0046Uniform Quality Grading Standards
( Y page 124)0047DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
( Y page 129)008AMaximum tire load ( Y page 122)0088Maximum tire inflation pressure
( Y page 119)0086Manufacturer0087Tire ply material ( Y page 130)006ETire size designation, load and speed
rating ( Y page 126)006FLoad identification ( Y page 128)0070Tire name
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
For more information, see “Rims and
tires” ( Y page 202).
Tire size designation, load and speed
rating0046Tire width0047Aspect ratio in %008ARadial tire code0088Rim diameter0086Tire load rating0087Tire speed rating
i For information purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
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.
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Tire ply material
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the
sidewall 0046 and under the tread 0047.
Tire 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
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if
so equipped, air conditioning and
additional optional equipment, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
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 (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo. The
GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated
on the certification label located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar.
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GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight
of the vehicle including all options,
passengers, fuel, and cargo. 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,
total load limit and production options
weight.
Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.
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 (Pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for air
pressure.
Recommended tire inflation pressure
The recommended tire inflation pressure
for normal driving conditions is listed on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on driver’s door B‑pillar and
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.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Unique identifier which facilitates
efforts by tire manufacturers to notify
purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify
such tires. The TIN is comprised of
“Manufacturer’s identification mark”,
“Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of
manufacture”.
Tire load rating
Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
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GWarning!
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident.
GWarning!
New brake pads will not achieve their
optimal braking effect until after several
hundred miles (kilometers). This means
that you must compensate for the reduced
braking effect by pressing harder on the
brake pedal and adapt your driving style
accordingly. The same applies after brake
pads or brake discs have been changed.
Drive sensibly - save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove carriers* when not in use.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required by
the Maintenance System. Contact an
authorized smart center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips, and in hilly areas.
Catalytic converter
Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important
element in conjunction with the oxygen
sensors to achieve substantial control of
the pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Maintenance Booklet.GWarning!
The catalytic converter can become very
hot. Coming into contact with the catalytic
converter could result in burns.
Note the following:
R Do not remove the protective heat guards.
R Do not apply any underseal.
R As with any vehicle, do not idle, park, or
operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay, or leaves can come into contact with
the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle fire.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it
to overheat and potentially start a fire.
It is essential to observe the following
points, as there is otherwise a danger of
overheating and the catalytic converter
may be damaged.
R Fill up only with premium unleaded
gasoline. Even small quantities of
leaded gasoline can damage the catalytic
converter.
R Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
service intervals.
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RNever run the fuel tank empty.
R If the engine starts to misfire, bring the
vehicle to an immediate standstill
without endangering traffic.
R If the engine fails to start the first time,
you should not try to start it any more
than three times in succession.
R Do not try to start for more than four
seconds at a time.
Tires
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest smart center or tire dealer for
repairs.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction
varies widely.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subject to high loads (e.g.
high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire will
affect your ability to steer or brake and may
cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
Continued driving with a flat tire or
driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
For more information, see “Tires and
wheels” ( Y page 114).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur
resulting in a loss of control, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle
speed, avoid track grooves in the road and
apply brakes cautiously when it is raining.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)* ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0077The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale
illuminates
continuously.The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.XCheck and correct tire inflation pressure as required
( Y page 116).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has
(have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
See also “Restarting the TPMS” ( Y page 119).
0077The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale flashes
60 seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.XHave the TPMS checked at an authorized smart center.
After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few
minutes of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’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.
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 combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
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The tire repair kit can be used to seal
punctures 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.XYou should have the sealed tire replaced
at an authorized smart center.GWarning!
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 - causes skin, eye and
respiratory irritation. Wear gloves while
using this product if they are available.
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
possible.
In case of allergic reaction or rash, consult
a physician immediately.
Notes
R Small tire punctures, particularly those
in the tread, can be sealed with the tire
sealant.
R The tire sealant can be used in ambient
temperatures from ‑4 ¦ (‑20 ¥) to
104 ¦ (+40 ¥).
R Do not remove any foreign objects such as
nails or screws that have penetrated the
tire.
R Do not use the tire sealant if the tire has
been damaged by being driven when
insufficiently inflated (e.g. bumps,
cuts, cracks etc. on the tire).
R Allow escaped tire sealant to dry, then
peel it off.
R Immediately wash all painted surfaces
that came into contact with the tire
sealant using a damp cloth.
R Avoid skin and eye contact with the tire
sealant.
R Do not swallow the tire sealant.
R Allow the tire sealant that is inside the
damaged tire to dry and dispose of
together with the tire.
R Do not use the tire sealant after the
expiration date has elapsed (see top of
container).
Instead, have it replaced at an
authorized smart center.GWarning!
The tire sealant is a limited repair device.
The tire sealant cannot be used for cuts or
punctures larger than approximately
0.16 in (4 mm) and tire damage caused by
driving with extremely low tire inflation
pressure, or on a flat tire, or a damaged
wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
If you are unsure of the condition of the tire
or have any question whatsoever about its
suitability for driving contact the nearest
smart center for assistance or call
Roadside Assistance.
GWarning!
Please review the instructions below for
using the tire repair kit. If you are not
confident that you can competently follow
the instructions for using this kit, do not
use the kit, but instead call for Roadside
Assistance.
GWarning!
Keep the tire sealant out of reach of
children. If swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting!
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0088Filler hose0072Tire valveXScrew the end of filler hose 0088 onto tire
valve 0072.XInsert electrical plug 0087 into the
auxiliary power outlet ( Y page 102).XInsert the key in the starter switch and
turn it to position 1.
i
The vehicle’s battery is drained by use
of the electric air pump. You should
therefore keep the engine running — in
the open air — while inflating the tire.
006EElectric air pump switchXPress I on electric air pump switch 006E.
The electric air pump is switched on and
inflates the tire.
i First, the sealant is pumped into the
tire. The pressure may briefly increase
to a high value. This is normal and not an
indication of a malfunction. Do not
switch off the electric air pump.XLet the electric air pump inflate the tire
for a maximum of ten minutes.
Pressure gauge 0047 must display at least
26 psi (1.8 bar).GWarning!
The filler hose can become hot during
inflation.
Please exercise appropriate caution.
! Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than ten minutes without
interruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the electrical air pump
again after it has cooled off.
XIf a tire inflation pressure of at least
26 psi (1.8 bar) is not attained, turn off
the electric air pump by pressing 0 on
electric air pump switch 006E.XUnscrew the end of filler hose 0088 from
tire valve 0072.XAfter clearing the area around the
vehicle of people and obstacles, drive
vehicle back or forth very slowly
approximately 30 ft (10 m).
This serves to better distribute the tire
sealant material inside the tire.XScrew the end of filler hose 0088 onto tire
valve 0072.XInflate the tire again.GWarning!
If a tire inflation pressure of 26 psi
(1.8 bar) is not attained, the tire is too
severely damaged for the tire sealant to
provide a reliable tire repair.
In this case, the tire sealant cannot
properly seal the tire.
Do not drive the vehicle.
Contact the nearest smart center for
assistance or call Roadside Assistance.
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