2015 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA-Class towing

vated. SPORT handling mode remains activa-
ted.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation condi-
tions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE
RACE START START
Not Possible
Not Possible orRACE START Canceled
RACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance. 4MATIC
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are per-
manently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle when-
ever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient
grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic con- ditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
R Accelerate less when driving.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for
towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary. DSR
Important safety notes i
DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is only
available for vehicles with the Off-Road
Engineering package.
DSR is an aid to assist you when driving down-
hill. It keeps the speed of travel at the speed
selected on the on-board computer. The
steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the
DSR braking effect on the vehicle. When driv-
ing on flat stretches of road or on an uphill
gradient, the DSR braking effect is minimal or nonexistent.
DSR controls the vehicle’s speed when it is
activated and the transmission is in position
D, Ror N. You can drive at a higher or a lower
speed than that set on the on-board computer at any time by accelerating or braking.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor over-
ride the laws of physics. DSR cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic condi-
tions. DSR is only an aid. You are responsible
for the distance to the vehicle in front, for
vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane.
You are always responsible for keeping con-
trol of the vehicle and for assessing whether
the downhill gradient can be managed. DSR
may not always be able to keep to the set
speed, depending on road surface and tire
conditions. Select a set speed suitable for the prevailing conditions and when necessary,
apply the brakes manually. G
WARNING
If the speed driven and the set speed deviate and you activate DSR on a slippery road sur-
face, the wheels may lose traction. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Before switching DSR on, please take into
consideration the road surface and the differ- ence between driving speed and the set
speed. 184
Driving systemsDriving and parking

the emergency call. In this case, always
summon assistance by other means.
Roadside Assistance button X
Press Roadside Assistance button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button 0043flashes while the call is active.
The multifunction display shows the Con‐
Con‐
necting Call
necting Call message. The audio output
is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call Con‐
Call Con‐
nected
nected message appears in the multifunction
display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The audio system or COMAND display
indicates that a call is active. During the
call, you can change to the navigation menu
by pressing the NAVI button on COMAND,
for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the vehicle remote malfunction diagno- sis, the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center can ascertain the nature of the prob-
lem (Y page 284). The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or makes arrangements for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
Further details are available in your mbrace
manual.
i The system has not been able to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call, if:
R the indicator lamp for Roadside Assis-
tance call button 0043is flashing continu-
ously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed
Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
X To end a call: press the0076button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.
MB Info call button X
Press MB Info call button 0043.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. 280
FeaturesSto
wage an d features

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.
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. Exterior care
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
! 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
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
! 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 the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position 0).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind- shield.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at wash bays that are specially
designed for this purpose. Observe the legal
requirements in all countries concerned.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible. 298
CareMaintenance and care

Useful information
............................306
Where will I find...? ...........................306
Flat tire .............................................. 306
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 311
Jump-starting .................................... 315
Towing and tow-starting ..................317
Fuses .................................................. 320 305Breakdown assistance

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip- ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (Y page 28). Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the TIREFIT kit is
located in the stowage well under the cargo
compartment floor.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit: the tire-
change tool kit is in the stowage well under
the cargo compartment floor.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, the vehicles are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit. Some tools for chang-
ing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For
more information on which tire changing
tools are required and approved to perform
a wheel change on your vehicle, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example:
R Jack
R Wheel chock
R Lug wrench Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit 0043
Tire inflation compressor
0044 Towing eye
0087 Tire sealant filler bottle
X Open the tailgate.
X Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 272).
X Use the TIREFIT kit (Y page 308).
i Towing eye
0044is located under tire infla-
tion compressor 0043.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit X
Open the tailgate.
X Lift the cargo compartment floor up
(Y page 272).
X Remove the tire-change tool kit.
The tire-change tool kit contains: R Jack
R Lug wrench
R One pair of gloves
R Folding wheel chock Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties) (Y page 307)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 306)306
Flat tireBreakdown assistance

Position number
0084identifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device.
X Press together cover 0043of positive clamp 0044and slide it back.
X Connect positive terminal 0044on your vehicle to positive terminal 0087of donor battery 0084
using the jumper cable, beginning with your own battery.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal 0085of donor battery 0084to ground point 0083of your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle 0084first.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jumper cables from ground point 0083and negative terminal 0085, then from
positive clamp 0044and positive terminal 0087. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover 0043of positive terminal 0044after removing the jumper cables.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
R there is a malfunction in the voltage supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely. G
WARNING
If the weight of the vehicle to be towed or tow- started is greater than the permissible gross
weight of your vehicle:
R the towing eye could detach itself
R the vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per-
missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 360).
! Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop. Towing and tow-starting
317Breakdown assistance Z

!
When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func- tion is activated, the vehicle brakes auto-
matically in certain situations. To avoid
damage to the vehicle, deactivate these
systems in the following or similar situa-
tions:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle.
If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the front axle must be
raised or the entire vehicle raised and
transported.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per- missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because
of an accident or breakdown, you have the
following options:
R transporting the vehicle
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
R towing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow
bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases.
When towing a vehicle, the transmission must be in position N. The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the transmission to position N
i The function of the electric parking brake
and the parking lock is dependent on the
on-board voltage. If the on-board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in the system,
it may not be possible to apply the released parking brake or shift the transmission to
position P.
i Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g.
the radio.
i Disarm the automatic locking feature
before the vehicle is towed (Y page 217).
You could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle. Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye Example: towing eye mounting covers
X Remove the towing eye from the stowage
space. 318
Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

The towing eye is beneath the cargo com-
partment floor with the vehicle tool kit
(Y
page 306).
Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit: the towing
eye is beneath the tire inflation compres-
sor.
X Press the mark on cover 0043inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
X Take cover 0043off the opening.
X Screw in and tighten the towing eye clock-
wise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye X
Unscrew and remove the towing eye.
X To fasten the front cover: position the top
of cover 0043in the bumper and press it in at
the bottom until it engages.
X To fasten the rear cover: position the left-
hand side of cover 0043in the bumper and
press it in on the right-hand side until it
engages.
X Place the towing eye in the stowage well
beneath the cargo compartment floor
(Y page 306) in the cargo compartment.
X Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit: put back the
tire inflation compressor. Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
i In order to signal a change of direction
when towing with the hazard warning lamps switched on, use the combination switch asusual. In this case, only the indicator lamps
for the direction of travel flash. After reset-
ting the combination switch, the hazard
warning lamp starts flashing again. The automatic transmission automatically
shifts to position
Pwhen you open the driver's
or front-passenger door or when you remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock. In order to ensure that the automatic transmission
stays in position Nwhen towing the vehicle,
you must observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to posi-
tion N.
X Leave the SmartKey in position 2in the
ignition lock.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps
(Y page 113).
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(Y page 317). Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
Only vehicles without 4MATIC can be
towed with the front axle raised.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed
away with both axles on the ground or be loa- ded up and transported.
! The ignition must be switched off if the
vehicle is being towed with the front axle
raised. Otherwise, ESP ®
may intervene and
damage the brake system.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed. Towing and tow-starting
319Breakdown assistance Z