Dr ivi ng an d parki ng, Towing a trailer – Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class 2013 Owners Manual User Manual

Page 212

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i

This also applies if you have activated

cruise control.

This will use the braking effect of the engine,

so that less braking will be required to

maintain the speed, This relieves the load on

the brake system and prevents the brakes

from overheating and wearing too quickly. If

you need additional braking, depress the

brake pedal repeatedly rather than

continuously.

Driving tips

R

Maintain a greater distance from the

vehicle in front than when driving without a

trailer.

R

Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake

gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.

Then, increase the braking force rapidly.

R

The values given for gradient-climbing

capabilities from a standstill refer to sea

level. When driving in mountainous areas,

note that the power output of the engine

and, consequently, the vehicle's gradient-

climbing capability, decreases with

increasing altitude.

If the trailer swings from side to side:

X

Do not accelerate.

X

Do not counter-steer.

X

Brake if necessary.

Installing the ball coupling

G

WARNING

If the ball coupling is not installed and secured

correctly the trailer may come loose. There is

a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as

described in the ball coupling installation

instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling

is installed and secured correctly before every

journey.

!

Mercedes-Benz recommends that you

only use ball couplings that have been

tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.

This helps to avoid damage to the vehicle.

Cover cap

X

Pull protective cap : in the direction of the

arrow, out of ball coupling recess ;.

X

Store protective cap : in a safe place.

X

Observe the manufacturer's installation

instructions.

G

WARNING

If the ball coupling is not installed and secured

correctly it can become detached while the

vehicle is in motion and fall onto the road.

There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as

described in the ball coupling installation

instructions. Make sure that the ball coupling

is installed and secured correctly before every

journey.

Coupling up a trailer

Observe the maximum permissible trailer

dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadian provinces

require by law:

R

safety chains between the towing vehicle

and the trailer. The chains should be cross-

wound under the trailer drawbar. They must

be fastened to the vehicle's trailer

coupling, not to the bumper or the axle.

210

Towing a trailer

Dr

ivi

ng

an

d

parki

ng

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