Approach/Departure Angle; Driving On Sand; Tire Ruts; Traveling Uphill - Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
168

Driving on sand

Observe the following rules when driving on
sand:
select a shift range appropriate to the
R
terrain.
drive quickly to overcome the rolling
R
resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become stuck in loose ground.
drive in the tracks of other vehicles if
R
possible. Make sure that:
the tire ruts are not too deep.
-
the sand is sufficiently firm.
-
the ground clearance of the vehicle is
-
sufficient.
Tire ruts and gravel roads
Observe the following rules when driving
along ruts in off-road terrain or on roads with
loose gravel:
! Check that the ruts are not too deep and
that your vehicle has sufficient clearance.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged
or bottom out and get stuck.
Crossing obstacles
! Obstacles could damage the floor of the
vehicle or components of the chassis. Ask
passengers for guidance when driving over
large obstacles. The passenger should
always keep a safe distance from the
vehicle when doing so in order to avoid
injury as a result of unexpected vehicle
movements. After driving off-road or over
obstacles, check the vehicle for possible
damage, especially to the underbody and
the components of the chassis.
Observe the following rules when driving over
tree stumps, large stones and other
obstacles:
avoid high engine speeds.
R
select shift range 1.
R
drive very slowly.
R
try to drive straight over the center of
R
obstacles: front wheel first, then rear
wheel.

Traveling uphill

Approach/departure angle

G
WARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
Observe the rules on off-road driving.
R
Do not drive at an angle on slopes, inclines
R
or gradients, but instead follow the direct
line of fall. The maximum gradient-climbing
capability of your vehicle is 100%, which
corresponds to an approach/departure
angle of 45°. Note that the climbing ability
of your vehicle depends on the terrain
conditions.
Before tackling steep downhill gradients,
R
select shift range 1.
Drive slowly.
R
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at
R
appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3000 rpm).
When driving down an incline, make use of
R
the engine's braking effect. Observe the
engine speed; do not overrev the engine.
Check the brakes after prolonged off-road
R
driving.
i
Hill start assist will aid you when pulling
away on a hill.
For more information, see "Hill start assist"
( page 144).
Y
Do not switch to transmission position N
when driving off-road. If you try to brake the
vehicle using the service brake, you could