Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Owner'S Manual

Page: 108 / 208

Off-road driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you drive up a steep incline at an angle or
turn on a steep incline, the vehicle could slip
sideways, tip and overturn. There is a risk of
an accident.
When driving up an incline, drive into the line
of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight
line) and do not turn.
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water,
possibly mixed with oil, for example, could get
into the brakes. This may lead to a reduction
in braking performance or total brake failure
as a result of increased wear. The braking
characteristics 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 per-
formance, have the brake system checked at
a qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Adapt your driving style to the altered braking
characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the possibility of
damage to the vehicle, which may cause
assemblies or systems to fail. Adapt your
driving style to the conditions of the terrain.
Drive carefully. Have vehicle damage rectified
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Observe the following when on hilly roads:
R
Do not shift the transmission to position
N.
R
If the gradient is too steep for your vehicle,
back up in reverse gear.
R
Do not continuously depress the brake
pedal, as doing so could cause you to lose
control.
General notes
H
Environmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section before driving your vehicle
off-road. Practise by travelling over more gen-
tle off-road terrain first.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R
Transfer case (
Y
page 110)
R
Differential locks (
Y
page 111)
Observe the following notes:
R
stop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
transfer case to
LOW(
Y
page 110) before
driving off-road.
R
engage the differential locks, if necessary
(
Y
page 112).
i When the differential locks are engaged,
ABS and BAS are deactivated. This allows
the front wheels to lock briefly, so that they
can dig into a loose surface. However,
please note that locked wheels skid and
can no longer steer.
R
Make sure that items of luggage and loads
are stowed safely and are well secured
(
Y
page 134).
R
To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at
walking pace.
R
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
the ground at all times.
R
Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
106
Driving tips
Driving and parking