MERCEDES-BENZ GLC SUV 2018 Owner's Manual

WhenStandardis selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BAS or ESP®.
Adaptive
When Adaptive
is selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ABS,
BAS or ESP®.
Ryou accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
Ryou brake hard.
Ryou steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly.
Ryou cut the corner on a sharp bend.
In order that you are warned only when neces-
sary and in good time if you cross the lane mark-
ing, the system recognizes certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if:
Ryou approach the outer lane marking on a
bend.
Rthe road has very wide lanes, e.g. a freeway.
Rthe system detects solid lane markings.
The warning vibration occurs later if:
Rthe road has narrow lanes
Ryou cut the corner on a bend
Driving Assistance Plus package
General notes
The Driving Assistance Plus package consists of
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC (Ypage 170), Active
Blind Spot Assist (Ypage 209) and Active Lane
Keeping Assist (Ypage 212).
Active Blind Spot Assist
General notes
Active Blind Spot Assist uses a radar sensor
system, pointed toward the rear of the vehicle,
to monitor the area to the sides of the vehicle
which the driver is unable to see. A warning lamp lights up in the exterior mirrors and draws your
attention to vehicles detected in the monitored
area. If you then switch on the corresponding
turn signal to change lane, you will also receive
an optical and audible warning. If a risk of lateral
collision is detected, corrective braking may
help you avoid a collision. Before a course-cor-
recting brake application, Active Blind Spot
Assist evaluates the space in the direction of
travel and at the sides of the vehicle. For this,
Active Blind Spot Assist uses the forward-facing
radar sensors.
Active Blind Spot Assist supports you from a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/
h).
Important safety notes
Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid and is not
a substitute for attentive driving.
GWARNING
Active Blind Spot Assist does not react to:
Rvehicles overtaken too closely on the side,
placing them in the blind spot area
Rvehicles which approach with a large speed
differential and overtake your vehicle
As a result, Active Blind Spot Assist may ne i-
ther give warnings nor intervene insuch sit-
uations. There is a risk of an accident.
Always observe the traffic conditions care-
fully, and maintain a safe lateral distance.
iUSA only: This device has been approved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use inan auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use inany non-
appr oved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interference
rec eived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Driving systems209
Driving and parking
Z

Removal, tampering,or altering of th edevice
will voi dany warranties, and is no tpermitted.
Do no ttamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approve dway.
An yunauthorized modification to this device
could voi dth euser's authority to operate th e
equipment.
Rada rsensors
The Active Blind Spot Assist radar sensor sare
integrate dint oth efron tand rear bumpers and
behind acover in th eradiato rtrim. Mak esur e
that th ebumpers and th ecover in th eradiato r
grill are free of dirt ,ice or slush. The rear sensor s
mus tno tbe covered, for exampl eby cycle racks
or overhanging cargo. Followin g asevere impact
or in th eevent of damag eto th ebumpers ,hav e
th efunction of th eradar sensor schecke dat a
qualified specialist workshop. Active Blind Spot
Assist may otherwise no longer wor kproperly.
Monitoring area
GWARNIN G
Active Blind Spot Assist does no tdetec tall
traffic situation sand road users. There is a
ris kof an accident.
Always mak esur ethat there is sufficien tdis-
tance on th eside for other traffic or obstacles.
At adistanc eof approximately 1. 6ft (0. 5m) ;
from the vehicle, Active Blind Spot Assist mon-
itors the area up to 10 ft (3 m) next to =and
behind :your vehicle, as shown in the picture. The detection of obstacles can be impaired in
the case of:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rpoor visibility, e.g. due to rain, snow or spray
Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not
indicated.
Active Blind Spot Assist may not detect narrow
vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles, or
may only detect them too late.
If the lanes are narrow, vehicles driving in the
lane beyond the lane next to your vehicle may be
indicated, especially if the vehicles are not driv-
ing in the middle of their lane. This may be the
case if there are vehicles at the inner edge of
your lane.
Due to the nature of the system:
Rwarnings may be issued in error when driving
close to crash barriers or similar solid lane
borders.
Rwarnings may be interrupted when you are
driving alongside particularly long vehicles,
such as trucks, for a prolonged time.
Warning lamp
:Warning lamp
Active Blind Spot Assist is not operational at
speeds below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
Vehicles in the monitoring range are then not
indicated.
If a vehicle is detected within the blind spot
monitoring range at speeds above 20 mph
(30 km/h), warning lamp :on the correspond-
ing side lights up red. This warning is always
emitted when a vehicle enters the blind spot
monitoring range from behind or from the side.
When you overtake a vehicle, the warning only
occurs if the difference in speed is less than
7 mph (12 km/h).
210Driving systems
Driving and parking

If you select the reverse gear, Active Blind Spot
Assist is not operational.
The brightness of the warning lamps is auto-
matically adapted to the brightness of the sur-
roundings.
When Active Blind Spot Assist is activated, gray
radar waves propagating backward appear next
to the vehicle in the assistance display in the
multifunction display. Above a speed of 20 mph
(30 km/h), the color of the radar waves in the
assistance display changes to green;. Active
Blind Spot Assist is then ready for use.
Visual and acoustic collision warning
If you switch on the turn signals to change lanes
and a vehicle is detected in the side monitoring
range, you receive a visual and acoustic collision
warning. You will then hear a double warning
tone and red warning lamp :flashes. If the turn
signal remains on, detected vehicles are indica-
ted by the flashing of red warning lamp :.
There are no further warning tones.
Course-correcting brake application
If Active Blind Spot Assist detects a risk of a lat-
eral collision in the monitoring range, a course-
correcting brake application is carried out. This
is meant to assist you in avoiding a collision.
GWARNING
A course-correcting brake application cannot always prevent a collision. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always steer, brake or accelerate yourself,
especially if Active Blind Spot Assist warns
you or makes a course-correcting brake appli-
cation. Always maintain a safe distance at the
sides. If a course-correcting brake application occurs,
red warning lamp
:flashes in the exterior mir-
ror and a double warning tone sounds. In addi-
tion, a display underlining the danger of a side
collision appears in the multifunction display.
In very rare cases, the system may make an
inappropriate brake application. A course-cor-
recting brake application may be interrupted at
any time by countersteering slightly or acceler-
ating.
The course-correcting brake application is avail-
able in the speed range between 20 mph
(30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Either no braking application, or a course-cor-
recting brake application adapted to the driving situation occurs if:
Rthere are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, located on both sides of your vehicle.
Ra vehicle approaches you too closely at the
side.
Ryou have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
Ryou clearly brake or accelerate.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP®
or PRE-SAFE®Brake.
RESP®is switched off.
Ra loss of tire pressure or a defective tire is
detected.
Switching on Active Blind Spot Assist
XMake sure that Active Blind Spot Assist is
activated in the on-board computer
(
Ypage 232).
XSwitch on the ignition.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors light
up red for approximately 1.5 seconds.
Gray radar waves propagating backwards
appear next to the vehicle in the assistance
graphic in the multifunction display ;.
Above a speed of 20 mph (30 km/h), the color
of the radar waves in the assistance display
changes to green ;. Active Blind Spot Assist
is then ready for use.
Driving systems211
Driving and parking
Z

Active Lane Keeping Assist
Generalnotes
Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tmonitors th earea in
fron tof your vehicl eby mean sof multifunction
camera :at th eto pof th ewindshield. Various
differen tareas to th efront, rear and side of your
vehicl eare also monitore dwit hth eaid of th e
radar sensor system. Active Lan eKeepin g
Assis tdetects lan emarking son th eroad and
can warn you before you leav eyour lan eunin-
tentionally. If you do no treac tto th ewarning , a
lane-correcting application of th ebrakes can
bring th evehicl ebac kint oth eoriginal lane.
This function is available in th erange between
40 mph and 12 0mph (60 km/h and 20 0km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your drivin gstyle, Active Lan e
Keepin gAssis tcan neither reduce th eris kof an
acciden tno roverride th elaws of physics .Active
Lan eKeepin gAssis tcanno ttak eaccoun tof
road and weather conditions. It may no trecog-
niz etraffic situations. Active Lan eKeepin g
Assis tis only an aid. You are responsibl efor th e
distanc eto th evehicl ein front, for vehicl e
speed, for braking in goo dtime and for stayin gin
your lane.
Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tcanno tcontinuously
keep your vehicl ein it slane.
GWARNIN G
Active Lan eKeepin gAssis tcanno talways
clearly detec tlan emarkings.
In suc hcases, Active Lan eKeepin gAssis t
can :
Rgivean unnecessary warning and then
mak e acourse-correcting brak eapplication
to th evehicl e
Rnotgiv e a warning or interven e
There is aris kof an accident.
Always pay particular attention to th etraffic
situation and keep within th elane, especially
if Active Lan eKeepin gAssis talerts you. Ter -
minate th eintervention in anon-critical driv-
ing situation .
The system may be impaire dor may no tfunction
if:
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficien t
illumination of th eroad ,or due to snow, rain ,
fog or heav yspray
Rthere is glare, e.g. from oncomin gtraffic, th e
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
th eroad surfac eis wet )
Rthewindshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by asticker, in th evicin-
it y of th ecamera
Rth eradar sensor sin th efron tor rear bumpers
or th eradiato rtrim are dirty, e.g. obscured by
snow
Rthere are no or several unclear lan emarking s
for on elane, e.g. roadworks
Rth elan emarking sare wor naway, dark or cov-
ere dup, e.g. by dir tor snow
Rth edistanc eto th evehicl ein fron tis to oshort
and thus thelan emarking scanno tbe detec -
te d
Rth elan emarking schang equickly, e.g. lanes
branch off ,cross on eanother or merge
Rth eroad is narrow and windin g
Rthere are highly variable shad econdition son
th eroadway
If no vehicl eis detecte din th eadjacent lan eand
broke nlan emarking sare detected, no lane-cor-
recting brak eapplication is made .
Warning vibration in th esteering wheel
A warning may be given if afron twhee lpasses
ove r alan emarking .It will warn you by mean sof
intermittent vibration in th esteering whee lfor
up to 1. 5seconds.
212Driving 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.
GWARNING
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 :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 recognized 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 have been
detected.
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:
Ryou clearly and actively steer, brake or accel-
erate.
Ryou cut the corner on a sharp bend
Ryou have switched on the turn signal
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP®,
PRE-SAFE®Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist
Ryou have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds or high rates of accel-
eration
RESP®is switched off
Rthe transmission is not in position h.
Ron vehicles with a trailer tow hitch, the elec-
trical connection to the trailer has been cor-
rect
ly established
Ra loss of tire pressure or a defective tire has
been detected and displayed.
Ran 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:
Rsteer slightly in the opposite direction
Rswitch on the turn signal
Ryou brake or accelerate significantly.
A lane-correcting brake application is interrup-
ted automatically if:
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g. ESP®,
PRE-SAFE®Brake or Active Blind Spot Assist
Rlane markings are no longer detected
Activating/deactivating Active Lane
Keeping Assist
XTo activate: press button ;.
Indicator lamp :lights up. The Lane Keep‐
ingAssistOnmessage appears in the mul-
tifunction display. If all conditions have been
satisfied, a warning or steering intervention
may be made.
If you drive at speeds above 40 mph
(60 km/h) and lane markings are detected,
Driving systems213
Driving and parking
Z

the lines on the assistance graphic display are
shown in green (Ypage 231). Active Lane
Keeping Assist is ready for use.
XTo deactivate: press button;.
Indicator lamp :goes out. The Active Lane
Keeping Assist is deactivated. The Lane
Keeping Assist Offmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
Selecting Standard or Adaptive setting
XIn the DriveAssistmenu on the on-board
computer, select the Active Lane Keep‐
ing Assistfunction (Ypage 233).
XSelect settingStandardorAdaptive.
When Standardis selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event,
the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time
Ra driving safety system intervenes, such as
ABS, BAS or ESP®
When Adaptiveis selected, no warning vibra-
tion occurs if:
Ryou switch on the turn signals. In this event, the warnings are suppressed for a certain
period of time.
Ra driving safety system intervenes, e.g.
ABS, BAS or ESP®
Ryou accelerate hard, e.g. kickdown.
Ryou brake hard
Ryou steer actively, e.g. swerve to avoid an
obstacle or change lanes quickly
Ryou cut the corner on a sharp bend
To ensure that you are warned only when nec-
essary and in good time if you cross the lane
markings, the system detects certain conditions
and warns you accordingly.
The warning vibration occurs earlier if:
Ryou approach the outer lane marking on a
bend
Rthe road has very wide lanes, e.g. a freeway
Rthe system detects solid lane markings
The warning vibration occurs later if:
Rthe road has narrow lanes
Ryou cut the corner on a bend
Towing a trailer
When you attach a trailer, make sure you have
correctly established the electrical connection. This can be accomplished by checking the trailer
lighting.
Towing a trailer
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Installing an unsuitable ball coupling may
result in overloading of the trailer tow hitch
and the rear axle. This applies especially if the ball coupling in question is longer or angled
differently. This could seriously impair the
driving characteristics and the trailer can
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
You should only ever install a ball coupling
that has the permissible dimensions and that
is designed to meet your trailer-towing
requirements. Do not modify the ball coupling
or the trailer tow hitch.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (
Ypage 384).
GWARNING
When the vehicle/trailer combination begins
to lurch, you could lose control of it. The vehi- cle/trailer combination could even rollover.
There is a risk of an accident.
On no account should you attempt to
straighten up the vehicle/trailer combination
by increasing the speed. Reduce vehicle
speed and do not countersteer. Apply the
brake as necessary.
!If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
changes to the engine cooling system may be
necessary, depending on the vehicle type.
If you have a trailer tow hitch retrofitted,
observe the anchorage points on the chassis
frame.
The installation of a trailer tow hitch is only per-
missible if a towing weight is specified in your
vehicle documents. If this is not the case, then
the vehicle is not approved for the towing of a
trailer.
214Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

For more information, please contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Please observe the manufacturer's operating
instructions for the trailer coupling if a detach-
able trailer coupling is used.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If you
do not couple the trailer to the towing vehicle
correctly, the trailer could become detached.
Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
Rthe permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
Rthe permissible trailer load
Rthe permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
Rthe maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the type plate for the trailer
Ron the vehicle identification plate
If the values differ, the lowest value applies.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas a larger turning circle
This could impair the handling characteristics.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed
to the current road and wea
ther conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
RDo not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for vehicle/trailer combinations in the
relevant country. This lowers the risk of an accident.
ROnly install an approved trailer coupling on
your vehicle.
Further information on availability and on
installation is available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
RThe bumpers of your vehicle are not suitable
for installing detachable trailer couplings.
RDo not install hired trailer couplings or other
detachable trailer couplings on the bumpers
of your vehicle.
RIf you no longer need the ball coupling,
remove it from the ball coupling recess. This
will reduce the risk of damage to the ball cou-
pling.
When towing a trailer, set the tire pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a maxi-
mum load; see the tire pressure table in the fuel
filler flap (
Ypage 367).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 191)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 205)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 212)
On vehicles without level control, the height of
the ball coupling will alter according to the load
placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a trailer
with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find permissible trailer loads under
"Technical data" (
Ypage 384).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 72) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 140).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted speed is. Observe the maximum per-
missible speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (
Ypage 384). In the event of increased
rear axle load, the vehicle/trailer combination
may not exceed a maximum speed of 60 mph
(100 km/h) for reasons concerning the operat-
ing permit. This also applies in countries in
Towing a trailer215
Driving and parking
Z

which the maximum permissible speed for vehi-
cle/trailer combinations is above 60 mph
(100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison towhen driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
Shift to a lower gear on long and steep downhill
gradients.
This also applies to:
Ractivated DISTRONIC PLUS
Ractivated cruise control
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so that less braking will be required to maintain the
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips
If the trailer swings from side to side:
XDo not accelerate.
XDo not counter-steer.
XBrake if necessary.
RMaintain a greater distance from the vehicle
in front than when driving without a trailer.
RAvoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
RThe values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that
the power output of the engine and, conse-
quently, the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decreases with increasing altitude.
Installing the ball coupling
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly installed
and secured, it could come loose while driving and endanger other road users. There is a risk
of an accident and injury.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling manufacturer's instal- lation instructions. Make sure that the ball
coupling is correctly installed and secured
before every journey.
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed and secured
correctly the trailer may come loose. There is
a risk of an accident.
Install and secure the ball coupling as descri-
bed in the ball coupling installation instruc-
tions. Make sure that the ball coupling is
installed and secured correctly before every
journey.
XPull protective cap :in the direction of the
arrow, out of the ball coupling recess.
XStow protective cap :so that it cannot be
thrown around.
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 290)
and the safety notes regarding stowage
spaces (
Ypage 290).
Coupling up a trailer
!
Do not connect the trailer's brake system (if
featured) to the hydraulic brake system of the
towing vehicle, as the latter is equipped with
an anti-lock brake system. Doing so will result
in a loss of function of the brake systems of
both the vehicle and the trailer.
XApply the vehicle's electric parking brake
manually.
XStart the engine.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XVehicles with AIR BODY CONTROL: select
the Comfort drive program.
216Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

XSwitch off the engine.
XClose the doors and tailgate.
XCouple up the trailer.
XEstablish the electrical connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
XCheck that the trailer lighting system is work-
ing.
XPush 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:
RESP®
RPARKTRONIC
RActive Parking Assist
RActive Blind Spot Assist
RActive 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:
RUnless 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:
RSafety 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.
RA separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
RSafety 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:
Rin your place of residence
Rat 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:
RCornering
RStopping
RBacking up
Check the following before the journey:
RTrailer tow hitch
RSafety switch for braked trailers
RSafety chains
RElectrical connections
RLighting system
RWheels and tires
RLoad 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:
Ris heavier
Ris restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
Rhas an increased braking distance
Ris affected more by strong crosswinds
Rdemands more sensitive steering
Rhas 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 trailer217
Driving and parking
Z

When overtaking, pay particular attention to the
extended length of your vehicle/trailer combi-
nation.
Due to the length of the vehicle/trailer combi-
nation, you require additional road space when
overtaking before you can change back to the
original lane.
If the automatic transmission repeatedly shifts
between gears on uphill or downhill gradients,
shift to a lower gear.
Driving in a lower gear and at a reduced speed
decreases the risk of engine damage.
If the coolant temperature increases signifi-
cantly when climate control is switched on,
switch climate control off.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by opening
the windows and switching the ventilation
blower and the interior temperature to the high-
est level.
Decoupling a trailer
GWARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overrun brake
is engaged.
GWARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. This could result in your
limbs or those of other people that are
between the vehicle body and tires or under-
neath the vehicle being trapped. There is a
risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnect 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.
XApply the vehicle's parking brake manually.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XClose all doors and the tailgate.
XSwitch off the engine.
XSecure the vehicle and trailer against rolling
away.
XRemove the trailer cable.
XRemove the safety chains, if there are any.
XUncouple the trailer.
Removing the ball coupling
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
XPress the protective cap into the ball coupling
recess.
XMake sure that the protective cap is firmly in
place.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 290)
and the safety notes regarding stowage spaces
(
Ypage 290).
Information on cleaning and care of the trailer
tow hitch (
Ypage 329).
Trailer power supply
!
Accessories with a maximum power con-
sumption of 180 W can be connected to the
permanent power supply.
You must not charge a trailer battery using the
power supply.
The trailer socket of your vehicle is equipped at
the factory with a permanent power supply.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 4.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest.
A qualified specialist workshop can provide
more information about installing the trailer
electrics.
Permissible trailer loads and trailer
drawbar noseweights
Weight specifications
The gross trailer weight is calculated as the
weight of the trailer plus the weight of the load
and the trailer's equipment.
218Towing a trailer
Driving and parking