Hydroplaning; Tire Traction - Mercedes-Benz 2008 M-Class Operator's Manual

Operation
Driving instructions
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center or tire dealer for repairs.
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
1
approximately / in (1.6 mm), at which
16
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Warning!
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not
allow your tires to wear down to that level.
316
As tread depth approaches
the 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).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
G
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may 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 348).

Hydroplaning

1
/ in (3 mm),
8
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

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
G
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.
G