Driving Tips - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator's Manual

Obstacles could damage the vehicle, for
example:
the axles
R
the propeller shafts and the transmission
R
the tanks and supply reservoirs
R
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
direct you.
G
Warning
If you drive too fast off-road, you may not
recognize obstacles in good time or you may
underestimate the roughness of the ground.
When driving off-road, always drive slowly to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
The vehicle may slip to the side, tip and roll
over. Always drive along the line of fall when
you are on a slope. Never drive across a slope.
Never turn the vehicle around on a slope. If
the vehicle cannot manage an uphill slope,
drive back down the slope in reverse gear.
You could lose control of the vehicle if you
shift the transmission to neutral or disengage
the clutch on an incline and then try to brake
the vehicle using only the service brake.
Never let the vehicle roll.
Overloading the vehicle will increase the risk
of the vehicle tipping over. Never exceed the
maximum permissible axle loads under any
circumstances. Keep the vehicle's center of
gravity as low as possible when the vehicle is
laden.
If the vehicle is frequently or mainly operated
in muddy or marshy terrain, substances that
impair braking efficiency, such as sand or oil
mixed with water, could get into the brake
system. This may lead to excessive wear and
a reduction in braking efficiency. In an
emergency, there is a risk that full braking
power may no longer be available.
After driving off-road, always carry out a short
brake test. If you detect a reduced braking
effect or hear grinding noises, have the brake
system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, for example at an authorized
Sprinter Dealer.
G
Warning
When driving off-road, your body is subject to
forces from all directions, due to the uneven
surface. There is a danger that you could be
thrown out of your seat and be injured. Always
wear a seat belt, even when driving off-road.
Rules for driving off-road
G
Warning
If you drive over obstacles or in ruts, the
steering wheel may jerk out of your grip and
you could injure the thumbs on both hands.
Always hold the steering wheel cross firmly
with both hands. When driving over obstacles,
you must expect steering forces to increase
briefly and suddenly.
Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
R
shift to a low gear.
Only drive off-road with the engine running
R
and a gear engaged.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
R
necessary in many situations.
Make sure that the wheels always remain
R
in contact with the ground.
Drive with extreme care over unknown
R
terrain where you can only see for a short
distance. As a precaution, get out of the
vehicle to take a look at the route to be
taken first.
Check the water depth before fording.
R
Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
R
tree stumps and ruts).
Avoid edges where the surface could
R
crumble or break away.

Driving tips

139
Z