Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operating Instructions Manual page 160

Driving tips
158
cable and a folding spade are carried in the
vehicle.
Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
X
depth ( page 285) and tire pressure
Y
( page 288).
Y
Rules for driving off-road
! Always bear the vehicle's ground clear-
ance in mind and avoid obstacles, e.g. deep
ruts.
Obstacles may damage the following parts
of the vehicle:
the chassis
R
the drive train
R
the fuel and supply tanks
R
For this reason, you should always drive
slowly when driving off-road. If you have to
drive over obstacles, have the co-driver
direct you.
We recommend that you additionally
i
carry a shovel and a recovery rope with
shackle in the vehicle.
Ensure that loads and items of luggage are
R
securely stowed or lashed down
( page 240).
Y
Before driving off-road, stop the vehicle and
R
shift to a low gear.
If the surface demands it, temporarily deac-
R
tivate ASR when pulling away (
Only drive off-road with the engine running
R
and a gear engaged.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Walking pace is
R
necessary in many situations.
Avoid spinning the drive wheels.
R
Make sure that the wheels always remain in
R
contact with the ground.
Drive with extreme care over unknown ter-
R
rain where you can only see for a short dis-
tance. As a precaution, get out of the vehi-
cle to take a look at the route to be taken in
advance.
Check the water depth before fording.
R
Watch out for obstacles (e.g. rocks, holes,
R
tree stumps and ruts).
Avoid edges where the surface could crum-
R
ble or break away.
Checklist after driving off-road
! If you detect damage to the vehicle after
driving off-road, have the vehicle checked
immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Off-road driving places a higher demand on
your vehicle than normal road operation.
Check your vehicle after driving on rough ter-
rain. 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.
Observe the following points after driving off-
road, on construction sites and before driving
on public roads:
Activate ASR (
X
Clean the headlamps and tail lamps and
X
check them for damage.
Clean the front and rear license plates.
X
Clean the windshield, windows and exterior
X
mirrors.
Clean the steps, door sills and grab han-
X
dles.
page 58).
Y
This increases safety of footing.
Clean the wheels/tires, wheel housings
X
and the underbody of the vehicle with a
water jet.
This increases road grip, especially on wet
road surfaces.
Check the wheels/tires and wheel hous-
X
ings for trapped foreign objects and
remove them.
Trapped foreign objects can damage the
wheels/tires and may be flung out from the
vehicle when you continue driving.
Check the underbody for trapped branches
X
or other parts of plants and remove them.
Trapped branches or other parts of plants
increase the risk of fire and can cause dam-
page 58).
Y