Hydroplaning; Tire Traction - Mercedes-Benz 2007 E -Class Wagon Operator's Manual

Operation
Driving instructions
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Warning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehi-
cle safety laws consider a tire to be worn
when the treadwear indicators (TWI) be-
come visible at approximately
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not al-
low your tires to wear down to that level. As
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tread depth approaches / in (3 mm), the
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adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Specified tire inflation pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
314
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
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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.
1
/ in
16
For more information, see "Tires and
wheels" ( page 332).

Hydroplaning

Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.

Tire traction

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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
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Warning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
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