Tires - Maintenance & Inspection
Date: February 2001Order No.: S-SI.40.10/36
Supersedes:
Group: 40
SUBJECT:
ALL MODELS
TIRES - PROPER MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
During the last couple of months, the public's attention has been increasingly focused on tire-related issues. This has led to a number of questions and inquiries from consumers about tire conditions.
Tires, like many products, require proper maintenance. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC encourages Mercedes-Benz Centers to remind customers to maintain tire pressure (as specified on the vehicle tire placard and in the vehicle's Operator's Manual) and to carefully monitor vehicle load. Tires should be examined periodically for signs of damage or puncture. Also, owners or operators should be advised that if they feel unusual vibrations or ride disturbances while driving, hazard warning flashers should be activated, speed should be reduced, the vehicle should be driven with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway, and the tires should be inspected. Customers should be reminded that if the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, the vehicle should be towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or tire service center for repair. If any owner or operator sees an unusual appearance in the tires on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the tires should be examined by a Mercedes-Benz Center or respective tire brand retailer.
In that regard, please note that some tire conditions, including tire noise, vibration, uneven tread wear, side wall discoloration or tread or sidewall cracks can be the result of normal wear and tear. These conditions may not necessarily affect the integrity of the tire or adversely affect the vehicle's handling characteristics. However, in order to assure that the tires are in proper operating condition, Mercedes-Benz suggests that any owner who notices a tire exhibiting any sort of unusual appearance or operating characteristics should bring the vehicle into a Mercedes-Benz Center or respective tire brand retailer to have the tire examined. Tire examination allows assessment of proper operating conditions, state of wear, potential need for replacement or, if applicable, adjustment under the tire manufacturer's warranty coverage.