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102 Driving and parking
If there is any damage, inform a qualified specialist
workshop.
When you drive off road and on construction sites,
sand, mud and water, for example, possibly mixed
with oil, may get into the brakes. This may lead to a
reduction in braking performance or total brake
failure, including as a result of increased wear. The
braking characteristics will vary depending on the
material that has infiltrated the system. Clean the
brakes after driving off road. If you then notice
reduced braking performance or hear scraping
noises, have the brake system checked immedi-
ately at a qualified specialist workshop. Adapt your
driving style to the changed braking characteris-
tics.
Driving off road or on construction sites increases
the possibility of vehicle damage, which could in
turn lead to the failure of certain major assemblies
or systems. Adapt your driving style to the off-road
driving conditions. Drive carefully. Have any vehicle
damage repaired at a qualified specialist workshop
as soon as possible.
When driving on rough terrain, do not shift the
transmission to neutral. You could lose control
when attempting to slow the vehicle with the
service brake. If your vehicle cannot manage an
uphill incline, drive back down in reverse gear.
When loading your vehicle for driving off road or on
a construction site, keep the vehicle's center of
gravity as low as possible.
Checklist before driving off road
Vehicle tool kit: check that the jack is working
R
(
page 207).
/
Make sure that a wheel wrench (
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a wooden underlay for the jack, a sturdy tow
rope, a folding spade and a wheel chock (will
be present, depending on equipment) are car-
ried in the vehicle.
Tires and wheels: check the tire tread depth
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(
page 190) and the tire pressure
/
(
page 196).
/
Rules for off-road driving
Always be aware of the vehicle's ground clearance
and avoid obstacles such as deep tire ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts of the
vehicle, for example:
Suspension
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Drivetrain
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The high-voltage battery in the underbody
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Therefore, always drive slowly off road. If you must
drive over obstacles, have the front passenger
guide you.
%
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you addi-
tionally carry a shovel and a recovery rope
with a shackle in the vehicle.
Make sure that loads and items of luggage are
R
securely stowed or lashed down
(
page 164).
/
If the surface requires, temporarily deactivate
R
®
ESP
Drive slowly and smoothly. It may often be nec-
R
essary to drive at walking pace.
Avoid spinning the wheels.
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Ensure that the wheels remain in contact with
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the ground.
As a precaution, get out of the vehicle to take a
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look at the route ahead. Exercise the utmost
caution when driving across unfamiliar, unpre-
dictable terrain.
Look out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes, tree
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stumps and tire ruts).
Avoid edges where the ground could crumble
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or break away.
Checklist after driving off road
Driving off road places greater demands on your
vehicle than driving on normal roads. Check your
vehicle after driving over rough terrain. By doing
so, you will notice any damage in good time and
reduce the risk of an accident for yourself and
other road users. Clean your vehicle thoroughly
before driving on public roads.
/
page 207),
If you find damage to the vehicle after off-road
driving, have the vehicle checked at a qualified
specialist workshop immediately.
Please note the following points after driving off
road or on construction sites and before driving on
public roads:
Activate ESP
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Clean the exterior lighting, particularly the
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headlamps and tail lamps, and check them for
damage.
Clean the front and rear license plates.
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Clean the windshield, windows and outside
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mirrors.
Clean the steps, entrances and grab handles.
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This will make your footing safer.
Clean the wheels and tires, wheel wells and
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the underbody of the vehicle with a jet of
when starting off (
page 120).
/
®
(
/
page 120).
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