Winter Operation; M+S Tires - Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Operator's Manual

Winter operation

252
Bar indicator : for tread wear is integrated
into the tire tread.
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. Six indicators are positioned on the tire
tread. They are visible once the tread depth is
approximately á in (1.6 mm). If this is the
case, the tire is so worn that it must be
replaced.
Selecting, mounting and replacing
tires
Only mount tires and wheels of the same
R
type and make.
Only mount tires of the correct size onto
R
the wheels.
Break in new tires at moderate speeds for
R
the first 60 miles (100 km). They only reach
their full performance after this distance.
Do not drive with tires which have too little
R
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (hydroplaning).
Replace the tires after six years at the lat-
R
est, regardless of wear.
Winter operation
General notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel"
section ( page 270).
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Driving with summer tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), summer
tires experience a considerable loss in elas-
ticity and therefore traction and braking
power. Change the tires on your vehicle to
M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold
temperatures could cause cracks to form,
thereby damaging the tires permanently.
Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility
for this type of damage.

M+S tires

WARNING
G
M+S tires with a tire tread depth of less than
ã in (4 mm) are not suitable for use in winter
and do not provide sufficient traction. There is
a risk of an accident.
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than ã in
(4 mm) must be replaced immediately.
At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use win-
ter tires or all-season tires. Both types of tire
are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires bearing the i snowflake
symbol in addition to the M+S marking pro-
vide the best possible grip in wintry road con-
ditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP
function optimally in winter. This is because
these tires were specifically developed for
driving in snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling charac-
teristics.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
When you have mounted the M+S tires:
Check the tire pressures (
X
Restart the tire pressure monitor
X
( page 259).
Y
®
to
page 253).
Y