#
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 skidding and of an acci-
dent 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 surfa-
ces to increase the engine braking
effect.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions are permit-
ted to roll when in neutral
i
for only a short time.
Allowing the wheels to roll for longer, e.g. when
towing, causes transmission damage.
If the vehicle threatens to skid, or cannot be
brought to a standstill when traveling at a low
speed, you can stabilize the vehicle using the fol-
lowing measures:
R
Shift the automatic transmission to neutral
i
.
R
Try to maintain control of the vehicle using cor-
rective steering.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads. Avoid
sudden acceleration, steering and braking maneu-
vers.
Have your vehicle winterized at a qualified special-
ist workshop in good time at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes on snow chains (
/
page 243).
Regularly check the vehicle and remove snow or
ice when traveling in wintry conditions.
An accumulation of snow and ice, particularly
when frozen, in the area around the air intake,
moving parts, the axles, and the wheel wells may
cause the following problems:
R
Obstruction of the air intake
R
Damage to vehicle parts
R
Malfunctions due to restriction of the mobility
intended by the design (e.g. reduced steering
movement)
If there is any damage, inform a qualified specialist
workshop.
Information about driving off-road
&
WARNING Risk of accident if you do not
keep to line of fall on inclines
If you drive at an angle or turn on an incline,
the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover.
#
Always drive on inclines in the line of fall
(straight up or down) and do not turn.
&
WARNING Risk of injury from acceleration
forces during off-road driving
You could be thrown from your seat, for exam-
ple.
#
Always wear your seat belt even when
driving off-road.
&
WARNING Risk of injury to the hands when
driving over obstacles
If you drive over obstacles or in tire ruts, the
steering wheel may whip around.
#
The steering wheel must always be held
securely with both hands.
#
Always hold the steering wheel so that
your thumbs are on the outer rim of the
steering wheel.
#
When driving over obstacles, expect
increased steering forces at short notice.
&
WARNING Risk of fire caused by flamma-
ble material on hot exhaust system com-
ponents
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system.
#
When driving on an unpaved road or off-
road, check the vehicle underside regu-
larly.
#
In particular, remove trapped plant parts
or other flammable material.
#
If there is damage, consult a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
*
NOTE Damage to the vehicle after driving
off-road
Foreign bodies, such as stones and branches,
could become trapped on the vehicle under-
side or on wheels and tires while you are driv-
ing and cause damage to the vehicle.
116 Driving and parking
