ECU MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET 2016 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2016, Model line: C-CLASS CABRIOLET, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET 2016Pages: 377, PDF Size: 6.9 MB
Page 164 of 377
Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
If you leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they may be able to set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake
R shift the automatic transmission out of park
position Por shift manual transmission into
neutral
R start the engine
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or the system is malfunc-
tioning, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake. X If this is the case, park the vehicle only on
level ground and secure it to prevent it from
rolling away.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the automatic transmission to position
P.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
engage first gear.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or if
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake carries out a function check at regular intervals when the engine is
switched off. Noises that occur are normal. Applying or releasing manually X
To apply: push handle :.
When the electric parking brake is applied,
red indicator lamp !lights up on the
instrument cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied when the key is removed.
X To release: pull handle:.
Red indicator lamp !on the instrument
cluster goes out.
The electric parking brake can be released only:
R when the key is in position 1or 2in the igni-
tion lock (Y page 133) or
R if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically (vehicles with
automatic transmission) The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position P
and:
R the engine is switched off or
R the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
applied automatically, pull handle :.
The electric parking brake is also applied auto-
matically if:
R DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or
R the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary or
R Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary Parking
161Driving and parking Z
Page 178 of 377
Stopping
G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a vehi-
cle occupant or from outside the vehicle.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
R the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
Further information on deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 177).
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle in
front has stopped, it will cause your vehicle to
brake to a standstill.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains sta-
tionary and you do not need to depress the
brake.
After a short period, the vehicle is secured by
the electric parking brake, thus relieving the
service brake.
Depending on the specified minimum distance,
your vehicle will come to a standstill at a suffi-
cient distance behind the vehicle in front. The
specified minimum distance is set using the
control on the cruise control lever.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, the trans-
mission is shifted automatically to position Pin
the following situations:
R the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the
driver's door is open
R The engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if DISTRONIC PLUS is activated
when the vehicle is stationary and:
R a system fault occurs
R the power supply is insufficient
If a fault occurs, the transmission may also shift to position Pautomatically.
Setting a speed X
Push the cruise control lever up :for a
higher speed or down Afor a lower speed.
X Push and hold the cruise control lever until
the desired speed is reached.
X Release the cruise control lever.
The new speed is stored. DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated and adjusts the vehicle's speed to
the new speed stored.
X To adjust the set speed in1 km/hincre-
ments:
briefly push the cruise control lever
up : or down Ato the pressure point.
The last stored speed increases or decreases
in 1 km/h increments.
X To adjust the set speed in10 km/hincre-
ments:
briefly push the cruise control lever
up : or down Abeyond the pressure point.
The last stored speed increases or decreases
in 10 km/h increments.
i If you accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC
PLUS adjusts the vehicle's speed back to the
last speed stored after you have finished over-
taking.
Setting the specified minimum distance You can set the specified minimum distance for
DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time span
between one and two seconds. This time span
determines the distance that DISTRONIC PLUS
is to maintain from the vehicle in front, depend- ing on the road speed. You can see this distance
on the multifunction display (Y page 176).
Make sure that you maintain the minimum dis-
tance to the vehicle in front as required by law.
Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if nec- essary. Driving systems
175Driving and parking Z
Page 180 of 377
Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS
DISTRONIC PLUS can be deactivated in a num-
ber of ways:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever forwards
=.
or
X Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.
or X Briefly push the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow ;.
Variable SPEEDTRONIC is selected. LIM indi-
cator lamp :in the cruise control lever lights
up.
When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
DISTRONIC PLUS off DISTRONIC PLUS off message will appear on
the multifunction display for approximately five
seconds.
The last speed stored remains stored until you
switch off the engine.
DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated
in the following situations:
R You apply the electric parking brake or if the
vehicle is automatically secured with the elec-
tric parking brake
R ESP ®
is engaged or you deactivate ESP ®
R You shift the transmission to position P,Ror
N
R You pull the cruise control lever towards you
in order to pull away and the front-passenger
door or one of the rear doors is open
R The vehicle skids
R You activate Active Parking Assist
If, under these circumstances, DISTRONIC
PLUS is deactivated, a warning tone sounds. The
DISTRONIC PLUS off
DISTRONIC PLUS off message then appears on the multifunction display for approximately
five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS General notes
Pay particular attention in the following traffic
situations:
R Cornering, entering and exiting a bend: the
ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehicles
when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may
brake unexpectedly or late.
R Driving on a different line: DISTRONIC PLUS
may not detect vehicles that are not driving in
the middle of their lane. The distance to the
vehicle in front will be too short.
R Other vehicles changing lane: DISTRONIC
PLUS has not detected the vehicle cutting in
yet. The distance to this vehicle will be too
short.
R Narrow vehicles: DISTRONIC PLUS has not
yet detected the vehicle in front on the edge
of the carriageway because of its narrow
width. The distance to the vehicle in front will
be too short.
R Obstacles and stationary vehicles:
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obsta-
cles or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the
detected vehicle turns a corner and reveals an
obstacle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC
PLUS will not brake for these.
R Crossing vehicles: DISTRONIC PLUS may mis-
takenly detect vehicles that are crossing your
lane. Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic
lights with crossing traffic, for example, could
cause your vehicle to pull away unintention-
ally.
In such situations, brake if necessary.
DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated. Driving syste
ms
177Driving an d parking Z
Page 183 of 377
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply
R the HOLD function is deactivated by the
accelerator pedal being depressed, e.g. by
a vehicle occupant
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-
pered with
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
from rolling away.
! When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat- ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function (Y page 180).
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if all the fol-
lowing conditions are fulfilled:
R the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running or it has been automat-
ically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt is
fastened
R the electric parking brake is released
R vehicles with automatic transmission: the
transmission is in position h,kori.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated Activating the HOLD function
X
Make sure that the activation conditions are
met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until :appears on the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
If depressing the brake pedal the first time does
not activate the HOLD function, wait briefly and
then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if:
R you accelerate. On vehicles with automatic
transmission: only when the transmission is in
position hork
R the transmission is in position jon vehicles
with automatic transmissions
R you depress the brake pedal again with a cer-
tain amount of pressure until display ë
disappears from the multifunction display.
R you secure the vehicle using the electric park-
ing brake.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
After a short period, the vehicle is secured by
the electric parking brake, thus relieving the
service brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
When the HOLD function is activated, the trans-
mission is shifted automatically to position jif
R the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the
driver's door is open
R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function 180
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking
Page 184 of 377
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle is stationary and:
R a system fault occurs
R the power supply is insufficient
If a malfunction occurs, the transmission may
also be shifted to position jautomatically.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activated
and:
R the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the
driver's door is open
R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/stop
function
R a system fault occurs
R the power supply is insufficient
The Brake immediately
Brake immediately message may also
appear on the multifunction display.
X Immediately depress the brake pedal firmly
until the warning message on the multifunc-
tion display goes out.
The HOLD function is deactivated.
A horn will sound at regular intervals if you turn
off the engine, take off your seat belt or open the
driver's door when the HOLD function is activa- ted. The horn alerts you to the fact that the
HOLD function is still activated. If you attempt to
lock the vehicle, the tone becomes louder. The
vehicle cannot be locked until you have deacti-
vated the HOLD function.
i Once you have switched off the engine, you
cannot restart it until you have deactivated
the HOLD function. RACE START
Important safety notes i
RACE START must not be used on normal
roads. RACE START must only be activated
and used on dedicated road circuits, outside
of public road use.
i RACE START is only available in
Mercedes‑ AMG vehicles.
RACE START enables optimum acceleration
from a standing start. For this, a suitably high- grip road surface is required; the tyres and vehi-
cle must also be in good condition. G
WARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tyres may
get into a spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP ®
mode, there
is an increased risk of skidding and having an accident. Make sure that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.
i Read the safety notes on driving safety sys-
tems (Y page 67).
Make sure that you read the safety notes and information on ESP ®
(Y page 72).
Activation conditions You can activate RACE START if:
R the doors are closed
R the engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
71 †. This is the case when the oil tempera-
ture gauge in the multifunction display is
shown in white.
R the drive program S,S+ orRace is selected
(Y page 141)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot)
R the transmission is in position D
Activating RACE START i
When manual mode (Y
page 150) is active,
the transmission automatically shifts up to
RACE START in the drive program. This func-
tion supports maximum acceleration with
RACE START. After going through an acceler- ating process once from a stationary position,
this function is automatically deactivated.
X Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
X Pull and hold both steering wheel gearshift
paddles (Y page 150).
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in
the multifunction display.
X Release both steering wheel gearshift pad-
dles (Y page 150). Driving systems
181Driving and parking Z
Page 193 of 377
Active Parking Assist will detect only parking
spaces:
R parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel
R that are parallel to the direction of travel and
are at least 1.5 m wide
R that are parallel to the direction of travel and
at least 1.0 m longer than your vehicle
R that are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 1.0 mwider than your vehi-
cle
i Note that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the size of a parking space if it is at
right angles to the direction of travel. You will need to judge whether your vehicle will fit in
the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 30 km/h, you will
see parking symbol ;as a status indicator in
the instrument cluster. When a parking space
has been detected, an arrow towards the right or the left also appears. Active Parking Assist dis-
plays only parking spaces on the front-
passenger side as standard. Parking spaces on
the driver's side are displayed as soon as the
turn signal on the driver's side is activated.
When parking on the driver's side, this must
remain activated until you confirm the use of
Active Parking Assist by pressing the abut-
ton on the multifunction steering wheel. The
system automatically determines whether the
parking space is parallel or at right angles to the
direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are driv- ing past it, and until you are approximately 15 m
away from it.
Parking G
WARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll
away if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses are tam-
pered with. R
the battery is disconnected.
R the vehicle is accelerated, e.g. by a vehicle
occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
i Vehicles with automatic transmission: if
PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active Park-
ing Assist brakes automatically during the
parking process. You are responsible for brak- ing in good time.
X Stop the vehicle when the parking symbol
shows the desired parking space in the instru-
ment cluster.
X Vehicles with manual transmission: shift
to reverse gear.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift into position R.
The Start
Start Park ParkAssist?
Assist? Yes:
Yes:OK
OKNo:
No:%
message appears in the multifunction display.
X To cancel the procedure: press the%
button on the multifunction steering wheel or pull away.
or
X To park using Active Parking Assist: press
the a button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
The Park Assist active Accelerate Park Assist active Accelerate
and brake
and brake Observe surroundings
Observe surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
X Release the multifunction steering wheel.
X Reverse the vehicle, being ready to brake at
all times. When reversing, drive at a speed
below 10 km/h. Otherwise, Active Parking
Assist will be cancelled.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches the
rear border of the parking space.
Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking
spaces.
X Vehicles with manual transmission: stop
as soon as PARKTRONIC sounds the contin-
uous warning tone, if not before.
Manoeuvring may be required in tight parking
spaces.
Vehicles with automatic transmission: the
Park Assist active Select D
Park Assist active Select D Observe Observe190
Driving systemsDriving and parking
Page 205 of 377
Displaying the attention level
In the Assistance menu (Y
page 232) of the on-
board computer, you can call up the current sta-
tus information.
X Select the assistance graphic display for
ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-board com-
puter (Y page 231).
The following information appears: R the length of the journey since the last break
R the attention level determined by ATTENTION
ASSIST (Attention level Attention level), displayed in a
bar display in five levels from high to low
R if ATTENTION ASSIST is unable to calculate
the attention level and cannot issue a warn-
ing, the System suspended
System suspended message
appears. The bar display then changes the
display, e.g. if you are driving at a speed below 60 km/h or above 200 km/h
Activating ATTENTION ASSIST X
Activate ATTENTION ASSIST using the on-
board computer (Y page 234).
The system determines the attention level of
the driver depending on the setting selected:
If Standard
Standard is selected: the sensitivity with
which the system determines the attention level
is set to normal.
If Sensitive
Sensitive is selected: the sensitivity is set
higher. The attention level detected by ATTEN-
TION ASSIST is adapted accordingly and the
driver is warned earlier.
When ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated, the
é symbol appears on the multifunction dis-
play in the assistance graphic when the engine is running.
When ATTENTION ASSIST has been deactivated,
it is automatically reactivated after the engine
has been switched off. The sensitivity selected corresponds to the last selection activated
(standard/sensitive).
Warning on the multifunction display If fatigue or increasing lapses in concentration
are detected, a warning appears on the multi-
function display:
ATTENTION ASSIST ATTENTION ASSIST Take a
Take a
break!
break! .
In addition to the message shown on the multi-
function display, you will then hear a warning
tone.
X If necessary, take a break.
X Confirm the message by pressing the a
button on the steering wheel.
On long journeys, take regular breaks that allow for adequate recuperation. If you do not take a
break and ATTENTION ASSIST still detects
increasing lapses in concentration, you will be
warned again after 15 minutes at the earliest.
This will happen only if ATTENTION ASSIST still
detects typical indicators of fatigue or increas-
ing lapses in concentration.
Vehicles with COMAND Online multimedia
system: if a warning appears on the multifunc-
tion display, a service station search is per-
formed in the multimedia system. You can
select a service station and you will then be
navigated to this service station. This function
can be activated and deactivated in the
COMAND Online multimedia system (see Digital
Owner's Manual). Traffic Sign Assist
General notes Traffic Sign Assist displays the maximum speed
permitted and overtaking restrictions to the
driver on the instrument cluster. Driving onto a 202
Driving syste
msDriving and parking
Page 219 of 377
A connected trailer is only detected when the
electrical connection is established correctly
and the lighting system is working properly. The
function of other systems also depends on this, for example:
R ESP ®
R PARKTRONIC
R Active Parking Assist
R Active Blind Spot Assist
R Active Lane Keeping Assist Uncoupling a trailer
G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over- run brake, you could trap your hand between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar. This poses a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnect the trailer cable, the vehicle is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your vehicle could
be damaged by the rebounding of the overrun
brake.
! Remove the installed adapter cable before
folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-
age may occur to the rear bumper and the
adapter cable.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Vehicles with manual transmission:
depress the clutch pedal fully and engage first
or reverse gear.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine. X
Secure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away.
X Remove the trailer cable and uncouple the
trailer. Trailer power supply
! You can connect accessories to the perma-
nent power supply up to a maximum of 240 W.
You cannot charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's trailer
socket is equipped with a permanent power
supply and a power supply that is switched on
via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket pin 10.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low on-board voltage and after six hours at the latest.
You can find more information about installing
the trailer electrics at a qualified specialist work- shop.
To activate the switched power supply:
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 133).
or X Press the Start/Stop button twice on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (Y page 133).
To deactivate the switched power supply: X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
(Y page 133).
or X Press the Start/Stop button once on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (Y page 133). Failure check for LEDs
If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, a malfunc-
tion message may appear in the multifunction
display even if there is no fault. The reason for
the error message may be that the current has
fallen below the minimum of 50 mA. 216
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking
Page 220 of 377
To ensure reliable operation of the failure indi-
cator, each LED chain in the trailer lighting must
be guaranteed a minimum current of 50 mA. Trailer with 7-pin connector
General notes Trailer with 7-pin connector:
you can connect
to the 13-pin socket on the ball coupling using
an adapter or, if necessary, an adapter cable.
Both can be obtained at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Fitting the adapter !
Make sure that there is sufficient cable play
so that the cable cannot become detached
when cornering.
! Remove the installed adapter cable before
folding in the ball coupling. Otherwise, dam-
age may occur to the rear bumper and the
adapter cable. X
Open the socket cover.
X Insert the connector with lug :into groove
= on the socket.
X Turn bayonet connection ;clockwise to the
stop.
X Let the cover engage.
X If you are using an adapter cable, secure the
cable to the trailer with cable ties. Problems with trailer towing
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions The unlocked ball cou-
pling cannot be
engaged. X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The ball coupling does
not unlock even though:
R the vehicle is station-
ary
R no trailer cable is con-
nected
R the release switch to
unlock the ball cou-
pling has been pulled
for more than a sec-
ond The on-board voltage is too low.
X Start the engine.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Bicycle rack
General notes
When attached by clamping onto the ball cou-
pling on the trailer tow hitch, the maximum pay- load is 75 kg. You can transport up to three
bicycles.
The payload is calculated from the weight of the
bicycle rack and the load of the bicycle rack. Bicycle rack
217Driving and parking Z
Page 221 of 377
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The bicycle rack can detach from the vehicle if
you
R exceed the permissible payload of the
trailer tow hitch
R use the bicycle rack incorrectly
R attach the bicycle rack to the ball coupling
beneath the ball head
There is a risk of an accident.
For your safety and that of other road users,
observe the following:
R Always observe the permissible payload of
the trailer tow hitch.
R Use the bicycle rack only to transport bicy-
cles.
R Always attach the bicycle rack correctly by
clamping onto the ball head and, if possible, to the guide pin on the ball coupling as well.
R To transport four bicycles, always use bicy-
cle racks with additional support on the ball
coupling's guide pin. R
Use only bicycle racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
R Always comply with the bicycle rack's oper-
ating manual.
! Using unsuitable bicycle racks or using
them incorrectly can cause damage to and
fractures in the trailer tow hitch.
Use only bicycle racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Bicycle racks cause your vehicle's driving char-
acteristics to change. The vehicle
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance and drive carefully.
When using bicycle racks, set the tyre pressure on the rear axle of the vehicle for the maximum
load. Further information on tyre pressure can
be found on the tyre pressure table
(Y page 345). Loading instructions
The greater the distance between the load's centre of gravity and the ball head, the higher the load exerted on the trailer tow hitch.
Therefore, observe the following notes:
R Attach heavy bicycles as close as possible to the vehicle.
R Always distribute the load on the bicycle rack as symmetrically as possible to the vehicle longi-
tudinal axis.
Before loading the bicycle rack, Mercedes-Benz advises you to remove all add-on parts from the
bicycles, e.g. bicycle baskets, child seats or batteries. This will allow you to improve the aerody-
namic resistance and the bicycle rack's centre of gravity.
Always secure bicycles against slipping and check that they are firmly seated at regular intervals.
Do not use tarpaulins or other covers. This could impair the driving characteristics and rear visibility. The aerodynamic resistance would also rise, and so would the load exerted on the trailer tow hitchas a result. 218
Bicycle rackDriving and pa
rking