winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2014 Owners Manual

Safety systems..............................213
SmartKey.......................................240
Tires ............................................... 234
Vehicle ...........................................236
Distance recorder.............................197
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning function
Activating/deactivating.................204
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 250
DISTRONIC PLUS
Activationconditions.....................166
Cruise control lever.......................166
Deactivating ................................... 169
Display message............................232
Displays in the multifunction
display...........................................170
Driving tips....................................170
Function/notes.............................164
Important safety notes..................164
Setting the specified minimum
distance.........................................168
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer)......................................208
Automatic locking (switch) ...............79
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................72
Control panel...................................35
Display message............................239
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking.......................79
Important safety notes....................77
Opening (from inside)......................77
Drinking and driving.........................157
Drinks holder
see Cupholder
Drive program
Automatic......................................147
Display...........................................144
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever)......143
Manual ...........................................148
SETUP (on-board computer)..........210
Driver's door
see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service.................285
Symmetrical low beam..................104
Driving on flooded roads..................161
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).......61
ADAPTIVE BRAKE.............................69
Adaptive Brake Assist......................63
BAS (Brake Assist System)..............62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST....62
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS................................................64
Distance warning function...............62
Electronic brake force distribution...69
ESP®(Electronic Stability
Program)....................................65, 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)...........................................65
Important safety information...........61
Overview..........................................61
STEER CONTROL.............................69
Driving systems
Active Parking Assist.....................178
ATTENTION ASSIST........................186
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 188
Cruise control................................162
Display message............................229
DISTRONICPLUS...........................164
HOLD function...............................172
Lane Keeping Assist......................190
Lane Tracking package..................188
PARKTRONIC.................................175
RACESTART (AMG vehicles)..........173
Rearview camera..........................182
Speed LimitAssist.........................187
Driving tips
Automatic transmission.................145
Brakes...........................................158
Break-in period..............................136
Checking brake lining thickness....160
DISTRONICPLUS...........................170
Downhill gradient...........................158
Drinking and driving.......................157
Driving abroad...............................104
Driving in winter .............................161
Driving on flooded roads................161
Driving on wet roads......................161
Exhaustcheck...............................157
8Index

Windshield wipers
Display message............................240
Problem (malfunction)...................117
Replacing the wiper blades............116
Switching on/off...........................115
Winterdriving
Slippery roadsurfaces...................161
Snow chains..................................315
Winter operation
General notes................................314
Winter tires
M+S tires.......................................314
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Important safety notes..................116
Replacing (windshield)...................116
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions)290
Workshops
see Qualified specialist workshop
Z
ZONE function
Switching on/off...........................128
20Index

Override feature for the rear side
windows
GWARNING
When children ride on the vehicle's rear seats,
activate the override switch. Otherwise, the
children could be injured, e.g. by trapping
themselves in the rear side window.
XTo activate/deactivate:press button.
If indicator lampis lit, operation of the
rear side windows is disabled. Operation is
only possible using the switches in the
driver's door. If indicator lampis off,
operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment.
Driving safetysystems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
RABS (Anti-lockBrakingSystem)
(Ypage 61)
RBAS (BrakeAssistSystem) (Ypage 62)
RCOLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (distance
warning function and adaptive Brake
Assist) (Ypage 62)
RESP®(ElectronicStabilityProgram)
(Ypage 65)
REBD (ElectronicBrake forceDistribution)
(Ypage 69)
RADAPTIVE BRAKE (Ypage 69)
RSTEER CONTROL (Ypage 69)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt yourdriving style or
become distracted, the driving safety
systems can neither reduce the risk of
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Driving safety systems are merely aids
designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt yourdriving style to
suitthe prevailing road, weather and traffic
conditions and maintainasafe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully.
iThe driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Pay particular attention
to the informationregarding tires,
recommended minimum tire tread depths
etc.inthe "Wheels and tires" section
(Ypage 312).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lockBraking System)
General information
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
thatthe wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
TheABS warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes"
section for driving safety systems
(Ypage 61).
Driving safety systems61
Safety
Z

XHold test gaugevertically on brake
discand slide measuring pinonto
brake disc.
XCheck which colorfield!the arrow on
measuring pinis pointing to.
Green:the brake pad/lining thickness is
sufficient.
Red:the brake pad/lining thickness is not
sufficient. Have the brake pads/lining
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
iTo avoid an inaccurate measurement:
Rmake sure you position the wheels
suitably
Rdo not put the measuring pin on a recess
in the brake disc
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 314).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 314).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Driving tips161
Driving and parking
Z

Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal withyour left foot
and keep it depressed.
XPull and hold both steering wheel shift
paddles.
XTheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
XRelease both steering wheel shift paddles.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible See
Operator's Manualmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XTo cancel:pull the left steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
or
XTo confirm:pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 147).
TheRACE START Available Depress
gas pedalmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed is increased.
TheRACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within a short time, RACE START will be
canceled. The multifunction display shows
theRACE START Canceledmessage.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
TheRACESTARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). Drive programSis
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. TheRACE
START Not PossibleorRACE START
Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within
a short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP®, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficientgrip.
If you fail to adapt yourdriving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid.You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
!Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires(M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
174Driving systems
Driving and parking

!Make sure that the automatic
transmission is in positionNwhen washing
your vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The
vehicle could be damaged if the
transmission is in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position0).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at wash bays that are specially
designed for this purpose. Observe the legal
requirements in all countries concerned.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Powerwashers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisibleexterior damage
to the tires or chassis components.
Components damaged in this way may fail
unexpectedly.There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced
immediately.
!Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
Rtires
Rdoor gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
Relectrical components
Rbattery
Rconnectors
Rlights
Rseals
Rtrim
Rventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
286Care
Maintenance and care

The tire-change tool kit contains:
RJack
RLug wrench
ROne pair of gloves
RFolding wheel chock
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) (Ypage 295)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 294)
Information on changing/mounting a wheel
(Ypage 336).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 153).
XIf possible, bring the frontwheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
iVehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires. The affected
tire must not show any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize MOExtended tires by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-
bearing capacity and the speed index
(Ypage 330).
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system or with an active tire pressure
monitor.
If the pressure loss warning message
appears in the multifunction display:
RObserve the instructions in the display
messages (Ypage 234).
RCheck the tire for damage.
RIf driving on, observe the following notes.
The maximum driving distance is
approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the
vehicle is partially laden and approximately
18 miles (30 km) when the vehicle is fully
laden.
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
RSpeed
RRoad condition
ROutside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
Flat tire295
Breakdown assistance

conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The maximum permissible distance which
can be driven in run-flat mode is counted from
the moment the tire pressure loss warning
appears in the multifunction display.
You mustnot exceed a maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
iWhen replacing one or all tires, make sure
that you use only tires:
Rof the size specified for the vehicle and
Rmarked "MOExtended"
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be
replaced with a MOExtended tire, a
standard tire may be used as a temporary
measure. Make sure that you use the
proper size and type (summer or winter
tire).
iVehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when
cornering, accelerating quickly and when
braking. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneuvers,
and driving over obstacles (curbs, potholes,
off-road). This applies in particular to a laden
vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
Ryou hear banging noises.
Rthe vehicle starts to shake.
Ryou see smoke and smell rubber.
RESP®is intervening constantly.
Rthere are tears in the sidewalls of the tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
defective tire must be replaced in every case.
TIREFIT kit
Important safety notes
GWARNING
In the following situations, the tire sealant is
unable to provide sufficient breakdown
assistance, as it is unable to seal the tire
properly:
Rthere are cuts or punctures in the tire larger
than those mentioned above.
Rthe wheel rim is damaged.
Ryou have driven at very low tire pressures
or on a flat tire.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not drive any further. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
GWARNING
The tire sealant is harmful and causes
irritation. It must not come into contact with
your skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed.
Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tire sealant
away from children. There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the tire sealant,
observe the following:
RRinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
RIf the tire sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them
thoroughly with clean water.
RIf tire sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
296Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

Useful information............................312
Important safety notes....................312
Operation...........................................312
Winter operation...............................314
Tire pressure.....................................316
Loading the vehicle..........................323
Maximum load rating.......................327
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards..........................................328
Tire labeling.......................................329
Definition of terms for tires and
loading...............................................333
Changingawheel.............................336
Wheel and tire combinations...........340
311
Wheels and tires

Bar indicatorfor tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth
is approximatelyin (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it mustbe
replaced.
Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
ROnly mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
Exception: it is permissible to install a
different type or make in the event of a flat
tire. Observe the "MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics" section
(Ypage 295).
ROnly mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
RAfter mounting new tires, breakthem in at
moderate speeds for the first 60 miles
(100 km), as they only reach their full
performance after this distance.
RDo not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
RReplace the tires after six years at the
latest, regardless of wear.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive
your vehicle even if there is a total loss of
pressure in one or more tires.
MOExtended tires may only be used in
conjunction with an active tire pressure loss
warning system and only on wheels
specifically tested by Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
a flat tire (Ypage 295).
iVehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip your vehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
A TIREFIT kit can be obtained from a
qualified specialist workshop.
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section (Ypage 336).
Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45‡(+7 †), summer
tires lose elasticity and therefore traction and
braking power. Change the tires on your
vehicle to M+S tires. Using summer tires at
very cold temperatures could cause cracks to
form, thereby damaging the tires
permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept
responsibility for this type of damage.
M+S tires
GWARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
\nin (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There
is a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than\n
in (4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing thesnowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
314Winter operation
Wheels and tires