2011 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 173

Driving tips Off-road fording ! Under no circumstances should you accelerate before entering the water. The bow wave could cause water to enter and damage the engine and other assemblies. RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the water. RDo not stop. ! Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while fording. Otherwise, water could get into the vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's electronics and interior equipment. RWater offers a high degree of resistance, and the ground is slippery and in some cases unstable. Therefore, it is difficult and dangerous to pull away in the water. REnsure that a bow wave does not form as you drive. RClean any mud from the tire tread after fording. RApply the brakes to dry them after fording. Winter driving Important safety notes Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of winter. Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" section (Y page 173). 171 : Fording depth Fording depth Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package Raised level Vehicles with the Off-Road Pro engineering package Off-road level 3 Off-road level 2 Off-road level 1 20 in. (50 cm) 20 in. (50 cm) 23.6 in. (60 cm) 20 in. (50 cm) REstablish how deep the water is and the characteristics of the body of water before fording. RSelect the highest possible vehicle level. RSelect the off-road drive program (Y page 204) or the LOW RANGE off-road gear (Y page 157). RSelect the off-road drive program (Y page 204). RRestrict the shift range to 1 or 2. RAvoid high engine speeds. REnter and exit the water at a flat place and at a steady walking pace. i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not cover the radiator, e.g. with a protective cover. The measuring function of the Onboard Diagnosis System may otherwise provide inaccurate values. Some of these values are required by law and must therefore always be accurate. Winter tires Use winter tires at temperatures below 45 ‡ (7 †) and on snow or ice-covered roads. Only winter tires also bearing the i Z Driving and parking