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.

Ensure floor mats and carpets cannot slip and provide sufficient room for the pedals.

Do not lay multiple floor mats or carpets 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

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

WARNING Risk of accident due to the steering wheel lock when the ignition is switched off

If you switch off the ignition when the vehicle is at a standstill, you will be unable to steer the vehicle.

Switch on the ignition before letting the vehicle roll in order to deactivate the steering wheel lock.

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

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

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

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

DANGER Risk of death 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 engine or, if present, the auxiliary heating running in an enclosed space without sufficient ventilation.

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 when the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, for example.

Keep the tailpipe and the area around the vehicle free from snow when the engine or the stationary heater are 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 overheated brake system

If you rest your foot on the brake pedal during while driving, the brake system may overheat.

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

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.

Do not press the brake pedal and accelerator pedal simultaneously while driving.

On long and steep downhill gradients, you should change down to a lower gear in good time. Take particular note of this when driving a laden vehicle. By doing so, you will make use of the engine's braking effect. This will take some of the strain off the brake system and prevent the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly.

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.