winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG 2011 Owners Manual

DifficultiesWhile driving .................................. 260
With starting .................................. 258
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 337
Disc handling ..................... 100, 180, 199
Display, main ....................................... 73
automatic DVD picture switch-off ..199
menus ........................................ 81, 85
with voice command ......................209
Display, map
see Map display
Display design
setting ............................................. 93
Displays
Maintenance service indicator .......352
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 364
Multifunction display .....................273
Symbol messages ..........................370
Text messages ............................... 365
Trip computer ................................ 275
Vehicle status message memory ...282
Vehicle system settings .................282
Distance to destination, displaying . 110
District, selecting as destination ..... 119
with voice commands ....................214
Door control panel .............................. 41
Door handles ........................................ 41
Doors Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ......236
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 379
Opening/closing ............................ 238
Remote door lock (mbrace) ...........313
Remote door lock (Tele Aid,
Canada only) .................................. 313
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........398
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 345
Downloading address book
content ............................................... 166
Drinking and driving ......................... 349
Driving Abroad ........................................... 351
Hydroplaning ................................. 351Instructions ........................... 258, 348
In winter ........................................ 348
Problems ....................................... 260
RACE START .................................. 292
Safety systems ................................ 61
Systems ......................................... 290
Through standing water .................351
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 257
Driving maneuvers ............................ 133
Driving off .................................. 259, 351
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
ABS .................................................. 61
Adaptive Brake ................................ 65
BAS .................................................. 62
EBP .................................................. 65
ESC .................................................. 62
ETS .................................................. 63
Trunk Wing ....................................... 65
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 290
Hill-start assist system ..................293
Parktronic system ..........................294
RACE START .................................. 292
Rear view camera .......................... 296
Driving tips, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT
7-SPEED Transmission ...................... 266
DRM (Digital Rights Management) ... 193
DTMF tone transmission .................. 160
DVD Audio, main vehicle .................. 177
ejecting discs ................................. 182
fast forward and reverse ................187
handling and care of discs .....100, 180
loading discs .................................. 180
Notes about ................................... 178
pause function ............................... 186
selecting a track ............................ 187
setting audio format ......................189
starting playback ........................... 184
stopping or pausing playback ........186
voice control with ..................224, 230
DVD changer
loading ........................................... 101
DVD menu operation ......................... 203
DVD playback conditions ................. 199
DVD Video .......................................... 198
automatic picture switch off ..........199
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Satellite radio .................................... 173
category selection .................175, 222
Displaying information ...................176
Memory functions ..........................176
Selecting a channel .......................175
selecting channels .........................223
Switching on .................................. 174
Updating channels .........................177
voice control with ..................221, 229
Saving route calculations
see Last Destinations
Scale of navigation map, setting ..... 106
Scene selection main system .................................. 203
Scrolling navigation map .................. 106
Search & Send ................................... 125
Searching (See also Predictive
speller) address book ......................... 219, 220
audio tracks ................................... 187
for mobile phones ..........................149
phone book ...................................... 84
points of interest (POIs) .................128
see Track selection (audio)
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 55
Seat belts ............................................. 52
Children in the vehicle .....................57
Cleaning ......................................... 359
Fastening ......................................... 54
Proper use of ................................... 53
Releasing ......................................... 55
Safety guidelines ............................. 46
Safety notes ..................................... 52
Telltale ............................... 35, 55, 391
Seat heating ....................................... 245
Seating capacity ................................ 335
Seats .................................................. 243
Adjustment .................................... 243
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 245
Heating .......................................... 245
Memory function ........................... 249
Selecting audio track
CD, DVD, or MP3 ........................... 187
normal and random options ...........189
steering wheel operation .................83
voice commands for ......................224
Selecting from lists ............................. 88Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
mbrace .......................................... 309
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 52
Tele Aid (Canada only) ...................309
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 420
Service and warranty information ..... 26
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 338
Service menu ..................................... 281
Settings Factory setting (SmartKey) ............237
Memory function ........................... 249
Menu ............................................. 282
Selective setting (SmartKey) .......... 237
Side impact air bags ........................... 48
Side marker lamps Cleaning lenses ............................. 357
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 385
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 346
Side windows see Power windows
Skipping to tracks
see Track selection (audio)
SmartKey
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 347
Snow tires see Winter tires
Sound
see Audio
Sound Modus ....................................... 90
Speedometer ....................................... 34
Speed restriction on destination
input ........................................... 102, 123
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Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure ........................... 333
Maximum tire load .........................337
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 368, 387
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 346
Problems under-/overinflation ......328
Retreads ........................................ 326
Rims and tires (technical data) ......422
Rotation ......................................... 340
Service life ..................................... 338
Sizes .............................................. 422
Snow chains .................................. 347
Speed rating .......................... 342, 346
Storing ........................................... 339
Summer tires ................................. 424
Temperature .......................... 328, 340
Terminology ................................... 345
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................402
Tire Identification Number .............346
Tire ply material ............................. 344
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................395
Traction ................................. 339, 346
Tread ............................................. 346
Tread depth ........................... 338, 347
Treadwear ...................................... 339
Treadwear indicators .............338, 346
Vehicle maximum load on ..............347
Wear pattern .................................. 340
Winter tires .................... 347, 422, 424
Tire speed rating ....................... 342, 346
Total load limit ................................... 346
Towing Towing eye bolt .............................. 415
Vehicle ........................................... 415
Towing eye bolt ................................. 415
Town, selecting as destination ........ 213
Track names ...................................... 178
Track selection (audio) CD, DVD, or MP3 ........................... 187
iPods and MP3 players ..................196
normal and random options ...........189
steering wheel operation .................83
voice commands for ......................224
Track selection (video) ............. 203, 204
voice commands for ......................224Traction ...................................... 339, 346
Traffic lane recommendations ......... 135
Traffic messages ............................... 139
Traffic symbol information ............... 142
Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-SPEED
Transmission ................................. 263
Transmission fluid level .................... 324
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 265
Transmit volume (phone) ................. 151
Traveling abroad ............................... 351
Tread (tires) ....................................... 346
Tread depth (tires) .................... 338, 347
Treadwear .......................................... 339
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 338, 346
Treble setting main system .................................... 90
Trickle charge socket ....................... 317
Trip menu ........................................... 275
Troubleshooting voice control .................................. 231
True Image™ ........................................ 90
Trunk Closing ........................................... 240
Locking manually ........................... 398
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 379
Opening ......................................... 239
Trunk lid emergency release ..........240
Unlocking manually .......................398
Valet locking .................................. 241
Trunk Wing ........................................... 65
Cleaning ......................................... 360
Turning off the engine ...................... 262
Turn signals ....................................... 251
Cleaning lenses ............................. 357
Indicator lamps ................................ 35
Messages in the multifunction
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Volume (loudness)COMAND ......................................... 89
external audio sources ..........197, 206
mobile phones ............................... 151
muting COMAND ............................. 89
navigation announcements ......89, 137
phone calls ...................................... 89
voice command ............................. 208
W
Warning sounds Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....55
Electronic parking brake ................372
Parktronic system ..........................296
Seat belt telltale ............................ 391
Warranty coverage ............................ 420
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 429
Washer fluid Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 380
Mixing ratio .................................... 429
Refilling .......................................... 325
Washing the vehicle .......................... 354
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 340
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 405
Removing ....................................... 407
Tightening torque ........................... 409
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 422
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 326
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 358
Windshield Cleaning wiper blades .................... 358
Defogging ...................................... 303
Washer fluid ................................... 429
Wipers ........................................... 253
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................400
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 348
Snow chains .................................. 347
Tires ............................................... 347
Winter tires ....................... 347, 422, 424
Wipers Notes ............................................. 253
Problems with ................................ 255
Windshield wipers ..........................253
Z
ZAGAT ®
Rating Service ..................... 131
Zip code of destination, selecting .... 117
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Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Antilock Brake System)
R Adaptive Brake
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R EBP ( Electronic Brake Proportioning)
R ESC ( Electronic Stability Control)
R Trunk Wing
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance from other road users
and objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 61.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp 0031 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
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Vehicle equipment ............................320
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......320
At the gas station ............................. 320
Engine compartment ........................322
Tires and wheels ............................... 326
Winter driving ................................... 347
Driving instructions ..........................348
Maintenance ...................................... 352
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The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) 0047 and upper
mark (MAX) 0046 of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, 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 result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
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Tire care and maintenanceGWarning!
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month. For more information on checking
tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended
tire inflation pressure” ( Y page 327).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
R excessive treadwear ( Y page 338)
R cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
R bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
R Driving style
R Tire inflation pressure
R Distance driven
Tread depth GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1
/ 8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1
/ 8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately 1
/ 16
in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1
/ 8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1
/ 6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator
0046 appears as a solid
band across the tread.
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Storing tires
! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as possible.
Protect tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuels.
Cleaning tires
! Never use a round nozzle to power wash
tires. The intense jet of water can result in
damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S.
Government requirement designed to give
drivers consistent and reliable information
regarding tire performance. Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires
based on three performance factors:
treadwear 0046, traction 0047, and temperature
resistance 008A. Although not a Government of
Canada requirement, all tires made for sale in
North America have these grades branded on
the sidewall.
i For illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and
may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
TreadwearTractionTemperature200AAAAll passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
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 test course. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1 1
/ 2 ) 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.
Traction GWarning!
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.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
GWarning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 347) with a minimum tread depth of
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approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
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, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat 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 C corresponds 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.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 337).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not
possible.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should be
rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles (5 000 to
10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of wheels
and brake disks, i.e. the inner side of the
wheels/tires, during each rotation. Check for
and ensure proper tire inflation pressure.
For information on wheel change, see “Wheel
change” ( Y page 405).
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