steering SMART FORTWO COUPE 2008 Owner's Manual

Tires and wheels
>> Operation
191 Checking tire inflation pressure
Regularly check your tire inflation pressure
at least once a month.
Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold. The tires can be con

sidered cold if the vehicle has been parked
for at least 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
If you check the tire inflation pressure when
the tires are warm (the vehicle has been
driven for several miles or sitting less than
3 hours), the reading will be approximately
4 psi (0.3 bar) higher than the cold reading.
This is normal. Do not let air out to match the
specified cold tire inflation pressure. Other

wise, the tire will be underinflated.Checking tire inflation pressure manually
Follow the steps below to achieve correct tire
inflation pressure:
>Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
>Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
>Read tire inflation pressure on tire gauge
and check against the recommended tire
inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B
pillar (

page 185). If necessary, add air
to achieve the recommended tire inflation
pressure.
i
If you have overfilled the tire, release tire
inflation pressure by pushing the metal stem
of the valve with e.g. a tip of a pen. Then
recheck the tire inflation pressure with the
tire gauge.
>Install the valve cap.
>Repeat this procedure for each tire.
G
Warning!
Follow recommended tire inflation
pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated
tires wear excessively and/or unevenly,
adversely affect handling and fuel econ

omy, and are more likely to fail from being
overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated
tires can adversely affect handling and
ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase
stopping distance, and result in sudden
deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or
damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding
the specified load limit as indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the driver’s door B
pillar. Overload

ing the tires can overheat them, possibly
causing a blowout. Overloading the tires
can also result in handling or steering
problems, or brake failure.

Tires and wheels
192
>> Operation Checking tire inflation pressure electroni

cally with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
i
The
Tire
Pressure
Monitoring
System
(TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the
instrument cluster (

page 34). Depending on
how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low
tire pressure condition or a malfunction in the
TPMS system itself:
• If the telltale illuminates continuously,
one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. There is no malfunction in
the TPMS.
• If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
i
USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow

ing two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful inter

ference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
i
Canada only:
This device complies with RSS
210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference,
and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.The TPMS only functions on wheels that are
equipped with the proper electronic sensors.
It monitors the tire inflation pressure in all
four tires. A warning is issued to alert you to
a decrease in pressure in one or more of the
tires.
G
Warning!
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures.
Always adjust tire inflation pressure
according to the Tire and Loading Infor

mation placard on the driver’s door
B
pillar.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning
due to a sudden dramatic loss of
pressure (e.g. tire blowout caused by a
foreign object). In this case bring the
vehicle to a halt by carefully applying the
brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

Tires and wheels
198
>> Operation
i
Tire load rating5 (

page 196) and
Tire speed rating6 (

page 196) are also
referred to as "service description".
For additional information on tire load rating,
see "Load identification" (
page 200).Tire speed rating
Tire speed rating6 (

page 196) indicates
the approved maximum speed for the tire.
i
Tire load rating5 (

page 196) and
Tire speed rating6 (

page 196) are also
referred to as "service description".Summer tires
G
Warning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding
the specified load limit as indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on the driver’s door B
pillar.
Overloading the tires can overheat them,
possibly causing a blowout. Overloading
the tires can also result in handling or
steering problems, or brake failure.
G
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never oper

ate a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control
and possibly resulting in an accident
and/or personal injury and possible
death, for you and for others.
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)
(Y)
above 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR
above 149 mph (240 km/h)

Tires and wheels
>> Operation
201
DOT (D
epartment o
f T
ransportation)
Tire branding symbol1 (

page 200) which
denotes the tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
Manufacturer’s identification mark
Manufacturer’s identification mark2
(

page 200) denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four
symbols. For more information on retreaded
tires (

page 182).
Tire size
Code3 (
page 200) indicates the tire size.
Tire type code
Code4 (
page 200) may, at the option of
the manufacturer, be used as a descriptive
code for identifying significant characteris

tics of the tire.
Date of manufacture
Date of manufacture5 (

page 200)
identifies the week and year of manufacture.The first two figures identify the week, start

ing with "01" to represent the first full week of
the calendar year. The second two figures
represent the year.
For example, "3202" represents the 32nd
week of 2002.
Maximum tire load
1
Maximum tire load rating
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may
vary from data shown in above illustration.The maximum tire load is the maximum weight
the tires are designed to support.
For more information on tire load rating
(

page 197).
For information on calculating total and cargo
load capacities (

page 187).
G
Warning!
Do not overload the tires by exceeding
the specified load limit as indicated on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on the driver’s door B
pillar.
Overloading the tires can overheat them,
possibly causing a blowout. Overloading
the tires can also result in handling or
steering problems, or brake failure.

Tires and wheels
204
>> Operation Tire ply material
1
Plies in sidewall
2
Plies under tread
i
For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may
vary from data shown in above illustration.
This marking tells you about the type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and under
the tread.
Tire and loading terminologyAccessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those stan

dard items which may be replaced) of auto

matic transmission, power steering, power
brakes, power windows, power seats, radio,
and heater, to the extent that these items are
available as factory
installed equipment
(whether installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire section
height and section width expressed in per

centage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle has
been sitting for at least 3 hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional optional equip

ment, but without passengers and cargo.

Driving instructions
>> Operation
211 Drinking and driving Pedals Power assistance
G
Warning!
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and
drive or allow anyone to drive who has
been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs
can affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
G
Warning!
Make sure that absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of move

ment. Keep the driver’s footwell clear of
all obstacles. If there are any floormats
or carpets in the footwell, make sure that
the pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneu

vers, the objects could get caught be

tween or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and injury.
G
Warning!
Without the engine running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and the
steering* systems. In this case, it is im

portant to keep in mind that a consider

ably higher degree of effort is necessary
to brake and steer the vehicle.

Driving instructions
218
>> Operation
Tire speed ratingRegardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of 90 mph
(145 km/h).The factory equipped tires on your vehicle
may have a tire speed rating above the maxi

mum speed permitted by the electronic speed
limiter.
Make sure your tires have the required tire
speed rating as specified for your vehicle in
t h e " T e c h n i c a l d a t a s e c t i o n " (

page 299), for
example when purchasing new tires.
For information on how to identify the tire
speed rating on a tire’s sidewall, see "Tire
size designation, load and speed rating"
(

page 196)
.
If you are uncertain about the correct read

ing of the information given on a tire’s side

wall, any authorized smart center will be glad
to assist you.i
For information on speed ratings for
winter tires, see "All
season and winter tires
"
(

page 199).
For additional general information on tire
speed markings on tire sidewall, see "Tire
speed rating" (

page 198).
Winter driving instructionsThe most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering maneu

vers.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to neutral
positionN. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
For information on driving with snow chains*,
see "Snow chains*" (

page 209).
G
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never oper

ate a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control
and possibly resulting in an accident
and/or personal injury and possible
death, for you and for others.
G
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never down

shift in order to obtain braking action.
This could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s
ABS will not prevent this type of loss of
control.

What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.
237 Warning and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster
General information:
If any of the following lamps in the instrument
cluster fails to come on during the bulb
self
check when switching on ignition
(
page 91), have the respective bulb
checked and replaced if necessary.
ABS indicator lamp (USA only)
ABS indicator lamp (Canada only)Illuminates:
• when the ignition is switched on.
Goes out:
• if engine is running or after 10 seconds• when there is a malfunction in the ABS sys

tem.
>Have the ABS system checked at an autho

rized smart center immediately.
• together with the brake warning lamp
(

page 238) when the ABS system fails.
>Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe
location.
>Do not continue to drive.
>Turn off the engine.
>Set the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle.
>Contact Roadside Assistance or an autho

rized smart center.
G
Warning!
When the ABS system is malfunctioning,
the wheels may lock during hard braking,
reducing steering capability and extend

ing the braking distance.
When the ABS is switched off due to a mal

function, the ESP
® is also switched off.
The basic driving and braking functions
are still avaiable.
The risk of your vehicle skidding is then
increased in certain situations. You
should therefore always adapt your
speed and driving style to the prevailing
road and weather conditions.

What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.
239
• with the parking brake set.
• if the brake circuit fails or the brake fluid
level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low.
>Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe
location.
>Do not continue to drive.
>Turn off the engine.
>Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve
the problem.
>Set the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle.
>Contact Roadside Assistance or an autho

rized smart center.
!
If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark
or below, have the brake system checked for
brake pad thickness and leaks.
• together with the ABS indicator lamp
(
page 237) when the ABS system fails.
>Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe
location.
>Do not continue to drive.
>Turn off the engine.
>Set the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle.
• Contact Roadside Assistance or an autho

rized smart center.Combination low tire pressure/
TPMS malfunction telltale
Illuminates continuously:
• when the TPMS detects a loss of pressure in
at least one tire.
>Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt,
avoiding abrupt steering and braking
maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation
around you
.
>Check and correct tire inflation pressure
as required (

page 190).
G
Warning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp illu

minated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately
if the brake warning lamp stays on.
Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.

What to do if ...
>> Practical hints.
243
EPS* warning lamp
Illuminates:
• when the ignition is switched on.
The warning lamp goes out after starting
the engine.
• when the power steering is not available.
>Have the power steering checked at an au

thorized smart center immediately.ESP
® warning lamp
Flashes:
•when the ESP
® is engaged.
Illuminates continuously:
•if ESP
® is not operational due to a system
failure.
•if ESP® is not available.
G
Warning!
When the power steering is not available
a higher degree of effort is necessary to
steer the vehicle. Have the system che

cked at a smart center.