mirror MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual

tened to the vehicle's trailer coupling, not to
the bumper or the axle.
Leave enough slack in the chains. This allows
you to drive round tight corners.
Ra separate brake system for certain types of
trailer.
Ra safety shut-off for braked trailers. Find out
the specific requirements according to the
applicable laws.
If the trailer becomes detached from the tow-
ing vehicle, the safety shut-off applies the
trailer brakes.
Towing a trailer
There are numerous legal requirements con-
cerning the towing of a trailer, e.g. speed restric-
tions. Many states require a separate functional
braking system for your trailer once a certain
weight limit is exceeded. For reasons of safety,
it is recommended that all trailers use a sepa-
rate functional braking system. Make sure yourvehicle/trailer combination complies with local
laws. This not only means where you live, but
also anywhere you are driving to. Information on
this can be obtained from the police and local
authorities.
Observe the following when towing a trailer:
RPractice driving around bends, stopping and
backing up at a place where there is no traffic.
This enables you to gain experience and get
used to the new handling characteristics.
RBefore driving, check:
-that the trailer tow hitch and ball coupling
are secure
-that the safety switch for a braked trailer is
functioning properly
-that the safety chains are secure and not
damaged
-that the electrical connections are secure
-that the lights are working
-that the wheels are in good order and the
tire pressure is correct
RAdjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
RIf the trailer is equipped with a separate func-
tional braking system, check before each
journey whether the brakes are functioning
correctly.
RSecure the load on the trailer according to the
applicable specifications and current stand-
ards on securing loads (
Ypage 244).
RWhen driving with a trailer, check at regular
intervals that the load is secured and that the
brakes and lights 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 and has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to crosswinds and
requires cautious steering.
RIf possible, do not brake suddenly, but rather
moderately at first so that the trailer can acti-
vate its brakes. Then increase the force on the
brake pedal.
RIf the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears when driving on inclines,
restrict the shift range. Select shift range
4,3 ,
2 o

r 1.
Driving in a low gear and at a low speed
reduces the risk of damaging the engine.
RWhen driving on a downhill gradient, shift to a
low gear and take advantage of the engine's
braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if instal-
led, the trailer brakes.
RIf the coolant temperature increases dramat-
ically while the air-conditioning system is
switched on, switch off the air-conditioning
system.
Coolant heat can also be dissipated by
switching the airflow and the temperature of
the air conditioning to the maximum level.
Open the windows if necessary.
RWhen overtaking, pay particular attention to
the extended length of your vehicle/trailer
combination.
Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer com- bination you need an additional distance
before you can return to your original lane.
166Towing a trailer
Driving an d parking

XTo open:briefly press cover :.
The eyeglasses compartment opens down-
wards.
XTo close: press the eyeglasses compartment
into the overhead control panel until it
engages.
Make sure that the eyeglasses compartment is
always closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Stowage net
You can use the stowage nets on the back of the
seat backrests to store small, lightweight items.
Observe the loading directions (
Ypage 242)
and the safety information about the stowage
spaces (
Ypage 238).
Sun visors
Overview
GWARNING
If the mirror cover of the vanity mirror is folded
up when the vehicle is in motion, you could be
blinded by incident light. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always keep the mirror cover folded down
while driving.
Sun visor (example with illuminated vanity mirror)
:
Mirror light
;Retainer
=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket
?Vanity mirror
AMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
XFold up mirror cover A.
XTurn the key to position 1or 2in the ignition
lock.
Mirror lamp :lights up.
Glare from the side
XFold the sun visor down.
XPull the sun visor out of bracket ;.
XSwing the sun visor to the side.
Cup holder
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The cup holder cannot hold a container secure
whilst traveling. If you use a cup holder whilst
traveling, the container may be flung around
and liquid may be spilled. The vehicle occu-
pants may come into contact with the liquid
and if it is hot, they may be scalded. You may
be distracted from the traffic conditions and
you could lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Only use the cup holder when the vehicle is
stationary. Only use the cup holder for con-
tainers of the right size. Always close the con-
tainer, particularly if the liquid is hot.
!Only use the cup holders for containers of
the right size and which have lids. The drinks could otherwise spill.
Observe the loading guidelines (
Ypage 242).
Cup holder239
Stowing an d features
Z

used cleaning productsinan environmentally
responsible manner.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths inan environmentally responsible man-
ner.
Regular care of your veh icle isa condition for
retaining the qualityin the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents recom-
mended and approved byMercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWAR NING
Braking eff iciency isreduced after washing
the veh icle. There isa risk of an acc ident.
After the veh iclehas been washed, brake
carefully whilepaying attention to the traff ic
conditions unt ilfull braking power isrestored.
!Make sure that the automat iccar wash is
suitable for the size of the veh icle.
Before washing the veh icle inan automat ic
car wash, fold inthe exterior mirrors and
remove any additional antennas. Otherwise,
the exterior mirror, antenna or the veh icle
itself could bedamaged.
Make sure that the exterior mirrors are fully
folded out again and that any additional
antennas are re-installed when you leave the
automat iccar wash.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side wind ows and the roof are com-
plet ely closed
Rthe clim ate control blower is swit ched off
Rthewind shield wiper swit chisat position 0
The veh iclecould otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the veh icle inan automat iccar
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirtbefore cleaning the veh icle
in an automat iccar wash. After putting the vehicle through an automat
ic
car wash, wipeoff wax from:
Rthe windshield
Rthewind shield wiperblades
This will prevent smears and reduce wiping
noises caused byresidue on the windshield.
Ron vehicles with rear doors, from the rear view
c
amera lens inthe top of the license plate
molding (
Ypage 267)
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements of the country
you are currently in when washing by hand.
XDo not use hot water and donot wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft car sponge.
XUse a mildcleaning agent, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz approved car shampoo.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towards the
air inlet grilles.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the sponge
frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agents dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle inwinter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozz le(dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diat ely.
!Under no circumstances use power washers
in the vehicle interior. The pressurized water
264Care
Maintenance and care