2011 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 166

164 Driving tips For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur you must drive in the following manner: RLower REstablish Driving and parking your speed ruts RBrake carefully RAvoid Driving on flooded roads ! Do not drive through flooded areas. Check the depth of any water before driving through it. Drive slowly through standing water. Otherwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or the engine compartment. This can damage the electronic components in the engine or the automatic transmission. Water can also be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles and this can cause engine damage. i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package: set the raised vehicle level before driving through standing water. Off-road fording how deep the water is and the characteristics of the body of water before fording. RVehicles with the AIRMATIC package: select the highest possible vehicle level. RSelect the off-road drive program (Y page 193). 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. ! 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 guidelines 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 166). : Fording depth Fording depth Steel-spring vehicles Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package Raised level 20 in. (50 cm) 20 in. (50 cm)