Glossary: Mercedes-Benz ABC

Important explanations of terms

Mercedes-Benz wheels, tires and spare parts A-Z.

We, the Mercedes-Benz Used Parts Center have been proving ourselves to our customers for over 25 years with a high-quality service for wheels, tires, rims and spare parts solutions. Therefore we would like to support you with words and deeds. Discover important terms and information about your Mercedes-Benz in our Mercedes-Benz ABC.

aluminum rim
The material is crucial. But not all aluminum rims are the same. There are some differences between alloy wheels: Flowforged alloy wheels and forged wheels. In both cases, these are aluminum rims, but the manufacturing process is different. How do I recognize good quality aluminum rims? 1. high-quality processing (no bumps, edges or transitions 2. expert opinion or certification available 3. brand logo processed first-class.
ABE
or also called "general operating permit".
(Tyre) abrasion
If you drive, brake and start your Mercedes regularly, the surface of the tires will wear down. The faster you drive or brake, the more abrasion occurs.
aging
Several factors can influence the aging process of tires such as heat, cold, UV radiation or moisture.
ASR
The traction control ensures that your vehicle or your wheels spin on slippery or uneven surfaces. The power transmission to the drive axle is dosed accordingly by means of a sensor.
Alpine icon
The Alpine symbol is a tire mark that is printed on the sidewall of your winter or all-season tires. It can be recognized by the mountain pictogram with a snowflake.
AMG styling/tuning
The sports package from Mercedes-AMG ensures a more athletic design. There are differences between AMG Line, AMG Line Plus and AMG Night package.
air pressure
The correct air pressure is of crucial importance for the mileage, service life, comfort, driving characteristics, safety and fuel consumption of tires. Driving stability suffers if the tire pressure is too low. Inflate your tires according to the weight and number of people.
all-season tyres
A tire with the ability to be used in both winter and summer conditions.
aspect ratio
Measures the relation between the height of the tire sidewall and the width of the tire. Example: dimension 205/70/16 --> width of 205 mm. The flank height is 70% of the width. 16 describes the inch size.

braking distance
describes the distance covered during braking. Several factors can influence the length of the braking distance: such as reaction time, brake response time, brake swelling time, road surface, tire condition and type, and the speed of your vehicle.
bar
The air pressure in your tires is measured in bars. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, this can have a negative effect on your driving safety and the service life of the tyres.
balancing
When balancing, we use a machine to rotate the rim with the tire. The calculated imbalance is eliminated or reduced with balancing weights. Warning: Poorly balanced wheels put a strain on the tyres, wheel bearings and wheel suspension (usually noticeable when the steering wheel wobbles).
bead
The inner ring or the bead of the tire flanks ensures that the tire sits optimally and securely on a rim. A bead contains several wire cores and carcass threads in the core. Above that sits the core rider made of rubber.

C tires
The C stands for Commercial. Tires with this mark have a higher load capacity and a reinforced substructure.
carcass
The carcass gives the tire its strength and ensures cohesion. It is an essential part of the tire's supporting structure. Today, the material of the carcass mostly consists of rayon synthetic fibers.
complete wheels
4x tires + 4x rims complete wheels are ready-to-install sets of 4 tires and 4 matching rims for your Mercedes-Benz or smart. Both together (tire with rim) are called "wheel" in technical jargon. When changing a wheel, not only the tires but also all supporting rims are replaced. Our rims are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel miss genes are more robust. Alloy rims, on the other hand, are lighter and have a more aesthetic design.
conversion
Here one can speak of replacing the standard tires on the Mercedes or smart with larger or wider rims with a different design.
customs service
The inch size is a standard size in trade and technology and an American unit of measurement. It is also called INCH. 1 inch is 25.5 millimeters. We use these e.g. B. with rim or tire sizes.
DOT number
The specified DOT number of the tires stands for "Department of Transportation", i.e. the date of manufacture and the age of the tyres. The four-digit number is printed on the tire sidewall. The code includes the week of production and the year of production. The DOT number is therefore an important criterion when buying used tires and new tires. Example: A tire with DOT 1920 was produced in week 19 of 2020.
ECE* test mark
ECE means Economic Commission for Europe. It stipulates that the following tire markings must be provided on tires: tire size, tire design, load capacity, speed index and date of manufacture (DOT)
flank
Denotes the sidewall of the tire. Various tire markings are noted here.
Grip
or also called liability. The adhesion or the interlocking of the car tires with the ground ensures perfect grip when braking and starting. That means the tires won't spin or skid.
hump
Is an all-round bulge on the rim shoulder. This is an important part of tires. There are usually two humps on the inside and outside. In the event of a lateral load and insufficient air pressure, these ensure that the tire bead does not jump off the rim board.
Hub Cap/Lid/Cap
The wheel hub caps, hub caps or also called rim caps, are attached in the middle of your rim and provide a highlight on the high-quality rims and wheel sets from the Mercedes-Benz used parts center. Most wheel hub caps only have to be clipped onto the center of the rim. With the help of a new wheel hub cap, you can keep your current rims and wheel sets, but still give your vehicle a new look. Choose from our variety of wheel hub caps in the Mercedes-Benz used parts online shop and make your vehicle or your customers' vehicles stand out on the road.
imbalance
An imbalance within a tire can already be caused by minimal fluctuations in the material density or by other influences. This can cause imbalances when the tire rotates. Proper tire balancing can quickly correct this with no problems.
interlocking effect
So that your winter tires can "bite" into the snow, the tires have sipes and grooves. This allows the tires to press the snow into a "toothed rail". This creates an interlocking of tires and road.
Currently no terms.
Currently no terms.
Load and pressure identification
Also called load index. This is one of the tire markings written on the sidewall of the tyre. This index provides information about the load capacity or maximum load per tire.
lateral force
Lateral forces occur when cornering. These forces make it difficult to brake because additional longitudinal forces occur here.
load index
this is also the so-called load index. It provides information about the load capacity, which varies depending on the vehicle weight.
Load capacity
Each tire that is manufactured must ensure that it can bear the weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, it should have the best possible transmission to the road with high drive forces, braking forces and lateral forces on hot and frozen or wet roads.
M + S
means "mud and snow". Tires suitable for winter can be identified by the M+S marking or the so-called Alpine symbol on the sidewall.
minimum tread depth
A minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters applies to tires. Since worn tires endanger braking performance, we recommend checking the tread depth regularly. Our tires are available in quality A and quality B with various tread depths and manufacturing dates or even as new. For safety reasons, tires should be replaced if the remaining tread depth is less than 4 mm.
mixed tires
In some Mercedes series, different wheel rims and tire sizes are mounted on the front and rear axles. A larger inch size is usually fitted to the rear axle, since the rear axle is subjected to more stress than the front axle when accelerating. This applies e.g. B. for sports cars or hybrid vehicles. If you have mixed tires on your vehicle - there could be discrepancies with this VIN query. In this case, please contact us on +49 711 17 70000.
MO
Original equipment for Mercedes models The tires can also be used on other vehicles.
MOE
Original equipment for Mercedes models with run-flat properties The tires can also be used on other vehicles.
manufacturing date
or also called DOT. The specified DOT number of the tires stands for "Department of Transportation", i.e. the date of manufacture and the age of the tyres. The four-digit number is printed on the tire sidewall. The code includes the week of production and the year of production. The DOT number is therefore an important criterion when buying used tires and new tires. Example: A tire with DOT 1920 was produced in week 19 of 2020.
mileage
Describes the service life of a tire. This depends on the vehicle, driving style and other factors. For example, on vehicles with front-wheel drive, the mileage of the front tires is often lower than that of the rear tires.
Currently no terms.
Off road tires
These tires are specially designed for off-road use. They enable a special grip for these special off-road challenges such as e.g. B. a solid grip in wet and soft ground, puncture resistance and tire load capacity.
offset
The offset is the distance between the center of the wheel and the inner contact surface of the rim on the brake disc or wheel hub
profile
The grooves and tread blocks are part of the tire tread. They are used to drain water or slush and offer optimal grip in difficult conditions, for example in winter.
Currently no terms.
rotation
Tires are mounted in the direction of the directional tread pattern. This is marked by a rotation identifier (arrow).
Rim diameter/size
The rim diameter is determined in the well-known inch unit. Here is measured between the rim shoulders. The rim diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the tire to be mounted.
rubber compounds
Tires can consist of up to 16 different components. The composition of all-season tyres, summer tyres, winter tires differ in order to adapt the tires to the appropriate conditions in the respective season. In addition, the composition of the rubber mixture is different and secret for each tire manufacturer.
running direction
Tires are mounted in the direction of the directional tread pattern. This is marked by a label (arrow).
runflat properties
If the tire is damaged, some tires have run-flat properties. This helps to ensure that the tire does not jump off the rim even if there is a loss of pressure. It is therefore possible to achieve a maximum remaining range of up to 80 kilometers at 80 km/h.
run-flat tires
By runflat tires is meant tires that have a self-supporting construction. The substructure of the tire is reinforced by changing the carcass and the belt, and stiffening the sidewalls and the bead zone. These tires, also known as run-flat tires, can be mounted on conventional rims. However, a functioning air pressure control system is required.
steel rim
Rims that have a high resistance and robustness, especially in winter. The advantage over aluminum rims is that steel rims are more stable, durable and overall cheaper. However, they are a bit heavier and may result in higher fuel consumption.
summer tyres
A tire designed for high temperatures, very high speeds on wet and dry roads.
Summer wheels/complete wheels
4x summer tires + 4x rims Complete summer wheels are ready-to-install sets consisting of 4 summer tires and 4 matching rims for your Mercedes-Benz or smart. Both together (summer tires with rim) are called "wheel" in technical jargon. During a summer wheel change, not only the tires are replaced, but also all the load-bearing rims. Our rims are made of either steel or aluminum. In the summer you can choose beautiful designs for alloy wheels.
sawtooth formation
In the case of sawtooth formation, there is oblique wear of the tread blocks of the tyre. These are usually located on the outside of a tire. The sawtooth formation only has an effect on driving behavior in very few cases. Sawtooth formation is often caused by incorrect air pressure in the tires or by incorrect axle settings on the vehicle. However, this is neutralized again after a few kilometers when the tire pressure is corrected.
snow chains
In heavy snowfall and extreme road conditions that can no longer be mastered with winter tires alone - snow chains can help. You put this on your bike to get to your destination better.
SECTION
The ABS braking system allows your wheels to be held with full braking pressure in the favorable slip range of maximum static friction. Several thousand control pulses regulate the brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock.
single wheel
Denotes a single rim with tire. This means that this rim has already been completed with a tire. The difference to a wheel set is that 4 identical individual wheels are delivered together as a package.
speed index
The speed index is the maximum speed approved for a tire type. Maximum speed with car tires: SI km/h Q 160 R 170 S 180 T 190 H 210 V 240 W 270 Y 300 ZR Over 240
slats
Sipes are small indentations in the tire tread block. These we knit small micro gripping edges. With winter tires they lead to higher traction when starting and braking
tirefit
Tire sealant tire filling bottle: With the Tirefit tire sealant on Mercedes-Benz wheels, you can seal damage or puncture damage up to 0.16 in (4 mm) in the tire tread. Attention: You can only use the tire sealant Tirefit up to outside temperatures of -20 °C.
traction
Traction converts the applied driving force into propulsion through the friction of the tires on the road.
tire dimensions
This is the most important parameter when buying tires. This provides information on whether a tire is approved for a rim or not. The information on tire dimensions usually has the following structure: 205/65 R18 88H. The R stands for radial construction, 13 is the rim diameter in inches and T is the speed index. Top sellers: 205/60/16 225/45/18 245/40/18 245/45/18 255/45/19 235/55/19 235/50/19 255/50/19 245/45/19 235 /45/20 255/40/20 315/40/21 265/40/21 275/45/21
tread
The tread of your tires is in direct contact with the road. The quality of these is largely determined by the design of the profile on the tread. The tread is responsible for power transmission and has to realize acceleration and braking forces in curves.
Tread thermally loaded
At high speeds on summer roads, winter tires are exposed to a much higher thermal load than summer tires. The treads of the summer tires are provided with a heat-resistant tread compound in order to meet these extreme demands.
tread depth
Worn car tires have a significant impact on road safety. A minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters applies to tires. It is recommended to change the tire with a maximum tread depth of 4 mm. Since worn tires endanger braking performance, we recommend checking the tread depth regularly. Our tires are available in quality A and quality B with various tread depths and manufacturing dates or even as new. Quality A means: ✓ Age (DOT) up to 4 years ✓ Tread depth from 6.0 mm ✓ Tread condition: normal signs of wear Quality B means: ✓ Age (DOT) up to 6 years ✓ Tread depth 4.0 to 5.9 mm ✓ Tread condition: normal signs of wear
tire marking
the following tire markings are on the tire or sidewall: tire size, tire type, load capacity, speed index and date of manufacture (DOT)
tire pressure monitoring systems
tire pressure monitoring systems are built-in systems in the vehicle that constantly record the tire pressure. In the event of changes, the corresponding information is transmitted to the driver.
Unridden, not rolled = nearly new tires
Our highlight for you: Secure new tires now with the note: unused / rolled. Ie these are "like new". Look out for this notice in our product descriptions.
understeer
This certain driving behavior can cause the front tire to lose grip on the road. With the vehicle's understeer, the car slides straight ahead in a direction tangential to the turning radius.
Valve
There are different types of valves such as rubber valves and screw valves. These prevent the loss of tire pressure by sealing the rim hole. A pump can be used to pump air pressure into the tire through the valve. With the help of valve caps, the valves are kept free of dust, dirt or water.
VIN number
You can find the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your Mercedes-Benz in your vehicle registration document (registration certificate part I). If you enter this in the search mask for wheels, we will only show you the items that fit your vehicle. Every car has a so-called "VIN". VIN is the abbreviation for vehicle identification number. In the past and popularly still called the "chassis number". The VIN has 17 digits and consists of three parts: At the beginning there is the manufacturer code and the country of production. For example, WDD stands for Mercedes-Benz in Germany. The next part breaks down the series and model year as well as the engine and vehicle type. Using the VIN, accessories, spare parts and components and, of course, wheels can be assigned without any doubt and with a perfect fit.
Winter wheels/complete wheels
4x tires + 4x rims Complete winter wheels are ready-to-install sets consisting of 4 winter tires and 4 matching rims for your Mercedes-Benz or smart. Both together (tire with rim) are called "wheel" in technical jargon. During a winter wheel change, not only the tires are replaced, but also all the load-bearing rims. Our rims are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel miss genes are more robust. Alloy rims, on the other hand, are lighter and have a more aesthetic design.
winter tyres
Winter tires that are approved for winter road conditions have the so-called Alpine symbol. The Alpine symbol is mandatory for all winter tires. You can also recognize this from the different profile properties. Summer tires are significantly harder than winter tires because they are made from a different special rubber compound. The winter tire profile is characterized by sipes to prevent skidding on snow. Due to the soft tread compound, the winter tire is still flexible even at low temperatures, so that it remains grippy and adapts optimally to the road surface.
Winter tires compulsory
In Germany there is a situational winter tire obligation, according to which the tires must be adapted to the weather conditions. The rule of thumb is to change to winter tires from October to Easter. The condition of the road therefore determines whether you have to drive with winter tires or not. In principle, winter tires are compulsory in wintry weather conditions such as: black ice, snow, slush, ice and/or frost.
wheel size
see tire dimensions.
wheel change vs. tire change
We only refer to changing tires as changing tires from summer to winter. A wheel change, in turn, refers to the replacement of the complete wheel, i.e. the rim with tires.
wheel and tire combination
Information on the suitable wheel/tire combination and tire size can be found in your vehicle registration document. Here is the right dimension that you can mount on your vehicle. In addition, you can use our VIN search to find the right complete wheel set or let our trained car professionals advise you here.
Currently no terms.
Currently no terms.
Currently no terms.

Mercedes-Benz Used Parts

Stay in touch with us.

The latest products and the best offers via email.

Newsletter registration

0