Mercedes-Benz 2013 M Class - Manual (Page 190)

damaging the vehicle, make sure there is
always sufficient ground clearance.
R
Check that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Y page 337).
R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
Activate DSR (
Y page 246).
R
Always keep the doors, tailgate, windows
and sliding sunroof closed while driving.
R
Adapt your speed to the terrain. The
rougher, steeper or more ruts on the
terrain, the slower your speed should be.
R
Drive slowly and at an even speed through
the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not
form as you drive.
R
Drive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-
road routes where visibility is poor. For
safety reasons, get out of the vehicle first
and survey the off-road route.
R
Look out for obstacles, such as rocks,
holes, tree stumps and furrows.
R
Check the depth of water before fording
rivers and streams.
R
When fording, do not stop and do not
switch off the engine.
R
On sand, drive quickly to overcome the
rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's
wheels could become stuck in loose
ground.
R
Do not jump with the vehicle as this will
interrupt the vehicle's propulsion.
R
Always keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
R
Do not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position
N.
i 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.
X Engine oil level: check the engine oil level
and add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the
engine oil level must be sufficiently high to
ensure a correct oil supply in the vehicle.
X DEF tank (BlueTEC vehicles): check the
fluid level and, if necessary, refill to the
maximum (13 l) (
Y page 177).
X Wheel-changing tool kit: check that the
jack is working and make sure you have the
lug wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread
depth and tire pressure.
X Check for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the
wheels/tires.
X Replace any missing valve caps.
X Replace dented or damaged wheels.
X Rims: dented or bent rims can result in a
loss of tire pressure and damage the tire
bead. Therefore, check your rims before
driving off-road and replace them as
required.
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
workshop.
X Deactivate DSR ( Y page 246).
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
lower the vehicle to a ride height suitable
for the road conditions, e.g. to the
highway/high-speed level.
188
Driving tips
Driving and parking