Example: steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and
number
and size of occupants. The following examples use
a load limit of 1 500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are
using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard (Y page 340). Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 1 Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard) 1500 lbs
(680 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 2 Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)
5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants
Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the
occupants
Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Occupant 2:
180 lbs (82 kg)
Occupant 3:
160 lbs (73 kg)
Occupant 4:
140 lbs (63 kg)
Occupant 5:
120 lbs (54 kg) Occupant 1:
200 lbs (91 kg)
Occupant 2:
190 lbs (86 kg)
Occupant 3:
150 lbs (68 kg) Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg)
Gross weight of all
occupants
750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)342
Loading the vehicle
Wheels and tires
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with ice or snow. Take
appropriate care when driving.
!
Avoid wheelspin. This can lead
to damage
to the drive train. Temperature
G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name: 0043
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standard
(Y page 349)
0044 DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page 348)
0087 Maximum tire load ( Y page 343)
0085 Maximum tire pressure (Y page 334)
0083 Manufacturer
0084 Tire material ( Y page 349)
006B Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (
Y page 346)
006C Load index ( Y page 348)
006D Tire name
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example. Tire labeling
345
Wheels and tires Z
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
0043
Tire width
0044 Nominal aspect ratio in %
0087 Tire code
0085 Rim diameter
0083 Load bearing index
0084 Speed rating
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter that precedes
the
size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: these are
compact emergency spare wheels at high tire
pressure, to be used only temporarily in an
emergency.
Tire width: tire width 0043 shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: aspect ratio 0044 is the
size ratio between the tire height and tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code:
tire code 0087 specifies
the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires; "D" represents
diagonal tires; "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description, depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter 0085 is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index 0083
is a numerical code that specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum
permissible load can be found on the
vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side
(Y page 339).
Example:
Load-bearing index 91 indicates a maximum
load of 1,356 lb (615 kg) that the tires can
bear. For further information on the maximum
tire load in kilograms and lbs, see
(Y page 343).
For further information on the load bearing
index, see "Load index" ( Y page 348).
Speed rating: speed rating 0084 specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire. G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage
or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
Regardless of the speed rating, always
observe the speed limits. Drive carefully and 346
Tire labeling
Wheels and tires
adapt your driving style to the traffic
conditions.
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 up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) over 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR over 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR"
in the size description, depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR18).
The service specification is made up of
load-bearing index 0083 and speed rating
0084.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service
specifications,
ask the tire manufacturer in
order to find out the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the
maximum speed is limited according to the
speed rating in the service specification.
Example: 245/40 ZR 18 97 Y. In this
example, "97 Y" is the service specification.
The letter "Y" represents the speed rating.
The maximum speed of the tire is limited to
186 mph (300 km/h).
R The size description for all tires with
maximum speeds of over 186 mph (300 km/h) must include "ZR"
, and the
service specification must be given in
parentheses. Example:
275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). Speed rating "(Y)"
indicates that the maximum speed of the
tire is over 186 mph (300 km/h). Ask the
tire manufacturer about the maximum
speed. All-weather tires and winter tires
Index Speed rating
Q M+S
16 up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
16 up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
16 up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
16 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all tires with the
M+S marking provide
the driving characteristics of winter tires.
In addition to the M+S marking, winter tires
also have the 004D snowflake symbol on
the tire wall. Tires with this marking fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding snow traction, and were specially
developed for driving on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of 130mph
(210km/h).
The speed rating of tires mounted at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed rating for your vehicle as specified in
the "tires" section (Y page 357), e.g. if you
buy new tires.
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified specialist
workshop.
16 Or M+S 004D for winter tires. Tire labeling
347
Wheels and tires Z
Load index
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
In addition to the load-bearing index, load
index 0043 may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating 0084(Y page 346) on
the sidewall of the tire.
R If no specification is
given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Light Load: represents a light load tire
R C, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations prescribe that every
manufacturer of new tires or
retreader has to
imprint a TIN in or on the sidewall of each tire
produced. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables tire manufacturers to inform
purchasers of recalls and other safety-
relevant matters. It makes it possible for the
purchaser to easily identify
the
affected tires.
The TIN is made up of manufacturer
identification code 0044, tire size 0087, tire type
code 0085 and manufacturing date 0083.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0043 indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0044 provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
For further information about retreaded tires,
see ( Y page 328).
Tire size: identifier 0087 describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code 0085 can be used
by the manufacturer as a code to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
0083 provides information about the age of a
tire. The first and second positions represent
the week of manufacture, starting with "01"
for the first calendar week. Positions three
and four represent the year of manufacture.
For example, a tire that is marked with
"3208", was manufactured in week 32 in
2008. 348
Tire labeling
Wheels and tires
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle
load of one axle
by two. PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure. Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent. Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square
inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold. Tire pressure of cold tires
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires
for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km) Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road. Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There
are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim. Sidewall
The part of the tire
between the tread and the
bead. Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those
optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg (5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-
performance battery, are not included in the
curb weight and the weight of the
accessories. TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall,
and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date. Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum
load bearing
capacity of a tire. Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface. TWR (Tongue Weight Rating)
The TWR specifies the maximum permissible
weight that the ball coupling
of the trailer tow
hitch can support. Definition of terms for tires and loading
351
Wheels and tires Z
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressures under various operating
conditions (
Y page 331).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only
when the tires are cold. Comply with the
maintenance recommendations of the tire
manufacturer in the vehicle document
wallet.
i Notes on the vehicle equipment
– always
equip the vehicle with:
R tires of the same size on a given axle
(left/right)
R the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, MOExtended
tires)
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheel rims and
tire sizes for equipping your vehicle with
winter tires. Winter tires are not available
at the factory as standard equipment or
optional extras.
If you would like to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, you may also, in
certain circumstances, require rims of the
appropriate size. The size of the approved
winter tires may deviate from that of the
standard tires. This is dependent on the
model and the equipment installed at the
factory.
The tires and wheel rims, as well as further
information, can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop.
i Overview of abbreviations used in the
following tire tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle In the following table, the wheel/tire
combinations are assigned to the vehicle
models through variants, e.g. V1, V2 etc.: V1
GLK 250 BlueTEC, GLK 350
17
,
GLK 350 4MATIC 17 i
Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries.
17 BlueEFFICIENCY358
Wheel and tire combinations
Wheels and tires
Tires
Summer tires Alloy wheels V1
FA
RA
235/50 R 19 99 V
18
255/45 R 19 100 V 18, 19 7.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.05 in (52 mm) 003B
All-weather tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
18 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
BA
235/50 R19 99 H M+S
18 7.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm) 003B
BA 235/50 R19 99 H M+S
MOExtended
20 7.5 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm) 003B
BA
235/45 R20 100 H XL M+S
18 8.0 J x 20 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm) 003B
All-terrain tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
18 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
Winter tires Alloy wheels V1
BA
235/60 R17 102 H M+S
004D18 7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.87 in (47.5 mm) 003B
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The wheel or tire size as well as the tire type
of the spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel
and the wheel to be replaced may differ.
Mounting an emergency spare wheel may severely impair the driving characteristics.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R
adapt your driving style accordingly and
drive carefully.
R never mount more than one
spare wheel or
emergency spare wheel that differs in size.
18 USA: not for GLK 250 BlueTEC.
19 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
20 MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-flat
characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure
loss warning system. Emergency spare wheel
359
Wheels and tires
Z