Mercedes-Benz ML320. Manual — part 91

191

Operation

The first 1000 miles (1500 km)

Driving instructions

At the gas station

Engine compartment

Tires and wheels

Winter driving

Maintenance

Vehicle care

192

Operation

The first 1000 miles (1500 km)

왔

In the “Operation” section you will find de-
tailed information on operating, maintain-
ing and caring for your vehicle.

The first 1000 miles (1500 km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.

앫

Drive your vehicle during the first
1000 miles (1500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.

앫

During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive en-
gine speeds (no more than

2

/

3

of max-

imum rpm in each gear).

앫

Avoid accelerating by kick-down.

앫

Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the gear selector lever.

앫

Select positions 3, 2 or 1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).

After 1000 miles (1500 km) you may grad-
ually increase vehicle and engine speeds
to the permissible maximum.

All of the above instructions, as may apply
to your vehicle type, also apply when the
first 1000 miles (1500 km) after the en-
gine, the transfer case, the front differen-
tial or the rear differential has been
replaced.

i

Always obey applicable speed limits.

193

Operation

Driving instructions

왔

Driving instructions

Drive sensibly – save fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.

To save fuel you should:

앫

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures

앫

Remove unnecessary loads

앫

Allow engine to warm up under low
load use

앫

Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration

앫

Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Service
Booklet and as required by the FSS.
Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center

Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips and in hilly country.

Drinking and driving

Pedals

Power assistance

Warning!

G

Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.

The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.

Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.

Warning!

G

Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.

Warning!

G

With the engine is not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.

194

Operation

Driving instructions

Brakes

To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.

If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.

If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on and there is no audible warn-
ing (EBP), the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.

Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center.

Warning!

G

After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.

It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.

!

Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.

Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (

컄

page 78).