Driving Downhill - Mercedes-Benz 2010 GL-Class Operator's Manual

100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the
climbing ability of the vehicle depends on
terrain conditions.
Shift automatic transmission into gear
R
range 1 ( Y page 118).
Drive slowly.
R
Avoid excessive engine speeds – drive with
R
moderate engine speeds (max. 3 000 rpm).
Utilize the engine's braking power when
R
descending a slope, observe the engine
speed (do not overrev the engine). Apply
the service brake as needed.
i For maximum engine speed, see
"Tachometer" ( Y page 125) and see vehicle
specification for your vehicle
( Y page 362).
Check the brakes after a lengthy
R
downgrade drive.
G
Warning!
Never turn the vehicle around on steep
inclines. The vehicle might roll over. If the
vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb,
back it down in reverse gear.
i
The hill-start assist system supports you
when driving uphill.
For more information, see "Hill-start assist
Y
system" ( page 155).
Traction in steep terrain
The maximum vehicle climbing ability is a
100% grade which is equivalent to a slope
angle of 45°. Keep in mind that the climbing
ability of the vehicle depends on terrain
conditions.
Be easy on the accelerator and watch for
continuous wheel traction when driving in
steep terrain.
i The 4-ETS helps greatly when starting out
on a steep incline when the front wheels
have then the tendency to slip due to the
weight shifting towards the rear axle.
Driving instructions
The 4-ETS recognizes the situation and
limits the torque for the front wheels by
braking them.
Simultaneously the torque for the rear
wheels is increased.
i Vehicles with enhanced off-road package
are equipped with automatic locks for the
center and rear axle differential to improve
vehicle traction.
Driving across a hilltop
Decelerate just ahead of a hilltop (do not shift
automatic transmission into neutral position
N), to prevent the vehicle from speeding up
too much after climbing a hill.
Use the momentum of the vehicle to drive
across the hilltop.
After climbing a hill, driving in this manner
prevents the vehicle from:
losing ground contact when cresting hills
R
losing its forward momentum
R
speeding up too much after climbing the hill
R

Driving downhill

Drive slowly.
R
Do not drive at an angle to the incline. Steer
R
into the line of gravity and drive with the
front wheels pointing straight downhill.
Otherwise, the vehicle may slide sideways
off the path and roll over.
Shift automatic transmission into gear
R
range 1 ( Y page 118).
On steep inclines, use the Downhill Speed
R
Regulation ( Y page 155).
Utilize the engine's braking power to
R
reduce vehicle speed.
If this is insufficient, apply the brakes
gently. Make sure the vehicle is moving in
the line of gravity.
Check the brakes after a lengthy
R
downgrade drive.
265
Z