Mercedes-Benz ML320. Service manual - part 100

 

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Mercedes-Benz ML320. Service 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:

Driving style

Tire pressure

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:

Check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects.

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

Winter driving

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

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze 
concentration.

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 
(

page 307).

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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