Break-In Period - Mercedes-Benz 2015 M-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
190
your driving and braking accordingly during
this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
# brake wear warning lamp in the instru-
ment cluster and note any brake status mes-
sages in the multifunction display. Especially
for high performance driving, it is important to
maintain and have the brake system checked
regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
you drive at low speeds.
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the tires have adequate tread depth.
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For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
lower your speed.
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avoid ruts.
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avoid sudden steering movements.
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brake carefully.
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Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic compo-
nents in the engine or the automatic trans-
mission. Water can also be drawn in by the
engine's air suction nozzles and this can
cause engine damage.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
set the raised level before driving through
standing water.
Off-road fording
! Under no circumstances should you
accelerate before entering the water. The
bow wave could cause water to enter and
damage the engine and other assemblies.
! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors
while fording. Otherwise, water could get
into the vehicle interior and damage the
vehicle's electronics and interior equip-
ment.
Establish how deep the water is and the
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characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
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select the highest possible vehicle level.
Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand
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steering wheel paddle shifter.
Avoid high engine speeds.
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Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
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at a steady walking pace.
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
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the water.
Do not stop.
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Water offers a high degree of resistance,
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and the ground is slippery and in some
cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and
dangerous to pull away in the water.
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as
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you drive.
Clean any mud from the tire tread after
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fording.
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
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Always observe the fording depth values
( page 457).
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Winter driving
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.