Mercedes-Benz GL450 Operator's Manual page 361

Operation
Driving instructions
Driving on sand
Warning!
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure
before driving through sand. However, if you
do so, remember to correct the tire inflation
pressure ( page 390) before continuing
your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation
pressure increases the risk of losing control
of the vehicle and rolling over.
When driving on sand, observe the follow-
ing rules:
Set the raised level ( page 277).
Avoid high engine speeds.
Shift automatic transmission into a
gear range that is appropriate for the
terrain.
360
In sandy soil, drive at a steady speed as
allowed by conditions. This helps over-
G
come the vehicle rolling resistance and
reduce the likelihood of the vehicle
sinking into the ground.
Drive in tracks of other vehicles if they
are not too deep and if you have suffi-
cient clearance.
Ruts
A number of off-road tracks or other by-
ways have deep ruts which can cause the
underbody to come in contact with the
ground.
Make sure the off-road driving program
( page 275), or if equipped, the LOW
RANGE mode* ( page 199) is
switched on.
Set the raised level ( page 277).
!
Check that the ruts are not too deep and
your vehicle's clearance is sufficient. Otherwise:
your vehicle may be damaged
the underbody of the vehicle may come in
contact with the ground and you may get
stuck
Avoid high engine speeds.
Shift automatic transmission to
position 1 ( page 196).
Drive next to the ruts rather than
through them if at all possible.
If the ruts are too deep to drive in, drive
with one side of the vehicle on the
grassy center strip if the route permits.