Mercedes-Benz GLK 300 4MATIC 2012 Owner's Manual page 172

Off-road fording
Fording depth : must not exceed 30 cm
when the vehicle is loaded and ready to drive.
Loaded and ready to drive means: a full tank,
all fluids topped up and the driver is in the
vehicle.
! The water depth must not exceed 30 cm.
Note that the possible fording depth is less
in flowing water.
establish how deep the water is and the
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characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
restrict the shift range to 1 or 2.
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avoid high engine speeds.
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enter and exit the water at a flat place and
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at a steady walking pace.
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and neighbouring
assemblies.
drive slowly and at a constant speed
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through the water.
do not stop.
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! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior equip-
ment.
water offers a high degree of resistance,
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the ground is slippery and, in some cases,
unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and dan-
gerous to pull away in the water.
ensure that a bow wave does not form as
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you drive.
clean any mud from the tyre tread after
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fording.
apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
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Winter driving
Important safety notes
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WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( page 352).
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Driving with summer tyres
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( page 352).
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Driving tips
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