XTo apply:firmly pull parking brake 0044
upwards.
When the engine is running, the 0027(USA
only) or 004D(Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
XTo release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
XPress release button 0043on parking
brake 0044and guide the parking brake down
to the stop.
The 0027 (USA only) or 004D(Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The parking brake is not yet engaged if:
Ra warning tone sounds
RThe Release Parking Brakemessage
appears in the multifunction display and
Rthe 004D indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driv-
ing, safety-relevant functions are only
available with limitations, or not at all.
This could affect, for example, the power
steering and the brake boosting effect. You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake. There is a risk of an acci-dent.
Do not switch off the ignition while driv-
ing.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be dis-
tracted from traffic conditions. You could
also lose control of the vehicle. There is a
risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehi- cle is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit the driver from using a mobile
phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only use the telephone when
the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before using the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
RThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.
RRemove unnecessary loads.
RWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
RAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
RHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and
in hilly terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
102Driving tips
>> Driving and parking.
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident is greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or
allow anyone to drive who has been drinkingor taking drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide.
Inhaling these exhaust gases leads to poi-
soning. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Therefore never leave the engine running
in enclosed spaces without sufficient ven- tilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. There-
fore, only allow qualified and authorized
technicians to perform work on the engine.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be performed at
regular intervals and in accordance with
smart service requirements. Details can be
found in the Maintenance Booklet.
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's
braking effect, the drive wheels could lose
their grip. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you
to take advantage of the engine's braking
effect. This helps you to avoid overheating
the brakes and wearing them out exces-
sively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train, which is not covered by the smart
warranty.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving, the braking system can
overheat. This increases the stopping dis-
tance and can even cause the braking system
to fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.
Never depress the brake pedal and the
accelerator pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy
rain without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the vehi-
cle has been washed or driven through deep
water.
You then have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
Driving tips103
>> Driving and parking.
Z
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly lon-
ger braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster and
Ryou hear a warning tone while the engine
is running
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-
shop to arrange this.
!A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamome-
ter. If you wish to operate the vehicle on
such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified specialist workshop in advance.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
!As the ESP®system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0or 1in the ignition lock) if:
Rthe parking brake is tested using a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Rthe vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP
®
may seriously damage the brake system. All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
When having brake pads/linings fitted, smart
recommends that you only use those which are
approved for smart vehicles or are of an
equivalent quality standard. Brake pads/
linings which have not been approved for
smart vehicles or which are not of an equiv-
alent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
smart recommends that you only use brake
fluid which is approved for smart vehicles or
is of an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for smart
vehicles or which
is not of an equivalent
quality could affect your vehicle's operating
safety.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following man-
ner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result in damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission.
104Driving tips
>> Driving and parking.
Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's Man- ual. Country-specific differences are pos-
sible. Bear in mind that your vehicle may
not feature all functions described here.
This also applies to safety-relevant sys-
tems and functions.
iRead the information on qualified spe-
cialist workshops: (Ypage 20).
Checking service products
Engine compartment (rear)
Engine compartment cover
GWARNING
The engine compartment cover may become
very hot. If you remove the cover to do work on the engine compartment, there is a risk
of injury!
Allow the engine to cool down and then
remove the engine compartment cover after
cooling has taken place.
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. If
the engine compartment cover has not been installed correctly, when the engine is
running, particularly if the vehicle is
moving, exhaust fumes could enter the
passenger compartment. There is a risk of
poisoning.
Always switch off the engine before remov-
ing the engine compartment cover. Make
sure that the engine compartment cover has
been installed correctly.
XTo open: apply the parking brake.
XSelect a gear.
XSwitch the ignition off.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
XOpen the upper and lower tailgate
(Ypage 57).
XFor vehicles with the subwoofer: remove the
subwoofer (Ypage 149).
XRemove luggage compartment cover 0043if
necessary (Ypage 144).
XHold the carpet on the right and left sides
and fold upwards.
XVehicles with a trunk cover: attach the hook to upper bracket of trunk cover 0043
(
Ypage 144).
XUnscrew screws 0087from engine compart-
ment cover 0044manually.
XRemove engine compartment cover 0044.
XTo close:slide engine compartment
cover 0044forward as far as it will go.
XRetighten screws 0087manually.
XVehicles with a trunk cover: unhook the
hooks.
XPut the carpet back into the vehicle.
XFold down the carpet and push it under the
side paneling.
XFor vehicles with the subwoofer: fit the
subwoofer again (Ypage 149).
XClose the tailgate.
Engine oil
General notes
Depending on your driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.55 US qt (0.5 liters) of oil per
600 miles (1000 km). The oil consumption may
be higher than this when the vehicle is new or
if you frequently drive at high engine speeds.
Checking service products149
>> Maintenance and care.
Z
When checking the oil level:
Rpark the vehicle on a level surface.
Rthe engine should be switched off for
approximately 5 minutes if the engine is at
normal operating temperature
Rif the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly, wait approximately
30 minutes before carrying out the meas-
urement
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart- ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down
and touch only the components described in
the following.
GWARNING
Opening the hood when the engine is over-
heated or when there is a fire in the engine
compartment could expose you to hot gases
or other service products. There is a risk of injury.
Let an overheated engine cool down before
opening the hood. If there is a fire in the
engine compartment, keep the hood closed
and contact the fire department.
GWARNING
The engine compartment contains moving
components. Certain components, such as
the radiator fan, may continue to run or
start again suddenly when the ignition is
off. There is a risk of injury.
If you need to do any work inside the engine compartment:
Rswitch off the ignition
Rnever reach into the area where there is a
risk of danger from moving components,
such as the fan rotation area
Rremove jewelry and watches
Rkeep items of clothing and hair, for
example, away from moving parts
XOpen the engine compartment cover
(Ypage 149).
Example
XPull oil dipstick 0043out of the dipstick
guide tube.
XWipe off oil dipstick 0043.
XSlowly slide oil dipstick 0043into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark 0087and MAX
mark 0044, the oil level is correct.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
Certain components in the engine compart- ment, such as the engine, radiator and parts
of the exhaust system, can become very hot.
Working in the engine compartment poses a risk of injury.
Where possible, let the engine cool down
and touch only the components described in
the following.
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
components in the engine compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and
injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and thoroughly clean the engine oil
off the components before starting the
engine.
150Checking service products
>> Maintenance and care.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any.
If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
!Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
You will find further information on engine
oils you can use in the "Technical data" sec-
tion (
Ypage 209).
XTurn cap 0043counter-clockwise and remove
it.
XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on the oil dipstick, top up once with a max-
imum of 1.1 US qt (1 l) of engine oil.
XReplace cap 0043on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
XCheck the oil level again with the oil dip- stick (Ypage 150).
Front compartment
Service cover
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the service cover is not locked, it may
come loose during driving and block your
view or endanger other road users. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, make sure that the service cover
is locked before every journey.
GWARNING
If the windshield wipers begin to operate
while the service cover is open, there is a
danger of injury from the wiper arms. There
is a risk of injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers
and the ignition before opening the ser-
vice cover.
!To ensure unhindered air intake, care-
fully remove any snow or dirt from the ven- tilation slots above the service cover.
To prevent it from becoming damaged or
dirty, the service cover can be removed and
hung on the front of the vehicle.
The service cover is attached to the rear side
of the vehicle body with a strap.
XPark the vehicle on a flat, level surface.
XApply the parking brake.
XSelect a gear.
XSwitch the ignition off.
Removing
XTo unlock: remove lock cover 0043(driver's
side only) with the key.
XInsert the key into the lock and turn it to
position 0092.
Checking service products151
>> Maintenance and care.
Z
XPull both levers0043with both index fingers
in the direction of the arrows.
XFirst pull both levers 0044forwards and then
completely out.
XLift service cover 0087and pull forwards.
XHook service cover 0087at the top rear in the
openings on the vehicle.
Inserting
XLift service cover 0087.
XSlide bars0085on the left and right of the
service cover under the bars on fender.
XPress service cover 0087down in the direc-
tion of the arrow.
XSlide both levers 0044in and then back.
XPress lever 0044in the radiator trim and
allow it to engage.
XTo lock: insert the key into the lock and
turn it to position 0047.
Insert lock cover 0043flush (on the driver's
side) and clip it into place.
152Checking service products
>> Maintenance and care.
Coolant
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The cooling system is pressurized, partic- ularly when the motor is warm. If you open
the cap, you could be scalded if hot coolant
sprays out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before you open
the cap. Wear gloves and eye protection.
Slowly open the cap to relieve pressure.
Checking the coolant
The coolant expansion tank is in the area
under the service cover.
XOpen the service cover (Ypage 151).
XLet the coolant cool down for at least
30 minutes.
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the vehi-cle is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
XCheck the reservoir visually.
The fluid level must be between MIN and
MAX.
Adding coolant
XCover cap 0043of coolant expansion tank 0044
with a cloth.
XSlowly turn cover cap 0043anti-clockwise to
allow excess pressure to escape.
XTurn cap 0043further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
XDo not exceed the maximum filling level
when adding coolant.
XScrew on cap 0043tightly. For further information on coolant, see
(
Ypage 210).
Windshield washer system
GWARNING
Windshield washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
components in the front compartment, it
may ignite. There is a risk of fire and
injury.
Make sure that no windshield washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck.
XOpen the service cover (Ypage 151).
XTo open: pull cap0043upwards by the tab.
XIf available, pull the removable nozzle up
as far as the stop.
XAdd the premixed washer fluid.
XTo close: if available, push the removable
nozzle down and push it inside.
XPress cap 0043onto the filler neck until it
engages.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze (
Ypage 211).
Maintenance
Service display
Service message
The service display informs you of the next
service due date. Depending on the operating
conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time
or distance until the next service due date is displayed.
Maintenance153
>> Maintenance and care.
Z