2009 Mercedes SLR McLaren Owner's Manual - Page 242

Operation Driving instructions Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires ( page 292) with a minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the winter season to ensure normal balanced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance compared to summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not covered with snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution. Winter driving instructions The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions. When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move gear selector lever to neutral position N. Try to keep the vehicle under control by corrective steering action. Warning! G Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds 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 possibly resulting in an accident and/or personal injury and possible death, for you and for others. ! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Tire speed rating Regardless of the tire speed rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions. i For information on driving with snow chains, see "Snow chains" ( page 293). Your vehicle is factory equipped with "(Y)"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of over 186 mph (300 km/h). Warning! G i For information on tire speed rating for winter tires, see "Winter tires*" ( page 292). For additional general information on tire speed markings on tire sidewall, see "Tire speed rating" ( page 279). On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of control loss. 242