Transporting items
Stowing luggage and
loads
Stowing luggage safely in the vehicle
— Always distribute any loads in the vehicle
as evenly as possible. Do not cover any
ventilation openings.
— Always stow luggage and heavy objects in
the luggage compartment → and place
them as far forwards as possible.
— Observe gross axle weight ratings and the
gross vehicle weight rating → page 387.
— Secure luggage to the fastening rings in
the luggage compartment using suitable
lashing, fixing and securing straps
— Also stow small objects safely.
— If necessary, fold back the rear seat back-
rest and engage it securely.
— If necessary, adjust the headlight range
→ page 109. Vehicles with dynamic head-
light range control adapt automatically to
the load.
— Adjust the tyre pressure according to the
vehicle load. Observe the tyre pressure
WARNING
Objects that are not secured, or are secured
incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking ma-
noeuvre or accident. This applies particular-
ly if objects are struck when the airbag is
triggered and then flung through the vehi-
cle interior. To reduce the risk of accidents,
please observe the following guidelines:
·
Always stow all objects in the vehicle se-
curely. Always observe the legal regula-
tions.
·
Objects should be stowed in the vehicle
interior in such a way that they can nev-
er enter the airbag deployment zones
while the vehicle is in motion.
·
Always keep stowage compartments
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
·
Stowed objects must never cause pas-
sengers to assume an incorrect sitting
position.
·
If an item is being stowed on a seat, this
seat must not be used by any passen-
gers.
·
Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp
objects loose in any of the vehicle's open
stowage areas, on the surface behind
the rear seat backrest or on the dash
panel.
·
Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects
from items of clothing and bags in the
vehicle interior and stow them securely.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the ve-
hicle's handling due to the change in the
centre of gravity and increases the braking
distance. Heavy loads that are not properly
stowed or secured in the vehicle can lead
to a loss of vehicle control and can cause
serious injury.
·
Never exceed the vehicle's maximum
load. Both the load and the distribution
of the load in the vehicle will have an ef-
fect on the driving response and braking
distance of the vehicle.
·
Transporting heavy objects changes the
vehicle's handling and the centre of
gravity.
·
The load should be distributed as evenly
as possible in the vehicle.
·
Always secure heavy objects in the lug-
gage compartment as far in front of the
rear axle as possible.
·
Loose objects in the luggage compart-
ment can suddenly slide and change the
way the vehicle handles.
·
Always adapt your speed and driving
style to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
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Transporting items