2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER MY13 Operator’s Manual

example. The maximum permissible gross
vehicle weight rating is vehicle-specific and
may differ from that which is illustrated.
You can find the valid maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight rating for
your vehicle on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Number of seats 0005
Maximum number of seats
0006 Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
Maximum number of seats 0005determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
i The details on the Tire and Loading
Information placard illustration are only an
example. The number of seats is vehicle-
specific and can differ from the details
shown. The number of seats in your vehicle
can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information placard.
Determining the maximum load Individual steps
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S.F ederal Regulations, Part 575 in
accordance with the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
X Step 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard.
X Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
traveling in your vehicle.
X Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.
X Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400l bs and there will be five
150 pound passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacit yis6 50 lbs (1400 0027750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).
X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. For reasons of safety, that weight
must not exceed the available cargo and
luggage cargo capacity calculated in step
4.
X Step 6 (if applicable): If you intend to tow
a trailer behind you rvehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle. Please
consult the Tire and Loading Information
placard, to determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. Loading the vehicle
287Wheels and tires Z

Example: Steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples of how to calculate total load and cargo capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a maximum load of 1500 lbs (68 0kg). This is fo rillustration purposes only. Make sure you
are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard . Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 1 Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and carg
o(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 lb
s(340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)288
Loading the vehicleWheels and tires

Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible cargo
and trailer load/
noseweight
(maximum gross
vehicle weight rating
from the Tire and
Loading Information
placard minus the
gross weight of all
occupants)
1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027750 lbs
(340 kg) =
750 lbs (340 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027540 lbs
(245 kg) =
960 lbs (435 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg)
0027150 lbs (68 kg)
= 1350 lbs
(612 kg) The greater the combined weight of the occupants, th
elower the maximum luggage load.
Further information can be found under "Towing atrailer" (Y page 173). Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total cargo
carefully, you should still make sure that the
gross vehicle weight rating and the gross axle
weight rating are not exceeded. Details about
this can be found on the vehicle identification
plate on the drive rseat frame of your vehicle
(Y page 315).
Gross vehicle weight: the gross weight of
the vehicle, all passengers, cargo and trailer
load/noseweight (if applicable) must not
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight.
Gross axle weight rating: the maximum
permissible load that can be carried by one
axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross
vehicle weight and maximum gross axle
weight rating), have your loaded vehicle
(including driver, occupants, cargo, and full
trailer load if applicable) weighed on a
suitable vehicle weighbridge. Trailer load/noseweight
The trailer load/noseweight affects the gross
weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is attached,
the trailer load/noseweight is included in the
load along with occupants and luggage. The trailer load/noseweight is usually
approximately 10% of the gross weight of the
trailer and its load. What you should know about wheels
and tires
Tire labeling
Overview 0005
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 292)
0006 Maximum tire load (Y page 291) What you should know about wheels and tires
289Wheels and tires Z

0026
Maximum tire pressure (Y page 280)
0025 Manufacturer
0023 Tire material (Y page 292)
0024 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (Y page 290)
0018 Tire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales
designation) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load bearing index
and speed index 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. 0005
Design standard
0006 Tire width
0026 Nominal aspect ration in %
0025 Tire code
0023 Rim diameter
0024 Load bearing index
0018 Speed index General:
depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter 0005that precedes the size
description
If "LT" precedes the size description (as
shown above): these are light truck tires
according to U.S. manufacturing standards.
If "C" precedes the size description: these are
commercial motor vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
Tire width: tire width0006shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio: aspect ratio0026is the size ratio
between the tire height and tire width and is
shown in percent.T he aspect ratio is
calculated by dividing the tire width by the tire
height.
Tire code: tire code0025specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter0023is 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 index0024
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 286).
Example:
The load-bearing index 120 indicates a
maximum load of 3,042 lb (1,380 kg) for the
tire. If two load-bearing capacity indices are
specified (as shown above), the first number
states the load-bearing capacity for single
tires, the second number the load-bearing
capacity for twin tires. For further information
on the maximum tire load in kilograms and
pounds, see (Y page 291).290
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires

For further information on the load-bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y
page 291).
Speed rating: speed rating0018specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.
Regardless of the speed inde xalways observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate fro mthe data in the example. Index Speed rating
F up to 50 mph (80 km/h)
G up to 56 mph (90 km/h)
J up to 62 mph (100 km/h)
K up to 68 mph (110 km/h)
L up to 74 mph (120 km/h)
M up to 80 mph (130 km/h)
N up to 87 mph (140 km/h)
P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R over 106 mph (170 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the M+S
identification offer the driving
characteristics of winter tires. In addition
to the M+S marking, winter tires also have
the 0003 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 the
tire traction on snow. They have been
especially developed for driving on snow.
Further information on the reading of tire
information can be obtained at any qualified
specialist workshop. Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, load
rating
0005may be imprinted after the letters
that identify speed rating on the sidewall of
the tire (Y page 290).
R If no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents astandard
load (SL) tire
R XL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
R Ligh tLoad: 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
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Maximum tire load Maximum tire load
0005is the maximum
permissible weight for which the tire is
approved.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum What you should know about wheels and tires
291Wheels and tires Z

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 286).
i The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the
values in the illustration.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN) U.S
.tire regulations stipulate that every tire
manufacturer or retreader must imprint aTIN
in or on the sidewall of each tire produced. The TIN is a unique identification number. The
TIN enables the tire manufacturers or
retreaders 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 0006, tire size0026, tire type
code 0025and manufacturing date 0023.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol 0005indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code:
manufacturer identification code 0006provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded
tires have a code with four symbols.
Further information aboutr etreaded tires
(Y page 274).
Tire size: identifier0026describes the tire size. Tire type code:
tire type code0025can be
used by the manufacturer as a code to
describe specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture
0023 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.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire characteristics This information describes the type of tire
cord and the number of layers in
sidewall
0005and under tire tread 0006.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Definitions for tires and loading Tire structure and characteristics
Describes the number of layers or the number
of rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and
the tire wall. These consist of steel, nylon,
polyester, and other materials.
Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure.
14.5038p
ounds per square inch (psi) and
100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equivalent of
1 bar. 292
What you should know about wheels and tiresWheels and tires

DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of
Transportation.
Average weigh tofvehicle occupants
The number of occupants for which the
vehicle is designed multiplied by
68 kilograms (15 0lbs).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
Au niform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regard to tread quality, tractio nand
temperature characteristics. The quality
grading assessment is made by the
manufacturer following specifications from
the U.S government. The quality grade of a
tire is imprinted on the sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure are the
pressures specified for the tires mounted on
the vehicle at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Informatio nplacard 7
contains the recommended tire pressure for
cold tires, the maximum permissible load and
the maximum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the
recommended tire pressure for cold tires
under various operating conditions, i.e.
loading and/or speed of the vehicle.
Increased vehicle weight due to optional
equipment
The combined weight of all standard and
optional equipmen tavailable for the vehicle,
regardless of whethe ritis actually installed
on the vehicle or not.
Wheel rim
The part of the wheel on which the tire is
mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight
rating. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The Gross Axle Weight Rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the driver seat
frame (Y
page 315).
Speed index
The speed index is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
GTW is the total of weight of a trailer and the
weight of the load, accessories etc. on the
trailer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbarn oseweight if
applicable. The gross vehicle weight may
never exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) specified on the vehicle identification
plate at the base of the driver's seat
(Y page 315).
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permitted gross
weight of the fully laden vehicle (weight of the
vehicle including all accessories, occupants,
fuel, luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable). The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
is specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the driver seat frame (Y page 315).
Maximum weight of the laden vehicle
The maximum weight is the sum of:
R the curb weight of the vehicle
R the weight of the accessories
R the load limit
R the weight of the factory installed optional
equipment
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa are the
equivalent of 1psi. Another tire pressure unit
7 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg). What you should know about wheels and tires
293Wheels and tires Z

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