2011 SMART FORTWO COUPE tires

may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on your hazard warning
flashers, carefully slow down, and drive
with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized smart center or other qualified
maintenance or repair facility for further
inspection or repairs.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following
information and rules:
R the safety precautions in this manual
R the “Technical data” section in this
manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R motor vehicle laws and safety standards
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly
instructed to do so by information on the
label itself. Removal of any of these labels
may cause you and others to be unaware of
certain risks which may result in an
accident and/or personal injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with
your vehicle, particularly one that you
believe may affect its safe operation, we
urge you to immediately contact an
authorized smart center to have the
problem diagnosed and corrected if
required. Do not drive the vehicle if you
believe it may not be safely operated. If the
matter is not handled to your satisfaction,
please discuss the problem with the smart
center management, or if necessary contact
us at one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
smart USA Distributor LLC.
Customer Assistance Center
1765 Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 4C9
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only: The following text is
published as required of manufacturers
under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety
Act of 1966.
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying smart USA Distributor LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems between
you, your dealer, or smart USA Distributor
LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to
http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters, 1200
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iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
R This device may not cause
interference, and
R this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather and traffic
conditions and keep a safe distance to
other road users and objects on the street.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP ®
is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 145)
or snow chains* as required.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 22) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.GWarning!
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.
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GWarning!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the
E lectronic Stability Program (ESP ®
). The
ESP ®
is operational as soon as the engine
is running and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting the engine output,
the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roadsGWarning!
If the ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
GWarning!
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously
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damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size ( Y page 217).
Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake
assistant automatically provides full
brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The
hydraulic brake assistant is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
When the hydraulic brake assistant is
malfunctioning, the brake system is still
functioning normally, but without the
additional brake boost that would normally
be provided during an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
GWarning!
The hydraulic brake assistant cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and
tires or the traction afforded. The
hydraulic brake assistant cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a hydraulic brake assistant
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
Activating the hazard warning flasher
after an emergency braking maneuver
If you bring the vehicle to a complete stop
by strongly braking at a speed of more than
43 mph (70 km/h), the hazard warning
flasher comes on automatically as soon as
the vehicle is at a standstill. The hazard
warning flasher will remain on until it is
switched off using the hazard warning
flasher switch ( Y page 68) or until the
speed of the vehicle has exceeded 6 mph
(10 km/h).
Anti-theft systems
Electronic immobilizer
The electronic immobilizer prevents
unauthorized persons from starting your
vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
key with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a key
that is left inside the vehicle.
XActivating: Remove the key from the
starter switch.XDeactivating: Insert the key in the
starter switch.XTurn the key to starter switch position 1.
Anti-theft warning system*
Once the anti-theft warning system has
been armed, a visual and audible alarm is
triggered when
R someone opens a door or the tailgate
R someone enters the vehicle’s interior
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>> Operation.The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..............118
At the gas station .............................118
Engine compartment .......................... 119
Front compartment ...........................122
Tires and wheels ..............................126
Winter driving ................................145
Driving instructions ........................146
Driving abroad ................................153
Vehicle care ...................................153
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The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
significantly below the minimum
mark, call Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.XRemount the service flap and close it
( Y page 122).
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized smart center for
information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. For further
information contact an authorized smart
center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires
are mounted, the wheel brakes or
suspension components can be damaged.
Also, the operating clearance of the wheels
and the tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth,
or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
smart wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly
an accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by smart, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.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 authorized smart center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire
affects the ability to steer or brake the
vehicle. You could 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.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause
tire pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads.
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RIf vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and
Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B‑pillar ( Y page 132).
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly. Only adjust the tire
inflation pressure on cold tires. The tires
can be considered cold if the vehicle has
been parked for at least 3 hours or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Depending on the
ambient temperature, the driving speed
and the tire load, the tire temperature
changes. When the tire temperature
changes by 18 ¦ (10 ¥), the tire inflation
pressure will change by approximately
10 kpa (0.1 bar, 1.5 psi). Keep this in mind
when checking tire inflation pressure on
warm tires and adjust the tire pressure
only if the tire inflation pressure is too
low for the current operating conditions.
If you check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are warm, the reading will
be higher than the cold reading. This is
normal. Do not let air out to match the
specified cold tire inflation pressure.
Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.
Follow recommended cold tire inflation
pressures listed on Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B‑pillar.
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
In addition to the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B‑pillar, also consult the tire inflation
pressure label (if available) on the inside
of the filler flap for any additional
information pertaining to special driving
situations. For more information, see
“Important notes on tire inflation
pressure” ( Y page 128).
i Data shown on Tire and Loading
Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Tire data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in the following
illustration. Refer to Tire and Loading
Information placard on vehicle for
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The Tire and Loading Information placard
lists the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures 0046 for maximum loaded vehicle
weight. The tire inflation pressures listed
apply to the tires installed as original
equipment.
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure
GWarning!
If the tire inflation pressure drops
repeatedly, check the tires for punctures
from foreign objects and/or whether air is
leaking from the valves or from around the
rim.
Tire temperature and tire inflation
pressure are also increased while driving,
depending on the driving speed and the
tire load.
Potential problems associated with
underinflated and overinflated tires
Underinflated tires
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel
economy, and are more likely to fail from
being overheated.
Underinflated tires can
R cause excessive and uneven tire wear
R adversely affect fuel economy
R lead to tire failure from being
overheated
R adversely affect handling
characteristics
Overinflated tiresGWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
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.
Overinflated tires can
R adversely affect handling
characteristics
R cause uneven tire wear
R be more prone to damage from road
hazards
R adversely affect ride comfort
R increase stopping distance
Checking tire inflation pressure
Safety notes
GWarning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
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
128Tires and wheels>> Operation.
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