Approach/Departure Angle - Mercedes-Benz G-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
140
for possible damage, especially to the under-
body and the components of the chassis.
!
Drive with particular care when driving over
an obstacle while driving up or down a steep
slope.
The vehicle could otherwise tilt and slide side-
ways or tip over.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:
Observe the safety notes (
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the general notes (
driving.
Shift the transfer case to LOW RANGE
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( page 162).
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Avoid high engine speeds.
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Restrict the shift range to 1 (
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Make sure that you have enough ground
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clearance before driving across an obstacle.
Drive very slowly.
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Try to drive straight over the center of obsta-
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cles: front wheel first, then rear wheel.
Traveling uphill

Approach/departure angle

G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
Always observe the approach/departure angle
values ( page 296).
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Observe the safety notes (
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the general notes (
driving.
Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or
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gradients, but instead follow the direct line of
fall. Note that the climbing ability of your vehi-
cle depends on the terrain conditions.
Before driving on extreme uphill and downhill
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gradients, shift the transfer case to LOW
RANGE ( page 162).
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Engage the differential locks, if necessary
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( page 165).
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page 137) and
Y
page 137) on off-road
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page 123).
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page 137) and
Y
page 137) on off-road
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Drive slowly.
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Accelerate gently and make sure that the
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wheels are gripping.
Avoid high engine speeds, except when driv-
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ing on sandy and muddy routes with high driv-
ing resistance.
Avoid high engine speeds – drive at an appro-
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priate engine speed (maximum 3,000 rpm).
When driving down an incline, make use of the
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engine's braking effect. Observe the engine
speed; do not overrev the engine.
i
Further information on the maximum engine
speed: ( page 171).
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Select a shift range appropriate to the gradi-
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ent.
Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
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select shift range 1 (
Always check the brakes after driving off-
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road.
i
Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist"
page 114).
(
Y
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient climbing
ability values ( page 297).
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Hilltops
When driving on an uphill gradient, reduce pres-
sure slightly on the accelerator immediately
before reaching the top of the hill (do not shift
the transmission to position N). Use the vehi-
cle's own impetus to drive over the top of the
hill.
This style of driving prevents:
the vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
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brow of a hill
loss of traction
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the vehicle from traveling too quickly down
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the other side
Driving downhill
Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
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select shift range 1(
This way you use the engine's braking effect
to reduce the speed. If this is not sufficient,
brake gently. When doing so, make sure that
page 123).
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page 123).
Y