Notes on noise or unusual handling characteris-
tics
Make sure there are no vibrations, noises or
unusual handling characteristics when the vehicle
is in motion. This may indicate that the wheels or
tyres are damaged. Hidden tyre damage could
also be causing the unusual handling characteris-
tics.
If you suspect that a tyre is defective, reduce your
speed immediately and have the tyres and wheels
checked at a qualied specialist workshop.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tyres
&
WARNING Risk of injury due to damaged
tyres
Damaged tyres can cause tyre pressure loss.
#
Check the tyres regularly for signs of
damage and replace any damaged tyres
immediately.
&
WARNING Risk of aquaplaning due to
insucient tyre tread
Insucient tyre tread will result in reduced
tyre grip.
The risk of aquaplaning is increased on wet
roads, especially when the speed of the vehi-
cle is not adapted to suit the conditions.
#
Thus, you should regularly check the
tread depth and the condition of the
tread across the entire width of all tyres.
Minimum tread depth for:
R
Summer tyres: 3 mm
R
M+S tyres: 4 mm
#
For safety reasons, replace the tyres
before the legally-prescribed limit for the
minimum tread depth is reached.
Carry out the following checks on all wheels regu-
larly, at least once a month or as required, for
example, prior to a long journey or driving o-
road:
R
Check the tyre pressure (/ page 621).
R
Visually inspect wheels and tyres for damage.
R
Check the valve caps.
R
Visual check of the tyre tread depth and the
tyre contact surface across the entire width.
The minimum tread depth for summer tyres is
3 mm and for winter tyres 4 mm.
Notes on snow chains
&
WARNING Risk of accident due to incor-
rectly tted snow chains
If you have tted snow chains to the rear
wheels, they may drag against the vehicle
body or chassis components.
#
Never t snow chains on the rear
wheels.
#
Only t snow chains on the front wheels
in pairs.
620
Wheels and tyres
F247 0074 02
English 
