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

Driving tips
138
The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
4ETS ( page 57)
R
Y
Transfer case (
R
Differential locks (
R
Observe the following notes:
stop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
R
transfer case to LOW RANGE (

before driving off-road.

in transfer case position LOW RANGE the
R
ECO start/stop function is not available
( page 114).
Y
engage the differential locks, if necessary
R
( page 165).
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 219).
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 on a slope.
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.
When fording, do not stop and do not switch
R
off the engine.
Look out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
R
tree stumps and furrows.
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 stray from marked routes or paths.
R
page 162)
Y
page 162)
Y
page 162)
Y
®
and BAS are deactivated
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
R
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
Drive slowly and at an even speed through the
R
water. Ensure that a bow wave does not form
as you drive.
On sand, drive quickly to overcome the rolling
R
resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become stuck in loose ground.
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
transmission position N.
Always check the vehicle for damage after off-
R
road driving.
i
Information about retrofitting special all-ter-
rain tires is available from any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
i
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 sur-
faces.
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.
Oil level: check the engine oil level and add oil
X
if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough oil
when the vehicle is on a steep incline.
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