Driving On Flooded Roads; Driving On Wet Roads; Off-Road Fording; Hydroplaning - Mercedes-Benz 2011 G-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
140

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.
R
the tires have adequate tread depth.
R
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
reduce your speed
R
avoid ruts
R
brake carefully
R

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
components in the engine or AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
the maximum permissible still water depth
R
is 50 cm.
you should drive no faster than at walking
R
pace.

Off-road fording

Fording depth, 20 in (50 cm)
:
The fording depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm) when the vehicle is loaded and ready
to drive.
! The water depth must not exceed 20 in
(50 cm). Note that the possible fording
depth is less in flowing water.
i You may only drive through freshwater.
Observe the safety notes (
R
the general notes (
driving.
Establish how deep the water is and the
R
characteristics of the body of water before
fording.
Switch off the auxiliary heating and the air-
R
conditioning system.
Shift the transfer case to
R
LOW ( Y page 126).
Engage the differential locks, if necessary
R
( Y page 129).
Restrict the shift range to 1 or 2
R
( Y page 123).
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Enter and exit the water at a flat place and
R
at a steady walking pace.
! 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.
Y page 142) and
Y page 142) on off-road