Before Driving Off-Road - Mercedes-Benz G-Class Operator's Manual

This allows the front wheels to lock briefly,
so that these can dig into a loose surface.
However, please note that locked wheels
skid and can no longer steer.
Check that items of luggage and loads are
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stowed safely and are well secured
( page 261).
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To avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
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there is always sufficient ground clearance.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
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when driving on a downhill gradient.
Always keep the engine running and in gear
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when driving on a slope.
Drive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
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walking pace.
Ensure that the wheels are in contact with
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the ground at all times.
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
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road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
Check the depth of water before fording
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rivers and streams.
When fording, do not stop and do not
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switch off the engine.
Look out for obstacles, such as rocks,
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holes, tree stumps and furrows.
Always keep the doors, rear door, side
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windows and the sliding sunroof closed
while the vehicle is in motion.
Switch off cruise control.
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Do not stray from marked routes or paths.
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Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
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rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
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the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
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rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
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interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
Avoid high engine speeds. Drive at
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appropriate engine speeds (maximum
3,000 rpm).
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
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transmission position N.
Always check the vehicle for damage after
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off-road driving.
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Information about retrofitting special all-
terrain tires is available from any qualified
specialist workshop.
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Do not use the HOLD function when
driving off-road, on steep uphill or downhill
gradients or on slippery or loose surfaces.
The HOLD function cannot hold the vehicle
on such surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in motion, stop the
vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible.
Check the engine oil level. The engine oil
warning lamp warning must not be ignored.
Continuing the journey while the symbol is
displayed could lead to engine damage.
Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
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and add oil if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough
oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep
incline.
Tire-changing tool kit: check that the jack
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is working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
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depth and tire pressure.
Check for damage and remove any foreign
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objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
Replace any missing valve caps.
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Replace dented or damaged wheels.
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Carry a sound spare wheel.
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Driving tips
165
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