Winter driving
Introduction to winter operation
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre, at the onset of winter.
Winter tyres
Use winter tyres at temperatures below +7 °C and on snow or ice-covered roads. Only then can the effect of the ABS and ESP® driving systems be ensured in winter too.
Use winter tyres of the same make and tread on all wheels to maintain safe handling characteristics.
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You must replace winter tyres with a tread depth of less than 4 mm immediately. They are no longer suitable for winter use, in particular because they do not provide sufficient grip. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and cause an accident.
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Always observe the maximum permitted speed specified for the winter tyres you have fitted. If you fit winter tyres which have a lower maximum permitted speed than that of the vehicle, affix an appropriate warning sign in the driver's field of vision. This can be obtained at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. from a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
In such circumstances, you should also restrict the maximum speed of the vehicle using permanent Speedtronic
to the maximum permissible speed for winter tyres
more.
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If you fit the spare wheel* when driving with winter tyres, bear in mind that driving stability will be impaired owing to unstable cornering characteristics caused by the different tyres. You should therefore adapt your driving style and drive carefully.
Have the spare wheel* replaced at the nearest qualified specialist workshop which has the necessary specialist knowledge and tools to carry out the work required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose. In particular, work relevant to safety or on safety-related systems must be carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.
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Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use snow chains which have been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz or are of a corresponding standard of quality.
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Information about the use of snow chain-compatible AMG winter tyres is applicable for AMG tyres. Use of snow chains is only permissible with these tyres.
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If you intend to fit snow chains, please bear the following points in mind:
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Snow chains cannot be fitted to all wheel/tyre combinations.
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Snow chains must not be fitted to emergency spare wheels, e.g. a collapsible emergency spare wheel.
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Fit snow chains to both rear wheels. Comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
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If snow chains are fitted to the front wheels, they may come into contact with the bodywork and axle components when the vehicle is in motion and damage the tyre or the vehicle.
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Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed of 50 km/h.
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You may wish to deactivate ESP® when pulling away with snow chains fitted more. This way you can allow the wheels to spin in a controlled manner, achieving an increased driving force (cutting action).
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Winter driving
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Do not shift down for additional engine braking on a slippery road surface. This could cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and the vehicle could skid.
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You should drive particularly carefully on slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed:
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Vehicles with manual transmission: engage neutral.
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Vehicles with automatic transmission*: shift the selector lever to N.
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Try to bring the vehicle under control using corrective steering.
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