Operation Manual
Wheels and tyres
14
174 Caravan - 12-11 - EN
Check regularly that the wheel nuts or wheel bolts are firmly seated. Re-tighten
the wheel bolts of a changed wheel cross-wise after 50 km (30 miles) (Fig. 185).
See Section 14.5.2 for tightening torque.
When using new or newly painted rims, re-tighten the wheel nuts or wheel
bolts once again after approx. 1000 to 5000 km (600 miles to 3000 miles).
For lay-ups or long periods of inactivity, keep the tyres and tyre bearings free
from pressure points:
Jack up the vehicle so that the wheels do not bear any load, or move the vehicle
every 4 weeks in such a way that the position of the wheels is changed.
14.2 Tyre selection
The tyre sizes approved for the vehicle are given in the vehicle documents or can
be obtained from the authorised dealers or service centres. Each tyre must fit the
vehicle on which it will be driven. This applies to the external dimensions (diameter,
width), which are indicated with the standardised size designations. In addition,
the tyres must meet the requirements of the vehicle with regard to weight and
speed.
Weight refers to the maximum permissible axle load which can be distributed on
two tyres (do not load unevenly or one-sided). The maximum load-carrying
capacity of a tyre is indicated by its load index (= LI, load index code).
The maximum permissible speed for a tyre (with full load-carrying capacity) is indi-
cated by the speed index (= SI). Together, load index and speed index form the
operating code of a tyre. This is an official component of the complete, standard-
ised dimensions description which appears on every tyre. The information on the
tyres must correspond to the specifications which appear in the vehicle papers.
Fig. 185 Tighten the wheel nuts or wheel
bolts cross-wise
X The wrong tyre choice can lead to damage to the tyres or even to tyres
bursting.
Z If tyres that are not approved for the vehicle are used, then the type approval
for the vehicle and subsequently the insurance coverage can lapse. The author-
ised dealer or service centre will be happy to advise you.