suspension SMART FORTWO COUPE 2012 Owners Manual

The brake fluid level is correct when it
is between the minimum mark and the
maximum mark.
R
If the brake fluid level has fallen
slightly below the minimum mark,
drive to an authorized smart center.
R If the brake fluid level has fallen
significantly below the minimum
mark, call Roadside Assistance or an
authorized smart center.
X Remount the service flap and close it
(Y page 120). Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized smart 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. G
WARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. For further
information contact an authorized smart
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. G
WARNING
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
smart 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 smart, since previous damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. The operating safety of the
vehicle cannot be assured when such tires
are used.
G
WARNING
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 smart center or tire
dealer for repairs. G
WARNING
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.
Modifications to the brake system and
wheels and the use of brake dust rings are
not permissible. 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 pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads.124
Tires and wheels
>> Operation.

X
Remove the jumper cables from negative terminals = and ? first.
X Remove the jumper cables from positive terminals : and ;.
You can now switch on the headlamps.
X Remount the positive terminal cover.
X Have the battery checked at the nearest authorized smart center. Towing
About towing
This section offers information on towing
methods for breakdown situations,
emergency towing, and flat towing smart
vehicles. Recommended towing method -
Breakdown situation
smart recommends that the vehicle be
transported with all wheels off the ground
using a flatbed carrier truck or
appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment.
X Switch off the tow‑away protection* and
interior motion sensor*
(Y page 49).
! To
prevent damage during transport, do
not tie down the vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts — use only wheel straps
to position and hold down the vehicle.
Improper tie down on a flatbed carrier
truck or trailer can damage suspension
parts and body panels. Emergency towing
When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing method, the vehicle
may

be towed with all wheels on the ground
using a strap or tow bar connected to
another vehicle. Only tow the vehicle as far
as necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing method can be employed. G
WARNING
If circumstances require towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground,
always tow with a tow bar if:
R the engine will not run
R there is a malfunction in the brake
system
R there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
A

tow bar is necessary to adequately control
the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, make sure the gear selector
lever is in neutral position N and the
ignition is switched off. G
WARNING
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
! Do not tow the vehicle with the front
axle raised. Doing so may cause serious
damage to the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
! Before towing the vehicle observe the
following instructions:
R Do not tow with sling-type equipment
attached

to suspension parts. This may202
Towing
>> Practical hints.
* optional

cause damage to the radiator and other
supports if towing on a bumpy road.
R Towing
the vehicle should only be done
using the properly installed towing
eye bolt. Never attach a tow cable, tow
rope, or tow rod to the vehicle chassis,
frame, or suspension parts.
! Make sure the ignition is switched off
while towing the vehicle. Doing
otherwise may result in
R the ESP ®
being activated. Active
braking action through the ESP ®
may
seriously damage the brake system
which is not covered by the smart
Limited Warranty.
R a discharged battery.
! Make sure the gear selector lever is in
neutral position N while towing the
vehicle. Doing otherwise may result in
significant transmission damage.
! Towing the vehicle with a luggage
rack* mounted is not permissible. The
vehicle must not be towed by the luggage
rack*.
i If the battery is disconnected or
discharged, the gear selector lever will
remain locked in park position P.
Contact an authorized smart center for
assistance or call Roadside Assistance.
Towing eye bolt The towing eye bolt is located in the
passenger footwell under the carpet.
X
Unscrew the carpet holder in the
passenger footwell (Y page 158).
X Lift the carpet. X
Take out towing eye bolt :.
Installing towing eye bolt
Depending of whether you are towing a
vehicle

or being towed, the towing eye bolt
can be screwed into threaded holes which
are located behind covers on the front and
rear bumper. Front cover
G
WARNING
High outside temperature, stop-and-go
traffic, driving on long uphill grades, or
driving

at high engine speed may increase
the temperature in the engine
compartment. Therefore the area around the
air slots in the rear apron may be hot. Let
the engine cool off before touching this
area to prevent burns. Towing
203
>> Practical hints.
* optional Z