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Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tyres

WARNING Risk of accident due to a flat tyre

A flat tyre severely affects the driving characteristics as well as the steering and braking of the vehicle.

Tyres without run-flat characteristics:

Do not drive with a flat tyre.

Change the flat tyre immediately with an emergency spare wheel or spare wheel. Alternatively, consult a qualified specialist workshop.

Tyres with run-flat characteristics:

Observe the information and warning notes on MOExtended tyres (run-flat tyres).

WARNING Risk of injury due to damaged tyres

Damaged tyres can cause tyre pressure loss.

Check the tyres regularly for signs of damage and replace any damaged tyres immediately.

WARNING Risk of aquaplaning due to insufficient tyre tread

Insufficient tyre tread will result in reduced tyre grip.

The risk of aquaplaning is increased on wet roads, especially when the speed of the vehicle is not adapted to suit the conditions.

Thus, you should regularly check the tread depth and the condition of the tread across the entire width of all tyres.

Minimum tread depth for:

Summer tyres: 3 mm
M+S tyres: 4 mm

For safety reasons, replace the tyres before the legally-prescribed limit for the minimum tread depth is reached.

If you cannot avoid driving over obstacles, e.g. kerbs, do so slowly and at an obtuse angle only. The wheel rims and tyres could otherwise be damaged.

Carry out the following checks regularly on all wheels, at least once a month or as required, e.g. prior to long journeys:

Check the tyre pressure More.
Visually inspect wheels and tyres for damage.
Check the valve caps.
The valves must be protected against moisture and dirt with the valve caps specially approved for the vehicle.
Visually check the tyre tread depth and the tyre tread over the entire width.
The minimum tyre tread depth for summer tyres is 3 mm and for winter tyres 4 mm.

NOTE Damage to the vehicle due to driving too fast and due to impacts to the vehicle underbody and suspension components

In the following situations, in particular, there is a risk of damage to the vehicle:

the vehicle becomes grounded, e.g. on a high kerb or an unpaved road
the vehicle is driven too fast over an obstacle, e.g. a kerb, speed bump or pothole
a heavy object strikes the underbody or suspension components

In situations such as these, damage to the body, underbody, suspension components, wheels or tyres and high-voltage battery components may not be visible. Components damaged in this way can unexpectedly fail or, in the case of an accident, may no longer absorb the resulting force as intended.

Have the vehicle checked and repaired immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

If driving safety is impaired while continuing your journey, pull over and stop the vehicle immediately, while paying attention to road and traffic conditions, and contact a qualified specialist workshop.

Modification work on the brake system and wheels is not permitted. The use of spacers or brake dust shields is not permitted. This will invalidate the general operating permit for the vehicle.

Check the wheels and tyres for damage at least once a month, as well as after driving off-road or on poorly surfaced roads.

Run in new tyres at moderate speeds for the first 100 km. The tyres only attain their maximum performance after this distance.

Notes on snow chains

WARNING Risk of accident due to snow chains breaking

If you drive too fast with snow chains, they can break, injure other persons, and damage the vehicle.

Observe the maximum permissible speed for operation with snow chains.

WARNING Risk of accident due to incorrectly fitted snow chains

If you have fitted snow chains to the front wheels, they may drag against the vehicle body or chassis components.

Never fit snow chains to the front wheels.

Only fit snow chains on the rear wheels in pairs.

NOTEDamage to the wheel trim from fitted snow chains

If snow chains are fitted to steel wheels, the wheel trims can be damaged.

Remove the wheel trims of steel wheels before fitting snow chains.

For safety reasons, smart recommends that you only use snow chains that have been specially approved for your vehicle by smart. Further information can be obtained at a smart Centre or a qualified specialist workshop.

Observe the following notes when using snow chains:

Observe the country-specific requirements.
Use only snow chains approved for smart.
Fit snow chains on both rear wheels.
Use snow chains only on snow-covered roads.
When driving with snow chains fitted, do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 50 km/h.

Notes on windscreen washer fluid

Observe the notes on operating fluids More.

WARNING Risk of fire and injury from windscreen washer concentrate

Windscreen washer concentrate is highly flammable. If it comes into contact with hot components in the front compartment, it may ignite.

Make sure that no windscreen washer concentrate is spilled near to the filler opening.

NOTE Damage to the exterior lighting due to unsuitable windscreen washer fluid

Unsuitable windscreen washer fluids may damage the plastic surface of the exterior lighting.

Only use windscreen washer fluids which are also suitable for use on plastic surfaces, e.g. MB SummerFit or MB WinterFit.

NOTEBlocked spray nozzles caused by mixing windscreen washer fluids

Do not mix MB SummerFit and MB WinterFit with other windscreen washer fluids.

Do not use distilled or de-ionised water. Otherwise, the fill level sensor may give a false reading.

Recommended windscreen washer fluid:

Above freezing point: e.g. MB SummerFit
Below freezing point: e.g. MB WinterFit

For the correct mixing ratio, refer to the information on the antifreeze container.

Mix the washer fluid with windscreen washer fluid all year round.

Topping up the windscreen washer system

WARNING Risk of fire and injury from windscreen washer concentrate

Windscreen washer concentrate is highly flammable. If it comes into contact with hot components in the front compartment, it may ignite.

Make sure that no windscreen washer concentrate is spilled near to the filler opening.

Open the service flap More.

Pull cap

up using the tab.

If available, pull the extendable fitting up as far as it will go.

Add washer fluid.

If available, press the extendable fitting down and push it in.

Position cap

and close it tightly.

Close the service flap More.

For information on windscreen washer fluid and antifreeze, see "Technical Data" More.

Replacing the windscreen wiper blades

WARNING Risk of becoming trapped if the windscreen wipers are switched on while wiper blades are being replaced

If the windscreen wipers begin to move while you are changing the wiper blades, you can be trapped by the wiper arm.

Always switch off the windscreen wipers and vehicle before changing the wiper blades.

NOTE Damage to the windscreen when the wiper blade is replaced

Never open the service flap or tailgate when a wiper arm on the windscreen or rear window is folded. Never fold the wiper arm on the windscreen or rear window back when there is no wiper blade attached. Hold the wiper arm in place when a wiper blade is being replaced. If the wiper arm falls onto the windscreen without a wiper blade, the force of the impact could damage the windscreen.

Removing the wiper blade