Mercedes-Benz M-Class Owner's Manual page 167

Driving tips
164
fitted to your vehicle which have been
approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which correspond to an equivalent quality
standard. Brake pads/linings which have not
been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or
which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Tyre traction
G WARNING
Whereas the vehicle can be fully controlled at
a certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce
your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the
same road safety. You could otherwise cause
an accident.
Pay particular attention to the road conditions
at temperatures around freezing point.
If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.
from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on
the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-
ing tyre traction. Drive with particular care in
such weather conditions.
Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
you are driving at low speeds.
R
the tyres have adequate tread depth.
R
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
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
depends on the vehicle equipment.
you should drive no faster than at walking
R
pace.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all
circumstances. You could otherwise dam-
age the engine, the electronics or the trans-
mission.
Off-road fording
The table shows fording depth : when the
vehicle is loaded and ready to drive.
Loaded and ready to drive means: a full tank,
all fluids topped up and the driver is in the
vehicle.
On vehicles with the AIRMATIC package or
the ON&OFFROAD package, loads up to the
maximum permissible load have no influence
on the fording capability.
Steel-sprung vehicles
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC
package
Raised level
Vehicles with the ON&OFF-
ROAD package
Off-road level 3
Off-road level 2
Off-road level 1
Fording
depth
50 cm
50 cm
60 cm
50 cm
50 cm