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STARTING AND DRIVING
440
WARNING
•Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
• Do not connect the jumper cable to anypart of the fuel system or to any movingparts. Avoid touching hot manifolds.
• Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do notallow battery fluid to contact eyes, skin,fabrics or painted surfaces.
• If contact occurs, flush the affected areaimmediately with water. Obtain medicalhelp immediately if eyes are affected.
• Never expose the battery to open flameor electric spark. Do not smoke near thebattery. Failure to follow the instructionsfor jump starting can lead to injury.
Related information
• Starting the vehicle (p. 400)
• Ignition modes (p. 403)
• Adjusting the steering wheel (p. 200)
• Selecting ignition mode (p. 404)
Driving with a trailer
There are a number of things to consider when towing a trailer, such as the towbar, the trailerand how the load is distributed in the trailer.
Load-carrying capacity is determined by the vehi- cle's curb weight. The total weight of all passen-gers and any installed accessories, e.g. towbar,reduces the vehicle's load-carrying capacity bythe corresponding amount. • Towbars used on the vehicle must be approved for the applicable use.
• Distribute the load on the trailer so that theweight on the towbar complies with thespecified maximum towball weight. Thetongue weight is calculated as part of thevehicle's payload.
• Increase the tire pressure to the recom-mended pressure for a full load.
• The engine is subjected to more load thanusual when towing a trailer.
• Towing a trailer affects the vehicle's han-dling, durability and driving economy.
• Do not drive with a heavy trailer when thevehicle is very new. Wait until the mileagehas reached at least 1000 km (620 miles).
• On long and steep downgrades, the vehicle'sbrakes are subjected to much more loadthan usual. When manually shifting, down-shift and adapt speed accordingly. •
Follow applicable regulations regarding per-mitted speed and weight.
• Drive slowly when towing a trailer up a longand steep incline.
• The maximum trailer weights given only applyto altitudes up to 1000 meters (3280 feet)above sea level. At higher altitudes, enginepower (and thus the vehicle's climbing ability)is decreased due to the reduced air density,and the maximum trailer weight must there-fore be reduced. The weight of the vehicleand trailer must be decreased by 10% foreach additional 1000 m (3280 feet) or partthereof.
• Avoid driving with a trailer on inclines of morethan 12%.
• Avoid overloading and other incorrect use.
• The trailer's brakes must be balanced withthe vehicle's brakes to help ensure safestops (follow applicable local regulations).
