Mercedes-Benz B-Class 2011 Owner's Manual page 301

Changing a wheel
298
Changing a wheel
Flat tyre
You can find information on what to do in the
event of flat tyre in the "Flat tyre" section
( page 276). Instructions for driving with
Y
MOExtended tyres in the event of a flat tyre
are also provided there.
Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of
differing dimensions can render the general
operating permit invalid.
Always pay attention to the instructions and
safety warnings in the "Fitting a wheel" sec-
tion ( page 298).
Y
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Maintain the direc-
tion of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation.
Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the
tyres against oil, grease, petrol and diesel.
Cleaning the wheels
G WARNING
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
Fitting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle on firm, non-slippery and
X
level ground.
Apply the electric parking brake manually
X
( page 145).
Y
Bring the front wheels into the straight-
X
ahead position.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
X
engage first or reverse gear.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
X
move the DIRECT SELECT lever to P.
Switch off the engine.
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X
If a trailer is coupled to the vehicle, uncou-
X
ple it.
If included in the vehicle equipment, take
X
the tyre-change tool kit out of the vehicle.