Driving On Sand - Mercedes-Benz 2016 GL Operator's Manual

Driving tips
200
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.
DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
X
level and add if necessary (
Tire-changing tool kit: check that the jack
X
is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
X
depth and tire pressure.
Check for damage and remove any foreign
X
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
Replace any missing valve caps.
X
Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X
Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a
X
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Before driving off-road, check the
wheels and replace them if necessary.
Checklist after driving off-road
! If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on nor-
mal roads. After driving off-road, check the
vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to
yourself and other road users.
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
X
age: activate the on-road program
( page 258).
Y
Deactivate the LOW RANGE off-road gear
X
( page 259).
Y
Deactivate DSR (
X
Lower the vehicle level again to a level suit-
X
able to the road conditions, e.g. to the high-
way level.
Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
X
check for damage.
Clean the front and rear license plates.
X
page 186).
Y
page 257).
Y
Clean the wheels and tires with a water jet
X
and remove any foreign objects.
Clean the wheels, wheel housings and the
X
vehicle underside with a water jet; check
for any foreign objects and damage.
Check whether twigs or other parts of
X
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bel-
lows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.
After the trip, examine without fail the
X
entire undercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.
After driving for extended periods across
X
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
If you detect strong vibrations after off-road
X
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them if
necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.

Driving on sand

Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
Vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD pack-
R
age: select off-road program 1
( page 258).
Y
Select a higher vehicle level.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle
R
shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate
to the terrain.