Mercedes-Benz 2016 GLA Operator's Manual page 183

In such situations, have the vehicle
checked and repaired immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop. If on con-
tinuing your journey you notice that driving
safety is impaired, pull over and stop the
vehicle immediately, paying attention to
road and traffic conditions. In such cases,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle is only designed for easily nego-
tiable off-road terrain and poor road surfaces.
When driving off-road, substances such as
sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil
may get into the brakes. This could result in a
reduced braking effect or in total brake failure
and also in increased wear and tear. The brak-
ing characteristics change depending on the
material ingressing the brakes. Clean the
brakes after driving off-road. If you detect a
reduced braking effect or grinding noises,
have the brake system checked in a qualified
specialist workshop as soon as possible.
Adapt your driving style to the different brak-
ing characteristics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood of
damage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can lead
to failure of the mechanical assembly or sys-
tems. Adapt your driving style to suit the ter-
rain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damage
to the vehicle rectified immediately at a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Do not switch to transmission position N
when driving off-road. If you try to brake the
vehicle using the service brake, you could
lose control of the vehicle. If the gradient is
too steep for your vehicle, drive back down in
reverse gear.
General notes
H Environmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section carefully before driving your
vehicle off-road.
Off-road driving is only possible with the Off-
Road Engineering package (
The following driving systems are specially
adapted for driving over easily negotiable off-
road terrain:
Off-road program (
R
Y
Off-road ABS ( page 66)
R
Y
Off-road 4ETS ( page 69)
R
Y
®
Off-road ESP ( page 72)
R
Y
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)
R
( page 197)
Y
Observe the following notes:
Stop the vehicle before starting to drive
R
along an off-road route. If necessary, acti-
vate the off-road program (
To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
R
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
Check that items of luggage and loads are
R
stowed safely and are well secured
( page 285).
Y
Always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving on a downhill gradient. Acti-
vate DSR ( page 197).
Y
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
R
walking pace.
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
R
the ground at all times.
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
R
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
Check the depth of water before fording
R
rivers and streams.
Watch out for obstacles.
R
Take care when turning on an uphill or
R
downhill slope or when driving across a
slope. The vehicle could otherwise tip over.
Always keep the side windows and the pan-
R
orama roof with power tilt/sliding panel
closed during the journey.
Do not deviate from marked routes.
R
Do not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
Driving tips
page 199).
Y
page 199)
page 157).
Y
Z
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