STARTING AND DRIVING
Preparations for a long trip
Before a driving holiday or some other type of
long journey, it is important to check the car's
functions and equipment particularly care-
fully.
Check that
the engine is working normally and that
•
fuel consumption is normal
there are no leaks (fuel, oil or other fluid)
•
braking effect on braking works as
•
intended
the tyres have sufficient tread depth and
•
pressure. Change to winter tyres when
driving to areas where there is a risk of
snowy or icy road surfaces
starter battery charging is good
•
the wiper blades are in good condition
•
a warning triangle and high-visibility vest
•
are located in the car - legally required in
certain countries
Related information
Checking tyre pressure (p. 574)
•
Fuel consumption and CO
•
(p. 686)
Filling washer fluid (p. 670)
•
Winter driving (p. 466)
•
Economical driving (p. 465)
•
Settings for car modem* (p. 549)
•
466
Recommendations for loading (p. 602)
•
Driving with a trailer (p. 488)
•
Pilot Assist* (p. 327)
•
Speed limiter (p. 307)
•
Emergency puncture repair kit (p. 589)
•
emissions
2
Winter driving
For winter driving it is important to perform
certain checks of the car in order to ensure
that it can be driven safely.
Check the following in particular before the
cold season:
The engine coolant must contain 50%
•
glycol. This mixture protects the engine
against frost down to approx. -35°C
(-31°F). To avoid health risks, different
types of glycol must not be mixed.
The fuel tank must be kept filled to pre-
•
vent condensation.
Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
•
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting in cold weather and also reduce fuel
consumption while the engine is cold.
The condition of the starter battery and
•
charge level must be inspected. Cold
weather places great demands on the
starter battery and its capacity is reduced
by the cold.
Use washer fluid with antifreeze to avoid
•
ice forming in the washer fluid reservoir.
See the separate section for engine oil recom-
mendations.
* Option/accessory.