parking brake MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 2019 Owner's Manual

To ensure that the vehicle is secured againstrolling away unintentionally:
Rthe electric parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in position]andthe transmission position display must show]in the multifunction display.
Rthe SmartKey must be removed from theignition lock.
Ron uphill or downhill gradients, the frontwheels must be turned towards the curb.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral positionNwhen you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.
XAll vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):shift the transmission to position].
XMercedes-AMG vehicles:press buttonC.
XWith the SmartKey :turn the SmartKey topositionZin the ignition lock and removeit.The immobilizer is activated.
XWith the Start/Stop button:press theStart/Stop button (Ypage 125).The engine stops and all the indicator lampsin the instrument cluster go out.
If the driver's door is closed, this is thesame as key positionG. If the driver's dooris open, this is the same as key positionZ,i.e. the SmartKey having been removed.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-sion in position^or[, the automatic trans-mission shifts to\\automatically.
With the SmartKey:if you then open the driv-er's door or the front-passenger door orremove the SmartKey from the ignition, theautomatic transmission shifts to]automati-cally.
With the Start/Stop button:if you then openthe driver's door or the front-passenger door,the automatic transmission shifts to]auto-matically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having thevehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash witha towing system:
XVehicles with the Start-Stop button:remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-tion lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles:switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XEngage neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smart-Key in the ignition lock.
Electric parking brake
General notes
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment
146Parking
Driving and parking

Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position]
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended
in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies for the Digital Vehicle Key if the
"Digital Vehicle Key" function is activated via
Mercedes me connect.
The function of the electric parking brake isdependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-board voltage is low or there is a malfunctionin the system, it may not be possible to applythe released parking brake.
XIf this is the case, only park the vehicle onlevel ground and secure it to prevent it roll-ing away.
XShift the automatic transmission to position].
It may not be possible to release an appliedparking brake if the on-board voltage is low orthere is a malfunction in the system. Contact aqualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a functiontest at regular intervals while the engine isswitched off. The sounds that can be heardwhile this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually
XTo apply:push handleC.When the electric parking brake is applied,the redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also beapplied when the SmartKey is removed.
XTo release:pull handleC.The redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-ter goes out.
The electric parking brake can only bereleased:
Rif the SmartKey is in positionGorHinthe ignition lock (Ypage 125) or
Rif the ignition was switched on using theStart/Stop button
Applying automatically
The electric parking brake is automaticallyapplied when the transmission is in position]and:
Rthe engine is switched off or
Rthe driver is not wearing a seat belt and thedriver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake frombeing automatically applied, pull handleC.
The electric parking brake is also applied auto-matically if:
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC bringsthe vehicle to a standstill or
RThe HOLD function is keeping the vehiclestationary
RActive Parking Assist is keeping the vehiclestationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-tions must be fulfilled:
RThe engine is switched off
RThe driver is not wearing a seat belt and thedriver's door is opened
RThere is a system malfunction
RThe power supply is insufficient
RThe vehicle is stationary for a long period oftime
The redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clustergoes out.
Parking147
Driving an d parking
Z

The electric parking brake is not automaticallyapplied if the engine is switched off by theECO start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-matically released if all of the following condi-tions are met:
RThe engine is running
RThe transmission is in position[or^andyou depress the accelerator pedal or shiftfrom position]to[or^
RThe seat belt is fastened
If the transmission is in position^, the tail-gate must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the followingconditions must be fulfilled to automaticallyrelease the electric parking brake:
RThe driver's door is closed.
RYou are shifting from transmission position]or have previously driven at speedsgreater than 2 mph (3 km/h)
Ensure that you do not depress the accelera-tor pedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the park-ing brake will be released and the vehicle willstart to move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during anemergency by using the electric parking brake.
XWhile driving, push handleCof the electricparking brake (Ypage 147).The vehicle is braked as long as you keephandleCof the electric parking brakepressed. The longer the electric parkingbrake handleCis depressed, the greaterthe braking force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
RtheRelease Parking BrakeRelease Parking Brakemessageappears
Rthe redI(USA only) or$(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clus-ter flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-still, the electric parking brake is applied.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer thanfour weeks, the battery may be damaged byexhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer thansix weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as aresult of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop andseek advice.
iYou can obtain information about tricklechargers from a qualified specialist work-shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could
affect, for example, the power steering and
the brake boosting effect. You will require
considerably more effort to steer and brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also
lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of
an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehi-
cle is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the countryin which you are driving. Some jurisdictionsprohibit the driver from using a mobile phonewhile driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always usehands-free mode. Only operate the telephonewhen the traffic situation permits. If you areunsure, pull over to a safe location and stopbefore operating the telephone.
148Driving tips
Driving and parking

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or inconditions in which hydroplaning may occur,you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed
Ravoid ruts
Ravoid sudden steering movements
Rbrake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Bear in mind that vehicles traveling in frontor in the opposite direction create waves.This may cause the maximum permissiblewater depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result indamage to the engine, electrical systemsand transmission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road onwhich water has collected, please bear in mindthat:
Rin the case of standing water, the waterlevel may be no higher than the lower edgeof the vehicle body
Ryou should drive no faster than walking pace
Winter driving
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface
in an attempt to increase the engine's brak-
ing effect, the drive wheels could lose their
grip. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehi-
cle becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk
of fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heat-
ing running, make sure the exhaust pipe and
area around the vehicle are clear of snow.
To ensure an adequate supply of fresh air,
open a window on the side of the vehicle
that is not facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a qualifiedspecialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery roadsurfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steeringand braking maneuvers. Do not use cruisecontrol or Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot bestopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position\\.
XTry to bring the vehicle under control usingcorrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is notdesigned to serve as an ice-warning deviceand is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.Changes in the outside temperature are dis-played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freezingpoint do not guarantee that the road surface isfree of ice. The road may still be icy, especiallyin wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road con-ditions when temperatures are around freezingpoint.
For more information on driving with snowchains, see (Ypage 307).
For more information on driving with summertires, see (Ypage 306).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"section (Ypage 306).
Off-road driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
Driving tips153
Driving and parking
Z

GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact
with hot parts of the exhaust system. There
is a risk of fire.
When driving on an unpaved road or off-
road, check the vehicle underside regularly.
In particular, remove trapped plant parts or
other flammable material. Contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop immediately if dam-
age is detected.
!There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle becomes stuck, e.g. on a highcurb or an unpaved road
Ryou drive too fast over an obstacle, e.g. acurb, a speed bump or a pothole in theroad
Ra heavy object strikes the underbody orparts of the chassis
In situations like this, the body, the under-body, chassis parts, wheels or tires could bedamaged without the damage being visible.Components damaged in this way can unex-pectedly fail or, in the case of an accident,no longer withstand the loads they aredesigned to.
If the underbody paneling is damaged, com-bustible materials such as leaves, grass ortwigs can gather between the underbodyand the underbody paneling. If these materi-als come in contact with hot parts of theexhaust system, they can catch fire.
In such situations, have the vehicle checkedand repaired immediately at a qualified spe-cialist workshop. If on continuing your jour-ney you notice that driving safety isimpaired, pull over and stop the vehicleimmediately, paying attention to road andtraffic conditions. In such cases, consult aqualified specialist workshop.
The vehicle is only designed for easily negotia-ble off-road terrain and poor road surfaces.
When driving off-road, substances such assand, mud and water or water mixed with oilmay get into the brakes. This could result in areduced braking effect or in total brake failureand also in increased wear and tear. The brak-ing characteristics change depending on thematerial entering the brakes. Clean the brakesafter driving off-road. If you detect a reduced
braking effect or grinding noises, have thebrake system checked in a qualified specialistworkshop as soon as possible. Adapt yourdriving style to the different braking character-istics.
Driving off-road increases the likelihood ofdamage to the vehicle, which, in turn, can leadto failure of the mechanical assembly or sys-tems. Adapt your driving style to suit the ter-rain conditions. Drive carefully. Have damageto the vehicle rectified immediately at a quali-fied specialist workshop.
Do not shift into transmission position\\when driving off-road. You could lose controlof the vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehi-cle using the service brake. If the gradient istoo steep for your vehicle, drive back down inreverse gear.
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Protection of the environment is of primary
importance. Treat nature with respect.
Observe all prohibiting signs.
Read this section carefully before driving yourvehicle off-road.
Off-road driving is only possible with theON&OFFROAD package.
The following driving systems are speciallyadapted for driving over easily negotiable off-road terrain:
ROff-road program (Ypage 170)
ROff-road ABS (Ypage 60)
ROff-road 4ETS (Ypage 64)
ROff-road ESP®(Ypage 66)
RDSR (Downhill Speed Regulation)(Ypage 169)
Observe the following notes:
RStop the vehicle before starting to drivealong an off-road route. If necessary, acti-vate the off-road program (Ypage 132).
RTo avoid damaging the vehicle, make surethere is always sufficient ground clearance.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads arestowed safely and are well secured(Ypage 255).
RAlways keep the engine running and in gearwhen driving on a downhill gradient. Acti-vate DSR (Ypage 169).
154Driving tips
Driving and parking

RDrive slowly and evenly, if necessary at awalking pace.
REnsure that the wheels are in contact withthe ground at all times.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road routes where visibility is poor. Forsafety reasons, get out of the vehicle firstand survey the off-road route.
RCheck the depth of water before fording riv-ers and streams.
RWatch out for obstacles.
RTake care when turning on an uphill ordownhill slope or when driving across aslope. The vehicle could otherwise tip over.
RAlways keep the side windows and the pan-orama roof with power tilt/sliding panelclosed during the journey.
RDo not deviate from marked routes.
RDo not use the HOLD function when drivingoff-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradi-ents or on slippery or loose surfaces. TheHOLD function cannot hold the vehicle onsuch surfaces.
Checklist before driving off-road
XEngine oil level:check the engine oil leveland add oil if necessary.
When driving on steep gradients, the engineoil level must be sufficiently high to ensure acorrect oil supply in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires:check the tire treaddepth and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreignobjects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
XReplace dented or damaged wheels.
XRims:dented or bent rims can result in aloss of tire pressure and damage the tirebead. Before driving off-road, check thewheels and replace them if necessary.
Checklist after driving off-road
!If you detect damage to the vehicle afterdriving off-road, have the vehicle checkedimmediately at a qualified specialist work-shop.
XDeactivate off-road program (Ypage 132).
XDeactivate DSR (Ypage 169).
XClean the headlamps and rear lights andcheck for damage.
XClean the front and rear license plates.
XClean the wheels and tires with a water jetand remove any foreign objects.
XClean the wheels, wheel housings and thevehicle underside with a water jet; check forany foreign objects and damage.
XCheck whether twigs or other parts of plantshave become trapped. These increase therisk of fire and can damage fuel pipes, brakehoses or the air bellows of the axle jointsand propeller shafts.
XAfter the trip, examine without fail the entireundercarriage, wheels, tires, brakes, body-work structure, steering, chassis andexhaust system for damage.
XAfter driving in sand, mud, gravel, water orsimilar dirty conditions, have the followingchecked and cleaned:
Rbrake discs
Rwheels
Rbrake pads
Raxle joints
XIf you detect strong vibrations after off-roadtravel, check for foreign objects in thewheels and drive train and remove them ifnecessary. Foreign objects can disturb thebalance and cause vibrations.
Driving over poor road surfaces places greaterdemands on your vehicle than driving on nor-mal roads. After driving off-road, check thevehicle. This allows you to detect damagepromptly and reduce the risk of an accident toyourself and other road users.
Driving on sand
Observe the following rules when driving onsand:
RActivate the off-road program (Ypage 132).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddleshifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate tothe terrain.
Drivingtips155
Driving an d parking
Z

RDrive quickly to overcome the rolling resist-ance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels couldbecome stuck in loose ground.
RDrive in the tracks of other vehicles if possi-ble. Make sure that:
-the tire ruts are not too deep.
-the sand is sufficiently firm.
-the ground clearance of the vehicle is suf-ficient.
Tire ruts and gravel roads
!Check that the ruts are not too deep andthat your vehicle has sufficient clearance.Otherwise, your vehicle could be damagedor bottom out and get stuck.
Observe the following rules when driving alongruts in off-road terrain or on roads with loosegravel:
RActivate the off-road program (Ypage 132).
RAvoid high engine speeds.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-handsteering wheel paddle shifter.
RDrive slowly.
RWhere ruts are too deep, drive with thewheels of one side on the center grassyarea, if possible.
Traveling uphill
Approach/departure angle
GWARNING
If you drive on a steep incline at an angle or
turn when driving on an incline, the vehicle
could slip sideways, tip and rollover. There is
a risk of an accident.
Always drive on a steep incline in the line of
fall (straight up or down) and do not turn the
vehicle.
RObserve the warnings for off-road driving(Ypage 153).
RFollow the line of fall when driving on slopesand steep inclines.
RBefore driving on extreme uphill and down-hill gradients, select the off-road program(Ypage 132).
RDrive slowly.
RAccelerate gently and make sure that thewheels are gripping.
RAvoid high engine speeds, except when driv-ing on sandy and muddy routes with highdriving resistance.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddleshifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate tothe gradient.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddleshifter to shift into a lower gear in good timeon long and steep downhill gradients.
Hill start assist will aid you when pulling awayon a hill. For further information about hillstart assist, see (Ypage 128).
Do not shift into transmission position\\when driving off-road. You could lose controlof the vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehi-cle using the service brake. If the gradient istoo steep for your vehicle, drive back down inreverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure anglevalues (Ypage 340).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient climb-ing ability values (Ypage 340).
Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightlyreduce pressure on the accelerator immedi-ately before reaching the brow of the hill.Make use of the vehicle's own impetus totravel over the brow.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on thebrow of a hill
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly downthe other side
Driving downhill
RDrive slowly.
RDo not drive at an angle down steepinclines. Steer into the line of fall and drivewith the front wheels aligned straight. Oth-erwise, the vehicle could slip sideways, tipand rollover.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-handsteering wheel paddle shifter before tacklingsteep downhill gradients.
156Drivingtips
Driving an d parking

sound and the distance warning lamp will lightup in the instrument cluster. Brake immedi-ately in order to increase the distance to thevehicle in front or take evasive action providedit is safe to do so.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC operates inthe speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and120 mph (200 km/h).
Change into a lower gear in good time on longand steep downhill gradients. This is especiallyimportant if the vehicle is laden. By doing so,you will make use of the braking effect of theengine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-tem and prevents the brakes from overheatingand wearing too quickly.
Do not use Active Distance Assist DISTRONICon roads with steep gradients.
For Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC toassist you when driving, the radar sensor sys-tem must be operational.
As Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC trans-mits radar waves, it can resemble the radardetectors of the responsible authorities. Youcan refer to the relevant chapter in the Opera-tor's Manual if questions are asked about this.
iUSA only: This device has been approvedby the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".The radar sensor is intended for use in anautomotive radar system only. Removal,tampering, or altering of the device will voidany warranties, and is not permitted by theFCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in anynon-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this devicecould void the user's authority to operatethe equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies withRSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation issubject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,and
2. This device must accept any interferencereceived, including interference that maycause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of thedevice will void any warranties, and is notpermitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or usein any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this devicecould void the user's authority to operatethe equipment.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC does not
react to:
Rpeople or animals
Rstationary objects in the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles
Roncoming vehicles and crossing traffic
As a result, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC may neither give warnings nor
intervene in such situations. There is a risk
of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cannot
always clearly identify other road users and
complex traffic situations.
In such cases, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC can:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, especially if Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC warns you.
GWARNING
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC brakes
your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum
possible deceleration. If this deceleration is
not sufficient, Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC alerts you with a visual and
acoustic warning. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Adjust your speed in these cases and main-
tain sufficient distance.
Apply the brakes yourself and/or take eva-
sive action.
Driving systems159
Driving and parking
Z

!When Active Distance Assist DISTRONICor the HOLD function is activated, the vehi-cle brakes automatically in certain situa-tions.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivateActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC and theHOLD function in the following or similar sit-uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC can neitherreduce the risk of an accident if you fail toadapt your driving style, nor override the lawsof physics. Active Distance Assist DISTRONICcannot take into account road, weather or traf-fic conditions. Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC is only an aid. You are responsiblefor the distance to the vehicle in front, forvehicle speed, for braking in good time and forstaying in your lane.
Do not use Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC:
RIn road and traffic conditions which do notallow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g.in heavy traffic or on winding roads
ROn slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-erating could cause the drive wheels to losetraction and the vehicle could then skid
RIn poor visibility, e.g. due to fog, heavy rainor snow
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC may notdetect narrow vehicles driving in front, e.g.motorcycles, or vehicles driving in a staggeredformation.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can beimpaired if:
RThere is dirt on the sensors or anything elsecovering the sensors
RThere is snow or heavy rain
RThere is interference by other radar sources
RThere are strong radar reflections, for exam-ple in parking garages
If Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC no longerdetects a vehicle in front, Distance PilotDISTRONIC may unexpectedly accelerate tothe speed stored.
This speed may:
RBe too high if you are driving in a turninglane or an exit lane
RBe so high when driving in the right-handlane that you overtake vehicles in the left-hand lane
RBe so high in the left lane that you passvehicles driving on the right
If there is a change of drivers, advise the newdriver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
CTo store the current speed or a higherspeed
DTo store the current speed or a lowerspeed

To activate Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC,all the following conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take upto two minutes of driving before Active Dis-tance Assist DISTRONIC is ready for use.
Rthe electric parking brake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
RActive Parking Assist must not be activated.
Rthe transmission must be in position[.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when youshift from]to[or your seat belt mustbe fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door must be closed.
RDSR must be deactivated.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towardsyou