2012 SMART FORTWO COUPE steering

Tire load rating
G
WARNING
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may result and cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. 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.
Tire load rating A is a numerical code
associated with the maximum load a tire
can support.
For example, a load rating of 91
corresponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load” ( Y page 132)
where the maximum load associated with
the load index is indicated in kilograms
and lbs.
For additional information on tire load
rating, see “Load identification”
(Y page 138).
Tire speed rating G
WARNING
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure,

causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others. Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed

limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Tire speed rating B indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires Index Speed rating
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(Y) above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR above 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any
tire with a speed capability above
149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in
the size designation (for example:
245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum
speed

capability of the tire, the service
description for the tire must be referred
to.
The service description is comprised of
tire load rating A and tire speed rating
B.
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service description
is given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed
capability.
If a service description is given, the
speed capability is limited by the speed Tires and wheels
137
>> Operation. Z

The TIN is a unique identifier which
facilitates
efforts by tire manufactures to
notify purchasers in recall situations or
other safety matters concerning tires and
gives purchasers the means to easily
identify such tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark” ;, “Tire size” =,
“Tire type code” ?, and “Date of
manufacture” A.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire branding symbol
:
which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark Manufacturer’s identification mark
;
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four
symbols. For more information on
retreaded tires ( Y page 124).
Tire size Code = indicates the tire size. Tire type code Tire type code
? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive
code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture Date of manufacture
A
identifies the week
and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year. The second
two figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002. Tire ply material
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data

on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the
sidewall : and under the tread ;. Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, Tires and wheels
139
>> Operation. Z

For safety reasons, smart recommends
that you only use snow chains that have
been approved by smart.
Information
on this is available from any
smart center.
Please refer to the separate operating
instructions for detailed information on
mounting the snow chains.
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:
R Using snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(Y page 217).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before mounting
snow chains. G
WARNING
When mounting or removing snow chains,
always park your vehicle on level ground,
engage the parking brake, and turn off the
engine. The vehicle could otherwise move
and injure yourself or other road users. G
WARNING
When mounting and removing snow chains,
ensure that you and your vehicle are at a
safe distance from moving traffic. Not
doing

so could endanger other road users or
even lead to you being injured by the
vehicles behind you. G
WARNING
The vehicle’s handling changes when
driving with snow chains on any kind of
road surface. This means that you should always adapt your driving style to suit the
current road and weather conditions.
! If snow chains that do not meet
requirements are mounted, they may
scrape against the body or axle
components when the vehicle is in
motion. This could result in damage to
the rim/tire or vehicle. Driving instructions
Drinking and driving
G
WARNING
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and drive
or allow anyone to drive who has been
drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even a
small

amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive. Pedals
G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of motion.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats*

or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden acceleration or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and/or injury. Power assistance
G
WARNING
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is Driving instructions
143
>> Operation.
* optional Z

(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

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

Brake
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsò (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
while the engine is
running. There is a malfunction in the ABS system.
X
Have the ABS system checked at an authorized smart center
immediately. ò (USA only)
! (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
together with the
brake warning lamp
while the engine is
running. The ABS system fails.
X
Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Turn off the engine.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center. G
WARNING
When the ABS system is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the braking distance.
When the ABS is switched off due to a malfunction, the ESP ®
is also switched off. The basic
driving and braking functions are still available.
The risk of your vehicle skidding is then increased in certain situations. You should
therefore always adapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions. What to do if ...
163>> Practical hints. Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions÷
The ESP ®
warning lamp
flashes while
driving. The ESP
®
has engaged because of detected traction loss in at
least one tire.
X When driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.
X While driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.
X Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and
weather conditions. ÷
The ESP ®
warning lamp
illuminates
continuously
while the
engine is
running. The ESP
®
is not operational due to a system failure.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. The ESP
®
is not available.
X Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. G
WARNING
When the ESP ®
warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is not available or not
operational due to a system failure.
Adapt
your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and the non-operating status
of the ESP ®
.
i It may be possible to clear a system failure by restarting the engine.
X Restart the engine.
If

the warning lamp still does not go out, have the system checked at an authorized smart
center immediately.
i More information on the ESP ®
can be found in the “Safety” section (Y page 47). Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsD
The yellow EPS*
warning lamp
illuminates
while the
engine is
running. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS)* is not available.
X
Have the EPS* checked at an authorized smart center
immediately. G
WARNING
When the EPS* is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the vehicle.
Have the system checked at an authorized smart center. What to do if ...
167
>> Practical hints.
* optional Z

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)*
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
The yellow
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale
illuminates
continuously. The TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.
X
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic
situation around you.
X Check and correct tire inflation pressure as required
(Y page 126).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has
(have) been corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
See also “Restarting the TPMS” (Y page 129). h
The
combination
low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction
telltale flashes
60 seconds and
then stays
illuminated. There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
X
Have the TPMS checked at an authorized smart center.
After the malfunction has been remedied the combination low
tire pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few
minutes of driving. 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.
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 172
What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.
* optional