Catalytic Converter; Driving Instructions - SMART Fortwo coupe Operator's Manual

Catalytic converter

Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important
element in conjunction with the oxygen
sensors to achieve substantial control of
the pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Maintenance Booklet.
G WARNING
The catalytic converter can become very
hot. Coming into contact with the catalytic
converter could result in burns.
Note the following:
Do not remove the protective heat guards.
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Do not apply any underseal.
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As with any vehicle, do not idle, park, or
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operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay, or leaves can come into contact with
the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle fire.
! To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic 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
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gasoline. Even small quantities of
leaded gasoline can damage the catalytic
converter.
Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
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service intervals.
Never run the fuel tank empty.
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Driving instructions

If the engine starts to misfire, bring the
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vehicle to an immediate standstill
without endangering traffic.
If the engine fails to start the first time,
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you should not try to start it any more
than three times in succession.
Do not try to start for more than four
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seconds at a time.
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 underbody
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 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.
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
adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
147
1
/ in
16
1
/ in (3 mm), the
8
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