fresh air can flow freely into the vehicle
interior.
RDo not obstruct air vents or ventilation
grilles in the vehicle interior.
iFor draft-free ventilation, move the
sliders for the center air vents and side
air vents to the middle position.
Center air vents
\000FLeft center air vent, adjustable\000GRight center air vent, adjustableXAdjusting: Turn slider \000F or \000G to the
left, right, up, or down.
XOpening: Turn slider \000F or \000G inwards
towards the center console.
XClosing: Turn slider \000F or \000G fully
outwards towards the side window.
Side air vents
Side air vents on driver’s side illustrated asexample
\000FLeft side air vent, adjustable\000GLeft side defroster air vent, fixedXAdjusting: Turn slider \000F to the left,
right, up, or down.
XOpening: Turn slider \000F inwards towards
the center console.
XClosing: Turn slider \000F fully outwards
towards the side window.
Adjusting air distribution
SymbolFunction\000
Storage tray* in center consoleXInstalling: Slide storage tray \000G onto the
cones on the center console until it
engages audibly.
XRemoving: Press levers \000F
simultaneously towards the storage tray.
XPull storage tray \000G away from the center
console.
XOpening: Pull handle \000
XOpening: Open the tailgates.XPull handle \000F on the inside of the
tailgate backward.
XLift up the storage compartment cover.XClosing: Close storage compartment
cover \000F.
XPress on the “PRESS” marking in the
middle of storage compartment cover \000F
until it engages audibly.
XClose the tailgates (Y page 55).
Loading instructions
GWarning!
Transport heavy or hard objects in the
cargo compartment, not in the passenger
compartment.
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible using fastening
materials appropriate for the weight and
size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items may be
thrown around inside the vehicle, causing
injury to vehicle occupants.
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a
collision or sudden maneuver, exercise
care when storing objects in the vehicle.
Put luggage or cargo in the cargo
compartment if possible. Do not pile
luggage or cargo higher than the seat
backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will
help to prevent stored objects from being
thrown about and injuring vehicle
occupants during
Rbraking
Rvehicle maneuvers
Ran accident
GWarning!
No racks or loads may be secured to the roof
of the vehicle, as
Rthe panorama roof* may be damaged, thus
injuring persons
Rthis can have a substantial adverse
effect on the driving dynamics of the
vehicle, thus causing accidents
Rthe rack and/or the load could detach and
through this cause an accident or other
people could be injured by the load and/
or rack that has fallen off
GWarning!
Make sure the tailgate is closed when the
engine is running and while driving.
Among other dangers, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
GWarning!
Do not store any flammable substances
inside the vehicle that could ignite and
start a fire.
GWarning!
The manufacturer has not approved your
vehicle for towing a trailer. A trailer can
permanently impair driving safety.
The gross vehicle weight which is the
weight of the vehicle including fuel, tools,
installed accessories, passengers, and
luggage/cargo must never exceed the load
limit and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) for your vehicle as specified on the
placard located on the driver’s door
Loading and storing113>> Controls.* optionalBA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 113Z
B‑pillar (Y page 214). In addition, the load
must be distributed in such a way so that
the weight on each axle never exceeds the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. The GVWR and GAWR for
your vehicle are indicated on the
certification label which can be found on
the driver’s door B‑pillar.
For more information, see “Loading the
vehicle” (Y page 132).
The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load
distribution. It is therefore recommended
to load the vehicle with the heaviest items
being placed towards the front of the
vehicle.
Please pay attention to and comply with the
following instructions when loading the
vehicle and transporting cargo:
RAlways place items being carried
against seat backrests, and fasten them
as securely as possible.
RThe heaviest portion of the cargo should
always be kept as low as possible against
seat backrests.
RDo not stack loads higher than the top
edge of the head restraints.
RMake sure no luggage/cargo items can get
above or next to the driver’s and/or
passenger seat into the passenger
compartment.
RMake sure luggage/cargo is properly
secured.
RAlways use, if so equipped, cargo net*
when transporting cargo.
Useful features
Sun visors
The sun visors protect you from sun glare
while driving.
Glare through the windshield
XSwing sun visor \000F down.
Glare through a side window
XSwing sun visor \000F down.XDisengage sun visor \000F from
mounting \000G.
XPivot sun visor \000F to the side.
Sun screen*
The sun screen provides protection from
sun rays and from heat generated by the
panorama roof*.
The sun screen can be adjusted to any
desired position.
XOpening or closing: Move sun screen \000F
forward or backward using the handle.
114Useful features>> Controls.* optionalBA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 114
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
In the Operation section you will find
detailed information on operating,
maintaining and caring for your vehicle.
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more
satisfied you will be with its performance
later on.
R Drive your vehicle during the first
1 000 miles (1 500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
R During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds (no more than 2
/ 3 of
maximum rpm in each gear).
R Shift gears in a timely manner.
R Do not attempt to slow the vehicle down
by shifting to a lower gear.
R Avoid accelerating by kickdown.
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km), you may
gradually increase vehicle and engine
speeds to the permissible maximum.
All of the above instructions also apply
when driving the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
after the engine has been replaced.
i Always obey applicable speed limits.
At the gas station
Refueling
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and
poisonous. It burns violently and can cause
serious personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to
your health.
! Do not put diesel fuel in vehicles with
gasoline engines. Do not mix gasoline
with diesel fuel. Even small quantities
of diesel fuel will damage the injection
system. Damage caused by adding diesel
fuel will not be covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
If diesel fuel has mixed with gasoline,
do not start the engine. Otherwise the
catalytic converter will be irreparably
damaged.
Contact an authorized smart center or
Roadside Assistance immediately and
have the vehicle towed.
! Damage resulting from mixing gasoline
with diesel fuel is not covered by the
smart Limited Warranty.
The fuel filler flap is located on the
passenger side towards the rear. Locking/
unlocking the vehicle with the key
automatically locks/unlocks the fuel filler
flap.
i In case the central locking system does
not release the fuel filler flap, or the
opening mechanisms is clamping,
contact Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.0046 Opening the fuel filler flap0047 Inserting the fuel filler cap008A Fuel filler cap118At the gas station>> Operation.
BA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 118
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.
126Tires and wheels>> Operation.
BA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 126
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.
R Never 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.
Driving instructions149>> Operation.BA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 149Z
ExteriorSpecial
considerations
Lightly soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washes
Heavily soiled
Hand-/Automatic
car washes
Wheels and wheel
covers
Two-layer metallic
paint (high-gloss)
Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
care
Car shampoo
concentrate, rim
care
Retractable soft topPAC fabricCar shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation spray
Car shampoo
concentrate, soft
top cleaner,
impregnation spray
Removing 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.! 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
iWhen 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 \000F
counterclockwise.
XFitting: Screw antenna \000F 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
156Vehicle care>> Operation.
BA 451 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 4, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-11T15:12:26+02:00 - Seite 156