Winter Driving Instructions - Mercedes-Benz 2009 CLS-Class Operator's Manual

Operation
Winter driving
or axle components. The tires or the vehicle
could be damaged as a result.
Only use snow chains that are approved by
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Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will be glad to advise you on
this subject.
Use of snow chains may be prohibited
R
depending on location. Always check local
and state laws before installing snow
chains.
Do not use snow chains on the spare wheel.
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i All models except CLS 63 AMG:
When driving with snow chains, you may
®
wish to switch off the ESP
before setting the vehicle in motion. This
will improve the vehicle's traction.
i CLS 63 AMG only:
®
Do not switch off the ESP
snow or with snow chains mounted.
232

Winter driving instructions

G Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.
G Warning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
( Y page 66)
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that pur-
pose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the
when driving in
road surface is free of ice. The road may still
be icy, especially in wooded areas or on
bridges.
G Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering maneu-
vers. Do not use the cruise control system
under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral posi-
tion N. Try to keep the vehicle under control
by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see "Snow chains" (
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
Y page 231).