Whee ls and tires, Changing a wheel – Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2012 Owners Manual User Manual

Page 317

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optional extras, such as high-performance

brakes, level control, a roof rack or a high-

performance battery, are not included in the

curb weight and the weight of the

accessories.

TIN (Tire Identification Number)

This is a unique identifier which can be used

by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for

example for a product recall, and thus identify

the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the

manufacturer's identification code, tire size,

tire type code and the manufacturing date.

Load bearing index

The load bearing index (also load index) is a

code that contains the maximum load bearing

capacity of a tire.

Traction

Traction is the result of friction between the

tires and the road surface.

Treadwear indicators

Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are

distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread

is level with the bars, the wear limit of á in

(1.6 mm) has been reached.

Occupant distribution

The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at

their designated seating positions.

Total load limit

Rated cargo and luggage load plus

68 kilograms (150 lb), multiplied by the

vehicle's designated seating capacity.

Changing a wheel

Flat tire

The "Breakdown assistance" section

(

Y

page 275) contains information and notes

on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides

instructions on changing a wheel or mounting

the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel.

Interchanging the wheels

G

WARNING

Interchanging the front and rear wheels may

severely impair the driving characteristics if

the wheels or tires have different dimensions.

The wheel brakes or suspension components

may also be damaged. There is a risk of

accident.
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the wheels

and tires are of the same dimensions.

Always pay attention to the instructions and

safety notes in the "Changing tires and

mounting the spare wheel" section

(

Y

page 276).

The wear patterns on the front and rear tires

differ, depending on the operating conditions.

Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern

has formed on the tires. Front tires typically

wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires

in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you

can rotate the wheels according to the

intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty

book in your vehicle documents. If this is not

available, the tires should then be replaced

every 3000 to 6000 miles (5000 to

10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear requires

this. Do not change the direction of wheel

rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and

the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel

is interchanged. Check the tire pressures.
For information on changing tires and

mounting the spare wheel, see (

Y

page 276).

Changing a wheel

315

Whee

ls

and

tires

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