2018 MERCEDES-BENZ GLA SUV tow

Where will I find...?
Reflective safety jacket
Removing/replacing the reflective
safety jacket
The reflective safety jackets are located in front
door stowage compartments :. Reflective
safety jackets can also be stored in the rear door stowage compartments.
XTo remove: pull out the safety jacket bag
containing the reflective safety jacket.
XOpen the safety jacket bag and pull out the
reflective safety jacket.
XTo stow: fold the reflective safety jacket, roll
it up and stow it in the safety jacket bag.
XReplace the safety jacket bag into stowage
compartment :.
iRemove a new reflective safety jacket from
its packaging material before sliding it into
the stowage compartment. The packaging
material may otherwise cause it to slip out or
make removing it difficult.
Observe the legal requirements in each country.
Information on reflective safety jackets
:Maximum number of washes
;Maximum wash temperature
=Do not bleach
?Do not iron
ADo not use a laundry dryer
BDo not dry-clean
CThis is a class 2 vest
RThe reflective safety jackets meet the require-
ments defined by the legal standard only:
-if the correct size is used and
-if the reflective safety jackets are correctly
fastened
RBefore use, ensure that the reflective safety
jackets are clean and intact. The special prop-
erties may otherwise be compromised.
RThe reflective safety jackets should be stored
in their original packaging in a dry place away
from sources of heat and light.
RThe maximum number of washes specified is
not the only factor influencing the life span of
the reflective safety jackets. Their life span
also depends on use, care, storage, etc.
RThe reflective safety jackets should be dis-
posed of and replaced with new ones:
-after 15 washes, and/or
-if the reflective strips have become
scratched, and/or
-if the backing material and/or reflective
strips have become soiled and cannot be
cleaned off, and/or
-if the fluorescence has faded e.g. due to the effects of sunlight
RDispose of reflective safety jackets in an envi-
ronmentally responsible manner. To do so,
contact your local waste disposal company.
282Where will I find...?
Breakdown assistance

Warning triangle
Removing/replacing the warning trian-
gle
XTo remove: open the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor upwards
(Ypage 253).
XTo release warning triangle :, push back the
retainers on the bracket.
XRemove warning triangle :from the bracket.
XTo replace: place warning triangle :back
into the bracket and push down to secure.
XFold the cargo compartment floor down.
XClose the tailgate.
Setting up the warning triangle
XFold feet =out to the side.
XPull side reflectors ;upwards to form a tri-
angle and lock them at the top using upper
press-stud :.
First-aid kit
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the trunk floor up.
XRemove the first-aid kit :.
Check the expiration date on the first-aid kit at
least once a year. Replace the contents if nec-
essary, and replace missing items.
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.
Apart from certain country-specific variations,
the vehicles are not equipped with a tire-change
tool kit. Some tools for changing 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:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RAlignment bolt
Where will I find...?283
Breakdown assistance

Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
:Tire inflation compressor
;Tire sealant filler bottle
=Towing eye
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
(Ypage 253).
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 285)or remove it.
Towing eye =is located under tire inflation
compressor :.
iExample: equipment and country-specific
variations possible.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit
XOpen the tailgate.
XLift the cargo compartment floor up
(Ypage 253).
XRemove the tire-change tool kit.
The tire-change tool kit contains:
RJack
RLug wrench
RPair of gloves
RFolding wheel chock
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat proper-
ties) (Ypage 284)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 283) Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount
tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from
a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(
Ypage 319).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 143).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO:
remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in position
g. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS-GO: remove the Start/Stop but-
ton from the ignition lock (
Ypage 124).
XMake sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone (Ypage 143).
XMake sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
284Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

GWARNING
The tire sealant is harmful and causes irrita-
tion. It must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed. Do not inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tire sealant away
from children. There is a risk of injury.
If you come into contact with the tire sealant,
observe the following:
RRinse off the tire sealant from your skin
immediately with water.
RIf the tire sealant comes into contact with
your eyes, immediately rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water.
RIf tire sealant is swallowed, immediately
rinse your mouth out thoroughly and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting,
and seek medical attention immediately.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with tire sealant.
RIf an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical
attention immediately.
!Residue from the tire sealant may come out
of the filler hose after use. This could cause
stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit.
HEnvironmental note
Have the used tire sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at a qualified specialist
workshop.
!The electric air pump may be used again
once it has cooled down.
Comply with the manufacturer’s safety instruc-
tions on the sticker on the tire inflation com-
pressor.
Using the TIREFIT kit
XDo not remove any foreign objects which have
penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or nails.
XRemove the tire sealant bottle, the accompa-
nying TIREFIT sticker and the tire inflation
compressor from the stowage well under-
neath the cargo compartment floor
(
Ypage 284).
XAffix part :of the TIREFIT sticker to the
instrument cluster within the driver's field of
vision.
XAffix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tire.
XPull connector ?with the cable and hose A
out of the tire inflation compressor housing.
XScrew hose Aonto flange Bof tire sealant
bottle :.
XPlace tire sealant bottle :head down into
recess ;of the tire inflation compressor.
286Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

If a tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi) has
been attained after five minutes:
XSwitch off the tire inflation compressor.
XUnscrew the filler hose from the valve of the
faulty tire.
Note that tire sealant may escape when you
unscrew the filler hose.
XUSA only:Stow the tire sealant bottle and the
tire inflation compressor.
XPull away immediately.
XStop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tire pressure with the
tire inflation compressor.
The tire pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi).
GWARNING
If the required tire pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tire is too
badly damaged. The tire sealant cannot repair
the tire in this instance. Damaged tires and a
tire pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
iUSA only: In cases such as the one men-
tioned above, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Or call
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) or
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
XUSA only: Correct the tire pressure if it is still
at least 130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). See the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the driv-
er's side B-pillar or the tire pressure table in
the fuel filler flap for values.
XTo increase the tire pressure: switch on the
tire inflation compressor.
XTo reduce the tire pressure: depress pres-
sure release button :next to pressure
gauge ;.
XWhen the tire pressure is correct, unscrew the
filler hose from the valve of the sealed tire.
Note that tire sealant may escape when you
unscrew the filler hose.
XScrew the valve cap onto the tire valve of the
sealed tire.
XPull the tire sealant bottle out of the tire infla-
tion compressor.
The filler hose remains attached to the tire
sealant bottle.
XDrive to the nearest qualified specialist work-
shop and have the tire changed there.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced as soon
as possible at a qualified specialist workshop.
XHave the tire sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist workshop.
Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Special tools and expert knowledge are required
when working on the battery, e.g. removal and
installation. You should therefore have all work
involving the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
GWARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can lead, for example, to a short circuit and
thus damage the vehicle electronics. This can
lead to function restrictions applying to
safety-relevant systems, e.g. the lighting sys-
tem, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) or the
288Battery (vehicle)
Breakdown assistance

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere 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.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe 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.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 327).
!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:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the 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 rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could be
damaged.
!Do not use the towing eyes for recovery pur-
poses as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recove
r 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.
!When towing away vehicles with KEYLESS-
GO, use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. The automatic transmission may oth-
erwise shift to position jwhen you open the
driver's or front-passenger door, which could
damage the transmission.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission must
not be started by tow-starting. This could oth-
erwise damage the transmission.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because of
an accident or breakdown, you have the follow-
ing options:
RTransporting the vehicle.
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
RTowing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow bar.
Only tow the vehicle in e
xceptional cases.
294Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position2in
the ignition lock.
Rcannot release the electric parking brake.
Rcannot shift the transmission to position 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 if there is a sys-
tem malfunction:
Rthe electric parking brake may not be applied
in certain circumstances, or
Rit may no longer be possible to shift the trans-
mission to position j
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. the
radio.
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed (
Ypage 196). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the rear and
at the front, under covers :.
XRemove the towing eye from the stowage
space. The towing eye is located with the vehicle tool
kit under the cargo compartment floor
(
Ypage 283).
Vehicles with the TIREFIT kit: the towing eye is
beneath the tire inflation compressor
(
Ypage 284).
XPress the mark on cover :inwards in the
direction of the arrow.
XTake cover :off the opening.
XScrew in the towing eye clockwise to the stop.
Removing the towing eye
XUnscrew and remove the towing eye.
XAttach cover :to the bumper and press until
it engages.
XPlace the towing eye in the stowage well
beneath the cargo compartment floor in the
cargo compartment (
Ypage 283).
XVehicles with the TIREFIT kit: put back the tire inflation compressor (Ypage 284).
Towing the vehicle with the front axle
raised
Observe the important safety notes when tow-
ing your vehicle with the front axle raised
(
Ypage 294).
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 loaded up
and transported.
!The ignition must be switched off if the vehi-
cle is being towed with the front axle raised.
Otherwise, ESP
®may intervene and damage
the brake system.
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(
Ypage 125).
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
Towing and tow-starting295
Breakdown assistance
Z

XShift the automatic transmission to position
j.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the automatic locking
(Ypage 196).
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 103).
XTurn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to posi-
tion gand leave the SmartKey in the ignition
lock.
Towing a vehicle with both axles on
the ground
It is important that you observe the safety
instructions when towing away your vehicle
(
Ypage 294).
XOn vehicles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEY-
LESS-GO start function: you must use the
SmartKey instead of the Start/Stop button
(
Ypage 125).
The automatic transmission automatically shifts
to position jwhen 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 iwhen towing away the vehicle, you
must observe the following points:
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
XShift the automatic transmission to position
i.
XLeave the SmartKey in position 2in the igni-
tion lock.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps
(Ypage 103).
iIn 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 indicator
lamps for the direction of travel flash. After
resetting the combination switch, the hazard
warning lamp starts fla shing a
gain.
Transporting the vehicle
Vehicles with automatic 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.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XShift the transmission to position i.
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away by
applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XTurn the SmartKey to positiongin the igni-
tion lock and remove it.
XSecure the vehicle.
The towing eye can be used to pull the vehicle
onto a trailer or transporter for transporting pur- poses.
Notes on 4MATIC vehicles
!
Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
296Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance