Mercedes-Benz 2003 S 500 4MATIC Automobile User Manual


 
254
Operation
Driving instructions
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and be-
come visible at a tread depth of approxi-
mately
1
16
in (1.5 mm), at which point the
tire is considered worn and should be re-
placed.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Specified tire pressures must be main-
tained. This applies particularly if the tires
are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
Warning! G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:
ț Keep right foot on brake pedal.
ț Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
ț Move the selector lever to position P.
ț Slowly release brake pedal.
ț When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.
ț Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position 0 and remove, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*).
ț Take the SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO*
card (if so equipped) with you and lock
vehicle when leaving.
Warning! G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for re-
pairs.
Warning! G
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
As tread depth approaches
1
16
in (1.5 mm),
the adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.