wheel MERCEDES-BENZ GLC 2017 Repair Manual

Important safety notes
G WARNIN G
When th e vehicl e is bein g lowered, people
could become trapped if their limb s are
between th e vehicl e body and th e wheels or
underneat h th e vehicle. Ther e is a ris k of
injury.
Mak e sur e no on e is underneat h th e vehicl e or
in th e immediat e vicinity of th e whee l arches
when th e vehicl e is bein g lowered.
i If on e of th e door s is open , th e vehicl e is no t
lowered.
Vehicle level Setting the ra ised vehicle level
It is possible to choos e between th e "Normal"
and "Raised " vehicl e levels belo w a spee d of
50 mph (80 km/h). Selec t th e "Normal" setting
for normal road surfaces and "Raised " for driving
wit h snow chain s or on particularly poor road
surfaces. Your selection remain s store d eve n if
you remove th e SmartKey from th e ignition lock.X
Start th e engine.
If indicator lamp D is no t lit :X
Press butto n C .
Indicato r lamp D lights up. The vehicl e is
raised by 0. 6 in (15 mm ) comp ared to the
normal level.
The Vehicle Rising
message appears on
the multifunction display.
i The message disappears after ten seconds,
irrespective of the level reached. If necessary,
the vehicle is raised further. The "Raised level" setting is canceled if you: R
drive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h) R
drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed above 50 mph (80 km/ h)
The "Raised level" remains active when you are
not driving within these speed ranges.
Setting the normal vehicle level X
Start the engine.
If indicator lamp D is lit: X
Press button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to the height of the currently selec-
ted drive program ( Y
page 139).
Suspension tuning General notes The Adaptive Damping System automatically
controls the calibration of the dampers.
The damping is tuned individually to each wheel
and depends on: R
your driving style, e.g. sporty R
the road surface condition, e.g. bumps R
your individual selection, i.e. sports or com-
fort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning In the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" drive programs,
the firmer suspension setting ensures even bet-
ter contact with the road. Select this mode when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding
country roads. X
Select the S or S+ drive program with the
DYNAMIC SELECT switch ( Y
page 139).
The vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in (15 mm) com-
pared to the normal level.
Each time you restart the engine, the vehicle is
raised to normal level again and drive program C
is activated. For further information about start-
ing the engine, see ( Y
page 133).
Comfort tuning
In the "Eco" and "Comfort" drive programs, the
driving characteristics of your vehicle are more
comfortable. Therefore, select this mode if you
favor a more comfortable driving style. SelectDriving systems 173
Driving and parking Z

Problems with PARKTRONIC Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit. You
also hear a warning tone
for approximately two
seconds.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated and the indi-
cator lamp on the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Only the red segments in
the PARKTRONIC warn-
ing displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y
page 315).X
Switch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or ultra-
sound waves. X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Active Parking Assist
General notes Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking aid
with ultrasound. It measures the road on both
sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol indicates
a suitable parking space. Active steering inter-
vention and brake application can assist you
during parking and when exiting a parking
space. You may also use PARKTRONIC
( Y
page 175).
Important safety notes Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your immedi-
ate surroundings. You are always responsible
for safe maneuvering, parking and exiting a
parking space. Make sure that no persons, ani-
mals or objects are in the maneuvering range.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active Park-
ing Assist is also unavailable.
For vehicles with a trailer tow hitch installed, the
minimum length for parking spaces is slightly
longer.
If you have attached a trailer to your vehicle, you
should not use Active Parking Assist. Once the
electrical connection is established between your vehicle and the trailer, Active Parking
Assist is no longer available. PARKTRONIC is
deactivated for the rear area.
G WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Park-
ing Assist parking procedure.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over obsta-
cles such as curbs slowly and not at a sharp
angle. Otherwise, you may damage the
wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for park-
ing, for example: R
where parking or stopping is prohibited R
in front of driveways or entrances and exits R
on unsuitable surfaces178
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces: R
parallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel R
that are parallel to the direction of travel and
at least 59 in (1.5 m) wid eR
that are parallel to the direction of travel and
at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) longer than your vehi-
cle R
at right angles to the direction of travel and at
least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider than your vehicle
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 into
the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see parking symbol D 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. By
default, Active Parking Assist only displays park-
ing spaces on the front-passenger side. 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 switched on until you acknowl-
edge the use of Active Parking Assist by press-
ing the v button on the multifunction steer-
ing 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 50 ft
(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 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.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
i When PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are respon-
sible for braking in good time. X
Stop the vehicle when the parking space sym-
bol shows the desired parking space in the
instrument cluster. X
Shift the transmission to position ^ .
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No: 8
message appears in the multifunction display. X
To cancel the procedure: press the 8
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
pull away.
or X
To park using Active Parking Assist: press
the v button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. X
Let go of the multifunction steering wheel. X
Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at all
times. When backing up, drive at a speed
below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Oth-
erwise Active Parking Assist will be canceled.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches the
rear border of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking
spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select D Observe
Surroundings message appears in the multi-
function display. X
While the vehicle is stationary, shift the trans-
mission to position [ .
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.180
Driving systems
Driving and parking

The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
i You will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away. X
Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches the
rear border of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking
spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select R Observe
Surroundings message appears in the multi-
function display.
As soon as the parking procedure is complete,
the Park Assist Switched Off message
appears and a warning tone sounds. The vehicle
is now parked.
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver
having to depress the brake pedal. The braking
effect is canceled when you depress the accel-
erator pedal.
Active Parking Assist no longer supports you
with steering interventions and brake applica-
tions. When Active Parking Assist is finished,
you must steer and brake again yourself.
PARKTRONIC is still available.
Parking tips: R
The way your vehicle is positioned in the park-
ing space after parking is dependent on vari-
ous factors. These include the position and
shape of the vehicles parked in front and
behind it and the conditions of the location. It
may be the case that Active Parking Assist
guides you too far into a parking space, or not
far enough into it. In some cases, it may also
lead you across or onto the curb. If necessary,
you should cancel the parking procedure with
Active Parking Assist. R
You can also preselect transmission position
[ . The vehicle redirects and does not drive
as far into the parking space. Should the
transmission change take place too early, the
parking procedure will be canceled. A sensi-
ble parking position can no longer be ach-
ieved from this position. Exiting a parking space In order that Active Parking Assist can support
you when you exit the parking space: R
the border of the parking space must be high
enough at the front and the rear. A curb is too
small, for example. R
the border of the parking space must not be
too wide. Your vehicle can be maneuvered
into a position at a maximum of 45° to the
starting position in the parking space. R
a maneuvering distance of at least 3.3 ft
(1.0 m) must be available.
Active Parking Assist can only assist you with
exiting a parking space if you have parked the
vehicle parallel to the direction of travel using
Active Parking Assist.
i If PARKTRONIC detects obstacles, Active
Parking Assist brakes automatically whilst the
vehicle exits the parking space. You are
responsible for braking in good time. X
Start the engine. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch on the turn signal in the direction you
are pulling away. X
Shift the transmission to position [ or ^ .
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No: 8
message appears on the multifunction dis-
play. X
To cancel the procedure: press the 8
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
pull away.
or X
To exit a parking space using Active Park-
ing Assist: press the v button on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears on the multifunction display. X
Let go of the multifunction steering wheel. X
Pull away, being ready to brake at all times. Do
not exceed a maximum speed of approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/ h) when exiting a park-
ing space. Otherwise Active Parking Assist
will be canceled. X
Depending on the message or as required,
shift the transmission to position [ or ^ .
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction. The Park Assist
Active Accelerate and Brake ObserveDriving systems 181
Driving and parking Z

Surroundings message appears on the mul-
tifunction display.
i You will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away.
If you back up after activation, the steering
wheel is moved to the straight-ahead posi-
tion. X
Drive forward and back up as prompted by the
PARKTRONIC warning displays, several times
if necessary.
Once you have exited the parking space com-
pletely, the steering wheel is moved to the
straight-ahead position. You hear a tone and the
Park Assist Switched Off message appears
on the multifunction display. You will then have
to steer and merge into traffic on your own.
PARKTRONIC is still available. You can take over
the steering before the vehicle has exited the
parking space completely. This is useful if you
recognize that it is already possible to pull out of
the parking space.
Canceling Active Parking Assist X
Stop the movement of the multifunction
steering wheel or steer yourself.
Active Parking Assist will be canceled at once.
The Park Assist Canceled message
appears in the multifunction display.
or X
Press the PARKTRONIC button ( Y
page 177).
PARKTRONIC is switched off and Active Park-
ing Assist is immediately canceled. The Park
Assist Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display.
Active Parking Assist is canceled automatically
if: R
the electric parking brake is engaged R
transmission position ] is selectedR
parking using Active Parking Assist is no lon-
ger possible R
you are driving faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) R
a wheel spins, ESP ®
intervenes or fails. In
such cases the

360° camera
General notes The 360° camera is a system consisting of four
cameras.
The system processes images from the follow-
ing cameras: R
Rear view camera R
Front camera R
Two side cameras in the exterior mirrors
The cameras cover the immediate surroundings
of the vehicle. The system supports you, for
example when parking or if vision is restricted at
an exit.
You can show images from the 360° camera in
full-screen mode or in seven different split-
screen views on the multimedia system. A split-
screen view also includes a top view of the vehi-
cle. This view is calculated from the data sup-
plied by the installed cameras (virtual camera).
The seven split-screen views are: R
Top view and picture from the rear view cam-
era (130° viewing angle) R
Top view and image from the front camera
(130° viewing angle without displaying the
maximum steering wheel angle) R
Top view and enlarged rear view R
Top view and enlarged front view R
Top view and trailer view (vehicles with trailer
tow hitch) R
Top view and images from the rear-facing side
cameras (rear wheel view) R
Top view and images from the forward-facing
side cameras (front wheel view)
When the function is active and you shift the
transmission from [ or ^ to \\ , the guide
lines are hidden in the multimedia system.
When you change between transmission posi-
tions [ and ^ , you see the previously selec-
ted front or rear view.
Distances measured by PARKTRONIC will also
be optically displayed: R
in split screen view as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle icon in the top view, or R
at the bottom right as red or yellow brackets
around the vehicle symbol in full-screen mode
The line thickness and color of the brackets
show how far the vehicle is from an object. R
yellow brackets with thin lines: PARKTRONIC
is active R
yellow brackets with normal lines: an object is
present in close range of the vehicle R
red line: an object is present in the immediate
close range of the vehicle
Important safety notes The 360°camera is only an aid and may show a
distorted view of obstacles, show them incor-
rectly or not at all. The 360°camera is not a
substitute for attentive driving.
You are always responsible for safe maneuver-
ing and parking. Make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the maneuvering
area while maneuvering and parking in parking
spaces.
You are always responsible for safety, and must
always pay attention to your surroundings when
parking and maneuvering. This applies to the
areas behind, in front of and beside the vehicle.
You could otherwise endanger yourself and oth-
ers.
The 360° camera will not function or will func-
tion in a limited manner: R
if the doors are open R
if the exterior mirrors are folded in R
if the tailgate is open R
in heavy rain, snow or fog R
at night or in very dark places R
if the cameras are exposed to very bright light R
if the area is lit by fluorescent bulbs or LED
lighting (the display may flicker) R
if the camera lenses fog up, e.g. when driving
into a heated garage in winter, causing a rapid
change in temperature R
if the camera lenses are dirty or covered R
if the vehicle components in which the cam-
eras are installed are damaged. In this case,
have the camera position and setting checked
at a qualified specialist workshop
Do not use the 360° camera in this case. You
can otherwise injure others or cause damage to
objects or the vehicle.
The guide lines in the multimedia system display
show the distances to your vehicle. The distan-
ces only apply to road level.
In trailer mode, the guide lines are shown at the
level of the trailer tow hitch.Driving systems 187
Driving and parking Z

This function is available in the range between
40 mph and 120 mph (60 km/ ha nd 200 km/h).
A warning may be given if a front wheel passes
over a lane marking. It will warn you by means of
intermittent vibration in the steering wheel for
up to 1.5 seconds.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Lane Keeping Assist may not always clearly
recognize lane markings.
In this case, Lane Keeping Assist may: R
give an unnecessary warning R
not give a warning
There is a risk of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to the traffic
situation and stay in lane, in particular if
warned by Lane Keeping Assist.
G WARNING
The Lane Keeping Assist warning does not
return the vehicle to the original lane. There is
a risk of an accident.
You should always steer, brake or accelerate
yourself, in particular if warned by Lane Keep-
ing Assist.
Lane Keeping Assist can neither reduce the risk
of an accident if you fail to adapt your driving
style nor override the laws of physics. Lane
Keeping Assist cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Lane Keep-
ing Assist is merely an aid. You are responsible
for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehi-
cle speed, for braking in good time and for stay-
ing in your lane.
The Lane Keeping Assist does not keep the vehi-
cle in the lane.
The system may be impaired or may not function
if: R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient
illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain,
fog or spray R
there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
the road surface is wet) R
the windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicin-
ity of the camera R
there are no, several or unclear lane markings
for a lane, e.g. in areas with road construction
work R
the lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-
e red up, e.g. by dirt or snow R
the distance to the vehicle in front is too small
and the lane markings thus cannot be detec-
ted R
the lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off, cross one another or merge R
the road is narrow and winding R
there are highly variable shade conditions on
the roadway
Activating/deactivating Lane Keeping
Assist
X
To activate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C lights up. The Lane Keep‐
ing Assist On message appears in the mul-
tifunction display. If all conditions have been
satisfied, there may be a warning.
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,
the lines in the assistance graphics display
( Y
page 219) are shown in green. Lane Keep-
ing Assist is ready for use. X
To deactivate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C goes out. Lane Keeping
Assist is deactivated. The Lane Keeping
Assist Off message appears in the multi-
function display.
Selecting Standard or Adaptive setting X
In the DriveAssist menu on the on-board
computer, select the Lane Keeping Assist
function ( Y
page 221). X
Select Standard or Adaptive .
Standard196
Driving systems
Driving an d parking

Active Lane Keeping Assist Genera l notes
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t monitors th e area in
fron t of your vehicl e by mean s of multifunction
camera C at th e to p of th e windshield. Various
differen t areas to th e front, rear and side of your
vehicl e are also monitore d wit h th e aid of th e
radar sensor system. Active Lan e Keepin g
Assis t detects lan e marking s on th e road and
can warn you before you leav e your lan e unin-
tentionally. If you do no t reac t to th e warning , a
lane-correcting application of th e brakes can
bring th e vehicl e bac k int o th e original lane.
This function is available in th e range between
40 mph and 12 0 mph (60 km/h and 20 0 km/h).
Important safety notes If you fail to adapt your drivin g style, Active Lan e
Keepin g Assis t can neither reduce th e ris k of an
acciden t no r override th e laws of physics . Active
Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t tak e accoun t of
road and weather conditions. It may no t recog-
niz e traffic situations. Active Lan e Keepin g
Assis t is only an aid. You are responsibl e for th e
distanc e to th e vehicl e in front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo d time and for stayin g in
your lane.
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t continuously
keep your vehicl e in it s lane.
G WARNIN G
Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t canno t always
clearly detec t lan e markings. In suc h cases, Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t
can : R
giv e an unnecessary warning and then
mak e a course-correcting brak e application
to th e vehicl e R
no t giv e a warning or interven e
There is a ris k of an accident.
Always pay particular attention to th e traffic
situation and keep within th e lane, especially
if Active Lan e Keepin g Assis t alerts you. Ter -
minate th e intervention in a non-critical driv-
ing situation .
The system may be impaire d or may no t function
if: R
there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficien t
illumination of th e road , or due to snow, rain ,
fog or spray R
there is glare, e.g. from oncomin g traffic, th e
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
th e road surfac e is wet )R
th e windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in th e vicin-
it y of th e camera R
th e radar sensor s in th e fron t or rear bumpers
or th e radiato r trim are dirty, e.g. obscured by
snow R
there are no , several or unclear lan e marking s
for a lane, e.g. in areas wit h road construction
wor k R
th e lan e marking s are wor n away, dark or cov-
ere d up, e.g. by dir t or snowR
th e distanc e to th e vehicl e in fron t is to o small
a nd th e lan e marking s thus canno t be detec -
te d R
th e lan e marking s chang e quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off , cross on e another or mergeR
th e road is narrow and windin gR
there are highly variable shad e condition s on
th e roadway
If no vehicl e is detecte d in th e adjacent lan e and
broke n lan e marking s are detected, no lane-cor-
recting brak e application is made .
Warning vibration in th e steering wheel
A warning may be given if a fron t whee l passes
ove r a lan e marking . It will warn you by mean s of
intermittent vibration in th e steering whee l for
up to 1. 5 seconds.200
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Lane-correcting brake application If you leave your lane, under certain circumstan-
ces the vehicle will brake briefly on one side.
This is meant to assist you in bringing the vehicle
back to the original lane.
G WARNING
A lane-correcting brake application cannot
always bring the vehicle back into the original
lane. There is a risk of an accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Lane Keeping Assist warns
you or makes a lane-correcting brake appli-
cation.
If a lane-correcting brake application occurs,
display C appears in the multifunction display.
The brake application also slightly reduces vehi-
cle speed.
A lane-correcting brake application can be made
after driving over a lane marking detected as
being solid or broken. Before this, a warning
must be given by means of intermittent vibration
in the steering wheel. In addition, a lane with
lane markings on both sides must be recog-
nized.
In the case of a broken lane marking being
detected, a lane-correcting brake application
can only be made if a vehicle has been detected
in the adjacent lane. Oncoming vehicles, over-
taking vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes
can be detected.
A further lane-correcting brake application can
only occur after your vehicle has returned to the
original lane.
No lane-correcting brake application occurs if: R
you clearly and actively steer, brake or accel-
erate. R
you cut the corner on a sharp bend. R
you have switched on the turn signal. R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist. R
you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration. R
ESP ®
is switched off. R
the transmission is not in position [ .R
on vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the elec-
trical connection to the trailer has been cor-
rect ly established. R
a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire has
been detected and displayed. R
an obstacle has been detected in the lane in
which you are driving.
Active Lane Keeping Assist may not detect other
road users or traffic situations. An inappropriate
brake application may be interrupted at any time
if you: R
steer slightly in the opposite direction. R
switch on the turn signal. R
you brake or accelerate significantly.
A lane-correcting brake application is interrup-
ted automatically if: R
a driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP ®
,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist. R
lane markings are no longer detected.
Activating/deactivating Active Lane
Keeping Assist
X
To activate: press button D .
Indicator lamp C lights up. The Lane Keep‐
ing Assist On message appears on the
multifunction display. If all conditions have
been satisfied, a warning or steering inter-
vention may be made.
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,Driving systems 201
Driving and parking Z

X
Switch off the engine. X
Close the doors and tailgate. X
Couple up the trailer. X
Establish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer. X
Check that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing. X
Push the combination switch upwards/down-
wards and check whether the corresponding
turn signal on the trailer flashes.
A trailer that is connected is recognized only
when the electrical connection is established
correctly and when the lighting system is work-
ing 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
Vehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: if you couple
up a trailer, the vehicle always remains at high-
way level. Observe the following note when cou-
pling up a trailer: R
Unless highway level has been set manually,
the vehicle is automatically lowered to high-
way level. If a speed of 5 mph (8 km/h) has
been reached, this may be the case.
These restrictions apply to accessories that are
supplied with power via the trailer socket in your
vehicle, e.g. a rear bicycle rack.
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 fas-
tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough play in the chains to make tight
cornering possible. R
A separate brake system for certain types of
trailer. R
Safety switch for braked trailers. Check the
specific legal requirements applicable to your
state.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety feature applies the
trailer brakes. Towing a trailer There are several legal requirements for towing
a trailer, e.g. the maximum permissible speed.
Make sure that your car/trailer combination
complies with the local regulations: R
in your place of residence R
at your destination
The police and local authorities can provide reli-
able information.
To accumulate driving experience and accustom
yourself to the new handling characteristics,
practice the following at a location where there
is no traffic: R
Cornering R
Stopping R
Backing up
Check the following before the journey: R
Trailer tow hitch R
Safety switch for braked trailers R
Safety chains R
Electrical connections R
Lighting system R
Wheels and tires R
Load securing
Adjust the exterior mirrors so that you have a
clear view of the rear section of the trailer.
If the trailer is equipped with electronically con-
trolled brakes, pull away carefully in the car/
trailer combination. Brake manually using the
brake controller and check whether the brakes
function correctly.
Regularly check that the load is secure.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination: R
is heavier R
is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability R
has an increased braking distance R
is affected more by strong crosswinds R
demands more sensitive steering R
has a larger turning circle
Avoid sudden steering movements.
Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gently
at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.Towing a trailer 205
Driving and parking Z