Mercedes-Benz 2004 ML 500 - Manual (Page 204)

204
Operation
Driving instructions
ț Switch off the exterior lamps as well as
the climate control.
ț Select gear range 1 on the automatic
transmission (
୴ page 121).
ț Enter the water only at a shallow spot,
driving at walking speed.
ț Do not stop vehicle while immersed in
water, and do not shut off the engine.
There is a very high level of driving re-
sistance in water. The surface is slip-
pery and may not be firm, making
pulling away in water difficult and dan-
gerous.
ț Clean mud off the tire tread after driv-
ing through water.
ț To dry the brakes, apply pressure to the
brake pedal several times after leaving
the water.
Crossing obstacles
!
Never accelerate before driving into
the water. The bow wave could force
water into the engine and auxiliary
equipment, thus damaging them.
!
Obstacles can damage the vehicle
undercarriage or suspension compo-
nents. If possible use the assistance of
a second person outside the vehicle to
scout the path you intend to take and
check for adequate ground clearance
when you cross obstacles with your ve-
hicle. The person assisting you outside
the vehicle should always be a safe dis-
tance away from the vehicle and posi-
tioned so that he or she cannot get hurt
in case of any unexpected vehicle
movement.
After off-road driving or crossing obsta-
cles, inspect vehicle for any damage,
especially vehicle undercarriage and
suspension components. Failure to do
so can adversely affect the vehicle's fu-
ture performance, including increased
chance of an accident.