The TIN is a unique identifier which facil-
itates efforts by tire manufactures to
notify purchasers in recall situations or
other safety matters concerning tires and
gives purchasers the means to easily iden- tify such tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark” ;, “Tire size”=,
“Tire type code” ?, and “Date of manufac-
ture” A.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
DOT (Department of Transportation) Tire branding symbol
:which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark Manufacturer’s identification mark
;
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four sym-
bols. For more information on retreaded
tires (Y page 127).
Tire size Code
=indicates the tire size. Tire type code Tire type code
?may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive
code for identifying significant charac-
teristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture Date of manufacture
Aidentifies the week
and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year. The second
two figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002. Tire ply material
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall :
and under the tread ;. Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
transmission, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, Tires and wheels
143>> Operation. Z
For safety reasons, smart recommends
that you only use snow chains that have
been approved by smart.
Information on this is available from any
smart center.
Please refer to the separate operating
instructions for detailed information on mounting the snow chains.
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains: R Using snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(Y page 216).
R Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.
R Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before mounting
snow chains. G
WARNING
When mounting or removing snow chains,
always park your vehicle on level ground,
engage the parking brake, and switch off
the drive system. The vehicle could other-
wise move and injure yourself or other road users. G
WARNING
When mounting and removing snow chains,
ensure that you and your vehicle are at a
safe distance from moving traffic. Not
doing so could endanger other road users or even lead to you being injured by the vehi-cles behind you. G
WARNING
The vehicle’s handling changes when driv-
ing with snow chains on any kind of road
surface. This means that you should always adapt your driving style to suit the current
road and weather conditions.
! If snow chains that do not meet require-
ments are mounted, they may scrape
against the body or axle components when the vehicle is in motion. This could
result in damage to the rim/tire or vehi-
cle. Driving instructions
Drinking and driving
G
WARNING
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and drive or allow anyone to drive who has been
drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even a
small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive. Pedals
G
WARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of motion.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats* or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the ped- als still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden acceleration or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrictyour ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and/or injury. Power assistance
G
WARNING
With the drive system inactive, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to Driving instructions
147>> Operation.
* optional Z
imately
1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for
the winter season to ensure normal bal-
anced handling characteristics. On packed
snow, they can reduce your stopping dis-
tance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still con-
siderably greater than when the road is not covered with snow or ice. Exercise appro-
priate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited War-
ranty. Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions. G
WARNING
Even when permitted by law, never operate a
vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you and for others.
Make sure your tires have the required tire speed rating as specified for your vehicle
in the “Technical data section”
(Y page 216), for example when purchasing
new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see “Tire size designation, load and speed rating”
(Y page 140).
If you are uncertain about the correct read-
ing of the information given on a tire’s sidewall, any authorized electric drive
smart center will be glad to assist you.
i For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see “All-season and winter
tires” (Y page 141). Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers.
For information on driving with snow
chains*, see “Snow chains*” (Y page 146).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the
normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired brak- ing efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking effi-
ciency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed. G
WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers. G
WARNING
The outside temperature display is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that pur-
pose. Indicated temperatures just above
the freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(Y page 146). Driving instructions
151>> Operation.
* optional Z
Brake
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ò
(USA only)
! (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
while the drive system is running. There is a malfunction in the ABS system.
X Have the ABS system checked at an authorized electric drive
smart center immediately. ò
(USA only)
! (Canada only)
The ABS indicator
lamp illuminates
together with the
brake warning lamp
$ (USA only) or
J (Canada only)
while the drive system is running. The ABS system fails.
X Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Switch off the drive system.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized electric drive
smart center. G
WARNING
When the ABS system is malfunctioning, the wheels may lock during hard braking, reducing steering capability and extending the braking distance.
When the ABS is switched off due to a malfunction, the ESP ®
is also switched off. The basic
driving and braking functions are still available.
The risk of your vehicle skidding is then increased in certain situations. You should
therefore always adapt your speed and driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions. Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions $
(USA only)
J (Canada only)
The brake warning
lamp illuminates
while the drive system is running. You are driving with the parking brake engaged.
X Release the parking brake. The brake circuit fails or the brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir is too low.
X Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location.
X Do not continue to drive.
X Switch off the drive system.
X Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the problem.
X Engage the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
X Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized electric drive
smart center. What to do if ...
167>> Practical hints. Z
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ÷
The ESP ®
warn-
ing lamp
flashes while
driving. The ESP
®
has engaged because of detected traction loss in at
least one tire.
X When driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.
X While driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.
X Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and
weather conditions. ÷
The ESP ®
warn-
ing lamp illu-
minates con-
tinuously while
the drive sys-
tem is running. The ESP
®
is not operational due to a system failure.
X Have the system checked at an authorized electric drive
smart center. The ESP
®
is not available.
X Have the system checked at an authorized electric drive
smart center. G
WARNING
When the ESP ®
warning lamp is illuminated continuously, the ESP ®
is not available or not
operational due to a system failure.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions and the non-operating status
of the ESP ®
.
i It may be possible to clear a system failure by restarting the drive system.
X Restart the drive system.
If the warning lamp still does not go out, have the system checked at an authorized
electric drive smart center immediately.
i More information on the ESP ®
can be found in the “Safety” section (Y page 47).Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions D
The yellow EPS
warning lamp
illuminates
while the drive
system is run-
ning. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS)* is not available.
X Have the EPS checked at an authorized smart electric drive
center immediately. G
WARNING
When the EPS is not available a higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the vehicle. Have the system checked at an authorized electric drive smart center. 170
What to do if ...>> Practical hints.
* optional
X
Removing: Fold the wiper arm away from
the rear window until you feel it engage.
X Fold wiper blade :away from the wiper
arm in direction of arrow ;until it
disengages from its mounting.
X Detach wiper blade :.
X Installing: Push the new wiper blade onto
the wiper arm until you feel it engage.
X Fold the wiper blade into a position par-
allel to the wiper arm.
X Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the rear window.
Make sure to hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blade is properly
installed. An improperly installed
wiper blade may cause rear window dam- age. Adjusting the washer jet nozzles
:
Front washer jet nozzles
; Rear washer jet nozzles
X Adjusting: Use a needle to move washer
jet nozzles :or; left, right, up, or
down.
i Check the setting of the washer jet noz-
zles at regular intervals. The washer jet
nozzles are correctly set when the water
jet hits the windshield or the rear win-
dow approximately in the center. Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Upon experiencing any type of problem
with the vehicle’s tires, switch on the haz-
ard warning flasher, carefully slow down
and exit the roadway in a cautious manner.
X Park the vehicle at a safe distance from
moving traffic on a hard, flat surface
when possible.
X Make sure the tire valve of the damaged
tire is located below the horizontal axle
of the wheel hub.
X Engage the parking brake.
X Turn the steering wheel so that the front
wheels are in a straight ahead position.
X Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
X Switch off the drive system.
X Remove the key from the starter switch
and take the key with you.
i Open door only when conditions are safe
to do so.
X Have any passenger exit the vehicle at a
safe distance from the roadway. Using the tire repair kit
! Depending on the type of damage on the
tire, the tire sealant could damage the
sensor of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)*. Such damage is not cov-
ered by the smart Limited Warranty.
When having the damaged tire replaced,
also have the TPMS sensors* checked for
proper function. When the sensor is dam-
aged, the TPMS* will not function prop-
erly. The sensor must then be replaced at an authorized electric drive smart cen-
ter as soon as possible.
i Depending on production date of your
vehicle, it will be equipped with version
1 or version 2 of the tire repair kit.
Please make sure to refer to the descrip- Flat tire
187>> Practical hints.
* optional Z
X
Place the tire repair kit securely in the
vehicle.
X Drive off immediately.
The tire sealant will distribute itself
evenly inside the tire. G
WARNING
Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h). A tire sealant repair is not
designed to operate at higher speeds.
The sticker must be attached on the instru- ment cluster where it will be easily seen by
the driver.
Vehicle handling characteristics of a tire
sealant repaired tire may change. Adapt
your driving accordingly.
X After driving for about 1.8 miles (3 km) or
ten minutes, stop and exit the vehicle
taking all of the appropriate safety pre- cautions.
X Take the tire repair kit from the vehicle.
X Screw the end of filler hose ?onto tire
valve G.
X Check the tire inflation pressure using
pressure gauge ;. G
WARNING
If tire inflation pressure has fallen below
130 kPa (1.3 bar, 19 psi) do not continue to
drive the vehicle.
Park your vehicle safely away from the
roadway and contact the nearest authorized electric drive smart center or call Road-
side Assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.
X If the tire inflation pressure is at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar, 19 psi), inflate or deflate
the tire to correct tire inflation pres-
sure (see Tire and Loading Information
placard located on the driver’s door
B‑pillar). R
To increase the tire inflation pres-
sure: Switch on the electric air pump.
R To decrease the tire inflation pres-
sure: Open vent screw =. Recheck the
tire inflation pressure with the elec-
tric air pump’s pressure gauge.
X After checking the tire inflation pres-
sure, unscrew the end of filler hose ?
from tire valve G.
X Screw the valve cap onto the tire valve.
X Plug filler hose with the stopper.
X Place the tire repair kit securely in the
vehicle.
! The manufacturer is unable to guaran-
tee that all tire punctures can be
repaired with the tire repair kit, in par-
ticular cuts or perforations larger than
approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) or away from
the tire’s tread. The manufacturer is not liable for damage sustained through
improper use of the tire repair kit. 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. Flat tire
191>> Practical hints. Z
placard located on the driver’s door
B‑pillar).
R To increase the tire inflation pres-
sure: Switch on the electric air pump.
R To decrease the tire inflation pres-
sure: Press deflate button D. Recheck
the tire inflation pressure with the
electric air pump’s pressure gauge E.
X When the tire inflation pressure is cor-
rect, unscrew the end of filler hose ?
from tire valve C.
X Screw the valve cap onto the tire valve. X
To detach tire sealant container :from
the electric air pump, press both
latches.
X Pull tire sealant container :out of fix-
ture ;.
Filler hose ?remains on tire sealant
container :.
X Place the tire repair kit securely in the
vehicle.
! The manufacturer is unable to guaran-
tee that all tire punctures can be
repaired with the tire repair kit, in par-
ticular cuts or perforations larger than
approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) or away from
the tire’s tread. The manufacturer is not liable for damage sustained through
improper use of the tire repair kit. 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.
X Drive to the nearest authorized electric
drive smart center, to have the damaged
tire replaced.
X Contact an authorized electric drive
smart center as soon as possible to
obtain a new filler hose and a new tire
sealant container.
X Bring used tire sealant materials to an
authorized electric drive smart center
for proper disposal.
X Replace your tire sealant container
every 4 years. Replacement containers
are available at any authorized electric
drive smart center. G
WARNING
After changing a tire, contact an author-
ized electric drive smart center to make
sure the bolts holding the wheel to the car
are tight enough. Otherwise, the wheels
could come off. Each bolt should be tight-
ened to a torque of 81 lb‑ft (110 Nm). 194
Flat tire>> Practical hints.