Driving On Flooded Roads; Hydroplaning - Mercedes-Benz 2011 GL-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
170
®
!
As the ESP
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1) while the parking
brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
®
by ESP may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This also improves the brake
pads' friction.
G
Warning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y page 66).
Parking brake
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt could get into
the parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction
in the braking power of the parking brake,
observe the following:
gently depress the parking brake from time
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to time before beginning the journey.
drive approximately 110 yd (100 m)
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without exceeding a speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
G
Warning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
In addition, the vehicle's brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
system operates
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when you engage the parking brake.
Driving on wet roads

Hydroplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
you drive at low speeds
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the tires have adequate tread depth
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For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
Lower your speed
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Avoid ruts
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Brake carefully
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Driving on flooded roads

!
Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
i
Set the raised vehicle level before driving
through standing water.