Driving On Flooded Roads - Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Operator's Manual

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
When driving on salted roads, salt may start
to build up on the brake disks and brake pads.
This can increase braking distances
considerably.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front.
To remove any build up of salt that may have
formed:
Apply the brakes at the start of the journey,
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occasionally during journey and at the end
of the journey. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
Parking brake
G
WARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the
vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do
not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
When driving on wet roads or dirt-covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt may get into
the parking brake. This causes corrosion and
a reduction of braking force.
In order to prevent this, drive with the parking
brake lightly applied from time to time. When
doing so, drive for a distance of approximately
110 yds (100 m) at a maximum speed of
12 mph (20 km/h).
The brake lamps are not illuminated when you
brake the vehicle using the parking brake.
Driving in wet conditions
Hydroplaning
G
WARNING
There is a danger of hydroplaning occurring,
even if you are driving slowly and your tires
have sufficient tread depth, depending on the
depth of water on the road. There is a risk of
an accident.
For this reason, avoid tire ruts and brake
carefully.
Therefore, in heavy rain or other conditions in
which hydroplaning can occur, drive as
follows:
reduce your speed
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avoid tire ruts
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apply the brakes with care
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Driving on flooded roads

! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
the water level of standing water should not
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be above the lower edge of the front
bumper
do not drive faster than walking speed
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Driving tips
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