2003 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 273

Operation Winter driving Winter driving Before the onset of winter, have your vehicle winterized at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. This service includes: Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze concentration. Addition of cleaning concentrate to the water of the windshield and headlamp cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is formulated for below freezing temperatures ( page 371). Battery test. Battery capacity drops with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures. Tire change. We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Winter tires Always use winter tires at temperatures below 39°F (4°C) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires is the only way to achieve the maximum effectiveness of the ABS and the ESP in winter operation. For safe handling, ensure that all mounted winter tires are of the same make and have the same tread design. Warning! Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the maximum speed for which your tires are rated is below the speed rating of your vehicle, you must place a notice to this effect where it will be seen by the driver. Such notices are available from your tire dealer or from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Warning! G G Winter tires having a tread depth under 0.16 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for winter operation. If you use your spare tire when winter tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style to this. Have the spare tire replaced with a winter tire at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. 273