Driving When Towing - Mercedes-Benz Vito Operating Instructions Manual

wise your vehicle could be damaged by the
spring action of the overrun brake.
Driving when towing a trailer
In Germany, the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations is
80 km/h and 100 km/h in exceptional
cases.
!
Do not exceed the maximum speed of
80 km/h or 100 km/h even in countries where
higher speeds are permitted for vehicle/trailer
combinations.
Note the following differences when driv-
ing a vehicle/trailer combination by com-
parison with driving without a trailer:
I acceleration and gradient climbing ca-
pability are reduced
I braking distance is greater
I vulnerability to side winds is increased
I directional stability is adversely af-
fected
I fuel consumption is increased
Driving tips
I Maintain a greater distance than you
would when driving without towing a
trailer
I Avoid sudden braking. Apply the brakes
gently at first to allow the trailer to run
on. Then increase the brake force
quickly.
I The figures for the gradient climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to
sea level. When driving in mountainous
areas, note that the power output of
the engine, and with it its gradient
climbing capability, decrease with in-
creasing altitude.
I On long and steep downhill gradients,
you must shift to a lower gear/shift
range in good time. You thereby make
use of the braking effect of the engine
and do not have to brake as often to
maintain the speed. This protects the
brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too
quickly. If you have to apply the brakes
additionally, depress the brake pedal at
intervals rather than continuously.
Nur fuer internen Gebrauch
Transporting loads with the vehicle
G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never
cause the brakes to rub by applying con-
stant slight pedal pressure. This causes the
brake system to overheat, increases the
braking distance and can lead to the brakes
failing completely.
If the trailer begins to swing from side to
side:
E
do not accelerate.
E
do not counter-steer.
E
brake if necessary.
G
Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw
the vehicle/trailer combination out by in-
creasing speed.
Operation
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