light MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2012 W204 Owner's Manual

Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Tire pressure of cold tires
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
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
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the curb weight and accessory
weight.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the 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.
Definition of terms for tires and loading333Wheels and tiresZ

Fuel
Important safety notesGWARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular-grade
unleaded gasoline may be used; please
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular-grade unleaded gasoline and fill
the rest with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline as soon as possible.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
R avoid sudden acceleration.
R if the vehicle is carrying a light load, e.g.
two passengers without luggage, do not
allow the engine to rev above
3,000 rpm.
R if the vehicle is fully loaded or is being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than Ô of the pedal travel.
Flexible fuel vehicles
Important safety notes
Flexible fuel vehicles can be recognized by
the sticker on the inside of the filler flap.
Flexible fuel vehicles can be operated with
premium-grade unleaded gasoline and
ethanol (E85) or a mixture of both. Ethanol
fuel (E85) is a mixture of approximately 85%
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
GWARNING
Ethanol fuel (E85) and its vapors are highly
flammable, poisonous and highly
combustible. Ethanol fuel causes serious
injury if it ignites, if it comes into contact with
your skin or if you inhale the vapors. Avoid
inhaling ethanol vapors and ethanol coming
into contact with your skin. Before refueling,
extinguish all naked flames. Never allow
sparks or smoking materials near ethanol.
Changing the fuel type
For best performance and drivability, it is
recommended that you use either one or the
other fuel. Avoid alternating regularly
between the two different types of fuel.
When changing between the fuel types,
ensure that the following conditions are met:
R the fuel level is below half full.
R the fuel level is above the reserve level. This
is identifiable by the fuel tank reserve
warning lamp not being lit.
R you add more than 5 gallons (20 liters) of
fuel.
R you switch off the engine before refueling.
R the engine is started and runs for at least
five minutes immediately after refueling.
These precautions should prevent the
possibility of engine difficulties arising from
changing to a different fuel type.
If the engine still doesn't run correctly, refuel
with at least 3 US gal (12 l) of premium-grade
unleaded gasoline. This may improve the
running of the engine.
Service products and capacities347Technical dataZ