is bar. 100 kilopascals (kPa) are the
equivalen tof1bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, a load
index can be stamped onto the sidewall of the
tire. It specifies the load-bearing capacity of
the tire more precisely.
Curb weight
The weigh tofavehicle with standard
equipment including the maximu mfilling
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant. It also
includes the air-conditionin gsystem and
optional equipmen tifthese are installed on
the vehicle, but does not include passengers
or luggage.
Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
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)
Standard unit of measurement for tire
pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and width in
percent.
Tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's
surface. Tire pressure is specified in pounds
per square inch (psi), in kilopascal (kPa) or in
bar. Tire pressure should only be corrected
when the tires are cold. Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours without direct sunlight on the
tires, and
R if the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km)
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire 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
tire 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)
Au nique identificatio nnumbe rwhich can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires,
for example for a product recall, and thus
identify the purchasers. The TIN is composed
of the manufacturer identification code, tire
size, tire model code and 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. 294
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires
Cargo tie-down points and carrier
systems
Cargo tie-down points General notes
!
Observe the informatio nonthe maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the
maximum loading capacity of the weakest
cargo tie-down point into account.
If you brake hard, for example, the forces
acting could be up to several times the
weight force of the load. Always use
multiple cargo tie-down points in order to
distribute the force absorption. Load the
anchorages evenly.
You will find further information about cargo
tie-down points and cargo tie-down rings in
the "Transporting" section (Y page 234).
Cargo tie-down rings
The maximum tensile load of the cargo tie-
down rings is: Cargo tie-down
rings Permissible
nominal tensile load Passenger Vans 786.5 lbf
(3500 N) Cargo Van 1124.0 lbf
(5000 N) Load rails
The maximum tensile loads of the cargo tie-
down points in the cargo compartment are:
Cargo tie-down
point Permissible
nominal tensile load Load rails on cargo
compartment floor 1124.0 lbf
(5000 N) Lower load rail on
sidewall 562.0 lbf
(2500 N) Upper load rail on
sidewall 337.0 lbf
(1500 N) The values specified apply only to loads
placed on the floor of the cargo compartment
if:
R
the load is secured to 2cargo tie-down
points on the rail and
R the distance to the neares tload-securing
point on the same rail is approximately
3 ft (1 m)
Roof carrier G
WARNING
When you load the roof, the center of gravity
of the vehicle rises and the driving
characteristics change. If you exceed the
maximum roof load, the driving
characteristics, as well as steering and
braking, will be greatly impaired. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never exceed the maximum roof load and
adjust your driving style. G
WARNING
If you distribute the load unevenly in the
vehicle, the handling as well as the steering
and braking characteristics are severely
affected. There is a risk of an accident.
Distribute the load evenly in the vehicle.
Secure the load to prevent if from slipping. Vehicle data
327Technical data Z
