2000 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 184

Winter driving Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center before the onset of winter. • Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation. For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see page 292. • Check engine coolant anticorrosion/ antifreeze concentration. • Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed windshield washer solvent /antifreeze which is formulated for below freezing temperatures see page 237. • Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures. • Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Observe permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit. Driving instructions Instruments and controls Operation Driving 181 Instrument cluster display In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the antilock brake system (ABS), the four wheel electronic traction system (4-ETS+), the electronic stability program (ESP), and electronic brake proportioning (EBP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance. For driving instructions using snow chains see page 179. Deep water Caution! Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown depth. Before driving through water, determine its depth. It should not be deeper than approximately 20 inches (50 cm). If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to prevent water from entering the engine compartment or passenger compartment, being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Practical hints Car care Technical data Index