2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA SUV service

Useful information
............................316
Engine compartment ........................316
Service ............................................... 321
Care .................................................... 323 315Maintenance and care

Example: vehicles with a petrol engine
Example: vehicles with a diesel engine (except
GLA 180 CDI model) Example: GLA 180 CDI model
X
All models except GLA 180 CDI: pull out
oil dipstick :.
X GLA 180 CDI model: release the oil filler
cap and pull it out together with integrated
oil dipstick :.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :. X
Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark =
or below, top up with 1.0 l of engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil does not spill out
over the filler neck. Allow the engine to cool
down and thoroughly clean the components
that have come into contact with engine oil
before you start the engine. H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a ser-
vice system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. Engine compartment
319Maintenance and care Z

Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R changing the engine oil and oil filter after
missing the change interval required by
the service system
R using engine oil additives
! Do not add too much oil. Topping up with
too much engine oil can result in damage to
the engine or to the catalytic converter.
Have excess engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil filler cap
X Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark on
the oil dipstick, top up with 1.0 lof engine
oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into place.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 318).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 388). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is under pressure, particularly if the engine is warm. You could
be scalded by hot coolant spraying out when
opening the cap. There is a danger of injury.
Allow the engine to cool before opening the
cap. Wear gloves and protective eyewear
when opening. Slowly turn the cap half a turn
to allow pressure to escape.
! The coolant level must only be checked
and corrected when the engine has cooled
down (coolant temperature under 40 †).
Checking the coolant level when the cool-
ant temperature is over 40 † can lead to
damage to the engine or engine cooling
system. Example
X Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle is
on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 159).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
40 †.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock (Y page 159). 320
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar =
in the filler neck when cold, there is enough
coolant in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 390).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlamp cleaning system G
WARNING
Certain components in the engine compart-
ment could be very hot, e.g. the engine, the
radiator and parts of the exhaust system.
There is a risk of injury when accessing the
engine compartment.
As far as possible, allow the engine to cool
down and only touch the following compo-
nents. G
WARNING
Windscreen washer concentrate is highly
flammable. If it comes into contact with hot
engine components or the exhaust system it
could ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that no windscreen washer con-
centrate is spilled next to the filler neck. Example
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer system and the headlamp cleaning system.
If the washer fluid level drops below the rec-
ommended minimum of 1 litre, a message
appears in the multifunction display prompt-
ing you to refill the washer fluid (Y page 287).
Further information on windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 391). Service
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level (Y page 318). Service
321Maintenance and care Z

The multifunction display shows a service
message for a few seconds, e.g.:
R Service A in .. days
Service A in .. days
R Service A due
Service A due
R Service A overdue by .. days
Service A overdue by .. days
Depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, the remaining time or distance until
the next service due date is displayed.
The letter indicates which service is due. A A
stands for a minor service and B
Bfor a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter.
Only for certain countries: the position after
the letter A
A or B Bindicates any necessary addi-
tional maintenance work to be performed. If
you notify a qualified specialist workshop of
this display, you will receive a statement on
the associated costs.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is disconnec-
ted.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before discon-
necting the battery.
or X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the battery disconnection periods from the service date shown on the display.
Hiding service messages X
Press the aor% button on the steer-
ing wheel. Displaying service messages X
Switch the ignition on.
X Press the =or; button to select the
Serv. Serv. menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select the
ASSYST PLUS ASSYST PLUS submenu and confirm by
pressing the abutton.
The service due date appears in the multi-
function display.
Information about Service Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service inter-
val display
! If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play has been inadvertently reset, this set-
ting can be corrected at a qualified special-
ist workshop.
Have service work carried out as described in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise
lead to increased wear and damage to the
major assemblies or the vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, will reset the ASSYST PLUS service interval display after
the service work has been carried out. You
can also obtain further information on main-
tenance work, for example.
Special service requirements
The prescribed service interval is based on
normal operation of the vehicle. Service work
will need to be performed more often if the
vehicle is operated under arduous conditions or increased loads, for example:
R regular city driving with frequent intermedi-
ate stops
R if the vehicle is primarily used to travel
short distances
R for frequent operation in mountainous ter-
rain or on poor road surfaces
R if the engine is often left idling for long peri-
ods
In these or similar operating conditions, have
the air filter, engine oil and oil filter, for exam- 322
ServiceMaintenance and care

ple, changed more frequently. The tyres must
be checked more frequently if the vehicle is
operated under increased loads. Further
information can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Care
General notes
H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man- ner.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term. Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after the vehicle has been washed. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
After washing the vehicle, brake carefully
while paying attention to the traffic conditions in order to restore full braking efficiency.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations. To prevent dam-
age to the vehicle, deactivate DISTRONIC
PLUS and the HOLD function in the follow-
ing or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed/
airflow control is turned to position 0).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce Care
323Maintenance and care Z

qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. Interior care
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display.
X Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Clean the display surface using a commer-
cially available microfibre cloth and
TFT/LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
Care products and cleaning agents containing solvents can cause surfaces in the cockpit to
become porous. This could result in plastic
parts breaking away when the airbags are
deployed. There is a danger of injury.
Do not use care products and cleaning agents containing solvents to clean the cockpit.
! Do not affix the following to plastic surfa-
ces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come in contact with the plastic trim. This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfibre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface may change colour tempora-
rily. Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or selector lever X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use
leather care agents that have been recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning wooden trim and trim ele-
ments !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, pol-
ishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the surface.
X Wipe the wooden trim and trim elements
with a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfi-
bre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the seat covers General notes
! Do not use microfibre cloths to clean gen-
uine leather, artificial leather or DINAMICA
covers. If used often, these can damage the cover.
i Note that regular care is essential to
make sure that the appearance and com-
fort of the covers are retained over time.
Genuine leather seat covers
Leather is a natural product.
It has natural surface properties, e.g.: 328
CareMaintenance and care

i
In your vehicle, you will find a sticker with
the Mercedes-Benz Service24h telephone
number, e.g. on the B-pillar on the driver's
side.
X Correct the tyre pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the fuel filler
flap for values.
X To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the tyre inflation compressor. X
To reduce the tyre pressure: depress
pressure release button :next to pres-
sure gauge ;. X
To remove the tyre sealant bottle from the
tyre inflation compressor, press together
the locking tabs on the yellow cap.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant
bottle. X
Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compressor and the warning triangle.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tyre changed there.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle and the filler
hose replaced as soon as possible at a
qualified specialist workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop. Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or fitting,
requires specialist knowledge and the use of
special tools. Therefore, always have work on the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
may lead to a malfunction, e.g. a short circuit. This, in turn, may restrict the functions of the
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program). The operating
safety of your vehicle may then be compro-
mised. You could then lose control of the vehi-
cle, e.g.:
R when braking
R when making sudden steering movements
and/or travelling at an inappropriate
speed.
There is a risk of an accident.
In the event of a short circuit or similar situa-
tion, inform a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Do not drive any further. You
should have all work involving the battery car- ried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information about ABS (Y page 72)
and ESP ®
(Y page 76). 338
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance