2011 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 174

172 Driving tips snowflake symbol next to the M+S marking provide the best-possible grip in wintry road conditions. Only these tires will allow the ABS and ESP® driving systems 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. 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. Always observe the maximum permissible speed specified for the M+S tires you have installed. Once you have installed the winter tires: X X Check the tire pressures (Y page 339). Restart the tire pressure monitor (Y page 341). G Warning 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 Mercedes-Benz Center. ! There is not enough space for snow chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the information under "Tires and wheels" in the "Technical Data" section to avoid damage to the vehicle or the wheels. ROnly use snow chains when driving on an area completely covered by snow. Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow chains as soon as possible when you are no longer driving on snow-covered roads. RLocal regulations may restrict the use of snow chains. Applicable regulations must be observed if you wish to mount snow chains. RSnow chains must not be mounted on emergency spare wheels. If you intend to mount snow chains, please bear the following points in mind: Ryou may not attach snow chains to all wheel-tire combinations; see the "Tires and wheels" section in the "Technical data" chapter. Rmount snow chains only in pairs and only on the rear wheels. Observe the manufacturer's installation instructions. ! If snow chains are mounted on the front wheels, the snow chains could grind against the bodywork or components of the chassis. This could result in damage to the vehicle or the tires. ! Vehicles with steel wheels If you wish to mount snow chains to steel wheels, make sure that you remove the respective wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may otherwise be damaged. i You may wish to deactivate ESP®(Y page 66) when pulling away with snow chains installed. This way you can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled manner, achieving an increased driving force (cutting action). Driving and parking 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. ! Vehicles with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS): do not drive in ADS SPORT mode if snow chains have been mounted. The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.