2011 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 324

322 Tire pressures Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely. Tire pressures Tire pressure specifications G Warning Follow recommended tire inflation pressures. Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc. Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified load limit as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout. Overloading the tires can also result in handling or steering problems, or brake failure. Do not use tires until they are excessively worn as the tire traction on wet road surfaces decreases significantly when the tread depth is less than 1/8 in (3 mm). Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. Six indicators are positioned over the tire tread. They are visible as soon as a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm) is reached. If this is the case, the tire is so worn that it must be replaced. The recommended tread depth for summer tires is at least 1/8 in (3 mm). The recommended tread depth for winter tires is at least 1/6 in (4 mm). Tires and wheels Bar marking : for tread wear is integrated into the tire tread. Storing tires Store tires that are not being used in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. You will find a table of recommended tire pressures on the Tire and Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on the driver's side (Y page 330). You will find a table of tire pressures for various operating conditions on the inside of your vehicle's fuel filler flap. To test tire pressure, use a suitable pressure gauge. The outer appearance of a tire does not permit any reliable conclusion about the tire pressure. On vehicles installed with the electronic tire pressure monitor, the tire pressure can be checked in the on-board computer. Cleaning tires ! Do not use a high pressure jet with circular jet nozzles (concentrated-power jets) to clean the tires. The high pressure of the water jet could damage the tires. Always replace damaged tires. G Warning! Should the tire pressure drop repeatedly: