2009 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 255

Operation Tires and wheels result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident. Retreaded tires are not tested or recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous damage cannot always be recognized on retreads. The operating safety of the vehicle cannot be assured when such tires are used. speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire. Tire care and maintenance G Warning! Regularly check the tires for damage. Damaged tires can cause tire inflation pressure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace them. Check the tire inflation pressure at least every other week. For more information on checking tire inflation pressure, see "Recommended tire inflation pressure" (Y page 259). Important guidelines ROnly use sets of tires and rims of the same type and make. in new tires for approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds. check the tires and rims for damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire inflation pressure loss and damage to the tire beads. vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire inflation pressure and correct as required. not allow your tires to wear down too far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in (3 mm). replacing individual tires, you should mount new tires on the front wheels first (on vehicles with same-sized wheels all around). G Warning! 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 the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for repairs. G Warning! Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You could lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high RTires must be of the correct size for the rim. RBreak RRegularly RIf RDo Tire inspection Every time you check the tire inflation pressure, you should also inspect your tires for the following: Rexcessive Rcord RWhen treadwear (Y page 254) or fabric showing through the tire's rubber bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the tread or side of the tire Z Rbumps, 253