Removing the wheel
x Review the checklist ⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel.
x Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ Wheel bolts.
x Lift the vehicle ⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.
x Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket
in the screwdriver handle ⇒ fig. 176. Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.
x Remove the wheel.
Mounting a spare or compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction ⇒ Tires and wheels.
x Place the spare wheel or compact spare wheel on the axle.
x Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any ⇒ Wheel trim.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehi-cle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.
After changing a wheel
WARNING
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
x Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.
NOTICE
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This can damage the electric drive.
x Never tow the vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
Tips on towing
WARNING
If the vehicle is towed even though the text message Towing damages electrical sys-tem. See owner's man.! appears in the instrument cluster, vibrations can occur in the electric drive and the front wheels can lock, especially on ice or wet roads. Locking front wheels can impair the steering functions and cause accidents and serious injuries.
x If the message Towing damages electrical system. See owner's man.! appears in the instrument cluster, only tow the vehicle in emergency situations at walking speed and for a maximum of 330 ft. (100 m).
NOTICE
If the vehicle is towed even though the text message Towing damages electrical system. See owner's man.! appears in the instrument cluster and walking speed is exceeded or it is towed further than 330 ft. (100 m), serious damage can be done to the to the electric drive.
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic parking brake is switched off and the electronic steering column lock is released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the electric motor may have to be jump-started in order to release the electronic steering column lock and the electronic parking brake.
Installing the front towing eye
Fig. 184 In the right front bumper: Removing the cover.
