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

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 will give the brake pads
better grip.
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
Y
(BAS) on ( page 62).
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
R
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.
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 AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.
Prevent water from entering the vehicle
interior or engine compartment. If you have
to drive through standing water, please note
that:
the maximum permissible still water depth
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is 12 in. (30 cm).
you should drive no faster than at walking
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pace.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
Driving tips
147
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