For further information on displaying the cur-
rent tire pressures, refer to "Checking the tire
pressure electronically"
(Y page 287).
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Risk of accident due to incorrect tire
pressure
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommen-
ded by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehi-
cle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than
the size indicated on the vehicle placard or
the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-
ing system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illu-
minates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-
inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's han-
dling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substi-
tute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver's responsibility to maintain cor-
rect tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination
of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illumina-
ted, the system may not be able to detect or
signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of rea-
sons, including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from func-
tioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or wheels
on your vehicle to ensure that the replace-
ment or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
It is the driver's responsibility to set the tire
pressure to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure suitable for the operating conditions
(Y page
282).
Note that the correct tire pressure for the cur-
rent operating conditions must first be pro-
gramed into the tire pressure monitor. If a sub-
stantial pressure loss occurs, the warning
threshold for the warning message is aligned
to the taught-in reference values. Restart the
tire pressure monitor after adjusting the cold
tire pressure ( Y page 288). The current pres-
sures are saved as new reference values. This
will ensure that a warning message will only
appear if the tire pressure drops significantly.
The tire pressure monitor does not warn you if
a tire pressure is incorrect. Observe the notes
on the recommended tire pressure
(Y page 282).
The tire pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. following
penetration by a foreign object. In this event,
brake the vehicle until it comes to a standstill.
Avoid sudden steering movements.
The tire pressure monitor has a yellow h
warning lamp in the instrument cluster for indi-
cating pressure loss/malfunctions (USA) or
pressure loss (Canada). Depending on how the
warning lamp flashes or lights up, an underin-
flated tire or a malfunction in the tire pressure
monitor is displayed:
R if the h warning lamp is lit continuously,
the tire pressure on one or more tires is sig- 286
Tire pressure
Wheels and tires
Tire pressure tables
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 6614 lbs (3.0 t)!
The pressure difference between tires on any one axle must be no greater than
10 kPa
(0.1 bar/1.5 psi).
The following tire pressure values apply to vehicles with: R a permissible gross weight of 6614 lbs (3.0 t)
R a gross axle weight rating of 3307 lbs(1500 kg) on the rear axle and
R the tires referred to under "Wheel/tire combinations" (Y page 302)
Always observe the notes under "Information on tire pressures" (Y page 282).
Tire pressure for the spare wheel is 350 kPa (3.5 bar/51 psi).
Partially laden vehicle Fully laden vehicle
Tire size Front axle Rear axle Front axle Rear axle
225/55 R 17 XL 280 kPa
(2.8 bar/ 41 psi) 270 kPa
(2.7 bar/ 39 psi) 310 kPa
(3.1 bar/ 45 psi) 310 kPa
(3.1 bar/ 45 psi) Loading the vehicle
Instruction labels for tires and loads
G
WARNING
Overloaded tires can overheat, causing a
blowout. Overloaded tires can also impair
the steering and driving characteristics and
lead to brake failure. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Observe the load rating of the tires. The load
rating must be at least half of the GAWR of
your vehicle. Never overload the tires by
exceeding the maximum load. Example: Tire and Loading Information placard on
the B-pillar, driver's side
Two instruction labels on your vehicle show
the maximum possible load.
(1) Tire and Loading Information placard : is
on the
B-pillar on the driver's side. Tire
and Loading Information placard :
shows the permissible number of occu-
pants and the maximum permissible load
of the vehicle. It also contains details of
the tire sizes and corresponding 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 per-
missible gross weight. It is made up of the
vehicle weight, all vehicle occupants, the Loading the vehicle
289
Wheels and tires Z
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is
650 lbs. (1400 Ò 750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.).
(5) Determine the combined weight of lug- gage and cargo being loaded on the vehi-
cle. That weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
The vehicle placard named in Step 1 is the Tire
and loading information placard for your vehi-
cle.
Please note that not all vehicles are approved
for trailer operation. Trailer operation is only
permitted when a trailer hitch is installed
(Y page
315). If in doubt, please consult a
qualified specialist workshop. Example: Steps 1 to 3
The following table shows examples of how to calculate total load and cargo capacities with vary-
ing seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use a max-
imum load of
1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you are
using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard . Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 1 Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)
1500 lbs
(680 kg
) 1500 lbs
(680 kg
) 1500 lbs
(680 kg
) Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 2 Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)
5 3 1
Distribution of the
occupants
Front: 2
Rear: 3 Front: 1
Rear: 2 Front: 1
Weight of the occu-
pants
Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg
)
Occupant 2:
180 lbs (82 kg)
Occupant 3:
160 lbs (73 kg)
Occupant 4:
140 lbs (63 kg)
Occupant 5:
120 lbs (54 kg) Occupant 1:
200 lbs (91 kg
)
Occupant 2:
190 lbs (86 kg)
Occupant 3:
150 lbs (68 kg) Occupant 1:
150 lbs (68 kg
) Gross weight of all
occupants
750 lbs (340 kg) 540 lbs (245 kg) 150 lbs (68 kg)Loading the vehicle
291
Wheels and tires Z
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Step 3 Permissible load and
trailer load/trailer
tongue load (maxi-
mum permissible
gross weight from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard
minus the gross
weight of all occu-
pants)
1500 lbs
(680 kg
) Ò
750 lbs (340 kg)
= 750 lbs
(340 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg
) Ò
540 lbs (245 kg)
= 960 lbs
(435 kg) 1500 lbs
(680 kg
) Ò
150 lbs (68 kg)
= 1350 lbs
(612 kg) The greater the combined weight of the occupants, the lower the maximum luggage load.
You can find further information under: "Trailer tow hitch"
(Y page 315).Vehicle identification plate
Even if you have calculated the total load care-
fully, you should still make sure that the per-
missible gross weight and the gross axle
weight rating of your vehicle are not exceeded.
This data can be found on the vehicle identifi-
cation plate on the B-pillar of your vehicle
(Y page
304).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): the
gross weight of the vehicle, all occupants, load
and trailer load/trailer tongue load (if applica-
ble) must not exceed the permissible gross
vehicle weight.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): the maxi-
mum permissible load that can be carried by
one axle (front or rear axle).
To ensure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible values (gross vehi-
cle weight and maximum gross axle weight rat-
ing), have your loaded vehicle (including driver,
occupants, load, and full trailer load if applica-
ble) weighed on a suitable vehicle weigh-
bridge. Trailer load/trailer tongue load
The trailer load/trailer tongue load affects the
gross weight of the vehicle. If a trailer is
attached, the trailer load/trailer tongue load is
included in the load along with occupants and
luggage. The trailer load/trailer tongue load is
usually approximately
10% of the gross weight
of the trailer and its load. What you should know about wheels
and tires
Tire labeling
Tire labeling :
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Y page
294)
; Maximum tire load (Y page
294)
= Maximum tire pressure ( Y page
285)
? Manufacturer
A Tire material ( Y page
295)
B Tire size designation, load-bearing capacity
and speed index
(Y page 293)
C Tire name292
What you should know about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load bearing
index and speed index G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city 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. :
Tire width
; Nominal aspect ration in %
= Tire code
? Rim diameter
A Load bearing index
B Speed index
Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Aspect ratio: aspect ratio ; is the size ratio
between the tire height and tire width and is
shown in percent. The aspect ratio is calcula-
ted by dividing the tire width by the tire height.
Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the diame-
ter of the bead seat, not the diameter of the rim flange. The rim diameter is specified in
inches (in).
Load-bearing index: load-bearing index
A is
a numerical code that specifies the maximum
load-bearing capacity of a tire.
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 (Y page 289).
Example:
The load-bearing index 101 indicates a maxi-
mum load of 1819 lb (825 kg) for the tire. If
two load-bearing indices are specified, the first
number specifies the load-bearing capacity for
single tires, the second the load-bearing capa-
city for twin tires. For further information on
the maximum tire load in kilograms and
pounds, see (Y page 294). For further information on the load-bearing
index, see "Load index" (Y page 294).
Speed rating: speed rating B specifies the
approved maximum speed of the tire.
Regardless of the speed index always observe
the speed limits. Drive carefully and adapt
your driving style to the traffic conditions.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate from the data in the example. Index Speed rating
Q up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)
S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
i
Not all tires that have the
M+S identifica-
tion offer the driving characteristics of win-
ter tires. In addition to the M+S marking,
winter tires also have the i snowflake
symbol on the tire wall. Tires with this mark-
ing fulfill the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) regard- What you should know about wheels and tires
293
Wheels and tires Z
ing the tire traction on snow. They have
been especially developed for driving on
snow.
Further information on the reading of tire infor-
mation can be obtained at any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
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
(Y page
293).
R If no specification is given: no text (as in the
example above), represents a standard load
(SL) tire
R RF or Reinforced: represents a reinforced
tire. Alternatively, depending on the manu-
facturer, the designation XL (Extra Load) can
be used.
R Light Load: represents a light load tire
R C, D, E: represents a load range that
depends on the maximum load that the tire
can carry at a certain pressure
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate 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 (Y page 289).
i The actual values for tires are specific to
each vehicle and may deviate from the val-
ues 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 retread-
ers 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. 294
What you should know about wheels and tires
Wheels and tires
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
(Y page
278).
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 manufacture
A 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.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate 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 ;.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may devi-
ate 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, poly-
ester, 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.
Average weight of vehicle occupantsThe 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 govern-
ment. 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 1
contains
the recommended tire pressures for cold tires,
the maximum permissible load and the maxi-
mum permissible vehicle speed.
The tire pressure table contains the recom-
mended tire pressure for cold tires under vari-
ous 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.
1 Only for vehicles with a gross weight of less than
10,000 lbs (4536 kg).What you should know about wheels and tires
295
Wheels and tires Z
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire 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 com-
ing loose from the wheel rim.
SidewallThe part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
parts and more than 2.3 kg
(5 lbs). These
optional extras, such as high-performance
brakes, a roof rack or a high-performance bat-
tery, are not included in the curb weight and
the weight of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number) A unique identification number 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 composed of
the manufacturer identification code, tire size,
tire model code and 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.
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar load)
The TWR is the maximum permissible weight
that may act on the ball coupling of the trailer
tow hitch.
Wear indicator Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are distrib-
uted over the tire tread. If the tire tread is level
with the bars, the wear limit of á in (1.6 mm)
has been reached. Distribution of the vehicle occupants
The distribution of vehicle occupants over des-
ignated seat positions in a vehicle.
Maximum permissible payload weightNominal load and goods/luggage load plus
68 kg (150 lbs) multiplied by the number of
seats in the vehicle. Changing wheels
Rotating the wheels
! On vehicles equipped with a tire pressure
monitor, electronic components are located
in the wheel.
Tire-mounting tools should not be used near
the valve. This could damage the electronic
components.
Only have tires changed at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Always observe the instructions and safety
notes under "Mounting a wheel"
(Y page
298).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the tires according to the intervals
in the tire manufacturer's warranty book in
your vehicle documents. If no warranty book is
available, the tires should be rotated every
3,000 to 6,000 miles (5,000 to 10,000 km) or
earlier if tire wear requires. Do not change the
direction of rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Avoid oily or greasy cleaning
agents.
Check the tire pressure and reactivate the tire
pressure monitor if necessary. Direction of rotation
Tires with a specified direction of rotation have
additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of
hydroplaning. You will only gain these benefits
if the correct direction of rotation is observed. Changing wheels
297
Wheels and tires Z