Catalytic Converter; Driving Instructions - SMART For two coupé Operator's Manual

Catalytic converter

Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important ele-
ment in conjunction with the oxygen sen-
sors to achieve substantial control of the
pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep
your vehicle in proper operating condi-
tion by following our recommended main-
tenance 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 com-
bustible 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 con-
verter, only use premium unleaded gas-
oline 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 gas-
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oline. Even small quantities of leaded
gasoline can damage the catalytic con-
verter.
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 with-
out 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 sec-
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onds 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 occur-
red, you should turn on the hazard warning
flashers, carefully slow down, and drive
with caution to an area which is a safe dis-
tance 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 approx-
1
imately / in (1.6 mm), at which point the
16
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.
1
/ in
16
1
/ in (3 mm), the
8
Z
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