tire MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2008 User Guide

Trailer towing*
1881
Trailer power socket
X Fold trailer power socket 1down. G
Risk of accident
The ball coupling is only securely mounted
when the green mark on the handwheel is
aligned with the green area on the ball cou-
pling and the key can be removed. If the ball
coupling is not securely mounted, it may
come loose.
The ball coupling must be locked and the
key must be removed when towing a trailer.
This is the only way to guarantee that the
ball coupling is secured and cannot come
loose while the vehicle is in motion. If the
ball coupling cannot be locked and the key
cannot be removed, remove the ball cou-
pling and clean it. If the ball coupling can still not be fitted
(locked) after it has been cleaned, remove
the ball coupling. The trailer coupling must
then not be used to tow a trailer, as safe
operation is not guaranteed.
Have the entire trailer coupling checked at
a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety
or on safety-related systems must be car-
ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded: R
the permissible trailer drawbar nose-
weight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the tow-
ing vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the
vehicle documents.
You will find the values approved by the
manufacturer on the vehicle identification
plates and those for the towing vehicle in
the "Technical data" section.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 290).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual drawbar load must not
exceed the value given on the trailer coupling
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do Operation
* optional
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Care
195
You could otherwise scratch or damage the
surface of the lenses.
Cleaning the plastic trim !
Do not use dry, coarse or hard cloths and
do not scrub. Doing so will scratch or dam-
age the surfaces.
! In order to protect the vehicle's high-qual-
ity surfaces and to retain the overall
appearance, avoid contact with cosmetics
and suntan lotion.
X Wipe plastic parts with a damp, lint-free
cloth (e.g. a microfibre cloth).
X Light soiling: use a low-foaming soap (e.g.
a light liquid hand soap) diluted in water.
X Heavy soiling: use a cleaning agent that is
solvent-free and non-corrosive. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz cleaning product for this
purpose.
Cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard X
Moisten a clean lint-free cloth with water.
X Clean the plastic parts and the dashboard.
X If particularly dirty, use a mild detergent. G
Risk of injury
Do not use cleaners and cockpit care
sprays containing solvents to clean the
cockpit and steering wheel boss. Cleaners
containing solvents cause the surface to
become porous and in the event of an air-
bag being triggered, plastic parts that have
become loose could cause considerable
injuries.
Cleaning the leather upholstery* !
Cleaning
R Clean genuine leather covers using a
damp cloth, then wipe the covers down
using a dry cloth. Make sure that the
leather does not become soaked. For
leather care, use leather care foam A 001
986 59 71 10. You can purchase this
from any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R Clean artificial leather covers with a cloth
moistened with a solution containing 1%
detergent (e. g. washing-up liquid).
R Clean fabric covers with a microfibre
cloth moistened with a solution contain-
ing 1% detergent (e. g. washing-up liquid).
When cleaning, take care not to rub too
vigorously and always wipe entire seat
sections to avoid leaving visible lines. Leave the seat to dry afterwards. Clean-
ing results depend on the type of dirt and
how long it has been there.
R Clean Alcantara covers with a damp
cloth. Make sure you wipe entire seat
sections to avoid leaving visible lines.
i Note that leather covers are a natural
product and as such are subject to a natural
ageing process and may react differently
(e.g. increased wrinkling) to certain envi-
ronmental influences (such as high humid-
ity, intense heat).
Note that regular care is essential to ensure
that the quality (both appearance and com-
fort) of the covers is retained over time.
Cleaning the trim strips (three-door
vehicles) !
Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the trim strips below the side
windows. You may otherwise damage the
surface of the trim strips.
Cleaning the padded table* The plastic parts of the padded table can be
cleaned using a detergent solution. Operation
* optional
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Where will I find...?
200 Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT kit, jack, first-
aid kit, warning triangle and folding
wheel chock
The vehicle tool kit, TIREFIT kit, jack, first-aid
kit, warning triangle and folding wheel chock
are located in the left-hand stowage compart-
ment in the luggage compartment.
i When using the jack, you should also
observe the safety notes in the "Flat tyre"
section (Y page 253). 1
First-aid kit (electric air pump behind it)
2 Jack
3 Warning triangle 4
Vehicle tool kit and folding wheel chock
5 TIREFIT kit First-aid kit
i Check the expiry date on the first-aid kit
regularly, and replace the contents if nec-
essary.
Removing the first-aid kit X
Remove the retaining cross.
X Remove first-aid kit 1. Warning triangle
X Fold the stowage space cover down
(Y page 161).
X Release the Velcro fastening.
X Remove warning triangle 3.Setting up the warning triangle 1
Retainer
2 Side reflectors
3 Feet
X Fold feet 3down and out to the side.
X Pull side reflectors 2upwards to form a
triangle and lock them at the top using
retainer 1. Practical advice
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Troubleshooting
240 Trailer towing
Problem Possible cause/consequence Suggested solutions
The ball coupling cannot be
locked.
The key cannot be removed from
the ball coupling.
G
Risk of accident
The ball coupling is dirty.
The trailer tow hitch is damaged. X
Remove the ball coupling and clean it (Y page 196). Ifthe ball cou-
pling still cannot be locked, remove the ball coupling. It must no
longer be used to tow a trailer, as safe operation is not guaranteed.
X Have the entire trailer tow hitch checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. Parking up the vehicle
Problem Possible cause/consequence Suggested solutions
The vehicle is to be left parked up
for longer than six weeks. Damage resulting from non-use
may occur if the vehicle is parked
up for long periods. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek advice.
X Disconnect the battery ( Ypage 265). Practical advice
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Flat tyre
253Flat tyre
Flat tyre equipment variants
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 200)
R a "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel* (Y page 201)
R a spare wheel* (Y page 201)
R the MOExtended run-flat sys-
tem* (Y page 262) Preparing the vehicle
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOE tyres*.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic
as possible on solid, non-slippery, level
ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Apply the handbrake.
Vehicles with manual transmission X
Shift to either first or reverse gear. Vehicles with AUTOTRONIC* X
Move the selector lever to P.
For all vehicles X
All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Get out of the vehicle.
X Close the driver’s door.
X Place the warning triangle (Y page 200) at
a suitable distance. Observe legal require-
ments. Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tyre tread.
You can use TIREFIT in outdoor temperatures
down to -20 °C. G
Risk of accident
In the following situations, your safety is at
particular risk and tyre sealant is unable to
provide breakdown assistance:
R if there are cuts or punctures in the tyre
greater than 4 mm
R if the wheel rim is damaged
R if you have driven at very low tyre pres-
sures or on a flat tyre
Do not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this
purpose. In particular, work relevant to
safety or on safety-related systems must be
carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Practical advice
* optional
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Flat tyre
254
X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tyre, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove TIREFIT, the accompanying "max.
80 km/h" sticker and the electric air pump
from the stowage compartment
(Y page 200). 1
Driver's field of vision sticker
2 Wheel sticker
X Affix part 1of the sticker within the driv-
er's field of vision.
X Affix part 2of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tyre. G
Risk of injury
TIREFIT must not come into contact with
your skin, eyes or clothing. R
If TIREFIT comes into contact with your
eyes or skin, immediately rinse thor-
oughly with clean water.
R Change out of clothing which has come
into contact with TIREFIT immediately.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, consult a
doctor immediately.
Keep TIREFIT away from children.
R If TIREFIT is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly with
water and drink plenty of water.
R Do not induce vomiting. Consult a doctor
immediately.
R Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes.
i If TIREFIT leaks out, allow it to dry. It can
then be removed like a layer of film.
If you get TIREFIT on your clothing, have it
cleaned as soon as possible with perchloro-
ethylene. G
Risk of injury
Comply with the manufacturer's safety
instructions shown on the sticker on the
electric air pump. i
Your vehicle may be equipped with one of
two different air pumps. Version 1 can be
identified by the flap, behind which the
hose with the pressure gauge and cable are
located; version 2 has a pressure gauge
integrated in the electric air pump.
Type 1 1
TIREFIT sealant filler bottle
2 Flap
3 Recess
4 On/off switch
5 Electric connector with cable
6 Air pump hose
7 Flange Practical advice
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Flat tyre
255
X
Open flap 2on the electric air pump.
X Pull connector 5and air pump hose 6
from the housing.
X Screw air pump hose 6onto flange 7of
TIREFIT filler bottle 1.
X Place TIREFIT sealant filler bottle 1head
downwards into recess 3of the electric
air pump. 8
Filler hose
9 Valve
X Remove the cap from valve 9on the faulty
tyre. a
Pressure release screw
b Pressure gauge
X Make sure pressure release screw aon
pressure gauge bis fully closed.
X Screw filler hose 8onto valve 9.
X Insert plug 5into the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter* (Y page 163) or into a 12 V
power socket in your vehicle .
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 62) in
the ignition lock.
X Press on/off switch 4on the electric air
pump to I.
The electric air pump is switched on. The
tyre is inflated.
i First, TIREFIT is pumped into the tyre. The
pressure can briefly rise to around 5 bar. Do not switch off the electric pump dur-
ing this phase.
X Let the electric pump run for five minutes.
The tyre should then have a pressure of at
least 1.8 bar.
! Do not operate the electric air pump for
longer than eight minutes at a time without
a break. Otherwise, it may overheat.
The air pump can be operated again once
it has cooled down.
If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not reached after
five minutes:
X Switch off and disconnect the electric air
pump and drive the vehicle forwards or
backwards approximately 10 m.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly.
X Remove TIREFIT sealant filler bottle 1
from the electric pump.
X Pump up the tyre again. G
Risk of accident
If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not achieved after
five minutes, the tyre is too badly damaged.
Do not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec- Practical advice
* optional
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Flat tyre
256 ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If a tyre pressure of 1.8 bar is reached:
X Press on/off switch 4on the electric air
pump to 0.
The electric air pump is switched off.
X Disconnect the electric air pump and stow
it away.
X Fold up the warning triangle and stow it
away.
X Pull away immediately.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly
around the tyre.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with
the electric air pump. G
Risk of accident
If the tyre pressure is now lower than
1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do
not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X If the tyre pressure is still at least 1.3 bar,
correct it (see fuel filler flap for values).
To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the electric air pump.
To reduce the tyre pressure: open pres-
sure release screw aon pressure
gauge b.
X Drive to the nearest workshop and have the
tyre changed there.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of accident
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h.
The "max. 80 km/h "sticker must be affixed
within the driver's field of vision.
The vehicle's handling characteristics may
be affected. H
Environmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of pro-
fessionally, e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Type 2 1
TIREFIT sealant filler bottle
2 Recess
3 On/off switch
4 Electric connector with cable
5 Air pump hose
6 Flange Practical advice
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Flat tyre
257
X
Pull connector 4and air pump hose 5
from the housing.
X Screw air pump hose 5onto flange 6of
TIREFIT filler bottle 1.
X Place TIREFIT sealant filler bottle 1head
downwards into recess 2of the electric
air pump. 7
Valve
8 Filler hose
X Remove the cap from valve 7on the faulty
tyre.
X Screw filler hose 8onto valve 7. X
Insert plug 4into the socket of the ciga-
rette lighter* (Y page 163) or into a 12 V
power socket in your vehicle .
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 62) in
the ignition lock.
X Press on/off switch 3on the electric air
pump to I.
The electric air pump is switched on. The
tyre is inflated.
i First, TIREFIT is pumped into the tyre. The
pressure can briefly rise to around 5 bar.
Do not switch off the electric pump dur-
ing this phase.
X Let the electric pump run for five minutes.
The tyre should then have a pressure of at
least 1.8 bar.
! Do not operate the electric air pump for
longer than eight minutes at a time without
a break. Otherwise, it may overheat.
The air pump can be operated again once
it has cooled down. If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not reached after
five minutes:
X Switch off and disconnect the electric air
pump and drive the vehicle forwards or
backwards approximately 10 m.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly.
X Remove TIREFIT sealant filler bottle 1
from the electric pump.
X Pump up the tyre again. G
Risk of accident
If a pressure of 1.8 bar is not achieved after
five minutes, the tyre is too badly damaged.
Do not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If a tyre pressure of 1.8 bar is reached:
X Press on/off switch 3on the electric air
pump to 0.
The electric air pump is switched off.
X Disconnect the electric air pump and stow
it away. Practical advice
* optional
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Flat tyre
258
X
Fold up the warning triangle and stow it
away.
X Pull away immediately.
This distributes the TIREFIT more evenly
around the tyre.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with
the electric air pump. G
Risk of accident
If the tyre pressure is now lower than
1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do
not drive any further. Consult a qualified
specialist workshop which has the neces-
sary specialist knowledge and tools to carry
out the work required. Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre for this purpose. In particu-
lar, work relevant to safety or on safety-
related systems must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. 9
Pressure release button
a Pressure gauge
X If the tyre pressure is still at least 1.3 bar,
correct it (see fuel filler flap for values).
To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the electric air pump.
To reduce the tyre pressure: press yellow
pressure release button 9next to pres-
sure gauge a.
X Drive to the nearest workshop and have the
tyre changed there.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
Risk of accident
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h.
The "max. 80 km/h "sticker must be affixed
within the driver's field of vision.
The vehicle's handling characteristics may
be affected. H
Environmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of pro-
fessionally, e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X Have the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Practical advice
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