Mercedes-Benz A Series 2015 Owner's Manual page 234

Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
Trailer towing is not permissible on the fol-
lowing models:
A 250 Sport
R
A 250 Sport 4MATIC
R
Mercedes‑AMG A 45 4MATIC
R
A 180 d BlueEFFICIENCY Edition
R
Vehicles with AMG Line
R
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for the
maximum load. Further information on the
tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap
( page 362).
Y
Please note that when towing a trailer, the
following driving systems have limited avail-
ability or are not available at all.
PARKTRONIC ( page 209)
R
Y
Blind Spot Assist (
R
Y
The height of the ball coupling changes with
the load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Driving tips
Observe the notes on ESP
tion ( page 76).
Y
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check
the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for
page 226)
page 405).
Y
®
trailer stabilisa-
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles
with automatic transmission, you need to
have selected manual drive program M
( page 177).
Y
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive
program M is temporarily activated (vehicles
with automatic transmission): the automatic
transmission may switch back to the last
active automatic drive program E or S. The
automatic transmission may shift to a higher
gear. This can reduce the engine's braking
effect.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
Do not accelerate.
X
Do not countersteer.
X
Brake if necessary.
X
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
R
front than when driving without a trailer.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
R
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
The values given for gradient-climbing
R
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
Towing a trailer
Z
231