Mercedes-Benz Actros 2017, Operating Instructions Manual, Page: 308 / 436

a result of increased wear. The braking charac-
teristics will vary depending on the substances
that get into the brakes. Clean the brakes after
driving off-road. If you notice grinding noises or
a reduction in braking performance, have the
brake system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Adapt your driving style
to suit the altered braking characteristics.
Driving off-road demands special driving skills
and concentration. Furthermore, the driver
must take special care when driving off-road and
before driving on-road again.
Please make sure you read this section thor-
oughly before attempting to drive the vehicle
off-road. You will then understand the particular
advantages your vehicle offers to enable you to
always reach your destination safely.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you practice
driving off-road in less demanding terrain. When
driving on difficult terrain for the first time, ask
an experienced off-road driver to accompany
and advise you.
Driving systems for driving off-road
! Only engage the differential locks if there is
equal traction on all wheels. You could other-
wise damage the differential locks.
The following driving systems and equipment
help you to safely drive off-road:
R
ABS deactivation (
Y
page 246)
R
Differential locks (
Y
page 268)
R
Transfer case (
Y
page 270)
Checklist before driving off-road
X
Check the fuel and AdBlue
®
supplies
(
Y
page 129) and top up (
Y
page 315).
X
Engine: check the oil level (
Y
page 148) and
top up the oil (
Y
page 360).
Before driving up or down steep gradients, fill
the oil to the maximum level.
i If you drive up or down steep gradients, the
4
symbol may appear in an event window
on the on-board computer. The engine oper-
ating safety is not put at risk if you have filled
the engine oil to the maximum level before the
journey.
X
Vehicle tool kit: check that the jack is work-
ing (
Y
page 370).
X Make sure that a wheel bolt wrench, wooden
underlay for the jack, a robust tow cable and
a folding spade are carried in the vehicle.
X
Tyres and wheels: check the tread depth
(
Y
page 402) and tyre pressure
(
Y
page 405).
X Driver's seat: block horizontal springing.
X Mud flaps: fold the mud flaps forward and
attach them.
X Folding underride guard: fold the underride
guard to the off-road position (
Y
page 303).
Rules for off-road driving
G
WARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the steer-
ing wheel may jerk out of your grip, causing
injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles, you
must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
G
WARNING
When driving off-road or driving with an
engaged differential lock in the automatic
driving program, the electronic management
system may perform unwanted gear changes.
Due to the interruption in the tractive power,
the vehicle may roll backwards on uphill
slopes, for instance. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always drive carefully and be prepared to
brake. In particularly difficult driving condi-
tions, switch to the manual driving program.
On gradients and inclines, always follow the line
of fall and avoid changing gear. Drive up gradi-
ents without stopping until you are at the top of
the hill. If your vehicle is unable to cope with the
gradient, stop. Shift into reverse gear and allow
the vehicle to slowly roll backwards.
Vehicles with an automated manual transmis-
sion: the vehicle has a selectable crawler mode.
When crawler mode is activated, the vehicle
crawls automatically when the service brake is
released and continues rolling at the engine
idling speed (
Y
page 257). When driving in dif-
ficult terrain or on journeys with the differential
306
Driving tips
Driving mode