2004 Mercedes S-Class Owner's Manual - Page 263

Operation Driving instructions Tires The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread. Turn the SmartKey to starter switch position 0 and remove, or press KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button. Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle when leaving. Warning! G Warning! G ! Set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move gear selector lever to position P. When parking on hills, always turn front wheels towards the road curb. 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. Although the applicable federal motor vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be worn when the tread wear indicators (TWI) become visible at approximately 1⁄ 16 in (1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow your tires to wear down to that level. As tread depth approaches 1⁄ 8 in (3 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. 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 (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced. Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subject to extreme operating conditions (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures). 262