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
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. 128
Tires and wheels>> Operation.
keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle. Adapt your driving
accordingly. Brakes
G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out braking maneu-
vers.
Refer to the description of the hydraulic
brake assistant (Y page 47).
! 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-
erwise seriously damage the brake sys-
tem which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the brake system may be the reason for low brake fluid level
in the brake fluid reservoir.
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.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact an authorized electric drive
smart center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
electric drive smart center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by smart. Inclines G
WARNING
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheat-
ing, thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness and your ability to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci- dent.
Please observe the following guidelines to
avoid that the permitted maximum speed is
exceeded when driving on downhill grades:
R Do not move the gear selector lever to N.
R Recuperation is limited, if:
- the high-voltage battery is fully
charged or too cold
- the power electronics or the electric
motor is overheated.
When driving down long and steep grades, do not depress the brake pedal perma-
nently. Depress it in intervals instead to
reduce the vehicle speed.
High and low stresses After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa- sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers. 148
Driving instructions>> Operation.
Disconnecting, removing, charging,
reinstalling and reconnecting 12‑volt
battery
Disconnecting the 12-volt battery i
If the 12-volt battery is disconnected
or discharged
R turning the key in the starter switch
will have no effect
R the transmission will remain in park
position P
For more information see “Jump start-
ing” (Y page 200).
X Engage the parking brake.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Turn off all electrical accessories.
X Switch off the drive system.
X Open the passenger door.
X Move the passenger seat to the rear as far
as possible.
X Unscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell (Y page 160).
X Lift the carpet. X
Unscrew fastening screw ;counter-
clockwise.
X Pull footrest :sideways out of the vehi-
cle.
X Read and observe safety instructions and
precautions (Y page 197). !
Always disconnect the battery in the
order described below. Otherwise the
vehicle’s electronics can be damaged.
X Disconnect the battery negative lead
from negative terminal =.
Make sure the negative lead does not
come into contact with the positive lead.
X Remove cover ?from the positive ter-
minal.
X Disconnect the battery positive lead.
Removing the 12-volt battery X
Unscrew battery mount A.
X Remove the battery support and bracket.
X Pull out the ventilation hose from the
battery.
Depending on battery arrangement in
your vehicle model, the ventilation hose
is located either on the left or right sideof the battery.
X Remove the battery.
Charging the 12-volt battery G
WARNING
Avoid creating sparks when charging the
battery as escaping gases are flammable.
Keep open flames away from the battery and do not smoke.
Do not touch the battery terminal with metal
objects and do not remove the battery
charger’s terminal clamps until the battery charger has been switched off and no fur- Batteries
199>> Practical hints.
Z
