Such foreign objects may:
R
damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
brake system
R
cause imbalances and thus vibrations
R
be flung out when you continue driving
If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction sites,
sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for exam-
ple, may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total brake
failure, also as a result of increased wear. The
braking characteristics will vary depending on
the material that has got into the system. Clean
the brakes after driving off-road. If you then
notice reduced braking performance or hear
scraping noises, have the brake system checked
at a qualified specialist workshop. Adjust your
driving style to the changed braking character-
istics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites increa-
ses the possibility of vehicle damage which may
in turn lead to the failure of certain assemblies
and systems. Adapt your driving style to the off-
road driving conditions. Drive carefully. Have
any vehicle damage rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
When loading your vehicle for driving off-road or
on a construction site, keep the vehicle's centre
of gravity as low as possible.
Rules for driving off-road
!
Always bear the vehicle's ground clearance
in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts of
the vehicle:
R
the chassis
R
the drive train
R
the fuel and supply tanks
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver direct
you.
i
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you addi-
tionally carry a shovel and a recovery rope
with a shackle in the vehicle.
R
Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
securely stowed or lashed down
(
Y
page 312).
R
Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
shift to a low gear.
R
If the surface requires, temporarily deactivate
ESP
®
when pulling away (
Y
page 72).
R
Only drive off-road with the engine running
and a gear engaged.
R
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
necessary in many situations.
R
Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
R
Make sure that the wheels always remain in
contact with the ground.
R
Drive with extreme care over unknown terrain
where you can only see for a short distance.
As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take
a look at the route to be taken in advance.
R
Check the water depth before fording.
R
Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
tree stumps and ruts).
R
Avoid edges where the surface could crumble
or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road
!
If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Off-road driving places a higher demand on your
vehicle than normal road operation. Check your
vehicle after driving on rough terrain. By doing
so you will notice any damage in good time and
reduce the risk of an accident for yourself and
other road users. Clean your vehicle thoroughly
before driving on public roads.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving on
public roads:
X
Activate ESP
®
(
Y
page 72).
X
Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
check them for damage.
X
Clean the front and rear licence plates.
X
Clean the windscreen, windows and exterior
mirrors.
X
Clean the steps, door sills and grab handles.
This increases safety of footing.
184
Driving tips
Driving and parking
