2014 MERCEDES-BENZ GLK-Class Owner's Manual

X
To open: lift up cargo compartment
floor 0044(Y page 281).
X Remove stowage compartment 0043.
X Open cover 0087of fuse box downwards. Fuses
327Breakdo wn assis tance Z

328

Useful information
............................330
Important safety notes ....................330
Operation ........................................... 330
Winter operation ............................... 332
Tire pressure ..................................... 334
Loading the vehicle ..........................342
Maximum load rating .......................345
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .......................................... 346
Tire labeling ....................................... 347
Definition of terms for tires and
loading ............................................... 351
Changing a wheel ............................. 354
Mounting a wheel ............................. 355
Wheel and tire combinations ...........359
Emergency spare wheel ...................361 329Wheels 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 that are not
being used correctly can impair 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 359).
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 While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling 330
OperationWheels and tires

characteristics, e.g. pulling to one side.
This may indicate that the wheels or tires
are damaged. If you suspect that a tire is
defective, reduce your speed immediately.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tires for damage.
Hidden tire damage could also be causing
the unusual handling characteristics. If you
find no signs of damage, have the tires and
wheels checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
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 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. Pay particular
attention to damage such as:
-cuts in the tires
- punctures
- tears in the tires
- bulges on tires
- deformation or severe corrosion on
wheels
R Regularly check the tire tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tire (Y page 331). 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 334).
Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y page 361).
The service life of tires depends, among other
things, on the following factors:
R Driving style
R Tire pressure
R Distance covered Important safety notes on the 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: 00CEin (3 mm)
R M+S tires: 00CFin (4 mm) Operation
331Wheels and tires
Z

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 00CDin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced. Bar indicator
0043for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread. 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 315).
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. Observe the notes on the emergency spare
wheel (Y
page 361). MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
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 315). 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 354). 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 332
Winter operationWheels and tires

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 004Dsnowflake
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.
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 337).
X Vehicles for Canada: restart the tire
pressure loss warning system
(Y page 337).
X Vehicles for USA: restart the tire pressure
monitor (Y page 338).
For more information on driving with the
emergency spare wheel, see (Y page 361).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 359).
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 70) 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 361). Winter operation
333Wheels and tires Z

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.
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 342).
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 the334
Tire pressureWheels and tires