2016 MERCEDES-BENZ GLS SUV parking brake

Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
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.
! Before driving into an automatic car wash,
make sure that it is suitable for the dimen-
sions of the vehicle. In particular, make sure
that:
R there is enough ground clearance between
the vehicle underbody and the guide rails of the automatic car wash.
R the clearance width of the automatic car
wash is sufficient, particularly the width of
the guide rails
R you enter the automatic car wash straight
and in the centre of the guide rails in order
to avoid damaging the tyres or wheel rims.
Fold in the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is washed. The exterior mirrors could other-
wise be damaged.
! When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes automat- ically in certain situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or similar situations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! 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).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at position
0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission is in transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged. R
Vehicles with a key:
do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels. You can
prevent this by shifting the automatic trans- mission to Nbeforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position Pauto-
matically and locks the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:
X Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 148).
Use the key instead of the Start/Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, wash off excess dirt
before cleaning the vehicle in an automatic car
wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off the
wax from the windscreen and the windscreen
wiper blades. This will prevent smears and
reduce wiping noises caused by residue on the
windscreen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean. 338
CareMaintenance and care

Do not use a rapid charging device to start the vehicle. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jump leads.
Observe the following points:
R The battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
R Vehicles with a petrol engine: jump-start the vehicle only when the engine and exhaust system
are cold.
R Do not start the engine if the battery is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
R Jump-starting may be performed only using batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
R Use only jump leads that have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
R If the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the empty battery a little.
R Make sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
R The jump leads are not damaged.
R Non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps do not come into contact with other metal parts while
the jump leads are connected to the battery.
R The jump leads cannot come into contact with parts that can move when the engine is running,
such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
X Secure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Make sure that the ignition is switched off . All indicator lamps on the instrument cluster must be
off. When using the key, turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock and remove it (Y page 148).
X Switch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window heating, lighting etc.
X Open the bonnet. Position number
Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-starting
device.
X Slide cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
X Connect positive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal =of donor battery Busing the
jump lead, always beginning with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed. Jump-starting
355Breakdown assistance Z

X
Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using the jump
lead, connecting the jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from positive
clamp ;and positive terminal =. Each time, begin at the contacts on your own vehicle first.
X After removing the jump leads, close cover :of positive terminal clamp ;.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop. Towing away and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Safety-relevant functions are restricted or not
available if:
R the engine is not running.
R the brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning
R the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical
system is malfunctioning.
If your vehicle is towed, significantly greater
force may be required to steer the vehicle or
to brake. There is a risk of an accident.
In such circumstances, use a towing bar.
Make sure that the steering is moving freely
before towing. G
WARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible gross weight of your vehicle, the:
R towing eye may be torn off
R car/trailer combination may swerve or
even overturn
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. Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (Y page 380).
! When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
R when towing away
R in a car wash
! Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
! Only secure the tow cable or tow bar to the
towing eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow
hitch. You could otherwise damage the vehi-
cle.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R Secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R Make sure that the tow rope is not longer
than legally permitted. Mark the tow rope in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x 30 cm). This will make other road
users aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R Only secure the tow cable to the towing
eyes or, if available, to the trailer tow hitch.
R Observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a dis- 356
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

tance a distance so that the tow rope does
not sag.
R Do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. You could otherwise damage
the vehicle.
! Do not use the trailer tow hitch for recovery
or towing. Do not use the towing eye for
recovery. This could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, have the vehicle recovered using a
crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. Pull the towed vehicle as straight as possible and not at an acute angle. If the trac-
tive power is too high, the vehicles could be
damaged.
When towing, it is preferable to use a rigid tow- ing bar as opposed to a tow rope. A rigid towing
bar helps to keep the tractive power low.
! To tow vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button. The
automatic transmission may otherwise
switch to position Pwhen you open the driv-
er's or front-passenger door which could
damage the transmission.
! Vehicles with differential locks: make sure
the differential locks are in automatic mode.
When towing, the differential locks must not
be switched on. The transmission may other- wise be damaged.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum of
50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must not
be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up and transported.
Observe the legal requirements for the relevant countries when towing.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage, have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the key to position 2in the igni-
tion lock
R cannot release the electric parking brake
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N Deactivate the automatic locking feature before
towing the vehicle (Y page 253). You could oth-
erwise be locked out when pushing or towing
the vehicle.
Deactivate tow-away protection before the vehi-
cle is towed away (Y page 79). Fitting/removing the towing eye
Fitting the towing eye The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the front and rear behind covers :;.
X Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool
kit (Y page 345).
X To open the cover at the front: press the
mark on cover :inwards in the direction of
the arrow.
X To open the cover at the rear: insert a flat,
blunt object into the cutout and lever
cover ;out of the bumper.
X Take cover :or; off the opening.
X Screw in the towing eye clockwise as far as it
will go and tighten it.
Removing the towing eye X
Loosen the towing eye and unscrew it.
X Position cover :or; in the bumper and
press the cover on until it engages.
X Place the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit. Towing away and tow-starting
357Breakdown assistance Z

Towing the vehicle with both axles on
the ground
The automatic transmission automatically shifts to position Pwhen you open the driver's or front-
passenger door or when you remove the key
from the ignition lock.
In order to ensure that the automatic transmis-
sion stays in position Nwhen towing away the
vehicle, you must observe the following points:
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
N.
X Leave the key 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 122).
In order to signal a change of direction when
towing the vehicle with the hazard warning
lamps switched on, use the combination switch
as usual. In this case, only the turn signals for
the desired direction flash. When you reset the
combination switch, the hazard warning lamps
start flashing again. Transporting the vehicle
4MATIC vehicles/vehicles with auto-
matic transmission !
When the vehicle is loaded for transport, the
front and rear axles must be stationary and on
the same transportation vehicle. Positioning
over the connection point of the transport vehicle is not permitted. The drive train may
otherwise be damaged.
All vehicles !
You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise, the
vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transport. X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
N.
As soon as the vehicle is loaded: X Secure the vehicle against rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
P.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock
and remove it.
X Secure the vehicle. Information for 4MATIC vehicles
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed away
with both axles on the ground or be loaded up
and transported.
If the vehicle has transmission damage or dam- age to the front or rear axle, have it transportedon a transporter or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical sys-
tem: if the battery is defective, the automatic
transmission will be locked in position P. To shift
the automatic transmission to position N, you
must provide power to the vehicle's on-board
electrical system in the same way as when jump- starting (Y page 354).
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter or trailer. 358
Towing away and tow-startingBreakdown assistance

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If wheels and tyres of the wrong size are used, the wheel brakes or suspension components
may be damaged. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
Always replace wheels and tyres with those
that fulfil the specifications of the original
part.
When replacing wheels, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R type
When replacing tyres, make sure to fit the
correct:
R designation
R manufacturer
R type G
WARNING
A flat tyre severely impairs the driving, steer-
ing and braking characteristics of the vehicle.
There is a risk of accident.
Tyres without run-flat characteristics:
R do not drive with a flat tyre.
R immediately replace the flat tyre with your
emergency spare wheel or spare wheel, or
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Tyres with run-flat characteristics:
R pay attention to the information and warn-
ing notices on MOExtended tyres (tyres
with run-flat characteristics).
Accessories that are not approved for your vehi-
cle by Mercedes-Benz or are not being used cor- rectly can impair operating safety.
Before purchasing and using non-approved
accessories, visit a qualified specialist work-
shop and enquire about:
R suitability
R legal stipulations
R factory recommendations Further information regarding wheels and tyres
can be found under "Wheel/tyre combinations"
(Y page 374).
You can ask for information regarding permitted
wheel/tyre combinations at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Information on tyre pressure can be found:
R in the tyre pressure table in the fuel filler flap
R in the "Tyre pressure" section
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted. The use of spacers or
brake dust shields is not permitted. This inva-
lidates the general operating permit for the vehi- cle.
i Further information on wheels and tyres can
be obtained at any qualified specialist work-
shop. Operation
Information on driving
Check the tyre pressures when the vehicle is
heavily laden and adjust prior to a trip.
While driving, pay attention to vibrations, noises
and unusual handling characteristics, e.g. pull-
ing to one side. This may indicate that the
wheels or tyres are damaged. If you suspect that a tyre is defective, reduce your speed immedi-
ately. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible to
check the wheels and tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage could also be causing the unusual
handling characteristics. If you find no signs of
damage, have the tyres and wheels checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When parking your vehicle, make sure not to
squash the tyre sidewalls. If it is necessary to
drive over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva- tions, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse angle.
Otherwise, the tyres, particularly the sidewalls,
may be damaged. Regular checking of wheels and tyres
G
WARNING
Damaged tyres can cause tyre inflation pres-
sure loss. As a result, you could lose control of your vehicle. There is a risk of accident. Operation
361Wheels and ty res
Z

The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear pat-
tern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres typi-
cally wear more on the shoulders, while rear
tyres wear more in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 to 10,000 km depending on the
degree of tyre wear. Ensure that the direction of
rotation is maintained.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and the
brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel is
interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and, if
necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system or the tyre pressure monitor
(Y page 366). Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk of aqua- planing. These advantages can only be gained if
the tyres are fitted corresponding to the direc-
tion of rotation.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protect the tyres
against oil, grease, petrol and diesel. Fitting a wheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Vehicles with an emergency spare wheel:
when fitting the emergency spare wheel in the
event of a flat tyre, observe the additional
notes on vehicle preparation under "Flat tyre"
(Y page 346).
X Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Apply the electric parking brake manually.
X Move the front wheels to the straight-ahead
position.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission:
shift the transmission to position
P.X
Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
make sure that the normal vehicle level is
selected (Y page 198).
X Vehicles with the Off-Road Engineering
package:
make sure that the normal level is
selected (Y page 192).
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove the
key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the driv-
er's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 148).
X If included in the vehicle equipment, remove
the tyre-change tool kit from the vehicle.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away.
i Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, vehicles are not equipped with a tyre-
change tool kit. For information on which
tools are required to perform a wheel change
on your vehicle, consult a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Necessary tyre-changing tools may include,
for example:
R jack
R wheel chock
R wheel wrench
Securing the vehicle against rolling
away If your vehicle is equipped with a wheel chock, it
can be found in the tyre-change tool kit
(Y page 345). 370
Changing a wheelWheels and tyres

The folding wheel chock is an additional secur-
ing measure to safeguard the vehicle from roll-
ing away, for example when changing a wheel.
X Fold both plates upwards :.
X Fold out lower plate ;.
X Insert the lugs on the lower plate fully into the
openings in base plate =.X
Place chocks or other suitable items under
the front and rear of the wheel that is diago-
nally opposite the wheel you wish to change.
Raising the vehicle G
WARNING
If you do not position the jack correctly at the appropriate jacking point of the vehicle, the
jack could tip over with the vehicle raised.
There is a risk of injury.
Only position the jack at the appropriate jack-
ing point of the vehicle. The base of the jack
must be positioned vertically, directly under
the jacking point of the vehicle.
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles with
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel: only
use the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel
on the rear axle. If you fit the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel to the front axle, the
braking system could be damaged.
If a tyre on the front axle is damaged, an
undamaged wheel on the rear axle must be
replaced first with the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel. The damaged wheel on the front
axle can then be replaced by the undamaged
wheel from the rear axle.
You must observe the instruction label on the "Minispare" emergency spare wheel. Observe the following when raising the vehi-
cle:
R only use the vehicle-specific jack that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz
to raise the vehicle. If the jack is used incor-
rectly, it could tip over while the vehicle is
raised.
R the jack is designed only to raise and hold the
vehicle for a short time while a wheel is being
changed. It is not permissible to use it to per- form maintenance work under the vehicle.
R avoid changing the wheel on uphill and down-
hill slopes.
R before raising the vehicle, safeguard it from
rolling away by applying the parking brake and
positioning wheel chocks. Do not release theparking brake while the vehicle is raised.
R the jack must be placed on a firm, flat and
non-slip surface. On a loose surface, a large,
flat load-bearing underlay must be used. On a
slippery surface, a non-slip underlay must be
used, e.g. rubber mats.
R do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack will not
be able to achieve its load-bearing capacity
due to the restricted height.
R make sure that the distance between the
underside of the tyres and the ground does
not exceed 3 cm.
R do not place your hands or feet under the
raised vehicle.
R do not lie under the vehicle.
R do not start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
R do not open or close a door or the tailgate
while the vehicle is raised.
R make sure that no persons are present in the
vehicle when the vehicle is raised. Changing a wheel
371Wheels and tyres Z