winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-Class 2013 R172 Owner's Manual

Emergency spar
ewheel ................. 339
Important safety notes ..................308
Interchanging/changing ................329
Mounting anew wheel ................... 333
Mounting awheel .......................... 330
Overview ........................................ 308
Removing awheel .......................... 333
Storing ........................................... 330
Tightening torque ........................... 334
Whee lsize/tir esize ....................... 335
Windows
see Side windows
Wind screen
Inserting and removing ....................88
Preparing for installation .................. 89
see AIRGUIDE
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 128
Windshiel dwasher fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshiel dwasher system
Adding washer fluid .......................279
Filling capacity ............................... 353
Notes ............................................. 352
Windshiel dwipers
Display message ............................ 240
Problem (malfunction) ...................117
Replacing the wiper blades ............116
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Winte rdriving
Important safety note s.................. 310
Slippery road surfaces ...................163
Snow chains .................................. 311
Winter operation
Overview ........................................ 310
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 310
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 284
Important safety notes ..................116
Replacing ....................................... 116
Wooden trim (cleaning instructions) 286
Workshops see Qualified specialist workshop Index
19

If necessary:
X
Additionally move the seat backwards.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated.
If necessary:
X Additionally remove the seat belt from the
seat belt guide on the seat backrest and
guide the seat belt back to the belt sash
guide.
The special seat belt retractor is
deactivated. Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock BrakingSystem)
(Y page 59)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System) (Y page 60)
R BAS PLUS ( BrakeAssist System PLUS)
(Y page 60)
R ESP ®
(Electronic StabilityProgram)
(Y page 61)
R EBD ( electronic brake force distribution)
(Y page 64)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE(Y page 65)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 65) Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt yourd riving 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 yourd riving style to
suitt he prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain asafe distance from
the vehicle in front. Drive carefully. i
The driving safety systems described only
work as effectively as possible when there
is adequate contact between the tires and
the road surface. Please pay special
attention to the note son tires,
recommended minimu mtire tread depths,
etc. (Y page 308).
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-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Importan tsafety notes"
sectio n(Ypage 59). G
WARNING
If ABSi s faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking
characteristics may be severely impaired.
Additionally, further driving safety systems
are deactivated. There is an increased danger
of skidding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
When ABS is malfunctioning, other systems,
including driving safety systems, will also
become inoperative. Observe the information
on the ABS warning lamp (Y page 244) and
display messages which may be shown in the
instrument cluster (Y page 212).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even if you only brake gently.
The yellow 0016ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up when the ignition Driving safety systems
59Safety Z

by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage. Winter driving
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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. G
DANGER
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 engin eorthe 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 (Y page 310).
Driving with summer tires Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y
page 310).
Slippery road surfaces G
WARNING
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.
G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
shift to neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Y page 311). Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy Driving systems
163Driving and parking
Z

i
Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the
factory. It is therefore recommended that
you additionally equip yourv ehicle with a
TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not
feature run-flat properties, e.g. winter tires.
AT IREFIT kit is available, for example, from
a qualified specialist workshop. TIREFI
Tkit
Using the TIREFIT kit TIREFIT is a tire sealant.
TIREFIT can be used to seal small punctures
of up to 0.16 inches (4 mm), particularly on
the tire tread. You can use TIREFIT at outside
temperatures down to 001A4 ‡ (001A20 †).G
WARNING
In the following situations ,the tire sealant is
unable to provide sufficient breakdown
assistance, as it is unable to seal the tire
properly:
R there are cuts or punctures in the tire larger
than those mentioned above.
R the wheel rim is damaged.
R you 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. G
WARNING
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:
R
Rinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
R If the tire sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them
thoroughly with clean water.
R If tire sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant.
R If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
! Do not operate the tire inflation
compressor for longer than eight minutes
at a time without a break. It may otherwise
overheat.
The tire inflation compressor can be
operated again once it has cooled down. TIREFIT sticker, 2-part
X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove the tire sealant bottle, the
accompanying TIREFIT sticker and the tire
inflation compressor from the stowage well
underneath the trunk floor (Y page 291).
X Affix part 0003of the TIREFIT sticker within
the driver's field of vision.
X Affix part 0004of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire. Flat tire
293Breakdown assistance Z

Useful information
............................308
Important safety notes ....................308
Operation ........................................... 308
Winter operation ............................... 310
Tire pressure ..................................... 311
Loading the vehicle ..........................319
All about wheels and tires ...............322
Changing awheel ............................. 329
Wheel and tire combinations ...........335
Emergency spare wheel ...................339 307Wheels and tires

Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
R Only mount tires and wheels of the same
type and make.
R Only mount tires of the correct size onto
the wheels.
R Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
the first 60 miles (100 km). They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
R Do not drive with tires which have too little
tread depth. as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
R Replace 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 or with an active tire pressure
monitor and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
Notes on driving with MOExtended tires with
a flat tire (Y page 292).
i Vehicles 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 (Y page 329). 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
G
WARNING
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
000B in (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 000B
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 the 0004snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions.
Only these tires will allow driving safety
systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to function
optimally in winter. These tires have been
developed specifically for driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.
Always observe the maximu mpermissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted. 310
Winter operationWheels and tires

All abou
twheels and tires Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards
Overview of Tire Quality Grading
Standards Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards are
U.S. government specifications. Their
purpose is to provide drivers with uniform
reliable information on tire performance data.
Tire manufacturers have to grade tires using
three performance factors: treadwear
grade 0003, traction grade 0004and temperature
grade 0024.These regulations do not apply to
Canada.N evertheless, all tires sold in North
America are provided with the corresponding
quality grading markings on the sidewall of
the tire.
Where applicable, the tire grading
information can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum
tire width.
Example:
R Treadwear grade: 200
R Traction grade: AA
R Temperature grade: A
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
i The actual values for tires are vehicle-
specific and may deviate from the values in
the illustration. Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm, due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction G
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. Atire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum
tread depth of 000Bin(4 mm) on all four winter
tires. Observe the legally required minimum
tire tread depth (Y page 309). Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires.
The braking distance is still much further than 322
All about wheels and tiresWheels and tires

on surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
Further information on winter tires (M+S
tires) (Y page 310).
Temperature G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generatio nofheat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Tire labeling
Overview 0003
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standard
(Ypage 327)
0004 DOT, Tire Identification Number
(Ypage 326)
0024 Maximum tire load (Y page 326)
0023 Maximum tire pressure (Y page 314)
0021 Manufacturer
0022 Tire material (Y page 327)
0015 Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index (Y page 323)
0016 Load index (Y page 326)
0017 Tire name
The markings described above are on the tire
in addition to the tire name (sales
designation) and the manufacturer's name.
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating G
WARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing
capacity and the approved maximum speed
could lead to tire damage or the tire bursting.
There is a risk of accident. All about wheels and tires
323Wheels and tires
Z

Summe
r tires
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 118mph (190 km/h)
H up to 130mph (210 km/h)
V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y up to 186mph (300 km/h)
ZR...Y up to 186mph (300 km/h)
ZR...(..Y) over 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR over 149 mph (240 km/h)
R
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have a “ZR”
in the size description, depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR18).
The service specification is made up of
load-bearing index 0021and speed rating
0022.
R If the size description of your tire includes
"ZR" and there are no service
specifications, ask the tire manufacturer in
order to find out the maximum speed.
If a service specification is available, the
maximum speed is limited according to the
speed rating in the service specification.
Example: 245/40 ZR 18 97 Y.In this
example, "97 Y" is the service specification.
The letter "Y" represents the speed rating
and the maximum speed of the tire is
limited to 186 mph (300km/h).
R Every tire that has amaximum speed of
mor ethan 186 mph (300 km/h) must have
a "ZR" in the size description andthe
service specification must be given in parentheses. Example:
275/40 ZR 18 (99 Y). The speed rating "(Y)"
indicates that the maximum speed of the
tire is over 186 mph (300 km/h). Ask the
tire manufacturer about the maximum
speed. All-
weather
tires
and
winter
tires
Index Speed rating
Q M+S
3 up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S
3 up to 118mph (190 km/h)
H M+S
3 up to 130mph (210 km/h)
V M+S
3 up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
i
Not all tires with the M+S marking provide
the driving characteristics of winter tires.
In addition to the M+S marking, winter tires
also have the 0004snowflake symbol on
the tire wall.T ires with this marking fulfill
the requirements of the Rubber
Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the
Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)
regarding the tire traction on snow. They
have been especially developed for driving
on snow.
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle fro mexceeding the following speeds:
R all vehicles (excep tAMG vehicles):
130 mph (210 km/h)
R AMG vehicles: 155 mph (250 km/h)
R AMG vehicles with handling package:
174 mph (280 km/h)
The speed rating of tires mounted at the
factory may be higher than the maximum
speed that the electronic speed limiter
permits.
3 Or M+S0004 for winter tires. All about wheels and tires
325Wheels and tires Z

Wheel and tire combinations
General notes
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use tires and
wheels which have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle.
These tires have been specially adapted for
use with the control systems, such as ABS
or ESP ®
, and are marked as follows:
R MO =Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE =Mercedes-BenzO riginal Extended
(tires featuring run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 =Mercedes-BenzO riginal (only
certain AMG tires)
Mercedes-Benz Original Extended tires
may only be used on wheels that have been
specifically approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Only use tires, wheels or accessories
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Certain characteristics, e.g. handling,
vehicle noise emissions or fuel
consumption, may otherwise be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tire dimension variations could cause
the tires to come into contact with the
bodywork and axle components. This could
result in damage to the tires or the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for
damage resulting from the use of tires,
wheels or accessories other than those
tested and approved.
Information on tires, wheels and approved
combinations can be obtained from any
qualified specialist workshop.
! Retreaded tires are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
detected on retreaded tires. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tires are mounted. Do
not mount used tires if you have no
information about their previous usage. Overview of abbreviations usedint
he
following tire tables:
R BA: both axles
R FA: front axle
R RA: rear axle
The recommended pressures for various
operating conditions can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information placard
with the recommended tire pressures on
the B-pillar on the driver's side
R in the tire pressure table on the inside of
the fuel filler flap
Observe the notes on recommended tire
pressures under various operating conditions
(Y page 311).
Check tire pressures regularly, and only when
the tires are cold. Comply with the
maintenance recommendations of the tire
manufacturer in the vehicle document wallet.
Notes on the vehicle equipment –always
equip the vehicle with:
R tires of the same size on a given axle (left/
right)
R the same type of tires at a given time
(summer tires, winter tires, MOExtended
tires)
Vehicles 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 moun ttires that do not feature run-
flat properties, e.g. winter tires. ATIREFIT kit
may be obtained from a qualified specialist
workshop.
i Not all wheel and tire combinations are
available at the factory for all countries.
i On the following pages, you can find
information on approved wheelr ims and
tire sizes for equipping your vehicle with
winter tires. Winter tires are not available
at the factory as standard equipmen tor
optional extras.
If you would like to equip your vehicle with
approved winter tires, you may also, in Wheel and tire combinations
335Wheels and tires Z