fuel cap release MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual

prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. Refer to the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/ hfor
reasons concerning the operating permit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. For vehicles
with automatic transmission, you need to
have selected manual drive program
M(Y page 156).
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle 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.
i Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal
on downhill gradients while the manual
drive program Mis temporarily activated
(vehicles with automatic transmission): the automatic transmission may switch back to
the last active automatic drive program Eor
S. The automatic transmission may shift to a higher gear. This can reduce the engine'sbraking effect. Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle 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, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle, you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. Towing a trailer
203Driving and parking Z

X
Correct the tyre pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi) (see the fuel filler
flap for values).
X To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the tyre inflation compressor. X
To reduce the tyre pressure: depress
pressure release button :next to pres-
sure gauge ;. X
To remove the tyre sealant bottle from the
tyre inflation compressor, press together
the locking tabs on the yellow cap.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant
bottle.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compressor and the warning triangle.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tyre changed there. X
Have the tyre sealant bottle and the filler
hose replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have
work on the battery carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Elec-
tronic Stability Program).
R If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability of
the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilised if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Electrostatic build-up can lead to the creation of sparks, which could ignite the highly explo-
sive gases of a battery. There is a risk of an
explosion.
Before handling the battery, touch the vehicle body to remove any existing electrostatic
build-up. 304
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance