Mercedes-Benz GLS Operator's Manual page 175

Driving over obstacles
!
Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should always
keep a safe distance from the vehicle when
doing so in order to avoid injury as a result of
unexpected vehicle movements. After driving
off-road or over obstacles, check the vehicle
for possible damage, especially to the under-
body and the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other obstacles:
Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles
R
without Off-Road Engineering package)
( page 219).
Y
Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles
R
with Off-Road Engineering package)
( page 220).
Y
Select LOW RANGE offroad gear (vehicles
R
with Off-Road Engineering package)
( page 221)
Y
Raise the vehicle level.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-
R
ing wheel paddle shifter.
Drive very slowly.
R
Drive straight over the center of obstacles.
R
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.
Observe the rules on off-road driving.
R
Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines or
R
gradients, but instead follow the direct line of
fall.
When driving down an incline, make use of the
R
engine's braking effect. Observe the engine
speed; do not overrev the engine.
Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles
R
without Off-Road Engineering package)
( page 219).
Y
Select the Offroad drive program (vehicles
R
with Off-Road Engineering package)
( page 220).
Y
Before driving on extreme uphill and downhill
R
gradients, select the LOW RANGE offroad
gear (vehicles with Off-Road Engineering
package) ( page 221).
Y
Drive slowly.
R
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at appropri-
R
ate engine speeds (maximum 3,000 rpm).
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle
R
shifter to shift into a lower gear in good time
on long and steep downhill gradients.
Check the brakes after prolonged off-road
R
driving.
Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on
a hill. For further information about hill start
assist, see ( page 143).
Y
Do not switch to transmission position N when
driving off-road. If you try to brake the vehicle
using the service brake, you could lose control
of the vehicle. If the gradient is too steep for your
vehicle, drive back down in reverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure angle
values ( page 394).
Y
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient climbing
ability values ( page 394).
Y
Driving tips
173
Z