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Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load-bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum tire load is the maximum
permissible weight in kilograms or lbs 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)
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.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
Rif the vehicle has been driven for less 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 kilograms (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.
426All about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
Page 430 of 462
Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of hydroplaning. You will only gain these
benefits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tire indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tires from oil, grease, gasoline and diesel.
Cleaning the wheels
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
Mounting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle
XVehicle with emergency spare wheel:
when mounting the emergency spare
wheel in the event of a flat tire, follow the
additional notes on vehicle preparation
under "Flat tire" (Ypage 387).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
XUnload heavy luggage.
XApply the electric parking brake manually.
XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
XShift the transmission to positionP.
XVehicles with the ON&OFFROAD
package:make sure that highway level is
selected (Ypage 212).
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Ypage 167).
XIf included in the vehicle equipment,
remove the tire-change tool kit from the
vehicle.
XSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
iApart from certain country-specific
variations, vehicles are not equipped with
a tire-change tool kit. For information on
which tools are required to perform a wheel
change on your vehicle, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Necessary wheel-changing tools can
include, for example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
Securing the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling away
428Changing a wheel
Wheels and tires
Page 431 of 462
If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock,
it can be found in the tire-change tool kit
(Ypage 386).
The folding wheel chock is an additional
securing measure to prevent the vehicle from
rolling away, for example when changing a
wheel.
XFold both plates upwards C.
XFold out lower plate D.
XGuide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
the openings in base plate
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Rbefore raising the vehicle, secure it from
rolling away by applying the parking brake
and inserting wheel chocks. Do not
disengage the parking brake while the
vehicle is raised.
Rthe jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a
large, flat, load-bearing underlay must be
used. On a slippery surface, a non-slip
underlay must be used, e.g. rubber mats.
Rdo not use wooden blocks or similar
objects as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the
jack will not be able to achieve its load-
bearing capacity due to the restricted
height.
Rmake sure that the distance between the
underside of the tires and the ground does
not exceed 1.2 in (3 cm).
Rnever place your hands and feet under the
raised vehicle.
Rdo not lie under the vehicle.
Rdo not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Rnever open or close a door or the tailgate
when the vehicle is raised.
Rmake sure that no persons are present in
the vehicle when the vehicle is raised.
XUsing lug wrench C, loosen the bolts on
the wheel you wish to change by about one
full turn. Do not unscrew the bolts
completely.
The jacking points are located just behind the
front wheel housings and just in front of the
rear wheel housings (arrows).
XTake the ratchet wrench out of the vehicle
tool kit and place it on the hexagon nut of
the jack so that the lettersAUFare visible.
DJacking points
