Wheels and tyres
CAUTION
● Take care not to tilt the manometer when
placing it on the valve. Otherwise, the valve
may be damaged.
● If tyre valves are not protected by caps, or if
the caps are not screwed on correctly, they
may become damaged. Check that the caps
are identical to the standard caps and have
been correctly tightened. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-
sumption. Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 116
Tyre tread: tread wear indicators Tread depth
Certain driving conditions require a deeper
tread, as well as needing the tread to be ap- proximately the same on the front and rear
tyres. This is particularly important when
driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on
wet roads
››› .
The minimum tread depth required by law in
the majority of cases is 1.6 mm, measured in
the tread grooves next to the tread wear indi-
cators. Observe legal requirements in each
country.
The performance of winter tyres is much re-
duced when the tread has worn to 4 mm.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording to the type and make of tyre and the
tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm high ››› Fig. 116 tread wear indicators
ru nnin
g across the tread. A number of these
indicators are equally spaced around the tyre
tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls (e.g.
the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate
the position of the wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is
worn. They must always be replaced before
the tyre tread has worn to the level of the in-
dicator. WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and
may lead to loss of control of the vehicle with
serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear in-
dicators are at the same level as the tread
pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip,
especially on wet surfaces, increasing the
risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle
more difficult in normal or difficult driving
conditions, increasing the braking distance
and the risk of skidding. Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not im-
mediately visible. If you notice unusual
vibra-
tion or the car
pulling to one side
, this may
indicate that one of the tyres is damaged
››› .
● Slow down immediately if you think you
have a damaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek
qualified assistance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive
slowly and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked. »
163
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Wheels and tyres
The tyre pressure control lamp lights up
If the ty
re pressure of a wheel is much lower
than the value set by the driver, then the tyre
pressure control lamp ››› will light up.
WARNING
● When the tyre pressure control lamp lights
up, reduce speed immediately and avoid any
sudden turning or braking manoeuvre. Stop
when possible, and check the tyre pressure
and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining
correct tyre pressures. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (e.g. when
driving in a sporty manner, in winter condi-
tions or on a dirt track) the tyre control lamp
may light up belatedly or may function incor-
rectly. Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow
warning lamp lights up after turning the
ignition on.
This should turn off after a brief
journey. Spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel*
Fig. 118
In the luggage compartment: hand
controlled wheel for securing the spare wheel Removing the spare wheel
● Open the rear lid and lift the luggage com-
partment shelf ››› page 73 .
● If nec
essary, remove the boot variable floor
››› page 73.
● Lift
up the carpet from the recess and re-
move it from the luggage compartment.
● If necessary, take out the vehicle tool kit
with the container.
● Completely remove the hand controlled
wheel from the centre of the spare wheel
››› Fig. 118 by turning it in an anticlockwise
direction, and t
ake out the spare wheel. Storing the replaced wheel
● Pull back the carpet.
● With the wheel rim facing downwards, sit-
uate the replaced wheel in the spare wheel
well so that the wheel rim central hole coin-
cides with the opening.
● Turn the hand controlled wheel with the
shank screwed clockwise until the replaced
wheel is secured.
● If necessary, store the vehicle tool in the
container, inside the boot.
● Replace the carpet on the boot floor.
● Lower the rear shelf.
● Close the rear lid.
If the spare wheel is different to the rest of
the vehicle tyres
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres
that are mounted on the vehicle - for example
with winter tyres or the temporary spare
wheel - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra
care ››› .
Refit the normal road wheel as soon as possi-
ble.
Please observe driving advice:
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and
fast cornering. »
165
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
AdviceTyre code (example)Meaning
109 HLoad index
››› page 169 and speed rating ››› page 169.
XLReinforced tyres (“Reinforced”).
M+S or M/S or Winter tyres code (mud and snow tyres).
RADIAL TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with international legislation followed by a number denoting the country granting the au-
thorisation. The authorisation number ( several digits) is shown below.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709Tyre identification number (TIN a)
, may be only on interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the legal requirements of the US Department of Transport, responsible for tyre
safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture code.
RAInformation about manufacturer and tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the Tread Wear Indicator ››› page 163.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KGUS load rating, indicating maximum permitted load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, there are 4 layers below the tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of steel reinforcement and 1
layer of nylon.
Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of the established base tyres (standardised test procedures) ››› page 134: 168
Wheels and tyresTyre code (example)Meaning
TREADWEAR 220Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to specific US standard test.
TRACTION ABraking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATyre temperature resistance at higher test speeds (A, B or C).
If the tyre has other markings, these are specific tyre manufacturer codes or specific national codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been designed to operate best when rotating
in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre
sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always observe
the direction of rotation indicated when
mounting the wheel. This guarantees opti-
mum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning,
grip, noise and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direc-
tion of rotation, drive with extreme caution,
as the tyre is no longer being used correctly.
This is of particular importance when the
road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon
as possible or remount it with the correct di-
rection of rotation.
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum
load in kilogrammes each wheel can carry
(load capacity). 425 kg
462 kg
487 kg
515 kg
545 kg
615 kg
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum
speed permitted for the tyres. max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
78
81
83
85
87
91
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
Z max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for
tyres with a maximum authorised speed
above 240 km/h.
Snow chains When using snow chains, applicable local
legislation and maximum permitted speed
limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help
to improve grip but also improve the braking
capacity.
The fitting of chains is permitted
only on
front wheels and with the following combi-
nation
s of wheel trims and tyres :
»
W
Y
169
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Emergencies
Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can be stored in a holder
in the passenger seat footwell.
The fire extinguisher must conform to legal
requirements, be ready for use and be
checked regularly. Check the certification
seal on the extinguisher. WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently thrown in case of a sudden manoeu-
vre or braking and especially in accidents
causing serious injury.
● Secure or store fire extinguishers, first aid
kit, reflective vests and warning triangle se-
curely in the vehicle. Protecting yourself and securing the
vehicle
Fig. 121
Dash panel: Button for switching the
hazard lights warning system on and off. Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest
››› page 170.
For your own safety and that of other passen-
gers, the following points should be ob-
served in the order given:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on suitable ground ››› .
Turn on the hazard warning lights with
the button
››› Fig. 121.
Apply the handbrake firmly ››› page 89.
Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the
selector lever in position N ››› page 93.
1.
2.
3.
4. Switch off the engine and remove the
key from the ignition.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning
lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down
or reach the end of a traffic jam, to warn the
vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When tow-starting or towing.
Always comply with the applicable laws re-
garding the use of hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of »
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
171Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
drawing attention to your vehicle. This meth-
od must comply with traffic legislation. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
accident for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the vehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run
down if the hazard warning lights remain on
for too long (even with the ignition turned
off). ●
For some vehicles, the brake lights will
blink when braking suddenly at speeds of ap-
proximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to alert vehi-
cles to the rear. If braking continues, the haz-
ard warning lights system will automatically
be turned on at a speed of less than approxi-
mately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake lights re-
main lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warn-
ing lights will be automatically turned off. Vehicle tool kit*
Introduction When securing the vehicle in case of a break-
down, please note the legal requirements for
each country.
Vehicle tool kit
For vehicles with a factory-fitted spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel, in addition to win-
ter wheels, the luggage compartment may
contain additional vehicle tools
››› page 172. WARNING
When the vehicle tool kit, tire mobility set
and spare wheel are loose in the interior they
can be violently thrown in case of a sudden
manoeuvre or braking and especially in acci-
dents, causing serious injury.
● Ensure that the vehicle tool kit, the tire mo-
bility set and the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel are safely secured in the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged vehicle tools can
cause injury or accidents.
● Never work with inappropriate or damaged
tools. Location
Fig. 122
In the luggage compartment: Raised
carpet. The vehicle tool kit, spare wheel, temporary
spare wheel and the tire mobility set are stor-
ed in the luggage compartment under the
carpeted floor panel
›››
Fig. 122 .
● If nec
essary, remove the boot variable floor
››› page 73.
172
Advice
Changing a wheel Introduction Some vehicle versions and models do not
have a factory-fitted jack or box spanner. In
this case, we recommend consulting a Speci-
alised workshop to change the wheel.
You should only change the wheels yourself if
the vehicle is parked in a safe place, you are
familiar with the procedure and safety stand-
ards and you have all the necessary tools!
Otherwise, you should seek professional as-
sistance.
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, espe-
cially on the hard shoulder. Please observe
the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park at a safe distance from surrounding traf-
fic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passen-
gers, and particularly children, a safe dis-
tance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn
other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat
and solid. If necessary, support the jack on a
wide solid base. ●
If you are changing a wheel yourself, you
should be familiar with the required proce-
dure. Otherwise, you should seek professio-
nal assistance.
● Only use suitable tools that are not dam-
aged when changing a wheel.
● Always stop the engine, apply the hand-
brake lever firmly and place the selector lever
in position P, or engage a gear for a manual
gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts checked as soon as possible with a reli-
able torque wrench. WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not
fitted correctly, they could cause major acci-
dents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come
off while driving and endanger other road
users.
● Damaged trims must never be mounted on
the wheels.
● Always ensure that the brake ventilation
and cooling is not cut off or blocked. This is
also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there
is not enough air, you may require signifi-
cantly longer braking distances. CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care
to avoid damage to the vehicle. Hubcaps
Fig. 124
Remove the hubcap of the steel
wheel trim In order to access the wheel bolts, first re-
move the hubcap.
Removing and fitting the hubcap
● To remove , take the vehicle tool kit wire
hook and att
ach it to the edge of the wheel
trim ››› Fig. 124
.
● Remove the trim by pulling it in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
● To replace the hubcap , press the hubcap
against the trim until it clicks into place.
174
Advice
If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be
able to loosen it by pushing down on the end
of the wheel brace carefully with your foot.
Hold on to the vehicle for support and take
care not to slip.
Loosening wheel bolts
● Fit the wheel brace as far as it will go over
the wheel bolt ››› Fig. 127 .
● Ho l
d the wheel brace at the end and rotate
the bolt approximately one turn anticlockwise
››
› .
Loosening anti-theft wheel bolts
For wheels with full hubcap, the anti-theft
wheel lock must be threaded into position
››› Fig. 128 2 before mounting the hubcap.
Otherwise it will not be possible to mount the
entire hubcap.
● Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
out of the vehicle tool kit.
● Insert the adapter onto the wheel bolt
››› Fig. 128 . Push it on as far as it will go.
● Fit the wheel
brace onto the adapter as far
as possible.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate
the bolt approximately one turn anticlockwise
››
› . Important information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been de-
signed to be fitted to factory options. If differ-
ent rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts
with the right length and correctly shaped
bolt heads must be used. This ensures that
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake
system functions correctly.
In some circumstances, wheel bolts from the
same model vehicle should not be used.
Wheel bolt tightening torque
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel
bolts for steel and alloy wheels is
110 Nm
.
Hav e the tight
ening torque of the wheel bolts
checked as soon as possible with a reliable
torque wrench.
If wheel bolts are rusty and it is difficult to
tighten them, the threads should be replaced
and cleaned before checking the tightening
tor
que.
Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the
wheel hub threads. Although they have been
tightened to the prescribed torque, they
could come loose while driving. WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not fitted correctly they
could be released while driving leading to
loss of vehicle control and serious damage. ●
Only use wheel bolts which correspond to
the wheel rims in question.
● Never use different wheel bolts.
● The bolts and threads should be clean, free
of oil and grease and easy to thread.
● To loosen and tighten the wheel bolts, al-
ways use the wheel brace supplied with the
vehicle.
● Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn
before raising the vehicle with the jack.
● Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the
wheel hub threads. Although they have been
tightened to the prescribed torque, they
could come loose while driving.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel
rims with bolted ring trims.
● If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the
correct torque, they may come loose while
driving, and the bolts and rims may come
out. If the tightening torque is too high, the
wheel bolts and threads can be damaged. 176