surfaces decreases significantly when the
tread depth is less than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. This also applies
to the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel.
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R driving style
R tire pressure
R mileage
Winter operation
Points to remember
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y page 460).
Winter tires
Use winter tires at temperatures below
45 ‡ (7 †) and on snow or ice-covered roads.
Only winter tires also bearing the i
snowflake symbol next to the M+S marking
provide the best-possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow the ABS
and ESP ®
driving systems to function
optimally in winter, as these tires have been
designed specifically for driving on snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
GWarning
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
installed.
Once you have installed the winter tires:XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 444).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 445).GWarning
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
authorized Sprinter Dealer.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! You must drive at raised vehicle level if
snow chains have been mounted. The
vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R Only use snow chains when driving on an
area completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
440Winter operationTires and wheels
