Operating in winter conditions
All-year (or “winter”) tyres
All-year or “winter”tyres (indicated by an M+S or a mountain peak/snowflake
symbol ) to improve the performance of the vehicle in winter conditions.
To get the best possible driving characteristics, all-year or “winter”tyres, with a
minimum tread depth of 4 mm on all four wheels, should be fitted.
If “winter” tyres are mounted, summer tyres should be fitted again in good
time as they provide better handling properties, a shorter braking distance,
less tyre noise and reduced tyre wear on roads which are free of snow and ice
as well as at temperatures above 7 °C.
Speed symbol
All-year or “winter”tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol
) of
a lower speed category than listed in the vehicle’s technical documentation
can be used provided that the maximum permissible speed for these tyres is
not exceeded even if the maximum possible speed of the vehicle is higher.
For vehicles with Infotainment System with the key the speed limit for all-
season or“winter”Tires can be set » Owner's Manual infotainment . For other
vehicles, there is the option to set the speed limit for winter tyres at a special-
ist garage.
If the vehicle has all-season or “winter”tires of a lower speed category then
the specified maximum speed of the vehicle (referring to tyres that have not
been delivered by the factory, a warning label with the maximum value of the
speed category provided for the mounted tyres must be fixed in the interior of
the vehicle in a constantly visible place in the driver’s field of vision. The warn-
ing label (sticker) can be replaced by setting the maximum value of the speed
category supplied for the mounted tyres in Infotainment 1)
. This specification
defines the maximum vehicle speed with mounted all-season or “winter”tyres
that may not be exceeded.
Snow chains
The snow chains improve handling in wintry road conditions.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains » page 152.
Snow chains must only be fitted on the front wheels and are applicable only to
the following wheel / tyre combinations.Rim sizePress depth DTyre size5J x 1435 mm175/70 R14
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
Rim sizePress depth DTyre size6J x 1538 mm185/60 R15
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
WARNINGDo not use chains on snow and ice-free routes - the handling would be im-
paired and there is a risk of damage to the tyres.1)
Valid in certain countries.
148General Maintenance
