Mercedes-Benz GL450 Operator's Manual page 360

Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
!
Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while
driving through water. Water could otherwise en-
ter the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's
electronics, as well as the interior equipment.
There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.
Make sure that only small bow waves
are formed when driving the vehicle
through water.
Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.
To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times while driving
after leaving the water.
Crossing obstacles
!
Obstacles can damage the vehicle
underbody or suspension components. If possi-
ble use the assistance of a second person out-
side the vehicle to scout the path you intend to
take and check for adequate ground clearance
when you cross obstacles with your vehicle. The
person assisting you outside the vehicle should
always be a safe distance away from the vehicle
and positioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obstacles, in-
spect vehicle for any damage, especially vehicle
underbody and suspension components. Failure
to do so can adversely affect the vehicle's future
performance, including increased chance of an
accident.
Driving instructions
When driving over tree stumps, big rocks
and other obstacles, observe the following
rules:
Make sure the off-road driving program
( page 275) or if equipped the LOW
RANGE mode* ( page 199) is
switched on.
Avoid high engine speeds.
Shift automatic transmission to
position 1 ( page 196).
Check the vehicle clearance before
crossing obstacles.
Cross obstacles (e.g. tree stumps or
big rocks) very slowly by aiming one of
the front wheels at the center of the ob-
stacle, and repeat same with the rear
wheel.
!
Special attention is needed when you cross
obstacles on a steep incline.
The vehicle could slide sideways as a result of its
possible slanted position which in turn may
result in the vehicle tipping or rolling over.
Operation
359