2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE driving

(Y page 217), for example when purchasing
new tires.
For
information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire
size designation, load and speed rating”
(Y page 136).
If you are uncertain about the correct
reading of the information given on a
tire’s sidewall, any authorized smart
center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” ( Y page 137). Winter driving instructions
The
most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
position N. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” (Y page 142). G
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced

vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired
braking efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers. G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure
snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind. G
WARNING
The outside temperature display is not
designed
to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose. Indicated temperatures just
above the freezing point do not guarantee
that the road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(Y page 142). Standing water
! Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing water,
drive

slowly to prevent water from entering
R the front compartment
R the engine compartment
R the passenger compartment
Water in these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result in 148
Driving instructions
>> Operation.
* optional

water being ingested by the engine through
the air intake, causing severe internal
engine damage.
Any
such damage is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty. Passenger compartment
G
WARNING
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items thrown
around inside the vehicle may injure
vehicle occupants.
The cargo compartment is the preferred
place to carry objects. Control and operation of radio
transmitters
Radio and telephone G
WARNING
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle
safely. Only operate the radio or
telephone 16
if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
Telephones and two-way radios G
WARNING
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e.
without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the
engine

is running. Doing so could lead to a
malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Radio

transmitters, such as a mobile phone
or a citizens band unit should only be used
inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside
of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna. Emission control
Certain engine systems serve to keep the
toxic components of the exhaust gases
within permissible legal limits.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications.
Any adjustments to the engine should
therefore

be carried out only by qualified
smart center authorized technicians.
Engine adjustments should not be altered
in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly
according to smart servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet. G
WARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while
driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only with at
least one window fully open at all times.
16 Observe all legal requirements. Driving instructions
149
>> Operation. Z

Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise.
! Excessive coolant temperature causes
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp ? in the instrument cluster to
come on.
The engine should not be operated with
the red coolant temperature warning
lamp ? illuminated. Doing so may
cause serious engine damage which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.
For more information on coolant
temperature warning lamp ( Y page 170).G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked
into the engine compartment to catch fire.
You could be seriously burned.
Steam
from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by
opening the engine hood. Stay away from the
engine if you see or hear steam coming from
it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away
from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get
out of the vehicle and do not stand near the
vehicle until the engine has cooled down. Driving abroad
Abroad,
there is an extensive smart service
network at your disposal. If you plan to
drive into areas which are not listed in the
index of your smart center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
an authorized smart center. Symmetrical low beams
i If you drive in countries where
vehicles drive on the other side of the
road than the country in which the
vehicle is registered, you must have the
headlamps

modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be
obtained at any authorized smart center. Vehicle care
Care tips
Regular and proper care will help to
maintain the value of your vehicle. The
best way to protect your vehicle from
harmful environmental influences is to
wash it and use protective treatments
regularly.
smart recommends that you care for the
paintwork

at least twice a year (e.g. in the
spring and autumn). G
WARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle’s doors or windows when cleaning
the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and
keep them out of reach of children.
! Follow

the care tips. Wash your vehicle
preferably by hand.
While in operation or even while parked,
your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences, which left unchecked
can attack the paint as well as the vehicle
underbody and lead to permanent damage. 150
Vehicle care
>> Operation.

Exterior Special
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 top PAC fabric Car 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.
X
Spray insect remover on.
X Allow insect remover to work in briefly.
X Rub in gently with a soft cloth or sponge.
X Rinse with plenty of water.
X Treat the cleaned surface with hard wax.
Removing tar Remove any tar marks before washing the
vehicle.
X
Apply tar remover with a soft cloth.
X Allow tar remover to work in briefly.
X Rub in gently.
X Rinse with plenty of water.
X Treat 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
X Wash the vehicle using car shampoo
concentrate and a sponge.
X Rinse with clean water.
X Towel 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
i When 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. X
Removing: Unscrew antenna :
counterclockwise.
X Fitting: Screw antenna : in clockwise.
Power washer G
WARNING
Do not use a round nozzle (dirt grinders) to
powerwash your vehicle, in particular the
tires.

You could otherwise damage the tires
and cause an accident. Vehicle care
153
>> Operation. Z

Vehicles without control system
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions The electronic immobilizer is not working.
X
Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. There is a malfunction in the shifting system.
X
Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. The transmission is taught-in (
Y page 86).
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. Vehicles with control system*
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
Switch Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Make sure the air supply for the radiator is uninterrupted.
X Only start the engine again after the display message
disappears. You could otherwise damage the engine. G
WARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of
the vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. Display messages
159
>> Practical hints.
* optional Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions4
Switch Engine Off The engine oil level is too low. The engine could be damaged.
X
Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Check the engine oil level (Y page 118) and add engine oil as
required (Y page 119). J
Release Parking
Brake You are driving with the parking brake engaged.
X
Release the parking brake. 5
Shift

to N or P to
Start You have attempted to start the engine while the automatic
transmission was in reverse gear
R or drive position D.
Shift the automatic transmission into park position P or
neutral position N.5
Apply Brakes to
Start You have attempted to start the engine without depressing the
brake pedal.
Depress the brake pedal to start the engine.
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions#
Charge Battery The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes:
R
alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
X Stop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
X Turn off the engine immediately.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If poly-V-belt is broken: Do not continue to drive. Contact
an authorized smart center.
X If poly-V-belt is intact: Have the vehicle checked at an
authorized smart center immediately. !
Among other possible causes, the poly-V-belt could be broken. Do not continue to
drive.

Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. 160
Display messages
>> Practical hints.

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions6
Reserve Fuel The fuel level has dropped below the reserve mark.
X
Refuel at the next gas station. Ö
Driver´s Door Ajar The driver’s door is open.
X
Close the driver’s door. Ø
Door Ajar The passenger door is open.
X
Close the passenger door. Õ
Tailgate Open A tailgate or the rear soft top
17
is open.
X Close the tailgates or the rear soft. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
Check
Tire Pressure The tire inflation pressure in at least one tire is
significantly below the reference value.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers.
X Check and adjust tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 126).
X If necessary, change the wheel ( Y page 194).G
WARNING
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and Loading Information placard. If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information placard, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.
As

an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
17 cabriolet only. Display messages
161
>> Practical hints.
Z

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately 1 minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups 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. Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÒ
Danger: Ice
(Canada only) The outside temperature is below 3
¥. The road may be icy.
X Adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions. G
WARNING
The display message Danger:
Ice is not designed as an ice-warning device and is therefore
unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface
is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. Your
vehicle could start to skid if you do not adjust your driving style accordingly.
Therefore, always adjust your driving style to the prevailing road and weather conditions. What to do if ...
Warning and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster
General information If any of the following lamps in the
instrument

cluster fails to come on during
the bulb self-check when switching on
ignition (Y page 57), have the respective
bulb checked and replaced if necessary. 162
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.