tains details of the tire sizes and corre-
sponding pressures for tires mounted at
the factory.
(2) The vehicle identification plate is on the B-pillar on the driver's side. The
vehicle identification plate informs you
of the gross vehicle weight rating. It is
made up of the vehicle weight, all vehicle
occupants, the fuel and the cargo. You can
also find information about the maximum
gross axle weight rating on the front and
rear axle.
The maximum gross axle weight rating is
the maximum weight that can be carried
by one axle (front or rear axle). Never
exceed the maximum load or the maximum gross axle weight rating for the front or
rear axle.
0043B-pillar, driver's side
Maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight rating
XSpecification for maximum gross vehicle
weight 0043is listed in the Tire and Loading
Information placard: "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kilograms or XXX lbs." The gross weight of all vehicle occupants,
load and luggage must not exceed the speci-
fied value.
iThe specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the illus-
tration are examples. The maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight rating is
vehicle-specific and may differ from that
in the illustration. You can find the valid
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
rating for your vehicle on the Tire and
Loading Information placard.
Number of seats
Maximum number of seats 0043indicates the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
iThe specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the illus-
tration are examples. The number of seats
is vehicle-specific and can differ from the
details shown. The number of seats in your
vehicle can be found on the Tire and Load-
ing Information placard.
Determining the correct load limit
Step-by-step instructions
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
XStep 1: Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should never
186Loading the vehicle
>> Wheels and tires.
Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
0043Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standard
(Ypage 194)
0044DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 193)
0087Maximum tire load (Ypage 193)
0085Maximum tire pressure (Ypage 182)
0083Manufacturer
0084Tire material (Ypage 194)
006BTire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating (Ypage 191)
006CLoad index (Ypage 193)
006DTire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales designa-
tion) and the manufacturer's name.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
GWARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire burst- ing. There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe
the tire load rating and speed rating
required for your vehicle.
0043Tire width
0044Nominal aspect ratio in %
0087Tire code
0085Rim diameter
0083Load bearing index
0084Speed rating
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall may not contain any letters or may contain one
letter that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to Euro-
pean manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these
are passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S. man-
ufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: compact
emergency wheels with high tire pressure
that are only designed for temporary use in an
emergency.
Tire width: tire width0043shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Height-width ratio: aspect ratio0044is the
size ratio between the tire height and tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width
by the tire height.
Tire code: tire code0087specifies the tire
type. "R" represents radial tires; "D" repre-
sents diagonal tires; "B" represents diago-
nal radial tires.
All about wheels and tires191
>> Wheels and tires.
Z
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow. They
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of 130 mph
(210 km/h).
The speed rating of tires mounted at the fac-
tory may be higher than the maximum speed
that the electronic speed limiter permits.
Make sure that your tires have the required
speed rating, e.g. when buying new tires. The
required speed rating for your vehicle can be found in the "Tires" section (
Ypage 200).
Further information about reading tire data
can be obtained from any qualified special-
ist workshop.
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, load
rating 0043may also be imprinted on the side-
wall of the tire. This is located after the let-
ters that identify the speed rating
(
Ypage 191).
RIf no specification is given: no text (as in
the example above), represents a standard
load (SL) tire
RXL or Extra Load: represents a reinforced
tire
RLight Load: represents a light load tire
RC, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Maximum load rating
Maximum tire load 0043is the maximum per-
missible weight for which the tire is
approved.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum permis-
sible load can be found on the vehicle's Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side (
Ypage 185).
iThe actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S tire regulations prescribe that every tire
manufacturer or retreader must imprint a TIN
in or on the sidewall of every tire produced.
The TIN is a unique identification number.
The TIN enables the tire manufacturers or
retreaders to inform purchasers of recalls
and other safety-relevant matters. It makes it
possible for the purchaser to easily identify
the affected tires.
The TIN is made up of manufacturer identi-
fication code 0044, tire size0087, tire type
code 0085and manufacturing date 0083.
All about wheels and tires193
>> Wheels and tires.
Z
DOT (Department of Transportation):tire
symbol 0043indicates that the tire complies
with the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code: manufac-
turer identification code 0044provides
details on the tire manufacturer. New tires
have a code with two symbols. Retreaded tires
have a code with four symbols.
For further information about retreaded
tires, see (
Ypage 200).
Tire size: identifier 0087describes the tire
size.
Tire type code: tire type code0085can be used
by the manufacturer as a code to describe
specific characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufacture0083
provides information about the age of a tire.
The first and second positions represent the
week of manufacture, starting with "01" for
the first calendar week. Positions three and
four represent the year of manufacture. For
example, a tire that is marked with "3208",
was manufactured in week 32 in 2008.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire characteristics
This information describes the type of tire
cord and the number of layers in sidewall 0043
and under tire tread 0044.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Definition of terms for tires and loading
Tire ply composition and material used
Describes the number of plies or the number
of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. These are made of steel,
nylon, polyester and other materials.
Bar
Metric unit for tire pressure. 14.5038 pounds
per square inch (psi) and 100 kilopascals
(kPa) are the equivalent of 1 bar.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
DOT marked tires fulfill the requirements of
the United States Department of Transporta-
tion.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants for which the vehicle
is designed multiplied by 68 kilograms
(150 lbs).
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
A uniform standard to grade the quality of
tires with regards to tread quality, tire trac-
tion and temperature characteristics. The
quality grading assessment is made by the
manufacturer following specifications from
the U.S. government. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressures
The recommended tire pressure applies to the
tires mounted at the factory.
The Tire and Loading Information placard
contains the recommended tire pressures for
cold tires on a fully loaded vehicle and for
the maximum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recom-
mended pressures for cold tires for various
operating conditions, i.e. differing load and
speed conditions.
Increased vehicle weight due to optional
equipment
The combined weight of all standard and
optional equipment available for the vehi-
cle, regardless of whether it is actually
installed on the vehicle or not.
194All about wheels and tires
>> Wheels and tires.
Rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight
rating. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The
gross axle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar
on the driver's side.
Speed rating
The speed rating is part of the tire identi-
fication. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants, lug-
gage and the drawbar noseweight, if appli-
cable. The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
as specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permissible gross
weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the weight of
the vehicle including all accessories, occu-
pants, fuel, luggage and the drawbar nose-
weight, if applicable). The gross vehicle
weight rating is specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of:
Rthe curb weight of the vehicle
Rthe weight of the accessories
Rthe load limit
Rthe weight of the factory installed optional
equipment
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa corre-
sponds to 1 psi. Another unit for tire pressure
is bar. 100 kilopascals (kPa) are the equiva-
lent of 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load-bearing index, the
load index may also be imprinted on the side-
wall of the tire. This specifies the load-
bearing capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard equip-
ment including the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant. It also includes the air-con-
ditioning system and optional equipment if
these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating is the maximum per-
missible weight in kilograms or pounds for
which a tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire'ssurface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Cold tire pressure
The tires are cold:
Rif the vehicle has been parked with the
tires out of direct sunlight for at least
three hours and
Rif the vehicle has not been driven further
than 1 mile (1.6 km)
All about wheels and tires195
>> Wheels and tires.
Z
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.
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact sur-faces.
XPlace the new wheel on the wheel hub and
push it on.
XTighten the wheel bolts until they are fin-
ger-tight.
Lowering the vehicle
GWARNING
The wheels could work loose if the wheel
nuts and bolts are not tightened to the
specified tightening torque. There is a
risk of accident.
Have the tightening torque immediately
checked at a qualified specialist workshop
after a wheel is changed.
XLower the vehicle until it is once again
standing firmly on the ground.
XPlace the jack to one side.
XTighten the wheel bolts in the sequence
indicated 0043to0085.
Do this evenly in a crosswise pattern. The
tightening torque must be 77 lb-ft (105 Nm).
XCheck the tire pressure of the newly moun-
ted wheel and adjust it if necessary.
Observe the recommended tire pressure
(
Ypage 180).
iVehicles with tire pressure monitor: all
wheels mounted must be equipped with
functioning sensors.
Steel wheel with hub cap
XVehicles with steel wheels and hub caps: fit
hub cap 0083so that tire valve 0084is not trap-
ped.
XPress the hub cap 0083evenly onto the wheel
with both hands.
XCheck to make sure the hub cap 0083is seated
safely on the wheel.
XVehicles with steel wheels and hub caps: fit
the hub cap.
Wheel and tire combinations
General notes
!
For safety reasons, smart recommends that
you only use tires and wheels which have
been specifically approved by smart for
your vehicle. These are specially adapted
to the control systems, such as ABS or ESP
®.
Only use tires and wheels specifically tes-
ted and approved by smart. Certain char-
acteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle noise
emissions or fuel consumption, may other-
wise be adversely affected. In addition,
when driving with a load, dimensional var-
iations and different tire deformation
characteristics could cause the tires to
make contact with the bodywork and axle
components. This could result in damage to
the tires or the vehicle.
200Wheel and tire combinations
>> 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.
Z