Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
Wheels and
wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and
that the brake system operates properly. ÐWinter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber
blend, tread pattern). This particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with
low-profile tyres
or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4
mm and tyres must be no older
than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher. For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roads
which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7
°C. The fuel
consumption is also lower. ÐSnow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.ä
ä
ä
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Valid for vehicles with front-wheel drive
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D)Tyre size
6J x 16 50 mm 205/55
7J x 16 45 mm 205/55
6J x 17 45 mm 205/50 Valid for vehicles with four-wheel drive
Snow chains can be used on the front wheels as on vehicles with front-wheel
drive » page 187, Valid for vehicles with front-wheel drive
.
In order to increase the traction (start-up properties), the use of snow chains is
also technically permissible on the rear axle (this means on the front and rear axle
at the same time) for the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D)Tyre size
6J x 16 50 mm 205/55
7J x 16 45 mm 205/55
6J x 17 45 mm 205/50 The use of snow chains is only technically permissible on the rear axle for the fol-
lowing standard wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D)Tyre size
7J x 16 45 mm 215/60
7J x 17 45 mm 225/50 When fitting snow chains on the front and rear axle at the same time, the maxi-
mum speed is limited to
50 km/h.
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. £
187
Wheels and Tyres
