2011 Mercedes G-Class Owner's Manual - Page 145

Driving tips RCheck 143 the depth of water before fording rivers and streams. RWhen fording, do not stop and do not switch off the engine. RLook out for obstacles such as rocks, holes, tree stumps and furrows. RAlways keep the doors, rear door, windows and the sliding sunroof closed while the vehicle is in motion. RSwitch off cruise control. RDo not stray from marked routes or paths. RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher, steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower your speed should be. RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the water. Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you drive. ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the rolling resistance. Otherwise, the vehicle could dig itself into the sand. RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will interrupt the vehicle's propulsion. RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at reasonable engine speeds (maximum 3000 rpm). RDo not shift the automatic transmission to transmission position N. RAlways check the vehicle for damage after off-road driving. ! If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Check the engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp warning must not be ignored. Continuing the journey while the symbol is displayed could lead to engine damage. X Wheel-changing tool kit: check that the jack is working and make sure you have the wheelbrace, a robust tow cable and a folding spade in the vehicle. X Wheels and tires: check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. X Check for damage and remove any foreign objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/tires. X Replace any missing valve caps. X Replace dented or damaged wheels. X Carry a sound spare wheel. Checklist after driving off-road G Warning If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the road. Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for repairs. i Information about retrofitting special allterrain tires is available from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. H Environmental note Protection of the environment is of primary importance. Treat nature with respect. Observe all prohibiting signs. Checklist before driving off-road X Engine oil level: check the engine oil and top it up if necessary. Only then does the engine receive enough oil when the vehicle is standing on a steep incline. Driving over rough terrain places greater demands on your vehicle than driving on normal roads. After driving off-road, check the vehicle. This allows you to detect damage promptly and reduce the risk of an accident to yourself and other road users. X Shift the transfer case to HIGH (Y page 126). X Disengage the differential locks (Y page 129). Z Driving and parking