Mercedes-Benz V 200 d, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 198 / 404

For this reason, avoid tyre ruts and brake
carefully.
Therefore, in heavy rain or other conditions in
which aquaplaning can occur, drive as follows:
R
reduce your speed
R
avoid tyre ruts
R
apply the brakes with care
Driving on flooded roads
!
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This
may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise damage
the engine, the electronics or the transmis-
sion.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind the fol-
lowing:
R
the water level of standing water should not
be above the lower edge of the front bumper
R
do not drive faster than walking speed
Driving in winter
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or sufficient
ventilation is not possible, toxic exhaust
fumes may enter the vehicle, especially car-
bon monoxide. This is the case, for example, if
the vehicle gets stuck in snow. There is a risk
of fatal injuries.
If you have to leave the engine or the auxiliary
heating running, keep the exhaust pipe and
the area around the vehicle free of snow. To
guarantee a sufficient supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle away from
the wind.
!
In the vicinity of the air intake, moveable
parts, the axles and wheel arches, the accu-
mulation of snow and ice especially if frozen
solid may:
R
obstruct the air intake
R
damage vehicle parts
R
cause malfunction by limiting the manoeu-
vrability intended by the design (e.g. insuf-
ficient steering movement possible)
Check your vehicle regularly when driving in
winter conditions and remove snow and ice.
If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
! Vehicles with automatic transmission may
roll only briefly in the neutral position
N. Pro-
longed rolling of the wheels, e.g. when being
towed, will result in transmission damage.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roads.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking
manoeuvres. Do not use cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS.
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 transmission to position N.
X Try to maintain control of the vehicle using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. If you do not adjust
your driving style, the vehicle may start to skid.
Always adapt your driving style and drive at a
speed to suit the prevailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around the freez-
ing point.
196
Driving tips
Driving and parking