Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2020 Operating Instructions Manual page 122

Driving tips
120
Driving off-road
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When driving off-road, your body is subject
to forces from all directions due to the
uneven surface. You could be thrown from
your seat, for instance. There is a danger of
injury.
Always wear a seat belt, even when driving
off-road.
G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system. There
is a risk of fire.
When driving on an unpaved road or off-
road, check the vehicle underside regularly.
In particular, remove trapped plant parts or
other flammable material. Contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately if dam-
age is detected.
G
WARNING
If ABS is deactivated, the wheels may lock
when braked. As a result, the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Always leave ABS on when driving on roads
and firm surfaces.
! If the vehicle is being driven off-road, it
can be damaged by obstacles.
Obstacles may damage vehicle parts such
as:
axles
R
propeller shafts
R
fuel tank
R
compressed-air reservoir
R
engine
R
transmission
R
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when off-road. Ask passengers for
guidance when driving over obstacles.
Always observe the vehicle's ground clear-
ance. Avoid obstacles if possible.
! When driving the vehicle on rough terrain,
ensure that the drive wheels always have
sufficient traction. Avoid wheelspin of the
drive wheels. You could otherwise damage
the differential.
! Avoid frequently fording in dirty water up
to the maximum fording depth without
cleaning the vehicle in between. Observe
the notes on cleaning after driving off-road
or on construction sites. Otherwise assem-
blies, e.g. alternators, designed for arduous
conditions may be damaged.
Driving off-road increases the possibility of
damage to the vehicle, which may cause
assemblies or systems to fail. Adapt your driv-
ing style to the conditions of the terrain. Drive
carefully. Have vehicle damage rectified imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
When driving off-road, substances such as dirt,
sand, mud and water or water mixed with oil
may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total
brake failure as a result of increased wear. The
braking characteristics will vary depending on
the substances that get into the brakes. Clean
the brakes after driving off-road. If you notice
grinding noises or a reduction in braking per-
formance, have the brake system checked at a
qualified specialist workshop immediately.
Adapt your driving style to suit the altered
braking characteristics.
Driving off-road demands special driving skills
and concentration. Furthermore, the driver
must take special care when driving off-road
and before driving on-road again.
Please make sure you read this section thor-
oughly before attempting to drive the vehicle
off-road. You will then understand the particu-
lar advantages your vehicle offers to enable
you to always reach your destination safely.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you practice
driving off-road in less demanding terrain.
When driving on difficult terrain for the first
time, ask an experienced off-road driver to
accompany and advise you.
Driving systems for driving off-road
! Only engage the differential locks if there
is equal traction on all wheels. You could
otherwise damage the differential locks.