2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-CLASS SUV Owners Manual

Useful information ............................
328
Important safety notes ....................328
Operation ........................................... 328
Winter operation ............................... 330
Tire pressure ..................................... 331
Loading the vehicle ..........................339
Maximum load rating .......................343
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .......................................... 344
Tire labeling ....................................... 345
Definition of terms for tires and
loading ............................................... 349
Changing a wheel ............................. 352
Mounting a wheel ............................. 353
Wheel and tire combinations ...........357
Emergency spare wheel ...................359 327Wheels and tires

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your
vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 27).Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tires of the wrong size are used,
the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always replace wheels and tires with those
that fulfill the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure

to use the
correct:
R designation
R model
When replacing tires, make sure to use the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R model G
WARNING
A flat tire severely impairs the driving,
steering and braking characteristics of the
vehicle. There is a risk of accident.
Tires without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tire.
R immediately replace the flat tire with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop. Tires with run-flat characteristics:
R
pay attention to the information and
warning notices on MOExtended tires

(tires
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being
used correctly can impair the operating
safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist
workshop and inquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations
Information on the dimensions and types of
wheels and tires for your vehicle can be found
in the "Wheel/tire combinations" section
(Y page 357).
Information on air pressure for the tires on
your vehicle can be found:
R on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard on the B-pillar
R on the tire pressure label on the fuel filler
flap
R in the "Tire pressure" section
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of wheel
spacers or brake dust shields is not
permitted. This invalidates the general
operating permit for the vehicle.
i Further information on wheels and tires
can be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop. Operation
Information on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check the
tire pressures and correct them if
necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make

sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb 328
Operation
Wheels and tires

or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, may be
damaged.
Regular checking of wheels and tires
G
WARNING
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle. There is a risk of
accident.
Check the tires regularly for signs of damage
and replace any damaged tires immediately.
R Regularly check the wheels and tires of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts,
punctures, tears, bulges on tires and
deformation or cracks or severe corrosion
on wheels) at least once a month, as well
as after driving off-road or
on rough roads.
Damaged wheels can cause a loss of tire
pressure.
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 329). If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the inner side of the tire surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
mount anything onto the valve other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle. Do not use any other valve caps or
systems, e.g. tire pressure monitoring
systems.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tires
including the emergency spare wheel or the
spare wheel, particularly prior to long trips,
and correct the pressure as necessary
(Y page 331). Tire tread
G
WARNING
Insufficient tire tread will reduce tire traction.
The tire is no longer able to dissipate water.
This means that on wet

road surfaces, the risk
of hydroplaning increases, in particular where
speed is not adapted to suit the driving
conditions. There is a risk of accident.
If the tire pressure is too high or too low, tires
may exhibit different levels of wear at
different locations on the tire tread. Thus, you
should regularly check the tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the entire
width of all tires.
Minimum tire tread depth for:
R Summer tires: 00CE in (3 mm)
R M+S tires: 00CF in (4 mm)
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the legally prescribed limit for the minimum
tire tread depth is reached.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximately 00CD in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Bar indicator 0043 for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread. Operation
329
Wheels and tires Z

Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
Exception: it is permissible to install a
different type or make in
the event of a flat
tire. Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics)" section
(Y page 313)
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R After mounting new tires, break them in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km), as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear. This also applies
to the spare wheel/emergency spare
wheel.
The service life of tires depends on the
following factors amongst other things:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) allow you to continue

driving your
vehicle even if one or more tires are entirely
deflated.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires in the
event of a flat tire can be found in the
"Breakdown assistance" section
(Y page 313). Winter operation
Points to remember
Have your vehicle winterproofed at

a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( Y page 352). Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡

(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause cracks to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage. M+S tires
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
00CF in (4 mm) are

not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 00CF
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the 004D snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to
function optimally in winter. These tires have
been developed specifically for driving in
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics. 330
Winter operation
Wheels and tires

Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
When you have mounted M+S tires:
X Check the tire pressures (Y page 335).
X Vehicles for Canada: restart the tire
pressure loss warning system
(
Y page 335).
X Vehicles for USA: restart the tire pressure
monitor ( Y

page 336).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see ( Y page 359).Snow chains
G
WARNING
If snow chains are installed to the front
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components. This could
cause damage to the vehicle or the tires.
There is a risk of an accident.
To avoid hazardous situations:
R never install snow chains to the front
wheels
R always install snow chains in pairs to the
rear wheels.
! On some tire sizes there is not enough
space for snow chains. To

avoid damage to
the vehicle or tires, observe the "Wheel and
tire combinations" section under "Tires and
wheels".
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish
to mount snow chains on steel wheels,
make sure that you remove the respective
wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may
otherwise be damaged.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
that have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality. If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R
snow chains may not be mounted on all
wheel/tire combinations. Permissible
wheel-tire combinations (Y page 357).
R only use snow chains when

driving on roads
completely covered by snow. Remove the
snow chains as soon as possible when you
come to a road that is not snow-covered.
R local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Observe the appropriate
regulations if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 66) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. You can thereby
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see ( Y page 359). Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
Operation with a trailer: the applicable
value for the rear tires is the maximum tire
pressure value stated in the table inside the
fuel filler flap. G
WARNING
Underinflated or overinflated tires pose the
following risks:
R the tires may burst, especially as the load
and vehicle speed increase.
R the tires may wear excessively and/or
unevenly, which may greatly impair tire
traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as
steering and braking, may be greatly
impaired.
There is a risk of an accident. Tire pressure
331
Wheels and tires
Z

Follow recommended tire inflation pressures
and check the pressure of all the tires
including the spare wheel:
R
monthly, at least
R if the load changes
R before beginning a long journey
R under different operating conditions, e.g.
off-road driving
If necessary, correct the tire pressure.
The recommended tire pressures for
the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labels described here.
1.) Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side of the
vehicle ( Y page 339).
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures

for
cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for the
maximum permissible vehicle speed.
i The specifications given on the following
Tire and Loading Information placard are
examples. Tire pressure specifications are
vehicle-specific and may deviate from the
data shown here. The tire pressures
applicable to your vehicle can be found on
the Tire and Loading Information

placard on
your vehicle. 0043
Recommended tire pressures
Option 2) Tire pressure table on the inside
of the fuel filler flap.
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended pressures for cold tires for various operating conditions, i.e. differing
load and speed conditions.
i
Specifications shown in the examples of
tire pressure tables are for illustration
purposes only. Tire pressure specifications
are vehicle-specific and may deviate from
the data shown here. Tire pressure
specifications applicable to your vehicle
are located in your vehicle's tire pressure
table. Example: tire pressure table for all tires permitted
for this vehicle by the factory
If a tire size
precedes
a tire pressure, the tire
pressure information following is only valid
for that tire size. The load conditions "partially
laden" and "fully laden" are defined in the
table for different numbers of occupants and
amounts of luggage. The actual number of
seats may differ. Example: tire pressure table with tire dimensions
Some tire pressure tables show only the rim
diameters instead of the full tire size, e.g.
R18. The rim diameter is part of the tire size332
Tire pressure
Wheels and tires

and can be found on the tire sidewall
(Y page 346).
If the tire pressures have been set to the
lower values for lighter loads and/or lower
road speeds, the pressures should be reset
to the higher values:
R
if you want to drive with an increased load
and/or
R if you want to drive at higher road speeds.
i The tire pressures for increased loads
and/or higher road speeds, shown in the
tire pressure table, may have a negative
effect on driving comfort.
i For vehicles towing a trailer, the full load
value on the tire pressure label located on
the inside of the fuel filler flap is valid for
the rear axle.
Option 3) The tire pressure for the
emergency/collapsible spare wheel
(depending on vehicle equipment) can be
found:
R printed in yellow on the rim of the
emergency/collapsible spare wheel
R in the "Wheel and tire combinations"
section ( Y page 357) in this Operator's
Manual
R on the Tire and Loading
Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
If the tire pressure is not set correctly, this
can lead to an excessive build up of heat and
a sudden loss of pressure.
For more information, contact a qualified
specialist workshop. Important notes on tire pressure
G
WARNING
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly, the
wheel, valve or tire may be damaged. Tire
pressure that is too low may result in a tire
blow-out. There is a risk of an accident.
R Check the tire for foreign objects.
R Check whether the wheel is

losing air or the
valve is leaking.
If you are unable to rectify the damage,
contact a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
If you fit unsuitable accessories onto tire
valves, the tire valves may

be overloaded and
malfunction, which can cause tire pressure
loss. Due to their design, retrofitted tire
pressure monitors keep the tire valve open.
This can also result in tire pressure loss. There
is a risk of an accident.
Only screw the standard valve cap or other
valve caps approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle onto the tire valve.
To test tire pressure, use a suitable tire
pressure gauge. The outer appearance of a
tire does not permit any reliable conclusion
about the tire pressure. On vehicles equipped
with the electronic tire pressure monitoring
system, the tire pressure can be checked
using the on-board computer.
The tire temperature and pressure increase
when the vehicle is in motion. This is
dependent on the driving speed and the load.
Therefore, you should only correct tire
pressures when the tires are cold.
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)
The tire temperature changes depending on
the outside temperature, the vehicle speed
and the tire load. If the tire temperature Tire pressure
333
Wheels and tires Z

changes by 18 ‡ (10 †), the tire pressure
changes by approximately 10 kPa (0.1 bar/
1.5 psi). Take this into account when
checking the pressure
of
warm tires and only
correct the tire pressure if it is too low for the
current operating conditions. If you check the
tire pressure when the tires are warm, the
resulting value will be higher than if the tires
were cold. This is normal. Do not reduce the
tire pressure to the value specified for cold
tires. The tire pressure would otherwise be
too low.
Observe the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires:
R on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
R in the tire pressure table on the inside of
the fuel filler flap
R printed in yellow on the rim of the
emergency/collapsible spare wheel
(depending on vehicle equipment) Underinflated or overinflated tires
Underinflation G
WARNING
Tires with pressure that is too low can
overheat and burst as a consequence. In
addition, they also suffer from

excessive and/
or irregular wear, which can severely impair
the braking properties and the driving
characteristics. There is a risk of an accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too low in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Underinflated tires may:
R wear quickly and unevenly
R have an adverse effect on fuel consumption
R overheat, leading to tire defects
R have an adverse effect on handling
characteristics Overinflation G
WARNING
Tires with excessively high pressure can burst
because they are damaged more easily by
road debris, potholes etc. In addition, they
also suffer from irregular wear, which can
severely impair the braking properties

and the
driving characteristics. There is a risk of an
accident.
Avoid tire pressures that are too high in all the
tires, including the spare wheel.
Overinflated tires may:
R have an adverse effect on handling
characteristics
R wear quickly and unevenly
R be more susceptible to damage
R have an adverse effect on ride comfort
R increase the braking distance
Maximum tire pressures Never exceed the maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure. Always observe the
recommended tire pressure for your vehicle
when adjusting the tire pressure
(Y page 331).
0043
Example: maximum permissible tire
pressure
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate
from

the values in
the illustration. 334
Tire pressure
Wheels and tires