2010 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 255

Winter driving Always use winter tires at temperatures below 45‡ (7†) and whenever wintry road conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires provide special winter performance. Make sure the tires you use show the mountain/ snowflakeimarking on the tire sidewall. These tires meet specific snow traction performance requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) and have been designed specifically for use in snow conditions. Use of winter tires is the only way to achieve the maximum effectiveness of your vehicle's driving safety systems such as the ABS and the ESP® in winter operation. For safe handling, make sure all mounted winter tires are of the same make and have the same tread design. For information on winter tires for your vehicle model, see the "Technical data" section (Y page 344). Always observe the speed rating of the winter tires installed on your vehicle. After installing winter tires: X 253 Observe the following guidelines when using snow chains: RUse RUse of snow chains is not permissible with all wheel/tire combinations (Y page 344). snow chains in pairs and on rear wheels only. Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. ! If snow chains are mounted to the front wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle components. The tires or the vehicle could be damaged as a result. ROnly use snow chains that are approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized MercedesBenz Center will be glad to advise you on this subject. RUse of snow chains may be prohibited depending on location. Always check local and state laws before installing snow chains. RDo not use snow chains on the spare wheel. i When driving with snow chains, you may wish to switch off the ESP® (Y page 62) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehicle's traction. Winter driving instructions G Warning! If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with the engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind. Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust it if necessary (Y page 232). X Restart the tire pressure loss warning system (Y page 233) or the Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (Y page 234). Snow chains ! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to your vehicle or tires, make sure the use of snow chains is permissible as specified in the "Technical data" section of this Operator's Manual. Snow chains should only be driven on snowcovered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. G Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Z Operation