Mercedes Benz 2003 c 320 User Manual

227

Operation

Driving instructions

Depending on the depth of the water layer 
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even 
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce 
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the 
road and apply brakes cautiously in the 
rain.

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or 
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.

You should pay particular attention to the 
condition of the road whenever the outside 
temperatures are close to the freezing 
point.

Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated 
radial-ply tires for the winter season for all 
four wheels to insure normal balanced 
handling characteristics. On packed snow, 
they can reduce your stopping distance 
compared to summer tires. Stopping dis-
tance, however, is still considerably great-
er than when the road is not covered with 
snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution.

Additional information on winter tires can 
be found under “Winter tires” 
(

G

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects 
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You 
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued 
driving with a flat tire or driving at high 
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive 
heat build-up and possibly a fire.

G

If ice has formed on the road, tire traction 
will be substantially reduced. Under such 
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake 
with extreme caution.

G

Even when permitted by law, never operate 
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which 
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or 
personal injury and possible death, for you 
and for others.