Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: Important safety notes - Off-road driving - Driving tips - Driving and parking - Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Owner's ManualMercedes-Benz GL-Class: Important safety notes

WARNING Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other 
Grains of sand, particles of dirt and other abrasive materials can enter the brake system. This can lead to excessive wear and unpredictable braking efficiency.
After the brakes have been exposed to dirty conditions, have them checked and cleaned at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, there is a risk that braking power may be insufficient in the event of an emergency, or that the braking effect may be unpredictable.

WARNING Do not load items on the crossbars. It may 
Do not load items on the crossbars. It may cause instability during some maneuvers which could result in an accident.
Drive slowly in unknown terrain. This will make it easier to recognize unexpected obstacles and avoid damage to the vehicle.
To help avoid the vehicle rolling over, never turn it around on steep inclines. If the vehicle cannot complete the attempted climb, back it down in reverse gear.
Do not drive along the side of a slope. The vehicle might otherwise rollover. If in doing so the vehicle begins to show a tendency to roll, immediately steer into a line of gravity (straight up or downhill).
Never let the vehicle roll backwards in idle.
You may lose control of the vehicle if you use only the service brake. For information on driving downhill, see "Driving downhill".

WARNING Please be aware that by raising the vehicle 
Please be aware that by raising the vehicle level, the center of gravity also rises.
Therefore, always ensure that the vehicle level is as low as possible. With higher ride height the ESP® may activate earlier in certain situations.

WARNING Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure 
Do not reduce the tire inflation pressure before driving through sand. However, if you do so, remember to correct the tire inflation pressure before continuing your trip. Driving with reduced tire inflation pressure increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and rolling over.

    General information
    Read this section carefully before driving your vehicle off-road. Practice by driving over more gentle off-road terrain first. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of your vehicle and t ...

    See also:

    Safety systems
    Display messages (USA only) (Canada only) The red brake system warning lamp comes on while the engine is running. A warning tone also sounds. Possible causes/consequences and ► Soluti ...

    Heated Mirrors
    The heated outside rearview mirrors turn on when the rear window defogger is on. (Rear Window Defogger): This button is on the climate control panel. See “Rear Window Defogger” under Dual Auto ...

    Useful information
    This Operator's Manual describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's Manual. Country-specific differences are ...