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Driving tips
Running-in
Do not subject the engine to its full load during the running-in period. This has a significant effect on the service life, operating safety and economy of the vehicle.
Up to 2,000 km:
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Run the vehicle in gently. Drive at varying road and engine speeds.
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Avoid high engine speeds. Do not drive at more than ¾ of the maximum road speed for each gear.
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Change gear in good time. Do not shift down to brake the vehicle.
After 2,000 km: gradually bring the vehicle up to full road and increased engine speeds.
Driving the vehicle
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The vehicle's
driving, braking and steering characteristics vary with the type of load, the
weight and the centre of gravity of the load.
Make sure that the
vehicle is loaded evenly and avoid uneven load distribution. If necessary,
secure the load against slipping. You could otherwise lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident.
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In addition, you need to observe the permitted loads for axles and wheels (half of the permitted axle load) and the maximum permitted gross vehicle weight. Otherwise there is a danger of damage to the tyres, chassis and axles.
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Check the display,
the indicator lamps and level indicators on the instrument panel from time to
time during the journey.
Driving off-road
When
driving, especially off-road, make sure that the drive wheels always have
sufficient grip.
Do not allow the drive wheels to spin (this could cause damage to
the differential).
Engage the differential locks
more.
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Driving too fast
over rough terrain can cause damage to the vehicle. Obstacles may not be
recognised in time and you will not be able to assess the condition of the
ground correctly.
Obstacles, such as
tyre tracks that are too deep, can damage the following parts:
Therefore, always
drive slowly over rough terrain. Have the co-driver direct you if you have to
drive over obstacles.
Always observe the
vehicle's ground clearance. Avoid obstacles where possible.
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If you drive too quickly off-road, you will be unable to recognise obstacles in due time or judge ground conditions correctly. Always drive slowly off-road to avoid damage to the vehicle.
The vehicle could skid sideways, tip and overturn. Never drive at an angle along a slope. Always follow the line of fall. Do not turn your vehicle. If it cannot manage a hill, drive backwards in reverse gear.
Switching to transmission neutral position on a hill, depressing the clutch pedal and trying to brake the vehicle using only the service brake may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Never let the vehicle roll.
Overloading the vehicle will increase the risk of the vehicle tipping over. Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle loads under any circumstances. When loading the vehicle, keep its centre of gravity as low as possible.
If the vehicle is frequently or mainly operated on muddy or marshy terrain, substances that impair braking efficiency, such as sand or oil mixed with water, could get into the brake system. This may lead to excessive wear and a reduction in braking efficiency. There is a risk that full braking power is not at your disposal in the event of an emergency.
Carry out a short brake test after each time you drive off-road. If you detect a reduced braking effect or hear grinding noises, have the brake system checked at a qualified specialist workshop, for example, at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
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| Risk of injury |
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When driving off-road, your body is affected by forces from all directions, caused by the uneven surface. There is a danger that you could be thrown off your seat and sustain an injury. Always wear a seat belt, even when driving off-road.
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Construction-site vehicles with Telligent® automatic
gearshift: select manual mode when driving off-road
more. This will prevent undesired interruptions in tractive
power when shifting up, for example.
Driving systems
for driving off-road
The following driving systems and equipment assist in safe
operation of the vehicle when driving off-road:
Rules for
driving off-road
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Vehicles with Telligent® automatic gearshift: if the engine speed falls below a minimum engine speed, the electronics automatically declutch (see Gearshift). The engine braking effect is lost or the flow of power is interrupted and the vehicle could roll backwards on slopes, for example. For this reason, never allow the engine speed to drop below the minimum engine speed.
When driving off-road or driving with the differential lock engaged, always select the manual mode M. This enables you to change gears to suit the driving conditions.
If the vehicle stops in extreme situations, you should immediately depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
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When driving over obstructions or ruts, the steering wheel could kick back and injure both thumbs. Always hold the steering wheel cross firmly with both hands. Be prepared for increased steering forces when driving over obstructions.
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Before driving
off-road, stop the vehicle and engage a low gear.
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Do not drive
off-road with the engine switched off or without a gear engaged.
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Drive slowly and
smoothly. It may often be necessary to drive at walking pace.
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Always ensure that
the wheels remain in contact with the ground. Switch on the transfer case and
differential lock.
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Do not declutch or
change gear on hills.
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Exercise the utmost
caution when driving across unfamiliar, unpredictable terrain. As a precaution,
get out of the vehicle to take a look at the ground first.
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Check the depth of
water before fording.
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Watch out for
obstacles such as rocks, holes, tree stumps and tyre ruts.
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Avoid edges where
the surface may break away.
Driving on
inclines
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Never drive along
the line of fall at an angle on slopes or hills. The vehicle could slip to the
side, overturn and roll over when driving at an angle.
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Only brake once the
vehicle is on the line of fall.
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If the braking
effect of the engine is insufficient when driving downhill, gently depress the
brake pedal.
Before driving
off-road
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Before you start
driving off-road, stop and deactivate ABS
more. In most cases, this will reduce braking distance.
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All-wheel-drive
vehicles: switch the transfer case into off-road position
more.
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Switch on the
differential lock
more.
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Switch off the
acceleration skid control system (ASR)
more.
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Safely stow or
secure any items of luggage or loads.
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Vehicles with
Telligent® automatic gearshift: select manual mode
more. Do not allow the engine speed to drop below 600
rpm.
You should also
always carry a shovel and a recovery rope with shackle in the vehicle.
Folding
underride guard
The underride guard
can be folded up, for example, when driving off-road. Observe the operating
instructions issued by the manufacturer.
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The underride guard must be folded down and locked in this position when the vehicle is driven on public roads. This is the only way to ensure that the vehicle behind does not become jammed beneath the frame in the event of a collision.
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After driving
off-road
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Damage caused by driving off-road may lead to consequential damage, the failure of assemblies or accidents. Clean and check the vehicle after every off-road trip. Repair any damage before using the vehicle again.
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All-wheel-drive
vehicles: switch the transfer case into on-road position
more.
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Disengage the
differential lock
more.
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Switch on the
acceleration skid control system (ASR)
more.
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Switch on the
anti-lock braking system (ABS)
more.
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Clean the vehicle
more.
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Inspect the vehicle
for damage.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption depends on:
You can call up fuel consumption figures in the on-board computer Standard or the on-board computer Plus.
Vehicle design
The following components influence fuel consumption:
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Tyre size, tyre tread, tyre pressure, tyre condition
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Body, wind deflector
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Gear ratios in the drive train
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Additional equipment (air conditioning, auxiliary heating, PTO, viscous fan)
Driving style
To keep fuel consumption low:
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avoid frequent acceleration and braking
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anticipate road and traffic conditions
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stay within the economical engine speed range
Operating conditions
Fuel consumption is increased under the following conditions:
For these reasons, no exact figures for any individual vehicle's fuel consumption can be provided.
AdBlue consumption
AdBlue consumption is approximately 4% of fuel consumption when BlueTec®4 is used, and approximately 6% with BlueTec®5.
Engine oil consumption
When the engine is run in, oil consumption may reach 0.5 % of the vehicle's fuel consumption. A longer distance covered and more arduous operating conditions could result in certain vehicles exceeding this value.
Limit speed
For vehicles with a limit speed, the maximum speed is set to 90 km/h. This value may vary in accordance with legal requirements in individual countries. The engine speed is automatically limited when the restricted top speed is reached (take this into account when overtaking).
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If the driver exceeds the vehicle's maximum speed, there is a risk that articulated vehicles may sway. You could also overload the vehicle’s brakes and tyres. There is a risk that you could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident, particularly if you are driving down a long steep incline with a laden vehicle.
You are responsible for ensuring that the legal maximum permitted speed is not exceeded. Downshift in good time and engage the engine brake to make full use of the engine braking effect on long downhill sections. Bring the vehicle to a halt in good time.
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Reverse warning device
The reverse warning device is an acoustic warning system. The reverse warning device is triggered and emits a warning tone when reverse gear is engaged.
The reverse warning device may be installed in the tail lights or the cross member.
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The reverse warning device does not relieve you of the obligation to make sure that there are no persons or obstacles behind the vehicle.
If necessary, a second person should assist during manoeuvring. This ensures that no persons behind the vehicle are overlooked and possibly injured while manoeuvring and that no objects are damaged.
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Reducing the volume of the reverse warning device
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Engage reverse gear twice within 4 seconds.
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The volume is reduced.
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Warning buzzer
The warning buzzer sounds in addition to the warning indicator in the display if:
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the coolant level is too low or the permissible coolant temperature (approximately 105  ) is exceeded. At the same time, the status indicator will light up in yellow or red. The operating reliability of the engine is therefore jeopardised.
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there is a display failure. Important operating information, warning displays or service indicators can no longer be displayed. The display shows the system abbreviation for electronic systems and a text message.
 | STOP lamp |
The warning buzzer sounds in addition to the warning indicator in the display and STOP lamp lighting up if the engine oil pressure or engine oil level is too low. At the same time, the status indicator will light up in red.
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The operating safety of the engine is endangered if the engine oil pressure or engine oil level warning is displayed, the warning buzzer sounds and the STOP lamp lights up.
Do not pull away or, if the vehicle is already in motion, stop as soon as possible, paying attention to road traffic conditions.
Determine the cause.
If necessary, have the defect checked and repaired at a qualified specialist workshop.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this purpose.
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