SMART fortwo coupe Operator's Manual page 217

Driving instructions
!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter, only use premium unleaded gaso
line in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine oper
ation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise,
excessive unburned fuel may reach the cata
lytic converter, causing it to overheat and
potentially start a fire.
It is essential to observe the following points,
as there is otherwise a danger of overheating
and the catalytic converter may be damaged.
• Fill up only with premium unleaded gasoline.
Even small quantities of leaded gasoline can
damage the catalytic converter.
• Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
service intervals.
• Never run the fuel tank empty.
• If the engine starts to misfire, bring the ve
hicle to an immediate standstill without en
dangering traffic.
• If the engine fails to start the first time, you
should not try to start it any more than
three times in succession.
• Do not try to start for more than four sec
onds at a time.
216
>> Operation
Tires
G
Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration
or ride disturbance, or you suspect that
possible damage to your vehicle has
occurred, you should turn on the hazard
warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and drive with caution to an area which is
a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle under
body for possible damage. If the vehicle
or tires appear unsafe, have the vehicle
towed to the nearest smart 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 visi
ble at a tread depth of approximately
(1.6 mm), at which point the tire is considered
worn and should be replaced.
The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
G
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. As tread depth approaches
(3 mm), 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 subject to high loads (e.g. high
1
/ in
16
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient tempera
tures).
1
/ in
16
1
/ in
8