2017 MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS tire type

Load index
Load index (example)
In addition to the load-bearing index, load rat-
ing:may be imprinted after the letters that
identify speed rating on the sidewall of the tire
(
Ypage 291).
RIf no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard load
(SL) tire
RRF or Reinforced: represents a reinforced tire.
Alternatively, depending on the manufac-
turer, the designation XL (Extra Load) can be
used.
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 tire load
Example: maximum tire load
Maximum tire load :is the maximum permis-
sible weight for which the tire is approved.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit. The maximum permissible load can be found on the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side (
Ypage 288).
iThe actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the values
in the illustration.
DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
U.S. tire regulations stipulate that every tire
manufacturer or retreader must imprint a TIN in
or on the sidewall of each 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 identifica-
tion code ;, tire size =, tire type code ?and
manufacturing date A.
DOT (Department of Transportation): tire
symbol :indicates that the tire complies with
the requirements of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Manufacturer identification code: manufac-
turer identification code ;provides details on
the tire manufacturer. New tires have a code
with two symbols. Retreaded tires have a code
with four symbols.
Further information about retreaded tires
(
Ypage 277).
Tire size: identifier=describes the tire size.
Tire type code: tire type code?can be used by
the manufacturer as a code to describe specific
characteristics of the tire.
Date of manufacture: date of manufactureA
provides information about the age of a tire. The first and second positions represent the week of
manufacture, starting with "01" for the first cal-
endar week. Positions three and four represent
What you should know about wheels and tires293
Wheels and tires
Z

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 :and
under tire tread ;.
iTire data is vehicle-specific and may deviate
from the data in the example.
Definitions for tires and loading
Tire structure and characteristics
Describes the number of layers or the number of
rubber-coated belts in the tire tread and the tire
wall. These consist 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 Transportation.
Average weight of vehicle occupants
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 regard to tread quality, traction and tem-
perature characteristics. The quality grading
assessment is made by the manufacturer fol-
lowing specifications from the U.S government.
The quality grade of a tire is imprinted on the
sidewall of the tire.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressures are the pres-
sures specified for the tires mounted on the
vehicle at the factory.
The tire and load information table
1contains the
recommended tire pressures for cold tires, the
maximum permissible load and the maximu
m
permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recommen-
ded tire pressure for cold tires under various
operating conditions, i.e. loading and/or speed
of the vehicle.
Increased vehicle weight due to optional
equipment
The combined weight of all standard and
optional equipment available for the vehicle,
regardless of whether it is actually installed on
the vehicle or not.
Wheel rim
The part of the wheel on which the tire is moun-
ted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight rating.
The actual load on an axle must never exceed
the gross axle weight rating. You can find the
maximum gross axle weight rating on the B-pillar
on the driver's side (
Ypage 303).
Speed index
The speed index is part of the tire identification. It specifies the speed range for which the tire is
approved.
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight)
GTW is the total of weight of a trailer and the
weight of the load, accessories etc. on the
trailer.
1Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than 10,000 lbs (4536 kg).
294What you should know about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires

When using a wheel/spare wheel with a new or
newly painted wheel rim, have the wheel bolts/
nuts retightened again after approximately 600
to 3,000 miles (1,000 to 5,000 km). Observe the
specified tightening torque.
Wheel and tire combination
General notes
!
Retreaded tires are neither tested nor rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previ-
ous damage cannot always be detected on
retreaded tires. As a result, Mercedes-Benz
cannot guarantee vehicle safety if retreaded
tires are mounted. Do not mount used tires if you have no information about their previous
usage.
!For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use tires, wheels and
accessories which have been specially
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the driving safety systems, such as
ABS or ESP
®.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Certain
characteristics, e.g. handling, vehicle noise
emissions or fuel consumption, may other-
wise be adversely affected. In addition, when
driving with a load, tire dimension variations
could cause the tires to come into contact
with the bodywork and axle components. This could result in damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for dam-
age resulting from the use of tires, wheels or
accessories other than those tested and
approved.
Further information on wheels, tires and
approved combinations can be obtained from
any qualified specialist workshop.
!Large wheels: the lower the section width
for a certain wheel size, the lower the ride
comfort is on poor road surfaces. Roll comfort and suspension comfort are reduced and the
risk of damage to the wheels and tires as a
result of driving over obstacles increases.
You will find a table with the recommended tire
pressures for various vehicle loads on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap or under "Tire
pressure tables" (
Ypage 288). You can find fur-
ther information under "Tire pressure"
(
Ypage 280).
Check tire pressures regularly and only when
the tires are cold.
Notes on the vehicle equipment – always equip
the vehicle:
Rwith tires of the same size across an axle
(left/right)
Rwith the same type of tires on all wheels at a
given time (summer tires, winter tires)
iNot all wheel/tire combinations can be
installed at the factory in all countries.
Tires
R 17
TiresSteel wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H6.5 J x 17 H2 ET 50
R 17
TiresAlloy wheels
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101V7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
225/55 R17 RF (XL) 101H7 J x 17 H2 ET 51
300Wheel and tire combination
Wheels and tires

Spare wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Wheel and tire dimensions as well as the type of tire can vary between the spare wheel and
the wheel to be replaced. When the spare
wheel is mounted, driving characteristics may be severely affected. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
In order to reduce risks:
Ryou should therefore adapt your driving
style and drive carefully.
Rnever mount more than one spare wheel
that differs from the wheel to be replaced.
Ronly use a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel to be replaced for a short time.
Rdo not deactivate ESP®.
Rhave a spare wheel that differs from the
wheel that has been changed replaced at
the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
You must observe the correct wheel and
tire dimensions as well as the wheel type.
When using a spare wheel of a different size, do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
General notes
The procedure for mounting the spare wheel is
described in "Mounting a wheel" (Ypage 297).
The following should be checked regularly, par-
ticularly prior to long journeys:
Rthe tire pressure of the spare wheel, which
should then be corrected if necessary
(
Ypage 280)
Rthe fastenings of the spare wheel bracket
The spare wheel is located either in the left rear
compartment or in a spare wheel bracket under
the vehicle.
Replace the tires after six years at the latest,
regardless of wear. This also applies to the spare
wheel.
Vehicles with tire pressure monitor: the
spare wheel is not equipped with a sensor for
monitoring tire pressure. If you have installed a spare wheel, the tire pressure monitor will not
function for this wheel. The system may con-
tinue to show the tire pressure of the wheel that
has been removed for a few minutes. The value
displayed for the position where the spare wheel
is installed is not the same as the current tire
pressure of the spare wheel.
When you are driving with the spare wheel
mounted, the tire pressure monitor cannot func-
tion reliably. Only restart the tire pressure mon- itor when the defective wheel has been replaced
with a new wheel and sensor.
More Information can be found under "Tire pres-
sure monitor" (
Ypage 284).
Removing and installing the spare
wheel
Spare wheel under the rear of the vehi-
cle
Removing
XTake the lug wrench and auxiliary tool for the
spare wheel lifter out of the vehicle tool kit
(
Ypage 270).
XOpen the tailgate/rear door.
XCarefully pry off protective cap :with a suit-
able tool, e.g. a screwdriver. Be careful not to
damage the paintwork or the covering cap
when doing so.
Spare wheel301
Wheels and tires
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