Aquaplaning; Winter Driving - SMART forfour Owner's Manual

Driving tips
144
Driving on wet roads

Aquaplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
aquaplaning occurring, even if:
you are driving at low speeds
R
the tyres have adequate tread depth
R
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain
or in conditions in which aquaplaning can
occur you must drive in the following man-
ner:
lower your speed
R
avoid tyre ruts
R
avoid sudden steering movements
R
brake carefully
R
Driving on flooded roads
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling
in front or in the opposite direction
create waves. This may cause the maxi-
mum permissible water depth to be
exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all
circumstances. You could otherwise dam-
age the engine, the electronics or the
transmission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
the water level should not exceed the
R
lower edge of the vehicle body in still
water
you should drive no faster than walking
R
pace

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. This increases the risk of skid-
ding and having an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or sufficient
ventilation is not possible, poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide may
enter the vehicle. This is the case, for
example, if the vehicle gets stuck in snow.
There is a risk of fatal injury.
If you have to leave the engine running,
keep the exhaust pipe and the area around
the vehicle free of snow. Open a window on
the leeward side of the vehicle to ensure an
adequate supply of fresh air.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a
qualified specialist workshop at the onset
of winter.
You should drive particularly carefully on
slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden
acceleration, steering and braking
manoeuvres. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X
Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering.
X
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position N.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that pur-
pose. Changes in the outside temperature
are displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice. The road may
still be icy, especially in wooded areas or
on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.