x If necessary, return the vehicle tool kit to its location in the luggage compartment.
x Unhook the floor covering and fold it back down onto the floor of the luggage compartment.
x Close the luggage compartment lid.
If the spare wheel is different from the road wheels
If the spare is different from the road wheels, a compact spare wheel, for example, or if the road wheels are winter tires, the spare wheel must be used only in the event of a flat tire, only for a brief
time, and only when driving with extra caution ⇒ .
Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Please heed the following:
x Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)!
x Avoid full-throttle acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering!
x Do not use snow chains on the compact spare wheel
x After installing the spare wheel or compact spare wheel, check the tire pressure as soon as possible
Check the tire inflation pressure of the spare or compact spare whenever you check the tire pressure of the road wheels, at least once a month. Inflate a spare wheel to the cold tire pressure specified for the vehicle's road wheels on the tire pressure label; inflate a compact spare wheel to the cold tire pressure specified for the compact spare on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there is one.
WARNING
Improper use of a spare wheel or a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a spare wheel or compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x In some vehicles, the spare wheel or compact spare wheel is smaller than the original tire. A smaller compact spare wheel is identified with a sticker and the words “50 mph” or “80 km/h”. This is the maximum permissible speed when driving with this tire.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed on the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.
x Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) to determine the age of the compact spare wheel 267. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail suddenly, especially at higher speeds.
x Tires that are more than 6 years old can only be used in an emergency and then with special care and at lower speeds.
x The compact spare wheel must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the factory.
x Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.
x After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as possible
x Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure you do not change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow chains on the full-sized road tire.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the switch ⇒ fig. 151.
3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the ignition is switched off.
