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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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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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0067The ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESP ®
has engaged because of detected traction loss in at
least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.0067The ESP ®
warning lamp
illuminates
continuously
while the
engine is
running.The ESP ®
is not operational due to a system failure.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.The ESP ®
is not available.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.GWarning!
When the ESP ®
warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is not available or not
operational due to a system failure.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and the non-operating status
of the ESP ®
.
i It may be possible to clear a system failure by restarting the engine.
XRestart the engine.
If the warning lamp still does not go out, have the system checked at an authorized smart
center immediately.
i More information on the ESP ®
can be found in the “Safety” section ( Y page 45).
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions0052The EPS*
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running.The Electronic Power Steering (EPS)* is not available.XHave the EPS* checked at an authorized smart center
immediately.GWarning!
When the EPS* is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the vehicle.
Have the system checked at a smart center.
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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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XRemoving: Fold the wiper arm away from
the rear window until you feel it engage.XFold wiper blade 0046 away from the wiper
arm in direction of arrow 0047 until it
disengages from its mounting.XDetach wiper blade 0046.XInstalling: Push the new wiper blade onto
the wiper arm until you feel it engage.XFold the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the rear window.
Make sure to hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blade is properly
installed. An improperly installed
wiper blade may cause rear window
damage.
Adjusting the washer jet nozzles
0046Front washer jet nozzles0047Rear washer jet nozzlesXAdjusting: Use a needle to move washer
jet nozzles 0046 or 0047 left, right, up, or
down.
i Check the setting of the washer jet
nozzles at regular intervals. The washer
jet nozzles are correctly set when the
water jet hits the windshield or the rear
window approximately in the center.
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Upon experiencing any type of problem
with the vehicle’s tires, switch on the
hazard warning flasher, carefully slow
down and exit the roadway in a cautious
manner.
XPark the vehicle at a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.XMake sure the tire valve of the damaged
tire is located below the horizontal axle
of the wheel hub.XEngage the parking brake.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight ahead position.XMove the gear selector lever to park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XRemove the key from the starter switch
and take the key with you.
i Open door only when conditions are safe
to do so.
XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway.
Using the tire repair kit
! Depending on the type of damage on the
tire, the tire sealant could damage the
sensor of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)*. Such damage is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
When having the damaged tire replaced,
also have the TPMS sensors* checked for
proper function. When the sensor is
damaged, the TPMS* will not function
properly. The sensor must then be
replaced at an authorized smart center as
soon as possible.
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adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from
being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated
tires can adversely affect handling and
ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase
stopping distance, and result in sudden
deflation (blowout) because they are more
likely to become punctured or damaged by
road debris, potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B‑pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing
a blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.XDrive to the nearest authorized smart
center, to have the damaged tire
replaced.XContact an authorized smart center as
soon as possible to obtain a new filler
hose and a new tire sealant container.XBring used tire sealant materials to an
authorized smart center for proper
disposal.XReplace your tire sealant container
every 4 years. Replacement containers
are available at any authorized smart
center.GWarning!
After changing a tire, contact a smart
center to make sure the bolts holding the
wheel to the car are tight enough.
Otherwise, the wheels could come off. Each
bolt should be tightened to a torque of
81 lb‑ft (110 Nm).
Wheel change
Preparing the vehicle
XPark the vehicle on a hard, flat surface
when possible.XTurn on the hazard warning flasher.XTurn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight-ahead position.XEngage the parking brake.XMove the gear selector lever to park
position P.XTurn off the engine.XHave any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway.
Removing the wheel
GWarning!
When jacking up the vehicle, only use a
suitable jack. Observe the manufacturer’s
safety instructions.
The jack must be designed for jacking up
this vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides of the vehicle.
The jack is intended only for lifting the
vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not
suited for performing maintenance work
under the vehicle. To help avoid personal
injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle
during a wheel change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under
the vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizeable objects before raising the
vehicle with the jack. Do not release the
parking brake while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure the ground on which the vehicle
is standing and where you place the jack is
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GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Do not tow the vehicle with the front
axle raised. Doing so may cause serious
damage to the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment
attached to suspension parts. This may
cause damage to the radiator and other
supports if towing on a bumpy road.
R Towing the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope, or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame, or suspension parts.
! Make sure the ignition is switched off
while towing the vehicle. Doing
otherwise may result in
R the ESP ®
being activated. Active
braking action through the ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
R a discharged battery.
! Make sure the gear selector lever is in
neutral position N while towing the
vehicle. Doing otherwise may result in
significant transmission damage.
! Towing the vehicle with a luggage
rack* mounted is not permissible. The
vehicle must not be towed by the luggage
rack*.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged, the gear selector lever will
remain locked in park position P.
Contact an authorized smart center for
assistance or call Roadside Assistance.
Towing eye bolt
The towing eye bolt is located in the
passenger footwell under the carpet.
XUnscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell ( Y page 148).XLift the carpet.XTake out towing eye bolt 0046.
Covers
Depending of whether you are towing a
vehicle or being towed, the towing eye bolt
can be screwed into threaded holes which
are located behind covers on the front and
rear bumper.
Front cover
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