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.
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.
You can find further information under:
R
"M+S tyres" (
Y
page 357)
R
"Snow chains" (
Y
page 358)
R
"Driving with summer tyres" (
Y
page 357)
Also observe the notes under "Winter operation"
(
Y
page 357).
Driving off-road
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you drive on 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 on an incline, drive into the line
of fall (upwards or downwards in a straight
line) and do not turn.
G
WARNING
When driving off-road, your body is subject to
forces from all directions due to the uneven
surface. You could be thrown from your seat,
for instance. There is a danger of injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-
road.
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
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk
of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
!
When driving off-road or on unpaved surfa-
ces, check the underside of the vehicle and
the wheels and tyres at regular intervals. In
particular, remove any trapped foreign
objects, e.g. stones and branches.
Driving tips
183
Driving and parking
Z
