(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
X
Removing: Fold the wiper arm away from
the
rear window until you feel it engage.
X Fold wiper blade :
away from the wiper
arm in direction of arrow ; until it
disengages from its mounting.
X Detach wiper blade :.
X Installing:
Push the new wiper blade onto
the wiper arm until you feel it engage.
X Fold the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
X Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the rear window.
Make sure to hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blade is properly
installed. An improperly installed
wiper blade may cause rear window
damage. Adjusting the washer jet nozzles
:
Front washer jet nozzles
; Rear washer jet nozzles
X Adjusting: Use a needle to move washer
jet nozzles : or ; left, right, up, or
down.
i Check the setting of the washer jet
nozzles at regular intervals. The washer
jet nozzles are correctly set when the
water
jet hits the windshield or the rear
window approximately in the center. Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Upon experiencing any type of problem
with the vehicle’s tires, switch on the
hazard warning flasher, carefully slow
down and exit the roadway in a cautious
manner.
X Park the vehicle at a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.
X Make sure the tire valve of the damaged
tire
is located below the horizontal axle
of the wheel hub.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Turn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight ahead position.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Turn off the engine.
X Remove the key from the starter switch
and take the key with you.
i Open
door only when conditions are safe
to do so.
X Have any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Using the tire repair kit
! Depending
on the type of damage on the
tire, the tire sealant could damage the
sensor of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)*. Such damage is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
When having the damaged tire replaced,
also have the TPMS sensors* checked for
proper function. When the sensor is
damaged, the TPMS* will not function
properly. The sensor must then be
replaced at an authorized smart center as
soon as possible.
i Depending on production date of your
vehicle, it will be equipped with version
1 or version 2 of the tire repair kit. 186
Flat tire
>> Practical hints.
* optional
