2003 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 243

Operation Tires and wheels Life of tire The service life of a tire is dependent upon varying factors including but not limited to: Driving style Tire pressure Distance driven Warning! Direction of rotation Unidirectional tires offer added advantages, such as better aquaplaning performance. To benefit, however, you must ensure that the tires rotate in the direction specified. An arrow on the sidewall indicates the intended direction of tire rotation. If the tires are warm you should only correct the tire pressure if it is too low for current operating conditions. A table on the fuel filler flap lists the specified tire inflation pressures for warm and cold tires as well as for various operating conditions. i The pressures listed for light loads are minimum values offering high driving comfort. G Checking tire inflation pressure Warning! If the tire pressure repeatedly drops check the tires for punctures from foreign objects check to see whether air is leaking from the valves or from around the rim Tires and spare tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the remaining tread. G ! Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry place with as little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires from contact with oil, grease and gasoline. Increased inflation pressures listed for heavier loads may also be used for light loads. These higher pressures produce favorable handling characteristics. The ride of the vehicle, however, will be somewhat harder. Never exceed the max. values or inflate tires below the min. values listed in the fuel filler flap. Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Regularly check your tire pressure at intervals of no more than 14 days. Correct the tire pressure only when tires are cold. 243