tire type MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 COUPE 2003 C209 Owner's Manual

246 OperationDriving instructionsAn electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).
CLK 500/
CLK320withSportPackage*
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
CLK 55 AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 188 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).
Information on tire speed rating for winter
tires, see “Winter tires” (
page 264).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move selector lever to position N. Try to
keep the vehicle under control by correc-
tive steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
We therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling at
length on salt-strewn roads.
This can bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal. Be very careful
that you carry out these braking maneu-
vers without endangering any other road
users.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
iInformation on driving with snow
chains (
page 265).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.

260 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.Retread tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and tires is no longer guaran-
teed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

261 Operation
Tires and wheels
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Life of tires
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
various factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure that the tires rotate in the direc-
tion specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.

366 Technical termsTele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

386 IndexService
Calling up the service indicator 267
Major service (Service B) 266
Minor service (Service A) 266
Overdue 266
Spare parts 340
Types 266
When due 266
Service (maintenance) 266
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 341
Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 266
Calling up 267
Clearing 266, 267
Service life (tires) 261
Service System see FSS 266
Setting
Convenience functions 125, 133
Cruise control 194
Daytime running lamp mode 129, 130
Distronic* time interval 203
Exterior rear view mirror parking posi-
tion 103
Following distance in Distronic* 203
Higher speed in cruise control 195Higher speed in Distronic* 201
Hours (clock) 128
Individual vehicle settings 123
Interior lighting delayed switch-off 132
Key dependent memory 135
Lamps and lighting (control system)
129
Language, multifunction display 127
Locator lighting 130
Lower speed in cruise control 195
Lower speed in Distronic* 202
Miles/kilometers in speedometer 126
Minutes (clock) 129
Parking position for exterior rear view
mirrors 135
Slower speed in cruise control 195
Slower speed in Distronic* 202
Speed in cruise control 195
Speed in Distronic* 201
Speedometer display mode 126
Station selection mode 132
Temperature (interior) 157
Temperature indicator 126
Units
Speedometer 126
Temperature 126Settings
Calling up Distronic* 121, 199
Convenience functions 133
Factory, KEYLESS-GO* 89
Factory, SmartKey 85
Individual (SmartKey) 135
Lighting (control system) 129
Menus and submenus 116
Resetting all (control system) 124
Resetting in the submenu 124
Selective 85
Settings menu
Functions in 123
Individual vehicle settings 123
Submenus 124
Shift lock 365
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 144
Into optimal gear range (automatic
transmission) 142
Side impact airbags 61
Side marker lamps
Replacing bulbs 317, 321