Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 100

227

Operation

Tires and wheels

Life of tire

The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

앫

Driving style

앫

Tire pressure

앫

Distance driven

Direction of rotation

Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
ensure that the tires rotate in the direction
specified.

An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of rotation of the tire.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.

Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days.

If the tires are warm, you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.

A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.

!

When the wheels are heavily soiled,
e.g. after driving through mud, clean
the inside of the wheels with a jet of
water.

Warning!

G

Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.

!

Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.

Warning!

G

If the tire pressure drops repeatedly:

앫

Check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects.

앫

Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.

228

Operation

Tires and wheels

Tire pressure changes by approximately
1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure where the
temperature is different from the outside
temperature.

Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.

Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tire will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.

Rotating wheels

The wheels can be rotated every 3000 to
6000 miles (5000 to 10 000 km) or soon-
er if necessary, according to the degree of
tire wear. The same direction of tire rota-
tion must be retained.

Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).

Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.

i

The pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.

Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.

Warning!

G

Follow recommended inflation pressures.

Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.

Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.

Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as
indicated on the certification label on the
driver’s door pillar. Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

Warning!

G

Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size,

229

Operation

Tires and wheels

Warning!

G

Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
110 lb-ft (150 Nm).

Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

230

Operation

Winter driving

왔

Winter driving

Before the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. This
service includes:

앫

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.

앫

Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent /antifreeze which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(

컄

page 307).

앫

Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.

앫

Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately

1

/

6

in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the

winter season.

Winter tires

Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP, 4-ETS, and
EBP in winter operation.

For safe handling, ensure that all winter
tires mounted are of the same make and
have the same tread design.

Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available at your tire dealer or any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center.

Warning!

G

Winter tires with a tread depth under

1

/

6

in

(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.

Warning!

G

If you use your spare tire when winter 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 tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.