2010 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 254

251_AKB; 4; 52, en-US d2ureepe, 2009-03-23T09:22:52+01:00 - Seite 252 Version: 2.11.8.1 252 Winter driving Snow chains ! Vehicles with Adaptive Damping System (ADS): When driving with snow chains, do not select SPORT mode as this may result in damage to your vehicle. ! Some tire sizes do not leave adequate clearance for snow chains. To help avoid serious damage to your vehicle or tires, make sure the use of snow chains is permissible as specified in the "Technical data" section of this Operator's Manual. Snow chains should only be driven on snowcovered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. Observe the following guidelines when using snow chains: RUse of snow chains is not permissible with all wheel/tire combinations (Y page 347). RUse snow chains in pairs and on rear wheels only. Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. ! If snow chains are mounted to the front wheels, they may scrape against the body or axle components. The tires or the vehicle could be damaged as a result. ROnly use snow chains that are approved by Mercedes-Benz. Any authorized MercedesBenz Center will be glad to advise you on this subject. RUse of snow chains may be prohibited depending on location. Always check local and state laws before installing snow chains. RDo not use snow chains on the spare wheel. i When driving with snow chains, you may wish to switch off the ESP® (Y page 65) before setting the vehicle in motion. This will improve the vehicle's traction. Winter driving instructions If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with the engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the vehicle not facing the wind. G Warning! Operation G Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of loss of control. G Warning! The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions. When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift the automatic transmission to neutral position N. Try to keep the vehicle under control by corrective steering action. i For information on driving with snow chains, see "Snow chains" (Y page 252). Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the normal brake effect. Depressing the brake pedal periodically when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can