Rules For Driving Off-Road - Mercedes-Benz 2016 Metris Operator's Manual

Driving tips
140
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-
road.
G
WARNING
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the steer-
ing wheel may jerk out of your grip, causing
injury to your hands.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly with
both hands. When driving over obstacles, you
must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk
of fire.
When driving off road or on unpaved roads,
check the vehicle's underside regularly. In
particular, remove parts of plants or other
flammable materials which have become
trapped. In the case of damage, contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
!
When driving off-road or on unpaved surfa-
ces, check the underside of the vehicle and
the wheels and tires at regular intervals. In
particular, remove any trapped foreign
objects, e.g. stones and branches.
Such foreign objects may:
damage the chassis, the fuel tank or the
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brake system
cause imbalances and thus vibrations
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be flung out when you continue driving
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If there is any damage, inform a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
When driving off-road and on construction sites,
sand, mud and water mixed with oil, for exam-
ple, may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total brake
failure, also as a result of increased wear. The
braking characteristics will vary depending on
the material that has got into the system. Clean
the brakes after driving off-road. If you then
notice reduced braking performance or hear
scraping noises, have the brake system checked
at a qualified specialist workshop. Adjust your
driving style to the changed braking character-
istics.
Driving off-road or on construction sites increa-
ses the possibility of vehicle damage which may
in turn lead to the failure of certain assemblies
and systems. Adapt your driving style to the off-
road driving conditions. Drive carefully. Have
any vehicle damage rectified at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop as soon as possible.
When loading your vehicle for driving off-road or
on a construction site, keep the vehicle's center
of gravity as low as possible.

Rules for driving off-road

!
Always bear the vehicle's ground clearance
in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts of
the vehicle:
the chassis
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the drive train
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the fuel and supply tanks
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For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the front
passenger direct you.
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We recommend that you additionally carry a
shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in the
vehicle.
Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
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securely stowed or lashed down
( page 233).
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Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
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shift to a low gear.
If the surface requires, temporarily deactivate
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®
ESP when pulling away (
Only drive off-road with the engine running
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and a gear engaged.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
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necessary in many situations.
Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
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Make sure that the wheels always remain in
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contact with the ground.
Drive with extreme care over unknown terrain
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where you can only see for a short distance.
As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take
a look at the route to be taken in advance.
Check the water depth before fording.
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Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
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tree stumps and ruts).
Avoid edges where the surface could crumble
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or break away.
page 65).
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