Operating safety
G
WARNING
Some safety systems only function while the
drive system is switched on. You should
therefore never switch off the drive system
while driving. G
WARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made
may produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of
your vehicle.
See an authorized electric drive smart
center for repairs or modifications to
electronic components.
Improper work or modifications on other
vehicle systems could also have a negative
impact on the operating safety of the vehi-
cle. G
WARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on your hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with
caution to an area which is a safe distance
from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized electric drive smart center or
other maintenance or repair facility that
is qualified to work on smart electric vehi-
cles for further inspection or repairs. G
WARNING
A vehicle with an electric motor produces
significantly lower noise levels than a
vehicle with a combustion engine. Other
motorists or pedestrians, especially those
who are visually or hearing impaired, may
be unable to hear your vehicle while it is
in motion. This is particularly true when
driving at lower speeds and during parking
maneuvers. At all times, it is the respon-
sibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low
speed situations. Otherwise other road
users could be seriously or fatally injured.
Vehicles equipped with an Acoustic Vehi-
cle Indication* emit a certain noise. Thus,
your vehicle will be better noticed by other
road users at low speeds (Y page 48). Danger of electric shock
The components of the drive system are
indicated by yellow warning labels to make
you aware of high voltage.
High‑voltage cables are orange‑colored.
G
WARNING
Due to the high-voltage technology, elec-
trical leads under high voltage are instal-
led in the vehicle. For this reason, work on
the vehicle may only be carried out by spe-
cially trained technicians.
For safety reasons, smart recommends all
work to be carried out by a smart service 16
>> Introduction. * optional
i
Canada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and
2. this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of
the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC cer-
tification number can be found in the
battery case. Driving safety systems
Introduction
G
WARNING
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather and traffic con-
ditions and keep a safe distance to other
road users and objects on the street.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP ®
is only ach-
ieved with winter tires (Y page 146) or
snow chains* as required. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
G
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (Y page 24) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
drive system is active.
Braking At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver X
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal. G
WARNING
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off. 46
Driving safety systems>> Safety.
* optional
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance. G
WARNING
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent acci-
dents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or hydroplan-
ing. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabil-
ities of an ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s
safety or the safety of others. Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the Elec-
tronic Stability Program (ESP ®
). The ESP ®
is operational as soon as the drive system
is switched on and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting the power output, the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP ®
is
especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 00E5in the instru-
ment cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 00E5in the instru-
ment cluster comes on when you switch on the ignition. It goes out when the drive
system is active.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roads G
WARNING
If the ESP ®
warning lamp 00E5in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as fol-
lows:
R While driving off, apply as little throt-
tle as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents result-
ing from excessive speed. G
WARNING
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equip-
ped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates automati-
cally, the ignition must be switched off
when the parking brake is being tested
on a brake test dynamometer. Active
braking action through the ESP ®
may oth- Driving safety systems
47>> Safety. Z
erwise seriously damage the brake sys-
tem which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
i The ESP ®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended tire
size (Y page 216). Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the hydraulic brake
assistant automatically provides full
brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The
hydraulic brake assistant is then deacti-
vated. G
WARNING
When the hydraulic brake assistant is mal-
functioning, the brake system is still func-
tioning normally, but without the addi-
tional brake boost that would normally be
provided during an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase. G
WARNING
The hydraulic brake assistant cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the con-
dition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The hydraulic brake
assistant cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle
too closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a hydraulic
brake assistant equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
Activating the hazard warning flasher
after an emergency braking maneuver
If you bring the vehicle to a complete stop
by strongly braking at a speed of more than
43 mph (70 km/h), the hazard warning
flasher comes on automatically as soon as
the vehicle is at a standstill. The hazard
warning flasher will remain on until it is
switched off using the hazard warning
flasher switch (Y page 68) or until the
speed of the vehicle has exceeded 6 mph
(10 km/h). Acoustic Vehicle Indication*
Vehicles with electric motors develop con-
siderably lower driving noises than vehi-
cles with combustion engines. Therefore
your vehicle in traffic might not be acous-
tically noticed by other road users in cer-
tain situations.
In order to avoid this, a built-in sound
generator emits a certain noise (Acoustic
Vehicle Indication) within a speed range
between 0 to 20 mph (30 km/h). Thus, other
road users, especially pedestrians and
bicycle riders can notice your vehicle bet-
ter. Acoustic Vehicle Indication can also
be heard inside of the vehicle.
The volume of Acoustic Vehicle Indication
depends on the current engine speed (rpm).
The stronger you accelerate, the louder the
noise. At speed of more than 20 mph
30 km/h the noise is switched off. From this
speed on the natural noises of the vehicle
are sufficient so that other road users can
notice the vehicle on time. 48
Driving safety systems>> Safety.
* optional
>> Operation.High-voltage battery
........................112
Front compartment ........................... 123
Tires and wheels .............................. 127
Winter driving ................................ 146
Driving instructions ........................147
Driving abroad ................................ 153
Vehicle care ................................... 153
X
Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for summer and water for tem-
peratures above freezing point.
X Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for winter and water for temper-
atures below freezing point.
! Always use a windshield washer concen-
trate labeled for winter where tempera-
tures may fall below freezing point.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the washer system/reservoir.
X Premix the windshield washer fluid in a
suitable container.
Observe mixing ratios depending on the
outside temperature (Y page 218).
X Use the tab to pull cap 0043upwards.
X Refill the windshield washer reservoir.
X Push cap 0043onto the windshield washer
reservoir.
X Remount the service flap and close it
(Y page 123). Brake fluid
G
WARNING
During vehicle operation, the boiling
point of the brake fluid is continuously
reduced through the absorption of moisture
from the atmosphere. Under extremely
strenuous operating conditions, this mois-
ture content can lead to the formation of
bubbles in the system, thus reducing the
system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval.
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir may be too low if the brake warn-
ing lamp in the instrument cluster comes
on (Y page 23) although the parking brake
is released.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or below, have the brake
system checked for brake pad thickness
and leaks immediately. Contact an
authorized electric drive smart center
immediately. Do not add brake fluid as
this will not solve the problem.
X Remove the service flap and insert it on
the front of the vehicle (Y page 123).
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the
front compartment on the passenger side. Checking brake fluid level
X
Perform a visual check of the brake fluid
reservoir 0043.
The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized electric drive
smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen sig-
nificantly below the minimum mark,
call Roadside Assistance or an author-
ized electric drive smart center.
X Remount the service flap and close it
(Y page 123). Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized electric drive smart
center for information on tested and rec- Tires and wheels
127>> Operation. Z
ommended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and pur-
chase. G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same desig-
nation, manufacturer and type as shown on
the original part. For further information
contact an authorized electric drive smart
center. If incorrectly sized rims and tires
are mounted, the wheel brakes or suspen-
sion components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct. G
WARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth,
or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
smart wheel bolts specified for the partic-
ular rim type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an acci-
dent.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by smart, since previous damage
cannot always be recognized on retreads.
The operating safety of the vehicle cannot
be assured when such tires are used. G
WARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has occur-
red, you should turn on the hazard warning
flashers, carefully slow down, and drive
with caution to an area which is a safe dis-
tance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized electric drive smart
center or tire dealer for repairs. G
WARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire
affects the ability to steer or brake the
vehicle. You could lose control of the vehi-
cle. Continued driving with a flat tire or
driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible. Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause
tire pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads.
R If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as
required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). Recommended tire inflation pressure
G
WARNING
Follow recommended tire inflation pres-
sures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and energy con-
sumption of the vehicle, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated
tires can adversely affect handling and 128
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase
stopping distance, and result in sudden
deflation (blowout) because they are more
likely to become punctured or damaged by
road debris, potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B‑pillar. Overloading the
tires can overheat them, possibly causing
a blowout. Overloading the tires can also
result in handling or steering problems, or
brake failure.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Tire and
Loading Information placard located on
the driver’s door B‑pillar (Y page 134).
The tire inflation pressure should be
checked regularly. Only adjust the tire
inflation pressure on cold tires. The tires
can be considered cold if the vehicle has
been parked for at least 3 hours or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Depending on the
ambient temperature, the driving speed
and the tire load, the tire temperature
changes. When the tire temperature
changes by 18¦ (10¥), the tire inflation
pressure will change by approximately
10 kpa (0.1 bar, 1.5 psi). Keep this in mind
when checking tire inflation pressure on
warm tires and adjust the tire pressure
only if the tire inflation pressure is too
low for the current operating conditions.
If you check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are warm, the reading will
be higher than the cold reading. This is
normal. Do not let air out to match the
specified cold tire inflation pressure.
Otherwise, the tire will be underinflated.
Follow recommended cold tire inflation
pressures listed on Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B‑pillar.
Keeping the tires properly inflated pro-
vides the best handling, tread life and rid-
ing comfort. In addition to the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard on the driver’s door B‑pil-
lar, also consult the tire inflation pres-
sure label (if available) on the inside of
the filler flap for any additional informa-
tion pertaining to special driving situa-
tions. For more information, see “Impor-
tant notes on tire inflation pressure”
(Y
page 129).
i Data shown on Tire and Loading Infor-
mation placard example are for illus-
tration purposes only. Tire data are spe-
cific to each vehicle and may vary from
data shown in the following illustration.
Refer to Tire and Loading Information
placard on vehicle for actual data spe-
cific to your vehicle. The Tire and Loading Information placard
lists the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures
0043for maximum loaded vehicle
weight. The tire inflation pressures listed
apply to the tires installed as original
equipment.
Important notes on tire inflation pres-
sure G
WARNING
If the tire inflation pressure drops repeat-
edly, check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects and/or whether air is leak-
ing from the valves or from around the rim.
Tire temperature and tire inflation pres-
sure are also increased while driving, Tires and wheels
129>> Operation. Z