2003 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 226

Operation Driving instructions Tires Warning! The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread. Warning! G Do not park 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 reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: Keep right foot on brake pedal. Firmly depress parking brake pedal. Move the selector lever to position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear). Slowly release brake pedal. When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb. Turn the key to starter switch position 0. Take the key and lock vehicle when leaving. G Warning! G 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 it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for repairs. Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As tread depth approaches 1/16 in (1.5 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 pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subject to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures). Tread wear 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 approximately 1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced. 226