dimensions MERCEDES-BENZ GLE-CLASS SUV 2016 Owners Manual

Summer tires.....................................3 89
Sun visor ............................................ 340
Suspension setting
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ...........................................2 09
Suspension settings
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 277
SUV
(Sport Utility Vehicle) ....................... 28
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 138
T
Tachometer ........................................ 263
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 293
Tailgate
Display message ............................ 312
Emergency unlocking ....................... 90
Important safety notes .................... 87
Limiting the opening angle ...............9 0
Opening dimensions ......................4 41
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 89
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 88
Opening/closing (from outside) ....... 88
Power closing .................................. 86
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 34
Technical data
Capacities ...................................... 433
Emergency spare wheel ................. 430
Information ....................................4 31
Tires/wheels ................................. 413
Trailer loads ................................... 445
Vehicle data ................................... 441
Telephone
Accepting a call (multifunction
steering wheel) .............................. 270
Display message ............................ 314
Menu (on-board computer) ............ 270
Number from the phone book ........2 70
Redialing ........................................ 271
Rejecting/ending a call ................. 270 Temperature
Coolant (display in the instrument
cluster) .......................................... 264
Coolant (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ...............2 77
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 273
Engine oil (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ...............2 77
Outside temperature ......................2 64
Setting (climate control) ................ 134
Transmission oil (on-board com-
puter, Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ..... 277
Through-loading feature ................... 332
Time
see separate operating instructions
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 277
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 394
Checking manually ........................ 393
Displ ay message ............................ 309
Ma

ximum ....................................... 393
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 373
Notes ............................................. 392
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 373
Recommended ............................... 390
Tire pressure loss warning system
General notes ................................ 393
Important safety notes .................. 394
Restarting ...................................... 394
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 396
Function/notes .............................3 94
General notes ................................ 394
Important safety notes .................. 395
Radio type approval for the tire
pressure monitor ........................... 397
Restarting ...................................... 397
Warning lamp ................................. 328
Warning message .......................... 396
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 371
Important safety notes .................. 371
Storage location ............................ 369
Tire pressure not reached .............. 373
Tire pressure reached .................... 373
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 407
20Index

Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 406
Bar (definition) ............................... 406
Changing a wheel .......................... 408
Characteristics .............................. 406
Checking ........................................ 388
Curb weight (definition) ................. 407
Definition of terms ......................... 406
Direction of rotation ...................... 409
Display message ............................ 309
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 408
DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 406
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 405
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 406
General notes ................................ 413
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 407
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 407
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 407
Important safety notes .................. 387
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 406
Information on driving .................... 387
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 407
Labeling (overview) ........................ 403
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 408
Load index ..................................... 405
Load index (definition) ................... 407
M+S tires ....................................... 389
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 407
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 407
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 407
Maximum tire load ......................... 405
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 407
MOExtended tires .......................... 389
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 408
PSI (poundsper sq
uare inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 407 Replacing ....................................... 408
Service life ..................................... 388
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 408
Speed rating (definition) ................ 407
Storing ........................................... 409
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 406
Temperature .................................. 402
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 408
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 407
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 407
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 406
Tire size (data) ............................... 413
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 403
Tire tread ....................................... 388
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 407
Total load limit (definition) ............. 408
Traction ......................................... 402
Traction (definition) ....................... 408
Tread wear ..................................... 402
TWR (permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight) (definition) ................. 408
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 401
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 406
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 408
Wheel and tire combination ........... 414
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 406
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 62
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 383
Important safety notes .................. 381
Towing a trailer
Axle load, permissible .................... 445
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 366
Coupling up a trailer ...................... 259
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 261
Driving tips .................................... 257
ESP
®(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 73
Important safety notes .................. 256
Installing the ball coupling ............. 258
Lights display mes sage .................. 292
Mo

unting dimensions .................... 444
Index21

Vehicle data ................................... 441
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 441
Vehicle data (off-road driving)
Approach/departure angle ............ 443
Fording depth ................................ 442
Maximum gradient climbing abil-
ity .................................................. 444
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 441
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 86
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 432
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 207
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 302
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 369
Video
Operating the DVD .........................2 70
VIN ...................................................... 432
Seat ............................................... 433
Type plate ...................................... 432
W
Warning Stickers ...........................................4 2
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 319
Brakes ...........................................3 17
Check Engine ................................. 325
Coolant .......................................... 325
Distance warning ........................... 327
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 327
ESP
®.............................................. 321
ESP®OFF ....................................... 322
Fuel tank ........................................ 325
Hybrid drive system ....................... 318
Overview .......................................... 35
Parking brake ................................ 324
PASSENGER AIR BAG ......................4 5
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys -
tem) .............................................. .318
Reserve fuel ................................... 325
Restraint system ............................ 324
Seat belt ........................................ 316
Tire pressure monitor .................... 328 Warranty
.............................................. 26
Washer fluid
Display message ............................ 314
Wheel and tire combinations
Tires ............................................... 414
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 412
Wheel chock ...................................... 409
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 408
Checking ........................................ 388
Cleaning ......................................... 364
Emergency spare wheel ................. 426
General notes ................................ 413
Important safety notes .................. 387
Information on driving .................... 387
Interchanging/changing ................ 408
Mounting a new wheel ................... 411
Mounting a wheel .......................... 409
Overview ........................................ 387
Removing a wheel .......................... 411
Storing ...........................................4 09
Tightening torque ........................... 412
Wheel size/tire si
ze ....................... 413
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 289
Operation ......................................... 51
Windows
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 136
Windshield washer fluid
see Windshield washer system
Windshield washer system
Adding washer fluid ....................... 359
Important safety notes .................. 439
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 125
Rear window wiper ........................ 122
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 122
Switching on/off ........................... 121
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 186
Snow chains .................................. 390
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 389
Overview ........................................ 389
Radiator cover ............................... 357
Index23

Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
GWARNING
If objects, luggage or loads are not secured or
not secured sufficiently, they could slip, tip
over or be flung around and thereby hit vehicle
occupants. There is a risk of injury, particu-
larly in the event of sudden braking or a sud-
den change in direction.
Always store objects so that they cannot be
flung around. Secure objects, luggage or
loads against slipping or tipping before the
journey.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 441).
You should preferably place luggage or loads in
the cargo compartment. Observe the loading
guidelines (
Ypage 329).
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo com-
partment. You could otherwise lock yourself
out.
Vehicles without the EASY-PACK tailgate:
the tailgate can be:
Ropened and closed manually from outside
Runlocked from inside with the emergency
release
For vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate:
you can:
Rclose the tailgate manually from outside
Ropen and close the tailgate automatically
from outside
Ropen and close the tailgate automatically
from inside
Runlock the tailgate from inside with the emer- gency release
Rlimit the opening angle of the tailgate
Tailgate reversing feature
On vehicles with the tailgate remote closing fea-
ture, the tailgate is equipped with automatic
obstacle recognition with a reversing feature. If
a solid object blocks or restricts the tailgate
when automatically opening or closing, this pro-
cedure is stopped. If the tailgate is stopped dur-
ing the closing procedure, it will open again
automatically. The automatic obstacle recogni-
tion with reversing feature is only an aid. It is not a substitute for your attentiveness when open-
ing and closing the tailgate.
GWARNING
The reversing feature does not react:
Rto soft, light and thin objects, e.g. small fin-
gers
Rover the last 1/3 in (8 mm) of the closing
movement
This means that the reversing feature cannot
prevent someone being trapped in these sit-
uations. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey, or
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door or
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate or
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
Cargo compartment87
Opening and closing
Z

Opening and closing manually from
outside
Opening
XPress the %button on the SmartKey.
XPull handle :.
XRaise the tailgate.
Vehicles with the EASY-PACK tailgate: if you
pull handle :and then release it, the tailgate
opens automatically.
Closing
XPull the tailgate down using recess :.
XAllow the tailgate to drop into the lock.
XLock the vehicle if necessary with the &
button on the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO.
iIf a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the cargo
compartment, the tailgate will not lock.
Opening/closing automatically from
outside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Parts of the body could become trapped dur-
ing automatic closing of the tailgate. More-
over, people, e.g. children, may be standing in the closing area or may enter the closing area
during the closing process. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the vicinity of the
closing area during the closing process.
Use one of the following options to stop the
closing process:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey.
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door.
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate.
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate
is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
Two warning tones sound while the tailgate is
opening or closing.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 441).
iNotes on the automatic reversing feature for
the tailgate (Ypage 87).
88Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

Opening the tailgate automatically
You can open the tailgate automatically with the
SmartKey or the handle in the tailgate.
XPress and hold the Fbutton on the Smart-
Key until the tailgate opens.
or
XWhen the tailgate is unlocked, pull the tailgate
handle and let it go again immediately.
or
XWith the tailgate stopped in an intermediate
position, pull the tailgate upwards.
You can release the tailgate as soon as the
tailgate starts to open.
Closing the tailgate automatically
XTo close: press closing button :in the tail-
gate.
or
XPress and hold the Fbutton on the Smart-
Key until the tailgate closes.
You can release the button as soon as the
tailgate starts to close.
Vehicles with EASY-PACK tailgate and KEYLESS-
GO: you can simultaneously close and lock the
tailgate.
XPress locking button ;in the tailgate.
If a KEYLESS-GO key is detected outside the
vehicle, the tailgate closes and locks. All the
doors must be shut and the SmartKey located
in the vicinity of the tailgate.
iThe tailgate cannot be opened and closed
with the SmartKey if there is a SmartKey in the
ignition.
If the tailgate touches an object while closing,
the closing procedure is interrupted and the
tailgate reopens.
iIf a KEYLESS-GO key is detected in the cargo
compartment, the tailgate will not lock.
Opening/closing automatically from
inside
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The reversing feature does not react:
Rto soft, light and thin objects, e.g. small fin-
gers
Rover the last 1/3 in (8 mm) of the closing
movement
This means that the reversing feature cannot
prevent someone being trapped in these sit-
uations. There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that no body parts are in close
proximity during the closing procedure.
If somebody becomes trapped:
Rpress the Fbutton on the SmartKey, or
Rpull or press the remote operating switch
on the driver's door or
Rpress the closing or locking button on the
tailgate or
Rpull the handle on the tailgate
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. If the tailgate is open when the engine is running, particu-
larly if the vehicle is moving, exhaust fumes
could enter the passenger compartment.
There is a risk of poisoning.
Turn off the engine before opening the tail-
gate. Never drive with the tailgate open.
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
Two warning tones sound while the tailgate is
opening or closing.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 441).
Cargo compartment89
Opening and closing
Z

iNotes on the automatic reversing feature for
the tailgate (Ypage 87).
Opening and closing
XTo open: pull remote operating switch :for
the tailgate until the tailgate opens.
XTo close: turn the SmartKey to position 1or 2
in the ignition lock.
XPress remote operating switch for tailgate :
until the tailgate is completely closed.
You can open and close the tailgate from the
driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary and
unlocked.
Limiting the opening angle of the tail-
gate
General notes
!Make sure there is sufficient clearance to
open the tailgate fully when setting the open-
ing angle. The tailgate could otherwise be
damaged. Ideally, set the opening angle out-
side.
Activating
You can limit the opening angle of the tailgate.
This is possible in the top half of its opening
range, up to approximately 4 in (10 cm) before
the stop.
XTo open the tailgate: pull the handle on the
tailgate.
XTo stop the opening procedure at the
desired position: press the closing button in the tailgate or pull the handle on the outside
of the tailgate again.
XTo save the position:
press and hold the
closing button in the tailgate until two short
tones sound.
The opening angle limiter is activated. The
tailgate will now stop in the stored position
when opening.
Deactivating
XPress and hold the closing button in the tail-
gate until you hear a short tone.
Tailgate emergency release
General notes
!The tailgate swings upwards and to the rear
when opened. Therefore, make sure that
there is sufficient clearance above and behind
the tailgate.
The opening dimensions of the tailgate can be
found in the "Vehicle data" section
(
Ypage 441).
If the tailgate can no longer be unlocked:
Rusing the SmartKey, or
Rusing the remote operating switch in the door
control panel:
Use the emergency release.
Opening
XTake mechanical key ;out of the SmartKey
(Ypage 80).
XInsert mechanical key ;or a suitable tool,
e.g. a thin screwdriver, into opening :in the
paneling and push it in.
The tailgate is released.
90Cargo compartment
Opening and closing

Hybrid drive system
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically.You have been in an accident.
The hybrid drive system remains switched off if:
Rthe internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds.
Rthe red6restraint system warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter is lit.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The hybrid drive system
has been switched off
automatically. The multi-
function display also
shows a display mes-
sage.An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid drive system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected.
XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction dis-
play (Ypage 280).
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
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 445).
GWARNING
If the ball coupling is not installed correctly or not secured with the bolt provided and the
corresponding spring cotter, the trailer may
come loose. There is a risk of an accident.
Always install and secure the ball coupling as
described. Before every journey, ensure that
the ball coupling is secured with the bolt and
the corresponding spring cotter.
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.
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
256Towing a trailer
Driving and parking

The applicable permissible values, which must
not be exceeded, can be found:
Rin the vehicle documents
Ron the identification plates for the trailer tow
hitch and 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 weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination.
Notes on towing a trailer
General notes
The GLE 550 e 4MATIC cannot be used to tow a
trailer.
RDo not exceed the legally prescribed maxi-
mum 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 the max-
imum load. You will find the values in the tire
pressure table in the fuel filler flap of the vehicle
(
Ypage 406).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all:
RPARKTRONIC (Ypage 210)
RBlind Spot Assist (Ypage 227)
RActive Lane Keeping Assist (Ypage 233)
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 installing dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (
Ypage 444).
Driving tips
Observe the information on ESP®trailer stabili-
zation (Ypage 73) and on pulling away with a
trailer (Ypage 149).
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
permissible speed is. Observe the legally pre-
scribed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See "Technical data" to
find out whether this applies to your vehicle
(
Ypage 445). If you utilize any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towing a trailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not exceed
a maximum speed of 60 mph (100 km/ h)for
reasons concerning the operating permit. This
also applies in countries in which the permissi-
ble maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combi-
nations is above 60 mph (100 km/h).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
with when driving without a trailer.
Use the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
to shift into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
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-
Towing a trailer257
Driving and parking
Z

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
iVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: if you
couple up a trailer, the vehicle always remains
at normal level. When coupling up a trailer,
please observe the following:
RIf the normal level has not been set man-
ually, the vehicle is automatically lowered
to normal level. This is the case if a speed of
5 mph (8 km/h) is reached.
RThe Sport drive program is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connection to the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and leng
th).
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 switch applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric- tions. Make sure that your car/trailer combina-
tion complies with the local regulations:
Rin your place of residence
Rin the location to which you are driving
The police and local authorities can provide reli- able information.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RTo gain driving experience and to become
accustomed to the new handling characteris-
tics, you should practice the following in a
traffic-free location:
-cornering
-stopping
-backing up
RBefore driving, check:
-trailer tow hitch
-safety switch for braked trailers
-safety chains
-electrical connections
-lights
-wheels
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check whether
the brakes function correctly.
RSecure any objects on the trailer to prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is in
motion.
RWhen you couple up a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is firmly secured. If the
tra
iler is equipped with trailer lights and
brakes, check the trailer to ensure that these
are working.
RBear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when driving
without one. Avoid sudden steering move-
ments.
RThe vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
260Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking