Driving On Flooded Roads - SMART 2016 fortwo Owner's Manual

Driving tips
102
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if:
you drive at low speeds.
R
the tires have adequate tread depth.
R
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following man-
ner:
lower your speed.
R
avoid ruts.
R
avoid sudden steering movements
R
brake carefully.
R

Driving on flooded roads

!
Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result in
damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission.
Prevent water from entering the vehicle inte-
rior or the engine compartment. If you must
drive through standing water, bear in mind
that:
the water level should not exceed the lower
R
edge of the vehicle body in still water
you should drive no faster than at 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. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous
gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) may
enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if
the vehicle becomes trapped 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. To ensure an ade-
quate supply of fresh air, open a window on
the side of the vehicle that is not facing
into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop at the onset of win-
ter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steer-
ing and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
Try to bring the vehicle under control
X
using corrective steering.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
X
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 purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( page 173).
Y
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( page 173).
Y
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( page 172).
Y