Wheels and tires
309
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Visually inspect wheels and tires for damage.
Check the valve caps.
Visual check of the tire tread depth and the
tire contact surface across the entire width.
The minimum tread depth for summer tires is
â in (3 mm) and for winter tires ã in (4 mm).
Notes on noise or unusual handling characteris-
tics
Make sure there are no vibrations, noises or
unusual handling characteristics when the vehicle
is in motion. This may indicate that the wheels or
tires are damaged. Hidden tire damage could also
be causing the unusual handling characteristics.
If you suspect that a tire is malfunctioning, reduce
your speed immediately and have the tires and
wheels checked at a qualiꢀed specialist workshop.
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WARNING Risk of hydroplaning due to
insuꢁcient tire tread
Insuꢁcient tire tread will result in reduced tire
grip.
In heavy rain or slush the risk of hydroplaning
is increased, in particular where speed is not
adapted to suit the conditions.
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Thus, you should regularly check the
tread depth and the condition of the
tread across the entire width of all tires.
Minimum tread depth for:
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels and tires
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Summer tires: â in (3 mm)
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M+S tires: ãin (4 mm)
WARNING Risk of injury through damaged
tires
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For safety reasons, replace the tires
before the legally-prescribed limit for the
minimum tread depth is reached.
Damaged tires can cause tire pressure loss.
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Six marks 1 show where the bar indicators
(arrow) are integrated into the tire tread. They are
visible once a tire tread depth of approximately
á in (1.6 mm) has been reached.
Check the tires regularly for signs of
damage and replace any damaged tires
immediately.
Carry out the following checks on all wheels regu-
larly, at least once a month or as required, for
example, prior to a long journey or driving oꢂ-
road:
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Check the tire pressure (/ page 310).
