i
The actual values for tires are vehicle-spe-
cific and may deviate from the values in the
illustration.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on aspecified U.S.
government course. For example, atire graded
150 would wear one and one-half times as well
on the government test track as atire graded
100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, ser-
vice practices and differences in road charac-
teristics 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.
!
Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
The traction grades –from highest to lowest –
are AA, A, Band C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as meas-
ured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. Atire marked Cmay have poor traction
performance.
The safe speed on awet, snow covered or icy
road is alwayslower than on dry road surfa-
ces.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends aminimum tread
depth of ã in (4 mm) on all four winter tires.
Observe the legally required minimum tire
tread depth (Y page 269). Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow-covered
surfaces in comparison with summer tires. The
braking distance is still much further than on
surfaces that are not icy or covered with snow.
Take appropriate care when driving.
Temperature
G
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for atire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessiveloading, either separately
or in combination, can cause excessiveheat
build-up and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistancetothe
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade Ccorresponds
to alevel of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and Arepresent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
All about wheelsand tires
283
Wheels and tires
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