towing MERCEDES-BENZ GLA 2019 Owners Manual

Stowage and features......................250
Loading guidelines ...............................250
Stowage areas ..................................... 250
Features .............................................. 257
Maintenance and care......................273
Engine compartment ........................... 273
ASSYST PLUS ...................................... 277
Care ..................................................... 278
Roadside Assistance........................286
Where will I find...? .............................. 286
Flat tire ................................................ 287
Battery (vehicle) .................................. 292
Jump-starting ....................................... 295
Towing and tow-starting ......................298
Fuses ................................................... 301
Wheels and tires...............................304
Important safety notes ........................ 304
Operation ............................................ 304
Winter operation .................................. 306
Tire pressure ....................................... 307
Loading the vehicle .............................. 316
All about wheels and tires ................... 319
Changing a wheel ................................ 325
Wheel and tire combinations ...............329
Emergency spare wheel ....................... 330
Technical data...................................332
Information regarding technical data
............................................................. 332
Vehicle electronics .............................. 332
Identification plates .............................333
Service products and filling capaci-
ties ...................................................... 334
Vehicle data ......................................... 339
Vehicle data for off-road driving .......... 340
Contents3

Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................134
Transmission positions .................. 137
Automatic transmission emer-
gency mode....................................... 142
B
Back button....................................... 243
Backup lamp
Display message ............................ 215
Bag hook............................................ 255
BAS (Brake Assist System)................. 61
Basic settings
see Settings
Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 72
Important safety notes .................... 72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 294
Display message ............................ 218
Important safety notes .................. 292
Jump starting ................................. 295
Replacing ....................................... 295
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt warning......................................... 44
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 198
Display message ............................ 220
Notes/function .............................. 185
Blower
see Climate control
Bluetooth®
Searching for a mobile phone ........246
Searching for a mobile phone
(device manager) ........................... 247
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual ..................................................242
Telephony ...................................... 246
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake assistance
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 209
Notes ............................................. 337
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamp
Replacing bulbs .............................108
Brake lamps
Display message ............................ 215
Brakes
ABS ..................................................60
BAS .................................................. 61
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 337
Display message............................ 204
EBD .................................................. 67
Hill start assist ............................... 128
HOLD function ............................... 165
Important safety notes .................. 150
Maintenance .................................. 151
Parking brake ................................ 146
Riding tips ...................................... 150
Situation-dependent braking
assistance ........................................ 63
Warning lamp ................................. 232
Breakdown assistance
Where will I find...? ........................ 286
see Flat tire
see Tow-starting
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting)................................... 32
Buttons on the steering wheel......... 189
C
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Car wash ........................................ 279
Carpets .......................................... 285
Display ........................................... 283
Exhaust pipe .................................. 283
Exterior lights ................................ 282
Gear or selector lever .................... 284
Interior ........................................... 283
Matte finish ................................... 280
Notes............................................. 278
6Index

Distance warning function
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp .................................240
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Automatic locking (switch) ...............76
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) .......................................69
Control panel ...................................37
Display message ............................ 228
Emergency locking ........................... 77
Emergency unlocking ....................... 76
Important safety notes.................... 75
Opening (from inside) ...................... 75
Drinking and driving......................... 149
Drive program
Automatic transmission ................. 138
Display ........................................... 136
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 134
Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seat
Driving
Towing vehicles ............................. 132
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service ................. 278
Driving dynamics display
Off-road program ........................... 171
Driving in mountainous terrain
Approach/departure angle ............ 156
Driving off-road
see Off-road driving
Driving on flooded roads.................. 153
Driving safety system
Active Brake Assist .......................... 61
Situation-dependent braking
assistance ........................................ 63
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 60
ADAPTIVE BRAKE............................. 67
BAS (Brake Assist System) .............. 61
Distance warning function ............... 62
EBD (electronic brake force dis-
tribution) .......................................... 67
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 63
Important safety information ........... 60
Overview .......................................... 60
STEER CONTROL ............................. 67
Driving system
Off-road program ........................... 170
Parking assist PARKTRONIC .......... 171
RACE START (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles) ........................................ 167
Start-off assist ............................... 166
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 182
Active Parking Assist ..................... 174
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 168
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 183
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 185
Cruise control ................................ 157
Display message ............................ 219
HOLD function ............................... 165
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 186
Lane Tracking package .................. 185
Rear view camera .......................... 178
Driving tips
Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC ............................ 158, 164
Automatic transmission ................. 137
Brakes ........................................... 150
Break-in period .............................. 124
Checking brake lining thickness .... 152
Downhill gradient ........................... 150
Drinking and driving ....................... 149
Driving in winter ............................. 153
Driving on flooded roads ................ 153
Driving on sand .............................. 155
Driving on wet roads ...................... 152
Exhaust check ............................... 149
Fuel ................................................ 149
General .......................................... 148
Hydroplaning ................................. 152
Icy road surfaces ........................... 153
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 151
Off-road driving .............................. 153
Snow chains .................................. 307
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 124
Tire ruts ......................................... 156
Traveling uphill ............................... 156
Wet road surface ........................... 151
Index9

MOExtended tires .......................... 306
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 325
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) .....................................324
Replacing ....................................... 325
Service life ..................................... 305
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 325
Speed rating (definition) ................ 324
Storing ...........................................326
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 323
Summer tires ................................. 306
Temperature .................................. 319
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 325
Tire bead (definition) ......................325
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 324
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 324
Tire size (data) ............................... 329
Tire size designation, load-bear-
ing capacity, speed rating .............. 320
Tire tread ....................................... 305
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 325
Total load limit (definition) ............. 325
Traction ......................................... 319
Traction (definition) ....................... 325
Tread wear..................................... 319
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 319
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 323
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 325
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 324
see Flat tire
Tool
see Vehicle tool kit
Top Tether............................................ 56
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 301
Important safety notes .................. 298
Installing the towing eye ................ 299
Removing the towing eye ............... 299
Towing
Permitted towing methods ............ 300
Towing a trailer
ESP®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 66
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 298
Installing the towing eye ................ 299
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 301
Removing the towing eye ............... 299
Transporting the vehicle ................ 300
With both axles on the ground ....... 300
With the front axle raised ............... 299
Towing eye......................................... 287
Traction system
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 242
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever)...................... 134
Transporting the vehicle.................. 300
Traveling uphill
Brow of hill ..................................... 156
Driving downhill ............................. 156
Maximum gradient-climbing
capability ....................................... 156
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions).................................................. 284
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter).................................................. 192
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 192
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 193
Trunk
Emergency release button ............... 83
Opening (from outside the vehi-
cle, HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .............. 80
Trunk lid
see Tailgate
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 214
Replacing bulbs (front) ................... 108
Switching on/off........................... 104
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 332
Installation ..................................... 332
Transmission output (maximum) .... 332
Index21

Removing the child restraint system and deac-tivating the special seat belt retractor:
XMake sure you observe the child restraintsystem manufacturer's installation instruc-tions.
XPress the release button of the seat beltbuckle and guide the seat belt tongue backtowards the belt sash guide.The special seat belt retractor is deactiva-ted.
Child restraint system
The use of seat belts and child restraint sys-tems is required by law in:
Rall 50 states
Rthe U.S. territories
Rthe District of Columbia
Rall Canadian provinces
If you install a rearward-facing child restraintsystem on the center rear seat, the rear seatarmrest must be folded back as far as it willgo.
You can obtain further information about thecorrect child restraint system from any author-ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly on a suitable seat, it cannot pro-
tect as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction.
There is an increased risk of injury, possibly
even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child
restraint system manufacturer's installation
instructions and the notes on use. Please
ensure, that the base of the child restraint
system is always resting completely on the
seat cushion. Never place objects, e.g. cush-
ions, under or behind the child restraint sys-
tem. Only use child restraint systems with
the original cover designed for them. Only
replace damaged covers with genuine cov-
ers.
GWARNING
If the child restraint system is installed
incorrectly or is not secured, it can come
loose in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or a sudden change in direction. The
child restraint system could be thrown
about, striking vehicle occupants. There is
an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowingobjects, luggage or loads under "Loadingguidelines" (Ypage 250).
GWARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjec-
ted to a load in an accident can no longer
protect as intended. The child cannot then
be restrained in the event of an accident,
heavy braking or sudden changes of direc-
tion. There is an increased risk of injury,
possibly even fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the
securing systems on the child restraint sys-
tem checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop, before you install a child restraint sys-
tem again.
The securing systems of child restraint sys-tems are:
Rthe seat belt system
Rthe LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings
Rthe Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child onthe front passenger seat, be sure to observethe information on the "Occupant Classifica-tion System (OCS)" (Ypage 47). There you willalso find information on disabling the frontpassenger front air bag.
Children in the vehicle55
Safety
Z

cle. The engine output is also modified to keepthe vehicle on the desired course within physi-
cal limits. ESP®assists the driver when pulling
away on wet or slippery roads. ESP®can alsostabilize the vehicle during braking.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
ETS traction control is part of ESP®. On vehi-
cles with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP®.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-vidually if they spin. This enables you to pullaway and accelerate on slippery surfaces, forexample if the road surface is slippery on oneside. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP®.
Off-road 4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem)
A 4ETS system specifically suited to off-roadterrain is activated automatically once the off-road program is activated (Ypage 170).
Important safety notes
iObserve the "Important safety notes" sec-tion (Ypage 60).
GWARNING
If ESP®is malfunctioning, ESP®is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an acci-
dent.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP®checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles without 4MATIC:when towing yourvehicle with the front axle raised, it is impor-
tant that you observe the notes on ESP®
(Ypage 299).
If the

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine is not run-ning smoothly and ismisfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanicalcomponent of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic con-verter and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialistworkshop.
The coolant tempera-ture gauge shows avalue above 248 ‡(120 †). The warninglamp may also be onand a warning tone maysound.
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine isno longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant tocool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 276). Observe the warning notesas you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Notes on towing vehicles
The vehicle is not suitable for attaching towbar systems, such as those used for flat tow-ing or dinghy towing.
Attaching or using tow bar systems may resultin damage to the vehicle.
When towing a vehicle with tow bar systems,safe driving characteristics cannot be guaran-teed for the towing vehicle or the towed vehi-cle.
The vehicle/trailer combination may swerve.
Observe the permissible towing methods(Ypage 300) and the notes on towing withboth axles on the ground (Ypage 300).
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to changethe drive program. Depending on the drive pro-gram selected the following vehicle character-istics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe sound of the exhaust system (vehicleswith sports exhaust system)
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop func-tion
Rthe climate control
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis activated. For further information aboutstarting the engine, see (Ypage 126).
XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until the desired driveprogram is selected.The selected drive program appears in themultifunction display. After five seconds, thedisplay goes out and the status symbol ofthe selected drive program appears.
In addition, the current drive program set-tings are displayed briefly in the multimediasystem display.
iIn a few countries, the ECO start/stopfunction is deactivated at the factory due tothe available fuel grade. In this case, theECO start/stop function is not available inany drive program, regardless of the displayin the multimedia system display.
132DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehicles except Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Driving and parking

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

!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

in front on the edge of the road because ofits narrow width. The distance to the vehiclein front will be too short.
RObstacles and stationary vehicles: ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC does not brakefor obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, forexample, the detected vehicle turns a cor-ner and an obstacle or stationary vehicle isrevealed, Active Distance Assist DISTRONICwill not brake for them.
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC may mis-takenly detect vehicles that are crossingyour lane. If you activate Active DistanceAssist DISTRONIC under the following condi-tions, the vehicle could pull away uninten-tionally:
-at traffic lights with crossing traffic, forexample
-if there is a vehicle in front, after a cross-ing, with the HOLD function activated
In such situations, brake if necessary. ActiveDistance Assist DISTRONIC will then be deacti-vated.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in thefollowing situations:
RWhen pulling away, especially on steepslopes
RWhen maneuvering on steep slopes
RWhen waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without thedriver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLDfunction deactivated when you depress theaccelerator pedal to pull away.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the vehicle is only braked using the HOLD
function, the vehicle may roll away in the fol-
lowing situations when you leave the vehi-
cle:
Rif there is a malfunction in the system or
in the voltage supply
Rif the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant
There is a risk of an accident.
Always deactivate the HOLD function and
secure the vehicle against rolling away
before you leave it.
!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
Deactivate the HOLD function (Ypage 166).
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
Rthe vehicle is stationary
Rthe engine is running or if it has been auto-matically switched off by the ECO start/stop function
Rthe driver's door is closed or your seat beltis fastened
Rthe electric parking brake is released
RActive Distance Assist DISTRONIC is deacti-vated
Rthe transmission is in position[,^or\\on vehicles with automatic transmission
Driving systems165
Driving and parking
Z