Driving through waterFig. 112
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
Read and observe on page 113 first.
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Therefore, always determine the depth of the water before driving through
water.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower sill » Fig. 112.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air intake system or other parts of
the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
CAUTION
■ Should water penetrate into the intake system of the engine, there is a risk
of serious damage to the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as chassis, electrics or
transmissions may be severely damaged.
■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permis-
sible water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water, making it difficult or
impossible to drive through water.
■
Do not drive through salt water, as the salt can cause corrosion. A vehicle
coming into contact with salt water is to be thoroughly rinsed with fresh wa-
ter.
Driving off paved roads
Read and observe
on page 113 first.
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-ters » page 194 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle
travelling in the given terrain.
WARNINGDrive particularly considerately and pro-actively when not on paved roads.■Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions.
Excessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the
vehicle and lead to serious injuries.■
Objects trapped under the base of the vehicle can damage the fuel lines,
the brake system, the seals and other parts of the chassis. Check the un-
derside of the vehicle and remove the trapped objects.
■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over ob-
jects which are larger than the ground clearance, the chassis and its compo-
nents can get damaged.■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles,
such as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them
and consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
114Driving
