Mercedes-Benz

Notes on driving

WARNING Risk of accident due to objects in the driver's footwell

Objects in the driver's footwell may impede pedal travel or block a depressed pedal.

This jeopardises the operating and road safety of the vehicle.

Stow all objects in the vehicle securely so that they cannot get into the driver's footwell.

Always fit the floor mats securely and as prescribed in order to ensure that there is always sufficient room for the pedals.

Do not use loose floor mats and do not place floor mats on top of one another.

WARNING Risk of accident due to incorrect footwear

Incorrect footwear includes, for example:

shoes with platform soles
shoes with high heels
slippers

There is a risk of an accident.

Always wear suitable footwear so that you can operate the pedals safely.

WARNING Risk of accident if the vehicle is switched off while driving

If you switch off the vehicle while driving, safety functions are restricted or no longer available.

This may affect the power steering system and the brake force boosting, for example.

You will need to use considerably more force to steer and brake, for example.

Do not switch off the vehicle while driving.

DANGER Risk of fatal injuries caused by exhaust gases

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling these exhaust gases is hazardous to health and leads to poisoning.

Never leave the vehicle or, if present, the stationary heater running in an enclosed space without sufficient ventilation.

WARNING Risk of skidding and of an accident due to shifting down on slippery road surfaces

If you shift down on slippery road surfaces to increase the engine braking effect, the drive wheels may lose traction.

Do not shift down on slippery road surfaces to increase the engine braking effect.

DANGER Risk of fatal injury due to poisonous exhaust gases

If the tailpipe is blocked or sufficient ventilation is not possible, poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide may enter the vehicle. This is the case if the vehicle gets stuck in snow, for example.

Keep the tailpipe and the area around the vehicle free from snow when the vehicle or the stationary heater is running.

Open a window on the side of the vehicle facing away from the wind to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air.

WARNING Risk of accident due to the brake system overheating

If you leave your foot on the brake pedal when driving, the brake system may overheat.

This increases the braking distance and the brake system can even fail.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.

Do not depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time while driving.

NOTE Engine damage due to excessively high engine speeds

The engine will be damaged if you drive with the engine in the overrevving range.

Do not drive with the engine in the overrevving range.

NOTE Causing wear to the brake linings by permanently depressing the brake pedal

Do not permanently depress the brake pedal while driving.

To use braking effect of the engine, shift to a lower gear in good time.

NOTE Damage to the drivetrain and engine when pulling away

Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. Pull away immediately.

Avoid high engine speeds and driving at full throttle until the engine has reached its operating temperature.

NOTE Damage to the catalytic converter due to non-combusted fuel

The engine is not running smoothly and is misfiring.

Non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter.

Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.

Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

NOTE Reduced battery life due to frequent short-distance trips

The 12 V battery may not be sufficiently charged when the vehicle is used only for short-distance trips. This reduces the life of the battery.

Drive longer distances regularly to charge the battery.

NOTE Damage to the vehicle due to not observing the maximum permitted headroom clearance

If the vehicle height is greater than the maximum permitted headroom clearance, the roof and other parts of the vehicle may be damaged.

Observe the signposted headroom clearance.

If the vehicle height is greater than the permitted headroom clearance, do not enter.

Observe the changed vehicle height with add-on roof equipment.

Notes on driving with a roof load, trailer or fully laden vehicle

When driving with a loaded roof luggage rack or trailer as well as with a fully laden or fully occupied vehicle, the vehicle's driving and steering characteristics change.

You should bear the following in mind:

Do not exceed the permissible roof load and towing capacity. Also observe the technical data in the printed Owner's Manual.
Evenly distribute the roof load, and place heavy objects at the bottom. Also comply with the notes on loading the vehicle More.
Drive attentively, and avoid suddenly pulling away, braking and steering as well as rapid cornering.

Notes on driving on salt-treated roads

The braking effect is limited on salt-treated roads.

Therefore, observe the following notes:

due to salt build-up on the brake disks and brakepads, the braking distance can increase considerably or result in braking only on one side
maintain a much greater safe distance to the vehicle in front

To remove salt build-up:

brake occasionally while paying attention to the traffic conditions
carefully depress the brake pedal at the end of the journey and when starting the next journey

Notes on aquaplaning

Aquaplaning can take place once a certain amount of water has accumulated on the road surface.

Observe the following notes during heavy precipitation or in conditions in which aquaplaning may occur:

reduce speed
avoid tyre ruts
avoid sudden steering movements
brake carefully

Also observe the notes on regularly checking wheels and tyres More.

Notes on driving through water on the road surface

Water which has entered into the vehicle can damage the engine, electrics and transmission.

Water can also enter the air intake of the engine and cause engine damage.

Observe the following if you must drive through water:

The water, when calm, may only reach the lower edge of the vehicle body.
Drive at a maximum speed of 10 km/h; water can otherwise enter the vehicle interior or engine compartment.
Vehicles travelling in front, or oncoming vehicles, can create waves which may exceed the maximum permissible depth of the water.

The braking effect of the brakes is reduced after fording. Brake carefully while paying attention to the traffic conditions until braking power has been fully restored.