Mercedes-Benz GLK 300 4MATIC 2012 Owner's Manual page 174

Always keep the engine running and in gear
R
when driving on a downhill gradient. Acti-
vate DSR ( page 213).
Y
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at
R
walking pace.
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
R
the ground at all times.
Drive with extreme care on unknown off-
R
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
Check the depth of water before fording
R
rivers and streams.
Look out for obstacles such as rocks, holes,
R
tree stumps and furrows.
Always keep the side windows and the pan-
R
orama sliding sunroof closed during the
journey.
Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
R
i
Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tyres is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
Checklist before driving off-road
Engine oil level: check the engine oil and
X
top it up if necessary.
Tyre-change tool kit: check that the jack
X
is working and make sure you have the
wheelbrace, a robust tow cable and a fold-
ing spade in the vehicle.
Wheels and tyres: check the tyre tread
X
depth and tyre pressure.
Check for damage and remove any foreign
X
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tyres.
Replace any missing valve caps.
X
Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X
Checklist after driving off-road
Driving over rough terrain places greater
demands on your vehicle than driving on nor-
mal roads. After driving off-road, check the
vehicle. This allows you to detect damage
promptly and reduce the risk of an accident
to yourself and other road users.
Deactivate DSR (
X
Y
Clean the headlamps and rear lights and
X
check for damage.
Clean the front and rear licence plates.
X
Clean the wheels/tyres with a water jet and
X
remove any foreign objects.
Clean the wheels, wheel arches and the
X
vehicle underside with a water jet; check
for any foreign objects and damage.
Check whether twigs or other parts of
X
plants have become trapped. These
increase the risk of fire and can damage
fuel pipes, brake hoses or the rubber bel-
lows of the axle joints and propeller shafts.
After the trip, examine without fail the
X
entire undercarriage, wheels, tyres, brakes,
bodywork structure, steering, chassis and
exhaust system for damage.
After driving for extended periods across
X
sand, mud, gravel, water or in similarly dirty
conditions, have the brake discs, wheels,
brake pads/linings and axle joints checked
and cleaned.
If you detect strong vibrations after off-road
X
travel, check for foreign objects in the
wheels and drive train and remove them if
necessary. Foreign objects can disturb the
balance and cause vibrations.
Driving tips
page 213).
Z
171