tire pressure MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2017 MY17 Operator’s Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 2017, Model line: METRIS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ METRIS 2017Pages: 318, PDF Size: 5.01 MB
Page 5 of 318

Indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster ............................... 219
Multimedia systems in brief............230
Introduction .........................................2 30
Audio 15 .............................................. 232
Stowing and features .......................238
Useful information ............................... 238
Stowage spaces and stowage com-
partments ............................................ 238
Sun visors ............................................ 239
Cup holder ...........................................2 39
Bottle holder ........................................ 240
Ashtray ................................................ 240
Cigarette lighter ................................... 240
12 V socket ......................................... 241
Mobile communications equipment ..... 241
Transporting loads ............................242
Useful information ............................... 242
Loading guidelines ............................... 242
Load distribution ................................. 243
Securing loads ..................................... 244
Lashing straps ..................................... 245
Securing loads ..................................... 247
Carrier systems ................................... 248
Maintenance and care ......................250
Useful information ............................... 250
Engine compartment ........................... 250
Maintenance ........................................ 257
Battery ................................................. 258
Care ..................................................... 263
Breakdown assistance .....................270
Useful information ............................... 270
Where will I find...? .............................. 270
Flat tire ................................................ 272
Jump-starting ....................................... 272
Tow-starting and towing away ............. 274
Electrical fuses ....................................2 76
Wheels and tires............................... 277
Useful information ............................... 277 Important safety notes ........................ 277
Operation ............................................ 277
Operation in winter .............................. 279
Tire pressure ....................................... 280
Loading the vehicle .............................. 288
What you should know about wheels
and tires .............................................. 291
Changing wheels ................................. 296
Wheel and tire combination ................. 300
Spare wheel ......................................... 301
Technical data
................................... 303
Useful information ............................... 303
Vehicle electronics .............................. 303
Identification plates .............................3 03
Service products and capacities .......... 304
Vehicle data ......................................... 311
Contents3
Page 6 of 318

1, 2, 3 ...
12 V socket........................................ 241
A
ABS (anti-lock braking system)
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................ .204
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 190
Function/notes ................................ 64
Important safety notes .................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 222
Acceleration
see Kickdown
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 112
Active Parking Assist
Canceling/stopping active park-
ing assistance ................................ 158
Detecting parking spaces .............. 155
Display message ............................ 214
Exiting a parking space .................. 157
Function/notes .............................1 54
Important safety notes .................. 154
Parking .......................................... 156
Towing a trailer .............................. 154
Add-on equipment ............................... 32
Additional indicators
Replacing bulbs .............................1 02
Additional speedometer
On-board computer (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 186
On-board computer (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 175
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 308
Gasoline ......................................... 306
Air bag
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 205
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 191 Air bags
Deployment ..................................... 56
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 51
Important safety notes .................... 50
Introduction ..................................... 49
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 52
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indica-
tor lamp ...........................................4 6
Si
de impact air bag .......................... 51
Window curtain air bag .................... 52
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 118
Setting the center air vents ........... 118
Setting the rear-compartment air
vents .............................................. 118
Setting the side air vents ............... 118
Air vents
see Air vents
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lamp
Changing a bulb (front door) ............ 99
Changing a bulb (tailgate) ................ 99
Changing a bulb (vanity mirror) ........ 99
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-skid chains
see Snow chains
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Armrests .............................................. 90
Ashtray ............................................... 240
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ........... 68
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (vehicle
with steering wheel buttons) ......... 185
Activating/deactivating (vehicle
without steering wheel buttons) .... 175
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 214
4Index
Page 24 of 318

TimeSetting (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 187
Setting the time (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 187
Setting the time (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 176
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 284
Checking manually ........................ 284
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 217
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 201
Important safety notes .................. 284
Maximum ....................................... 284
Notes ............................................. 283
Recommended ............................... 280
Tables ............................................ 288
Tire label ........................................ 281
Tire pressure monitor
Checking the tire pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 286
Function/notes ............................. 284
General notes ................................ 284
Important safety notes .................. 285
Restarting ...................................... 287
Warning lamp ................................. 228
Warning message .......................... 286
Tire pressure table ............................ 288
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 295
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 294
Bar (definition) ............................... 294
Changing a wheel .......................... 296
Characteristics .............................. 294
Checking ........................................ 278
Curb weight (definition) ................. 295
Definition of terms ......................... 294
Direction of rotation ...................... 296
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 217
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 201
Distribution of the vehicle occu-
pants (definition) ............................ 296 DOT (Department of Transporta-
tion) (definition) ............................. 294
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 293
GAWR (Gross
Axle W
eight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 294
GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) (defi-
nition) ............................................ 294
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) (def-
inition) ........................................... 295
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) (definition) .............................. 295
Important safety notes .................. 277
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 294
Information on driving .................... 277
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 295
Labeling (overview) ........................ 291
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 296
Load index ..................................... 293
Load index (definition) ................... 295
M+S tires ....................................... 279
Maximum load on a tire (defini-
tion) ............................................... 295
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 295
Maximum permissible tire pres-
sure (definition) ............................. 295
Maximum tire load ......................... 293
Maximum tire load (definition) ....... 295
Optional equipment weight (defi-
nition) ............................................ 295
PSI (pounds per square inch) (def-
inition) ........................................... 295
Replacing ....................................... 296
Service life ..................................... 278
Sidewall (definition) ....................... 295
Snow chains .................................. 280
Speed rating (definition) ................ 294
Storing ........................................... 296
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 294
Summer tires ................................. 279
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 296
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 295
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 295
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 294
22Index
Page 27 of 318

Ventilationsee Climate control
VIN
Engine compartment ..................... 304
Type plate ...................................... 303
W
WarningStickers ........................................... 29
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 222
Brakes ........................................... 221
Check Engine ................................. 225
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST .. 227
Coolant .......................................... 225
Distance warning ........................... 227
Door ............................................... 229
ESP
®.............................................. 222
ESP®OFF ....................................... 224
Fuel tank ........................................ 225
General notes ................................ 219
Overview (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ................................. 40
Overview (vehicle without steer-
ing wheel buttons) ........................... 38
Parking brake ................................ 134
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ............... 46
Rear door ....................................... 229
Reserve fuel ................................... 225
Restraint system ............................ 224
Seat belt ........................................ 220
Sliding door ................................... 229
Steering ......................................... 229
Tire pressure monitor .................... 228
Warranty .............................................. 27
Washer fluid
Adding ........................................... 256
Capacities ...................................... 311
Display messages (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 219
Display messages (vehicle with-
out steering wheel buttons) ........... 203
Notes ............................................. 311
Wheel and tire combination
see Tires
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 299Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 296
Checking ........................................ 278
Cleaning ......................................... 266
Important safety notes .................. 277
Interchanging/changing ................ 296
Mounting a new wheel ................... 298
Mounting a wheel .......................... 297
Removing a wheel .......................... 298
Removing and mounting the spare
wheel ............................................. 301
Snow chains .................................. 280
Storing ........................................... 296
Tightening torque ........................... 299
Wheel/tire combinations ............... 300
Window curtain air bag
Display message (vehicle with
steering wheel buttons) ................. 209
Display message (vehicle without
steering wheel buttons) ................. 195
Operati on ......................................... 52
Wi
ndows
see Side windows
Windshield
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Defrosting ...................................... 115
Windshield washer fluid
Adding ........................................... 256
Windshield wiper
Setting the sensitivity of the rain
sensor (vehicle with steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 188
Setting the sensitivity of the rain
sensor (vehicle without steering
wheel buttons) ............................... 175
Windshield wiper
see Windshield
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ................... 107
Rear window wiper ........................ 104
Replacing the wiper blades ............ 105
Switching on/off ........................... 104
Winter driving
Slippery road surfaces ................... 139
Snow chains .................................. 280
Winter operation
General notes ................................ 279
Radiator cover ................................. 33
Index25
Page 32 of 318

Operating conditions:
Ravoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption.
Ralways make sure that the tire pressures
are correct.
Rdo not carry any unnecessary weight.
Rremove roof racks once you no longer need
them.
Ra regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals.
Ralways have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style:
Rdo not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine.
Rdo not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary.
Rdrive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front.
Ravoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking.
Rchange gear in good time and use each gear
only up to Ôof its maximum engine speed.
Rswitch off the engine in stationary traffic.
Rkeep an eye on the vehicle's fuel consump-
tion.
Environmental issues and recommen-
dations
When prompted by this Operator's Manual to
dispose of materials, please try to regenerate
and recycle these materials. Observe all rele-
vant environmental guidelines and regulations
when disposing of materials. This helps to pro-
tect the environment.
Operating safety and vehicle approval
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you do not have the prescribed service/
maintenance work or any required repairs
carried out, this can result in malfunctions or system failures. There is a risk of an accident.
Always have the prescribed service/mainte-
nance work as well as any required repairs
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency Tensioning
Devices (ETDs) contain perchlorate material
which may require special handling and regard
for the environment. The guidelines must be
observed during disposal.
In California, you can find more information on
the Internet at www.dtsc.ca.gov.
Notes on operating the vehicle
There is a risk of damage to the vehicle if:
Rthe vehicle makes contact with the ground,
e.g. on a high curb or a loose road surface
Ryou drive too quickly over an obstacle, e.g. a
curb, speed bump or pothole
Ra heavy object hits the underbody or chassis
component
In these or similar situations, the vehicle body/
frame, the underbody, chassis components,
wheels or tires could be damaged even if this is
not visible from the outside. Components that
have been damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail or no longer be able to assimilate the
loads occurring in the event of an accident. If the underbody paneling is damaged, flammable
material, such as leaves, grass or twigs, could
collect between the underbody and underbody
paneling. These materials could ignite if they
remain in contact with hot components of the
exhaust system for an extended period.
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system. There is a risk of fire.
30Introduction
Page 66 of 318

the electric sliding door using the corresponding
ÅorÆ sliding door button in the center
console (
Ypage 77).
Pets in the vehicle
GWARNING
If you leave animals unattended or unsecured
in the vehicle, they could press buttons or
switches, for example.
As a result, they could:
Ractivate vehicle equipment and become
trapped, for example
Ractivate or deactivate systems, thereby
endangering other road users
Unsecured animals could also be flung around
the vehicle in the event of an accident or sud-
den steering or braking, thereby injuring vehi-
cle occupants. There is a risk of an accident
and injury.
Never leave animals unattended in the vehi-
cle. Always secure animals properly during
the journey, e.g. use a suitable animal trans-
port box.
Driving safety systems
Overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
REBD ( Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
RABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
RBAS ( Brake Assist System)
RESP®(E lectronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style or if you are
inattentive, the driving safety systems can nei-
ther reduce the risk of accident nor override the
laws of physics. Driving safety systems are
merely aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, braking in good time
and for staying in your lane. Always adapt your driving style to the prevailing road and weather
conditions and maintain a sufficient, safe dis-
tance from other road users. Drive carefully.
Please note that the driving safety systems
described only work optimally when:
Rthere is adequate contact between the tires
and the road surface
Ryou use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary, when the road conditions
are wintry
Rthe speed information determined by the
vehicle is within the legally prescribed display
accuracy
Pay particular attention to the information
regarding tires, tire tread and winter operation
under "Wheels and tires" (
Ypage 277).
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
General notes
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way that the wheels do not lock when you brake. This
allows you to continue steering the vehicle when
braking.
The ò warning lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up when the ignition is switched on. The
lamp goes out when the engine starts running.
Important safety notes
Observe the important safety guidelines for the
driving safety system (Ypage 64).
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
(8 km/h), regardless of road-surface conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even when you
only brake gently.
GWARNING
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. The steerability and braking charac-
teristics may be severely impaired. Addition-
ally, further driving safety systems are deac-
tivated. There is an increased danger of skid-
ding and accidents.
Drive on carefully. Have ABS checked imme-
diately at a qualified specialist workshop.
If ABS is malfunctioning, the òwarning lamp
(
Ypage 222) lights up while the engine is run-
ning and the display shows a message:
64Driving safet ysystem s
Safety
Page 135 of 318

Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
eling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
HEnvironmental note
If fuels are handled improperly, they pose a
danger to persons and the environment. Do
not allow fuels to run into the sewage system,
the surface waters, the ground water or into
the ground.
!Do not switch on the ignition if you acciden-
tally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified
specialist workshop and have the fuel tank
and fuel lines drained completely.
!Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
!Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
!Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel can.
The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system
could otherwise be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
You will find further information about fuel and
fuel grades under "Service products and capaci-
ties" (
Ypage 305).
Refueling procedure
:Fuel filler flap
;Fuel filler cap
=Tire pressure table (Ypage 280)
?Fuel filler neck
Fuel filler flap :is on the left side of the vehicle
behind the front door. It is only possible to open fuel filler flap :when the front door is open.
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
fuel filler flap :.
XClose all vehicle doors to prevent fuel vapors
from entering the vehicle interior.
XTurn fuel filler cap ;counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from the strap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into tank ?and refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Fuel may otherwise leak out.
XReplace tank filler cap ;on tank ?and turn
clockwise.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is
closed fully.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
close filler flap :.
Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
If your vehicle is losing fuel, the fuel lines or the
fuel tank are defective.
XTurn the SmartKey immediately to position 0
in the ignition lock and remove it.
XDo not restart the engine under any circum-
stances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
Parking133
Driving an d parking
Z
Page 138 of 318

Always use the hands-free system for telephon-
ing while driving. Only use the telephone if road
traffic conditions permit. If this is not the case,
pull over to a safe location before using the tele-
phone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is cov-
ering a distance of 44 fee t(approximately 14 m)
every second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
In order to save fuel, observe the following tips:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not nee-
ded.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in moun-
tainous terrain.
Overrun cutoff
If you are in overrun mode and take your foot off
the accelerator pedal, the fuel supply is cut off
when the engine speed is out of the idle speed
control range.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous substances in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work optimally if they are
maintained exactly in accordance with the man-
ufacturer's specifications. Any work on the
engine should therefore be carried out by quali-
fied and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed under
any circumstances. In addition, all specific
maintenance work must be carried out at regu-
lar intervals and in accordance with the service
requirements of the dealer listed here on the
inside title page. Details can be found in the
Maintenance Booklet.
Speed limiter
GWARNING
Exceeding the stated tire load-bearing capa-
city and the approved maximum speed could
lead to tire damage or the tire bursting. There is a risk of accident.
Therefore, only use tire types and sizes
approved for your vehicle model. Observe the
tire load rating and speed rating required for
your vehicle.
As the driver, you must be aware of the maxi-
mum design speed of the vehicle and the maxi- mum permissible speed based on the tires (tire
and tire pressure). In particular, also observe the tire approval regulations for each country.
You must not exceed the speed limit for the tires
indicated by the speed rating. The speed rating
is stated in the tire tables (
Ypage 300).
You can permanently limit the permissible max-
imum speed of your vehicle, e.g. for driving on
winter tires.
136Driving tips
Driving and parking
Page 157 of 318

For vehicles with a trailer coupling installed, the
minimum length for parking spaces will be
slightly increased.
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
then deactivated for the rear area.
GWARNING
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 also display spaces
not suitable for parking, e.g.:
Rin a zone where parking or stopping is pro-
hibited
Rin front of driveways or entrances and exits
Ron unsuitable surfaces
Parking tips:
Ron narrow roads, drive as closely as possible
past the parking space.
Rparking spaces that are littered or overgrown
might be identified or measured incorrectly.
Rparking spaces that are partially occupied by
trailer drawbars might not be identified as
such or be measured incorrectly.
Rsnowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
Rwhen transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use Active
Parking Assist.
Rnever use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed.
Ralways ensure that the tire pressure is cor-
rect. This has a direct influence on the parking
characteristics of the vehicle.
Rif you mount w heels with a different wheel
size, this will have a direct influence on the
parking result.
Rif you mount tires from another manufacturer,
this may have an influence on the parking
result.
Rif you drive slowly past the parking space, a
better parking result is achieved.
Rpay attention to the PARKTRONIC warning
messages (Ypage 153) during the parking
procedure.
Ryou can intervene in the steering procedure to
correct it at any time. Parking assistance will
then be canceled and Active Parking Assist
stopped.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces
that are:
Rparallel or at right angles to the direction of
travel.
Ron straight roads, not bends.
Ron the same level as the road, e.g. not on the
pavement.
Detecting parking spaces
GWARNING
If there are objects above the detection range:
RActive Park Assist may steer too early
Rthe vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
Objects located above the height range of Active
Parking Assist will not be detected when the
parking space is measured. These are not taken
into account when the parking procedure is cal-
culated, e.g. overhanging loads, overhangs or
truck loading ramps.
For further information on the detection range
(
Ypage 152).
Driving systems155
Driving and parking
Z
Page 168 of 318

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