2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS ROADSTER tire pressure

approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will be
repeated every time the vehicle is started 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 instrument cluster239On-board computer and displaysZ

cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in position N when washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and roof are
completely closed.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windshield wiper switch is at position
0 .
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft sponge to clean.XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
! Do not use high-pressure cleaners if the
tank recess is open while you clean it. This
can cause damage to the seals or other
components.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
266CareMaintenance and care

Inflating the collapsible spare wheel
! Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using
the tire inflation compressor before
lowering the vehicle. The wheel rim could
otherwise be damaged.
XPull plug ? out of the housing.XTake the air hose out of the housing.XInsert the yellow hose connector of the air
hose into the guide in the housing and push
it into the fixture until the hose connector
engages.XRemove the cap from the valve on the
collapsible spare wheel.XScrew air hose union nut : onto the valve.XMake sure the tire inflation compressor's
on/off switch A is set to OFF.XInsert plug ? into the socket of the
cigarette lighter (Y page 247) or into a 12 V
power socket (Y page 247) in your vehicle.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 (Y page 131) in the ignition lock.XPress on/off switch A on the tire inflation
compressor to ON.
The tire inflation compressor is switched
on. The tire is inflated. The tire pressure is
read at pressure gauge =.
!
Do not operate the tire inflation
compressor for longer than ten minutes at
a time without a break. It may otherwise
overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be
operated again once it has cooled down.
XInflate the tire to the specified tire
pressure.
The specified tire pressure is printed on the
yellow label of the emergency spare wheel.XWhen the specified tire pressure has been
reached, switch on/off switch A on the
tire inflation compressor to OFF.
The tire inflation compressor is switched
off.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock.XIf the tire pressure is higher than the
specified pressure, press pressure release
button ; until the correct tire pressure has
been reached.XUnscrew air hose union nut : from the
valve.XScrew the valve cap onto the collapsible
spare wheel valve again.
Removing an air hose
XTo remove the hose from the tire inflation
compressor, push down the rocker switch
on the hose connector and pull out the
hose.XStow plug ? and the air hose in the lower
section of the compressor housing.XStow the tire inflation compressor in the
vehicle.280Flat tireBreakdown assistance

Lowering the vehicleGWARNING
Tire pressure that is too high or too low can
lead to a blowout of the mounted emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel, particularly when
driving with a heavy load and increasing
speed. There is a risk of accident.
Check the tire pressure of the emergency
spare wheel or spare wheel and adjust it.
When doing so, observe the specified tire
pressure.
! Inflate the collapsible spare wheel using
the tire inflation compressor before
lowering the vehicle. The wheel rim could
otherwise be damaged.
XTurn the crank of the jack counter-
clockwise until the vehicle is once again
standing firmly on the ground.XPlace the jack to one side.GWARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel nuts
and bolts are not tightened to the specified
tightening torque. There is a risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed.
XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a
crosswise pattern in the sequence
indicated ( : to A). The tightening torque
must be 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) .XTurn the jack back to its initial position and
store it together with the rest of the tire-change tool kit in the stowage well under
the trunk floor.XVehicles with AMG equipment: insert the
cover into the outer sill.XPlace the damaged wheel in the protective
covering (if available) from the tire-change
tool kit, and stow it in the trunk.
The roof must be closed when doing so.
i USA only: when you are driving with the
emergency spare wheel mounted, the tire
pressure monitoring system cannot
function reliably. Only restart the tire
pressure monitoring system when the
defective wheel has been replaced with a
new wheel.
All wheels mounted must be equipped with
functioning sensors. The defective wheel
should no longer be in the vehicle.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with the activated tire pressure
loss warning system or with the activated tire
pressure monitoring system.
The driving distance in partially laden
condition is approximately 50 miles (80 km),
and approximately 18 miles (30 km) when
fully loaded.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
R speed
R road condition
R outside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
Flat tire281Breakdown assistanceZ

The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).GWARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when
cornering, accelerating quickly and when
braking. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneuvers,
and driving over obstacles (curbs, potholes,
off-road). This applies in particular to a laden
vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
defective tire must be replaced in every case.
i When replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you only use tires marked
MOExtended. Also ensure that they are of
the specified size for the vehicle.
Battery
Important safety notes
In order for the battery to achieve the
maximum possible service life, it must always
be sufficiently charged.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or contact a qualified
specialist workshop for more information.
Have the battery charge level checked more
frequently if you use the vehicle mainly for
short trips or if you leave it standing idle for
a lengthy period.
Only replace a battery with a battery that has
been recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop if you
wish to leave your vehicle parked for a long
period of time.GWARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take
protective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosionFire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid contact with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary.Wear eye protection.Keep children away.Observe this Operator's
Manual.282BatteryBreakdown assistance

Useful information ............................294
Important safety notes ....................294
Operation ........................................... 294
Winter operation ............................... 296
Tire pressure ..................................... 297
Loading the vehicle ..........................304
Maximum load rating .......................307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .......................................... 307
Tire labeling ....................................... 309
Definition of terms for tires and
loading ............................................... 312
Changing a wheel ............................. 315
Wheel and tire combinations ...........316293Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part (designation, manufacturer, model).
GWARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
( Y page 316).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R in the "Tire pressure" section
Pay special attention to the country-specific
requirements for tire approval. These
requirements can stipulate a specific tire type
for your vehicle. Furthermore, the use of
certain tire types in certain regions and areas
of operation can be highly beneficial. You can
find further information regarding tires at
specialist tire retailers, at qualified specialist
workshops or at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop.
Operation
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
294OperationWheels and tires

Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tiresGWARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or cracks or severe corrosion
on wheels) at least once a month, as well
as after driving off-road or on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 295). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve (such as tire
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
( Y page 297).
Tire tread
GWARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: â in (3 mm)
R M+S tires: ã in (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately á in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
Bar marking : for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Notes on selecting, mounting and
replacing tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After mounting new tires, run them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km) as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
Operation295Wheels and tiresZ