Checklist Before Driving Off-Road - Mercedes-Benz G-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
128
Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of
your vehicle and the gear shift operation before
driving through difficult terrain.
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
4ETS ( page 59)
R
Y
Off-road ABS (
R
Transfer case (
R
Differential locks (
R
Observe the following notes:
Stop the vehicle before you drive off-road and,
R
if necessary, shift the transfer case to the off-
road driving position LOW RANGE
( page 146).
Y
Engage the differential locks if necessary
R
( page 148).
Y
i
ABS, 4ETS, ESP
while the differential locks are engaged. This
allows the front wheels to lock briefly, so that
these can dig into a loose surface. However,
please note that locked wheels skid and can
no longer steer.
Check that items of luggage and loads are
R
stowed safely and are well secured
( page 209).
Y
To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
R
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving down an incline.
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
R
walking pace.
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with the
R
ground at all times.
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road
R
routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-
sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route.
Check the depth of water before fording rivers
R
and streams.
Watch out for obstacles.
R
Always keep the doors, rear door, side win-
R
dows and the sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
Switch off cruise control.
R
Do not deviate from marked routes.
R
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
R
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
page 58)
Y
page 145)
Y
page 120)
Y
®
and BAS are deactivated
Do not jump with the vehicle. as this will inter-
R
rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at appropri-
R
ate engine speeds (maximum 3,000 rpm).
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
R
position N.
Always check the vehicle for damage after off-
R
road driving.
Do not use the HOLD function when driving off-
road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients or on
slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD function
cannot hold the vehicle on such surfaces.
You can obtain further information about retro-
fitting special all-terrain tires from a qualified
specialist workshop.

Checklist before driving off-road

!
If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as possible. Check the
engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp
warning must not be ignored. Continuing the
journey while the symbol is displayed could
lead to engine damage.
Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
X
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the engine
oil level must be sufficiently high to ensure a
correct oil supply in the vehicle.
Tire-changing tool kit: check that the jack is
X
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 depth
X
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. Also
X
check the spare wheel.
Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a loss
X
of tire pressure and damage the tire bead.
Before driving off-road, check the wheels and
replace them if necessary.