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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! To avoid damage to exterior surfaces never do the following: Use aggressive paint
cleaner, machine polish, abrasive cleanser, acidic, highly alkaline agents, abrasive
sponges, high-pressure or hot water cleaning equipment.ExteriorSpecial
considerationsLightly soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washesHeavily soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washestridion safety cell,
blackPowder coated
single-coat paint
finishCar shampoo
concentrate, insect
remover for insect
remains, polishCar shampoo
concentrate, hard
wax, insect remover
for insect remains,
polishtridion safety cell,
silverPowder coated
single-coat paint
finish and
clearcoatHighly polished
plastic parts (body
panels)Body panels with
base coat and
clearcoat or
clearcoat onlyWheels and wheel
coversTwo-layer metallic
paint (high-gloss)Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
careCar shampoo
concentrate, rim
careRetractable soft topPAC fabricCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation sprayCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation sprayRemoving insects
Remove insect remains before you start to
wash the vehicle.
XSpray insect remover on.XAllow insect remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently with a soft cloth or sponge.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Removing tar
Remove any tar marks before washing the
vehicle.
XApply tar remover with a soft cloth.XAllow tar remover to work in briefly.XRub in gently.XRinse with plenty of water.XTreat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do not
forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.
Washing your vehicle by hand
XWash the vehicle using car shampoo
concentrate and a sponge.XRinse with clean water.XTowel dry the vehicle.Vehicle care143>> Operation.451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 143Z
! Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight. The body panel surfaces and
paint finish may be damaged.
Washing your vehicle in an automatic car
wash
i When running your vehicle through an
automatic car wash, water droplets can
run down the inside of the side windows.
Unscrew your vehicle’s antenna before
driving into an automatic car wash.XRemoving: Unscrew antenna 0046
counterclockwise.XFitting: Screw antenna 0046 in clockwise.
Power washer
!
Never use a round nozzle to powerwash
tires. The intense jet of water can result
in damage to the tires.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts,
electrical connectors, seals, or other
rubber parts. The distance should be at
least 3.9 in (10 cm) and the water
temperature must not exceed 140 ¦
(60 ¥). Follow the instructions provided
by the power washer manufacturer on
maintaining a distance between the
vehicle and the nozzle of the power
washer.
Always keep the jet of water moving
across the surface.
Wheel cover*XWash the wheel cover with shampoo and a
soft brush or in the car wash.
Decorative foils
! Decorative foils are permanently
adhered to the painted parts of the
vehicle and cannot be removed.
! Do not expose the foils to solvents,
gasoline or diesel.
i When cleaning with a power washer, note
the following guideline values:
R Water temperature max. 176 ¦ (80 ¥)
R Minimum distance 11.8 in (30 cm)
R Jet of water strike at a right angle
Paintwork care
The frequency with which you care for your
paintwork is dependent on
R how much the vehicle is used
R where you normally park the vehicle (e.g.
in a garage or under a tree)
R the season
R weather and environmental influences
Rectifying paintwork damage
You can use a touch-up paint pen to repair
minimal stone chip damage and scratches.
Recommended touch-up paint pens can be
obtained in a smart center.
i For any major paintwork damage, please
contact a smart center.
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>> Practical hints.Where will I find ...? ........................148
Display messages ............................. 148
What to do if ... ............................... 149
Unlocking/locking manually ...............162
Replacing transmitter battery ............163
Replacing bulbs .............................. 164
Replacing wiper blades .....................170
Flat tire ........................................ 172
Wheel change ................................... 177
Battery .......................................... 180
Jump starting .................................. 183
Towing ........................................... 185
Fuses ............................................. 188451_AKB; 3; 22, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-27T09:36:34+02:00 - Seite 147
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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This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
incompatible replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires
and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Warning and indicator lamps in the overhead control panel
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and 0050 Solutions007F 007B
The passenger front
air bag off indicator
lamp illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on
the passenger seat.There is a malfunction in the system.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.007F 007B
The passenger front
air bag off indicator
lamp does not
illuminate or remains
out with the weight of
a typical
12‑month‑old child in
a standard child
restraint or less on
the passenger seatThere is a malfunction in the system.XHave the system checked at an authorized smart center.GWarning!
If the 007F 007B indicator lamp illuminates and remains illuminated with the weight
of a typical adult or someone larger than a small individual on the passenger seat, do not
have any passenger use the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
GWarning!
If the 007F 007B indicator lamp does not illuminate or remains out with the weight of
a typical 12‑month‑old child in a standard child restraint or less on the passenger seat, do
not transport a child on the passenger seat until the system has been repaired.
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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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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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