cloth with
lukewarm water,
leather care
productLeather care
productWindowsDamp, clean cloth,
microfiber cloth,
glass cleanerMicrofiber cloth,
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Where will I find ...?
Tire repair kit
The tire repair kit is located in the
passenger footwell under the carpet.
XInsert a suitable object such as a coin
into the slot of carpet holder 0046.XTurn carpet holder 0046 counterclockwise.XLift the carpet.0047Tire repair kit
The following is included:
R Tire sealant container
R Electric air pump with filler hose
R Sticker
R Operating instructions label (on the
inside of the tire repair kit lid)
i The tire sealant container is located
below the tire repair kit.GWarning!
The tire repair kit is a limited repair
device. In case of a breakdown caused by a
flat tire, read through the section flat tire
carefully. When using the tire repair kit
follow the instructions in this section.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in severe injury or death.
First-aid kit*
The first-aid kit is located on the driver’s
side in the cargo compartment.
0046First-aid kit
i Check expiration dates and contents for
completeness at least once a year and
replace missing/expired items.
Display messages
The following display messages appear in
the multifunction display ( Y page 84).
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and 0050 SolutionsThe electronic immobilizer is not working.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.There is a malfunction in the shifting system.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.The transmission is taught-in ( Y page 83).XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.What to do if ...
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
General information
If any of the following lamps in the
instrument cluster fails to come on during
the bulb self-check when switching on
ignition ( Y page 55), have the respective
bulb checked and replaced if necessary.
Brake
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions00EB (USA only)
0031 (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running.There is a malfunction in the ABS system.XHave the ABS system checked at an authorized smart center
immediately.00EB (USA only)
0031 (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
together with the
brake warning lamp
while the engine is
running.The ABS system fails.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.What to do if ...149>> Practical hints.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 149Z
GWarning!
When the ABS system is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the braking distance.
When the ABS is switched off due to a malfunction, the ESP ®
is also switched off. The basic
driving and braking functions are still available.
The risk of your vehicle skidding is then increased in certain situations. You should
therefore always adapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.The brake circuit fails or the brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir is too low.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XDo not add brake fluid as this will not solve the problem.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.0027 (USA only)
004D (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
together with the ABS
indicator lamp while
the engine is running.The ABS system fails.XStop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.XDo not continue to drive.XTurn off the engine.XEngage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.XContact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center.GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system checked for brake pad thickness and leaks
immediately. Contact an authorized smart center immediately. Do not add brake fluid
as this will not solve the problem.
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