2012 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class tow

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight
(maximum gross
vehicle
weight
rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants) 1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
750
lbs
(340 kg)
= 750 lbs
(340 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
540
lbs
(245 kg)
= 960 lbs
(435 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg) -
150
lbs
(68 kg) =
1350 lbs
(612 kg) The higher the weight of all the occupants, the smaller the maximum load for luggage.
Further information can be found under "trailer load/noseweight"
(Y

page 256).Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total load
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle

weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details can
be found on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side of the vehicle
(Y page 252).
Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of
the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer
load/noseweight (if applicable) must not
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible weight that can be carried by one
axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross
vehicle weight and maximum gross axle
weight rating), have your loaded vehicle
(including driver, occupants, cargo, and full
trailer load if applicable) weighed on a
suitable vehicle weighbridge. Trailer load/noseweight
The trailer
load/noseweight affects the gross
weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached,
the trailer load/noseweight is included in the
load along with occupants and luggage. The trailer load/noseweight is usually
approximately
10%

of the gross weight of the
trailer and its load.
Only use a trailer tow hitch that has been
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Comply with the manufacturer's operating
instructions for operation, care and
maintenance. Maximum load rating
G
WARNING
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. 256
Maximum load rating
Wheels and tires

TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may
act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch. Wear indicator
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over

the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm) has been reached. Distribution of the vehicle occupants
Distribution of vehicle occupants over
designated seat positions in a vehicle. Maximum permissible payload
weight
Nominal load and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lb) multiplied by the
number of seats in the vehicle. Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Roadside Assistance" section
(
Y
page

226) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides
instructions on changing a wheel or mounting
the spare wheel. Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different

tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible. G
WARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use

genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be replaced
every 3000 to 6000 miles
(5000 to 10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear
requires this. Do not change the direction of
wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressure and
reactivate the tire pressure monitor
(Y page 249) if necessary.
Information on changing a wheel and
mounting the spare wheel ( Y page 226).
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are
located in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the
electronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional

benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these Changing a wheel
265
Wheels and tires Z

benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
maintained.
An
arrow
on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
You may mount the spare wheel against the
direction of rotation. Adhere to the time
restriction on use as well as the speed
limitation specified on the spare wheel. Storing wheels
Store tires that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean
your vehicle,

especially for cleaning tires. You
could otherwise damage the tires and cause
an accident. Wheel and tire combinations
Please bear the following in mind
G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer

and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz 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. G
WARNING
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
Mercedes-Benz 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 Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used. G
WARNING
If you notice sudden significant vibrations or
unusual handling performance or if you
suspect that damage has occurred to the
vehicle, you should activate the hazard
warning lamps, gently reduce speed and
carefully head for an area that is located at a
safe distance from the road.
Check the tires and the underside of the
vehicle for damage. If the vehicle seems
unsafe, have the vehicle towed away to the
nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer
to be repaired. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might 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.
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires,
wheels and accessories which have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz specifically
for your vehicle. These tires have been
specially adapted for use with the driving
safety systems, such as ABS or ESP ®
.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a 266
Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires