and wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R
snow chains must not be fitted to emer-
gency spare wheels, e.g. a "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel.
R
Only fit snow chains in pairs and to the rear
wheels, even on vehicles with 4MATIC*.
Comply with the manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
On vehicles with AIRMATIC*, if snow chains
have been fitted, you may only drive at raised
vehicle level (
Y
page 154).
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i
You may wish to deactivate ESP
®
when
pulling away with snow chains fitted
(
Y
page 60). This way, you can allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner, ach-
ieving an increased driving force (cutting
action).
Winter driving
G
Risk of accident
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X
Vehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.
X
Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
shift the selector lever to N.
X
Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering.
Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients
On long and steep downhill stretches, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or,
on vehicles with automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1, 2 or 3.
i
This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips
231
Op
era
tion
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
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