Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 5 lbs (2.3 kilograms).
These optional extras, such as high-perform-
ance brakes, level control, a roof rack or a
high-performance battery, are not included
in the curb weight and the weight of the
accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus iden-
tify the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are dis-
tributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 00CDin
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Nominal load and luggage load plus 68 kg
(150 lbs) multiplied by the number of seats in
the vehicle.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
You can find information on what to do in the
event of a flat tire in the "Flat tire" section
(
Ypage 161).
Rotating the wheels
GWARNING
Never interchange the front and rear wheels
as they have different dimensions, e.g.
size, wheel offset etc. Otherwise, there
could be a negative effect on the road hold- ing and you could endanger yourself or oth-
ers.
!On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are loca-
ted in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used
near the valve. This could damage the elec-
tronic components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Various types of steel wheel can be fitted on
your vehicle. Some steel wheels have a red
mark in the hub cap area. The hub cap has to be
removed to see the red mark, see "Raising the
vehicle" in the "Wheel change" section
(
Ypage 197). When changing the wheels,
always fit wheels of the same type on all axles.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety notes when changing a wheel
(
Ypage 196).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating condi-
tions. Front tires typically wear more on the
shoulders and the rear tires in the center.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressure and reac-
tivate the tire pressure monitor if necessary.
196Changing a wheel
>> Wheels and tires.
smart accepts no liability for damage
resulting from the use of tires or wheels
other than those tested and approved.
Information on wheels and tires can be
obtained at a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a smart center.
!Retreaded tires have not been tested by
smart and are not recommended. Previous
damage sustained by the tires (before the
retreading process) cannot always be rec-
ognized. As a result, smart cannot guaran-
tee vehicle safety if retreaded tires are
fitted.
Overview of abbreviations used in the fol-
lowing tire tables:
RBA: both axles
RFA: front axle
RRA: rear axle
The recommended pressures for various oper- ating conditions can be found:
Ron the Tire and Loading Information plac-
ard with the recommended tire pressures on
the B-pillar on the driver's side
Rin the tire pressure table on the inside of
the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire pres-
sures under various operating conditions
(
Ypage 180).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only when
the tires are cold. Comply with the mainte-
nance recommendations of the tire manufac-
turer in the vehicle document wallet.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always
equip the vehicle with:
Rtires of the same size on a given axle (left/
right)
Rwith the same type of tires on all wheels at a given time (summer tires, winter tires)
Exception: it is permissible to fit a dif-
ferent type or make in the event of a flat
tire.
iThe following pages contain information
on approved wheel rim and tire sizes for
equipping your vehicle with winter tires.
Winter tires are not available at the fac-
tory as standard equipment or optional
extras.
If you want to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, it may be necessary
to obtain wheel rims in the corresponding size. The size of the approved winter tires
may differ from the standard tires. This is
dependent on the model and the equipment
installed at the factory.
The tires and wheel rims, as well as further
information, can be obtained at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
iNot all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries.
Wheel and tire combinations201
>> Wheels and tires.
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