Get Operation -> Tires and wheels Guide for Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

286

Operation

Tires and wheels

See 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.

Retreaded 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

vehicle when such tires are used.

See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

for information on tested and

recommended rims and tires for summer

and winter operation.

Important guidelines

앫 Only use sets of tires and rims of the

same type and make.

앫 Tires must be of the correct size for the

rim.

앫 Break in new tires for approximately

60 miles (100 km) at moderate

speeds.

앫 Regularly check the tires and rims for

damage. Dented or bent rims can

cause tire pressure loss and damage to

the tire beads.

앫 If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire

pressure and correct as required.

앫 Do not allow your tires to wear down

too far. Adhesion properties on wet

roads are sharply reduced at tread

depths under

in (3 mm).

앫 When replacing individual tires, you

should mount new tires on the front

wheels first (on vehicles with

same-sized wheels all around).

Warning! G

Replace rims or tires with the same designa-

tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the

original part. See an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-

tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are

mounted:

앫 The wheel brakes or suspension

components can be damaged.

앫 The correct operating clearance of the

wheels and the tires are no longer

guaranteed.

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

result in the bolts loosening and possibly an

accident.

287

Operation

Tires and wheels

Life of tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon

varying factors including but not limited to:

앫 Driving style

앫 Tire pressure

앫 Distance driven

Direction of rotation

Unidirectional tires offer added advan-

tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-

mance. To benefit, however, you must

make sure the tires rotate in the direction

specified.

An arrow on the sidewall indicates the

intended direction of tire rotation.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Correct the tire pressure only when tires

are cold.

Regularly check your tire pressure at

intervals of no more than 14 days.

If the tires are warm you should only

correct the tire pressure if it is too low for

current operating conditions.

A table on the fuel filler flap lists the

specified tire inflation pressures for warm

and cold tires as well as for various

operating conditions.

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.

Warning! G

If the tire pressure drops repeatedly:

앫 Check the tires for punctures from

foreign objects.

앫 Check to see whether air is leaking from

the valves or from around the rim.

288

Operation

Tires and wheels

Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi

(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-

ture change. Keep this in mind when

checking tire pressure where the tempera-

ture is different from the outside tempera-

ture.

Tire temperature and tire pressure are also

increased while driving, depending on the

driving speed and the tire load.

Check the spare tire periodically for condi-

tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and

become worn over time even if never used,

and thus should be inspected and replaced

when necessary.

The pressures listed for light loads are

minimum values offering high driving

comfort.

Increased inflation pressures listed for

heavier loads may also be used for light

loads. These higher pressures produce

favorable handling characteristics. The

ride of the vehicle, however, will be

somewhat harder. Never exceed the

max. values or inflate tires below the

min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.

Warning! G

Follow recommended inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires

can result in sudden deflation (blowout)

because they are more likely to become

punctured or damaged by road debris,

potholes, etc.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires

wear unevenly, adversely affect handling

and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail

from being overheated.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the

specified vehicle capacity weight (as indi-

cated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s

door opening). Overloading the tires can

overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

289

Operation

Tires and wheels

Rotating tires

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 a

front-to-rear rotation pattern that will

maintain the intended rotation (spinning)

direction of the tire (

컄 page 287).

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 configu-

ration, tires can be rotated according to

the tire manufacturer's recommended in-

tervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty

pamphlet located in your vehicle literature

portfolio. If none is available, tires should

be rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles

(5000 to 10000 km), or sooner if neces-

sary, according to the degree of tire wear.

The same rotation (spinning) direction

must be maintained (

컄 page 287).

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 the

“Practical hints” section (

컄 page 329) and

(컄 page 353).

Warning! G

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.

Warning! G

Have the tightening torque checked after

changing a wheel. Wheels could become

loose if not tightened with a torque of

80 lb-ft (110 Nm).

Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel

bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

Operation -> Tires and wheels for Your Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

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