2011 Mercedes G-Class Owner's Manual - Page 250

248 Winter operation decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 in (3 mm). RReplace the tires after six years at the latest, regardless of wear. This also applies to the spare wheel. The service life of tires depends, among other things, on the following factors: Rdriving Rtire style pressure Rmileage Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) regarding snow traction and were specially developed for driving on snow. Only these tires will allow driving safety systems such as ABS and ESP® to function optimally in winter, as these tires have been designed specifically for driving on snow. Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on all wheels to maintain safe handling characteristics. Winter operation Please bear the following in mind Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Changing a wheel" section (Y page 269). i For further information on tires, see the "Wheels and tires" section (Y page 232). G Warning M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1/6 inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no longer suitable for winter operation. Wheels and tires Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have installed. When you have installed the M+S tires: X X Driving with summer tires At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), the elasticity of summer tires and therefore also traction and braking capability are reduced considerably - equip your vehicle with M+S tires. Using summer tires at very cold temperatures could cause tears to form, thereby damaging the tires permanently. Mercedes-Benz cannot accept responsibility for this type of damage. Check the tire pressures (Y page 249). Restart the tire pressure monitor (Y page 255). G Warning M+S tires At temperatures below 45 ‡ (+7 †), use winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of tire are identified by the M+S marking. Not all tires with the M+S marking provide the driving characteristics of winter tires. In addition to the M+S marking, winter tires also bear the snowflake symbol i on the sidewall. Tires with this marking fulfill the requirements of the Rubber Manufacturers If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that the difference in tire characteristics may very well impair turning stability and that overall driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest authorized Sprinter Dealer. Snow chains For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a corresponding standard of quality.