Mercedes-Benz GLS Owner's Manual page 201

198 Driving and parking
Notes on aquaplaning
Aquaplaning can take place once a certain
amount of water has accumulated on the road
surface.
Observe the following notes during heavy precip‐
itation or in conditions in which aquaplaning may
occur:
reduce speed
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avoid tyre ruts
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avoid sudden steering movements
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brake carefully
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% Also observe the notes on regularly checking
wheels and tyres ( page 405).
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Notes on driving through water on the road
surface
Water which has entered into the vehicle can
damage the engine, electrics and transmission.
Water can also enter the air intake of the engine
and cause engine damage.
Observe the following if you must drive through
water:
Observe the maximum permissible fording
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depth ( page 440).
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Drive at a maximum speed of 10 km/h;
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water can otherwise enter the vehicle interior
or engine compartment.
Vehicles travelling in front, or oncoming vehi‐
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cles, can create waves which may exceed the
maximum permissible depth of the water.
The braking effect of the brakes is reduced after
fording. Brake carefully while paying attention to
the traffic conditions until braking power has
been fully restored.
Notes on off-road driving
& WARNING Risk of accident if you do not
keep to line of fall on inclines
If you drive at an angle or turn on an incline,
the vehicle could slip sideways, tip and roll‐
over.
Always drive on inclines in the line of
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fall (straight up or down) and do not
turn.
& WARNING Risk of fire due to flammable
materials on hot parts of the exhaust
system
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system.
When driving on unpaved roads or off-
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road, regularly check the vehicle under‐
side.
Remove trapped plants or other flam‐
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mable material, in particular.
If there is damage, consult a qualified
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specialist workshop immediately.
When driving off-road, sand, mud and water or
water mixed with oil may get into the brakes.
This may lead to a reduction in braking effect or
total brake failure as a result of increased wear.
The braking characteristics will vary depending
on the material that has entered the system.