Snow Chains; Winter Driving Instructions - Mercedes-Benz 2009 M-Class Operator's Manual

Operation
Winter driving

Snow chains

! Vehicles with Adaptive Damping System
(ADS):
When driving with snow chains, do not
select SPORT mode as this may result in
damage to your vehicle.
! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help avoid
serious damage to your vehicle or tires,
make sure the use of snow chains is
permissible as specified in the "Technical
data" section of this Operator's Manual.
Snow chains should only be driven on snow-
covered roads at speeds not to exceed
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon
as possible when driving on roads without
snow.
Observe the following guidelines when using
snow chains:
Use of snow chains is not permissible with
R
all wheel/tire combinations (
Use snow chains in pairs and on rear
R
wheels only. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted to the front
wheels, they may scrape against the body
270
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
Only use snow chains that are approved by
R
Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
R
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
R
i When driving with snow chains, you may
wish to switch off the ESP
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle's traction.
Y page 401).

Winter driving instructions

G Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
G Warning!
®
( Y page 77)
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that
purpose.
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.
G Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced