Smart fortwo coupe and smart fortwo cabriolet (2019). Instruction - page 8

The Tire and Loading Information placard
showing load limit information : is
located on the driver’s door B‑pillar
(

Y

page 124).

X

Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXXX kg or XXXX lbs.” on the
Tire and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of all occupants and
cargo/luggage should never exceed the
weight referenced in that statement.

Seating capacity

The seating capacity gives you important
information on the number of occupants
that can be in the vehicle. The Tire and
Loading Information placard showing
seating capacity : is located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar (

Y

page 124).

i

Data shown on Tire and Loading

Information placard example are for
illustration purposes only. Seating
capacity data are specific to each
vehicle and may vary from data shown in
the following illustration. Refer to Tire

and Loading Information placard on
vehicle for actual data specific to your
vehicle.

Steps for determining correct load limit
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under
Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations,
Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.

X

Step 1: Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXXX kg or
XXXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information placard.

X

Step 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passenger that will be
riding in your vehicle.

X

Step 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passenger from
XXXX kilograms or XXXX lbs.

X

Step 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the “XXXX”
amount equals 540 lbs and there will be
one 150 lbs passenger in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 390 lbs
(540 lbs - 150 lbs = 390 lbs).

X

Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in step 4.

i

The maximum cargo compartment load

is 110 lbs (50 kg).

Tires and wheels

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The following table shows examples on how to calculate total and cargo load capacities
with varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following
examples use a load limit of 540 lbs. This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure
you are using the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle’s Tire and
Loading Information placard (

Y

page 124).

Example 1

Example 2

Step 1

Combined weight limit of
occupants and cargo from Tire and
Loading Information placard

540 lbs

540 lbs

Step 2

Number of occupants (driver and
passenger)

2

1

Occupants weight

Occupant 1: 150 lbs
Occupant 2: 180 lbs

Occupant 1: 150 lbs

Combined weight of all occupants

330 lbs

150 lbs

Step 3

Available cargo weight (total load
limit from Tire and Loading
Information placard minus
combined weight of all occupants)

540 lbs - 330 lbs =
210 lbs

540 lbs - 150 lbs =
390 lbs

The higher the weight of all occupants, the less cargo and luggage load capacity is
available.

Certification label
Even after careful determination of the
combined weight of all occupants and cargo
as to not exceed the permissible load
limit, you must make sure your vehicle
never exceeds the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear
axle. You can obtain the GVWR and GAWR
from the certification label. The
certification label can be found on the
driver’s door B‑pillar, see “Technical
data” (

Y

page 202).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) means:
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, and all cargo must never exceed
the GVWR.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) means:
The total allowable weight that can be
carried by a single axle (front or rear).

To assure that your vehicle does not exceed
the maximum permissible weight limits
(GVWR and GAWR for front and rear axle),
have the loaded vehicle (including driver,
passenger, and all cargo) weighed on a
suitable commercial scale.

Maximum tire load

G

Warning!

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.

126

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i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

The maximum tire load : is the maximum
weight the tires are designed to support.
For more information on tire load rating
(

Y

page 131).

For information on calculating total and
cargo load capacities (

Y

page 125).

Direction of rotation

Unidirectional tires offer added
advantages, such as better hydroplaning
performance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of rotation (spinning)
of the tire.

Tire care and maintenance

G

Warning!

Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.

Check the tire inflation pressure at least
every other week. For more information on
checking tire inflation pressure, see
“Recommended tire inflation pressure”
(

Y

page 119).

Tire inspection

Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your
tires for the following

R

excessive treadwear (

Y

page 127)

R

cord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber

R

bumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in
the tread or side of the tire

Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.

Life of tire

G

Warning!

Tires should be replaced after 6 years,
regardless of the remaining tread.

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

R

driving style

R

tire inflation pressure

R

distance driven

Tread depth

G

Warning!

Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately

1

/

16

in

(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not allow
your tires to wear down to that level. As
tread depth approaches

1

/

8

in (3 mm), the

adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.

Tires and wheels

127

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Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction
varies widely.

Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less than

1

/

8

in (3 mm).

Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately

1

/

16

in (1.6 mm), at which

point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.
Recommended minimum tire tread depth:
Summer tires

1

/

8

in (3 mm)

Winter tires

1

/

6

in (4 mm)

Treadwear indicator : appears as a solid
band across the tread.

Storing tires

!

Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry

place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease and fuels.

Cleaning tires

!

Never use a round nozzle to power wash

tires. The intense jet of water can result
in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a U.S.
Government requirement designed to give
drivers consistent and reliable
information regarding tire performance.
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear :, traction ;, and temperature
resistance =. Although not a Government
of Canada requirement, all tires made for
sale in North America have these grades
branded on the sidewall.

i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:

Treadwear

Traction

Temperature

200

AA

A

All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified U.S. government test course.

128

Tires and wheels

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For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1

1

/

2

) times as well on the

government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.

Traction

G

Warning!

The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.

Temperature

G

Warning!

The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause excessive heat
build-up and possible tire failure.

The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of
the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to

sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.

Rotating tires

G

Warning!

Do not rotate front and rear wheels as they
have different dimensions, e.g. rim size,
wheel offset etc. Otherwise, the handling
can be affected and you could endanger
yourself and others.

Thoroughly clean the mounting face of the
wheels and brake discs, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires each time the wheels/
tires are changed. Check for and ensure
proper tire inflation pressure.

G

Warning!

Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
81 lb‑ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine smart wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.

For information on wheel change, see “Flat
tire” (

Y

page 176).

Tire labeling

Besides tire name (sales designation) and
manufacturer name, a number of markings
can be found on a tire.
Following are some explanations for the
markings on your vehicle’s tires:

Tires and wheels

129

>> Operation.

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:

Uniform Quality Grading Standards
(

Y

page 128)

;

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)
(

Y

page 133)

=

Maximum tire load (

Y

page 126)

?

Maximum tire inflation pressure
(

Y

page 123)

A

Manufacturer

B

Tire ply material (

Y

page 134)

C

Tire size designation, load and speed
rating (

Y

page 130)

D

Load identification (

Y

page 132)

E

Tire name

i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.
For more information, see “Rims and
tires” (

Y

page 206).

Tire size designation, load and speed
rating

:

Tire width

;

Aspect ratio in %

=

Radial tire code

?

Rim diameter

A

Tire load rating

B

Tire speed rating

i

For information purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size
designation: Light Truck tire based on U.S.
design standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only.

130

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Tire width
Tire width : indicates the nominal tire
width in mm.

Aspect ratio
Aspect ratio ; is the dimensional
relationship between tire section height
and section width and is expressed in
percentage. The aspect ratio is arrived at
by dividing section height by section
width.

Tire code
Tire code = indicates the tire
construction type. The “R” stands for radial
tire type. Letter “D” means diagonal or
bias ply construction; letter “B” means
belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer’s option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire
speed rating” (

Y

page 131).

Rim diameter
Rim diameter ? is the diameter of the
bead seat, not the diameter of the rim edge.
Rim diameter is indicated in inches (in).

Tire load rating

G

Warning!

The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
tire failure may result and cause an
accident and/or serious personal injury to
you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part.

G

Warning!

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.

Tire load rating A is a numerical code
associated with the maximum load a tire
can support.
For example, a load rating of 91
corresponds to a maximum load of 1

356 lbs

(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load” (

Y

page 126)

where the maximum load associated with
the load index is indicated in kilograms
and lbs.
For additional information on tire load
rating, see “Load identification”
(

Y

page 132).

Tire speed rating

G

Warning!

Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the
maximum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Tire speed rating B indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires

Index

Speed rating

Q

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

R

up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

S

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

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Index

Speed rating

H

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

W

up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

Y

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...Y

above 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR...(Y)

above 186 mph (300 km/h)

ZR

above 149 mph (240 km/h)

R

At the tire manufacturer’s option, any
tire with a speed capability above
149 mph (240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in
the size designation (for example:
245/40 ZR18). To determine the maximum
speed capability of the tire, the service
description for the tire must be referred
to.
The service description is comprised of
tire load rating A and tire speed rating
B.
If your tire includes “ZR” in the size
designation and no service description
is given, the tire manufacturer must be
consulted for the maximum speed
capability.
If a service description is given, the
speed capability is limited by the speed
symbol in the service description.
Example: 245/40 ZR18 97Y.
In this example, “97Y” is the service
description. The letter “Y” designates
the speed rating and the speed
capability of the tire is limited to
186 mph (300 km/h).

R

Any tire with a speed capability above
186 mph (300 km/h) must include a “ZR” in
the size designation AND the service
description must be placed in
parenthesis. Example:
275/40 ZR 18 (99Y). The “(Y)” speed rating

in parenthesis designates the maximum
speed capability of the tire as being
above 186 mph (300 km/h). Consult the tire
manufacturer for the actual maximum
permissible speed of the tire.

All-season and winter tires

Index

Speed rating

Q M+S

15

up to 100 mph (160 km/h)

T M+S

15

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

H M+S

15

up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V M+S

15

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

i

Not all M+S rated tires provide special

winter performance. Make sure the tires
you use show M+S and the mountain/
snowflake marking i on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of
the Rubber Manufacturers Association
(RMA) and the Rubber Association of
Canada (RAC) and have been designed
specifically for use in snow conditions.

Load identification

i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

15

or M+S i for winter tires.

132

Tires and wheels

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In addition to the tire load rating, special
load identification : may be molded into
the tire sidewall following the letter
designating the tire speed rating B
(

Y

page 131).

No specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
XL or Extra Load: designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.
Light Load: designates a light load tire.
C, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at a
specified pressure.

DOT, Tire Identification Number (TIN)

U.S. tire regulations require each new tire
manufacturer or tire retreader to mold a
TIN into or onto a sidewall of each tire
produced.

The TIN is a unique identifier which
facilitates efforts by tire manufactures to
notify purchasers in recall situations or
other safety matters concerning tires and
gives purchasers the means to easily
identify such tires.
The TIN is comprised of “Manufacturer’s
identification mark” ;, “Tire size” =,
“Tire type code” ?, and “Date of
manufacture” A.

i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle

and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

DOT (Department of Transportation)

Tire branding symbol : which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation.

Manufacturer’s identification mark

Manufacturer’s identification mark ;
denotes the tire manufacturer.
New tires have a mark with two symbols.
Retreaded tires have a mark with four
symbols. For more information on
retreaded tires (

Y

page 118).

Tire size

Code = indicates the tire size.

Tire type code

Tire type code ? may, at the option of the
manufacturer, be used as a descriptive
code for identifying significant
characteristics of the tire.

Date of manufacture

Date of manufacture A identifies the week
and year of manufacture.
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year. The second
two figures represent the year.
For example, “3202” represents the 32nd
week of 2002.

Tires and wheels

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>> Operation.

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Tire ply material

i

For illustration purposes only. Actual

data on tires are specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the
sidewall : and under the tread ;.

Tire and loading terminology

Accessory weight

The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed
equipment (whether installed or not).

Air pressure

The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or bars.

Aspect ratio

Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width expressed
in percentage.

Bar

Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi) to
1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to
1 bar.

Bead

The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.

Cold tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or
driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Curb weight

The weight of a motor vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if
so equipped, air conditioning and
additional optional equipment, but
without passengers and cargo.

DOT (Department of Transportation)

A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the U.S.
Department of Transportation.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)

The GAWR is the maximum permissible axle
weight. The gross vehicle weight on each
axle must never exceed the GAWR for the
front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B‑pillar.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, installed
accessories, passengers and cargo. The
GVW must never exceed the GVWR indicated

134

Tires and wheels

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on the certification label located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight
of the vehicle including all options,
passengers, fuel, and cargo. It is indicated
on certification label located on the
driver’s door B‑pillar.

Kilopascal (kPa)

The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to 1 psi; another metric unit for air
pressure is bars. There are
100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.

Maximum load rating

The maximum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight

The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit and production options
weight.

Maximum permissible tire inflation
pressure

This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire.

Normal occupant weight

The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).

Occupant distribution

The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.

Production options weight

The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.

PSI (Pounds per square inch)

A standard unit of measure for air
pressure.

Recommended tire inflation pressure

The recommended tire inflation pressure
for normal driving conditions is listed on
the Tire and Loading Information placard
located on driver’s door B‑pillar and
provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.

Rim

A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

TIN (Tire Identification Number)

Unique identifier which facilitates
efforts by tire manufacturers to notify
purchasers in recall situations or other
safety matters concerning tires and gives
purchasers the means to easily identify
such tires. The TIN is comprised of
“Manufacturer’s identification mark”,
“Tire size”, “Tire type code” and “Date of
manufacture”.

Tires and wheels

135

>> Operation.

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Tire load rating

Numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.

Tire ply composition and material used

This indicates the number of plies or the
number of layers of rubber-coated fabric
in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and sidewall, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

Tire speed rating

Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.

Total load limit

Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle’s
designated seating capacity.

Traction

Force exerted by the vehicle on the road via
the tires. The amount of grip provided.

Tread

The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.

Treadwear indicators

Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear
bars” that show across the tread of a tire
when only

1

/

16

in (1.6 mm) of tread remains.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards

A tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire
manufacturers using U.S. government
testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire.

Vehicle maximum load on the tire

Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing it by two.

Winter driving

Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized smart
center. This service includes:

R

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.

R

Addition of washer concentrate to the
water of the windshield/rear window.
Use a windshield washer concentrate
labeled for winter which is formulated
for temperatures below freezing point
(

Y

page 212).

R

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

R

Tire change.

Winter tires

G

Warning!

Winter tires with a tread depth of less than

1

/

6

in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no

longer suitable for winter operation.

Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45

¦ (7¥) and whenever wintry road

conditions prevail. Not all M+S rated tires
provide special winter performance. Make
sure the tires you use show the mountain/
snowflake marking i on the tire
sidewall. These tires meet specific snow
traction performance requirements of the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC)

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Winter driving

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and have been designed specifically for
use in snow conditions. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP

®

in winter

operation.
For safe handling, make sure all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
For information on winter tires for your
vehicle model, see the "Technical data"
section (

Y

page 206).

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
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available at your tire
dealer or any authorized smart center.

Snow chains*

!

Remember that snow chains must always

be compatible with the tire sizes of a
vehicle. Snow chains that are approved
by smart are only permitted for the
following tire size:
175/55 R15 on the rear axle.
For safety reasons, smart recommends
that you only use snow chains that have
been approved by smart.
Information on this is available from any
smart center.
Please refer to the separate operating
instructions for detailed information on
mounting the snow chains.
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.

Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:

R

Using snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations
(

Y

page 206).

R

Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.

!

If snow chains are mounted to the front

wheels, they may scrape against the body
or axle components. The tires or the
vehicle could be damaged as a result.

R

Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before mounting
snow chains.

G

Warning!

When mounting or removing snow chains,
always park your vehicle on level ground,
engage the parking brake, and turn off the
engine. The vehicle could otherwise move
and injure yourself or other road users.

G

Warning!

When mounting and removing snow chains,
ensure that you and your vehicle are at a
safe distance from moving traffic. Not
doing so could endanger other road users or
even lead to you being injured by the
vehicles behind you.

G

Warning!

The vehicle’s handling changes when
driving with snow chains on any kind of
road surface. This means that you should
always adapt your driving style to suit the
current road and weather conditions.

!

If snow chains that do not meet

requirements are mounted, they may
scrape against the body or axle
components when the vehicle is in

Winter driving

137

>> Operation.

* optional

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motion. This could result in damage to
the rim/tire or vehicle.

Driving instructions

Drinking and driving

G

Warning!

Do not drink alcohol or take drugs and drive
or allow anyone to drive who has been
drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even a
small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.

Pedals

G

Warning!

Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats* or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and injury.

Power assistance

G

Warning!

With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.

Brakes

G

Warning!

Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out braking
maneuvers.

Refer to the description of the hydraulic
brake assistant (

Y

page 49).

!

Because the ESP

®

operates

automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP

®

may otherwise seriously

damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the brake system
may be the reason for low brake fluid level
in the brake fluid reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir may be too low if the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
comes on (

Y

page 24) although the parking

brake is released.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact an authorized smart
center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
smart center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by smart.

Inclines

!

When driving down long and steep

grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
When using the engine’s braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road

138

Driving instructions

>> Operation.

* optional

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surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drive- train which is not covered
by the smart Limited Warranty.

High and low stresses

G

Warning!

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating, thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness and your
ability to stop the vehicle in sufficient
time to avoid an accident.

After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.

G

Warning!

Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

Wet road surface

G

Warning!

After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
effect. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.

To help prevent brake disc corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to

parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.

G

Warning!

Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.

Limited braking effect on salted roads

Remember that the effect of the brakes can
be limited on salted road surfaces. A layer
of salt can form on brake discs and brake
pads, considerably reducing the friction
between the brake disc and the brake pad.
The effect is most noticeable after long
trips without braking, e.g. on the highway,
and after the vehicle has been parked for
several hours.

G

Warning!

The accumulation of salt on brake discs and
brake pads reduces braking effectiveness
and increases the distance necessary to
come to a complete standstill. This could
potentially cause an accident and/or
personal injury.
To avoid this risk, you should

R

brake carefully every now and then on
salted roads in order to remove any layer
of salt on the brake disc and brake pad,
but do so without endangering any other
road users.

R

keep a good safe distance from the
vehicle in front and drive carefully.

R

press the brake carefully at the end of the
trip and again when beginning the next
trip in order to remove any salt residues
from the brake disc.

New brake pads

Only install brake pads recommended by
smart.

Driving instructions

139

>> Operation.

Z

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G

Warning!

If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident.

G

Warning!

New brake pads will not achieve their
optimal braking effect until after several
hundred miles (kilometers). This means
that you must compensate for the reduced
braking effect by pressing harder on the
brake pedal and adapt your driving style
accordingly. The same applies after brake
pads or brake discs have been changed.

Drive sensibly - save fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent,
depends on driving habits and operating
conditions.
To save fuel you should:

R

Shift gears in a timely manner.

R

Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.

R

Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.

R

Remove carriers* when not in use.

R

Remove unnecessary loads.

R

Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.

R

Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required by
the Maintenance System. Contact an
authorized smart center.

Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips, and in hilly areas.

Catalytic converter

Your smart is equipped with monolithic-
type catalytic converter, an important
element in conjunction with the oxygen
sensors to achieve substantial control of
the pollutants in the exhaust emissions.
Keep your vehicle in proper operating
condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in
your Maintenance Booklet.

G

Warning!

The catalytic converter can become very
hot. Coming into contact with the catalytic
converter could result in burns.
Note the following:

R

Do not remove the protective heat guards.

R

Do not apply any underseal.

R

As with any vehicle, do not idle, park, or
operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible 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 prevent damage to the catalytic

converter, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may
reach the catalytic converter, causing it
to overheat and potentially start a fire.

It is essential to observe the following
points, as there is otherwise a danger of
overheating and the catalytic converter
may be damaged.

R

Fill up only with premium unleaded
gasoline. Even small quantities of
leaded gasoline can damage the catalytic
converter.

R

Make sure you adhere to the prescribed
service intervals.

140

Driving instructions

>> Operation.

* optional

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