2003 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 163

Operation Driving instructions You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to the freezing point. Warning! Tire speed rating Warning! Warning! G Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire. G G Hydroplaning Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain. Tire traction The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road. If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution. Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of vehicle control and resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others. Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance as compared with summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not covered with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution. i Additional information on winter tires can be found under "Winter tires" ( page 183). Vehicles without Sport Package Your vehicle is factory equipped with "V"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 149 mph (240 km/h) and "W"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 168 mph (270 km/h). 163