222 Winter operation Before the onset of winter, make sure that: Before the journey style and drive at a speed to suit the prevailing weather conditions. You should pay particularly close attention to road conditions as soon as temperatures approach freezing. R the coolant contains sufficient antifreeze protection ( Y page 362) R the fuel used is suitable for winter use ( Y page 364) Windscreen R when using single-grade engine oils, replacement is completed in good time ( Y page 361) At temperatures between approximately 5 † to Т 5 † and snowfall, direct the air to the windscreen using the air-distribution control z ( Y page 101).
Additionally, the wind- screen heating can be switched on ( Y page 90). Driving mode R the windscreen washer system contains sufficient antifreeze ( Y page 296) R tyres with a high-grip tread pattern are fit- ted; if possible, these should be M+S tyres (winter tyres) R snow chains are carried in the vehicle Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Driving in extremely cold conditions X Make sure that there is adequate brake system reservoir pressure ( Y page 161) and that the operating temperature of the coolant ( Y page 125) has been reached. At outside temperatures below Т 20 †:
X When driving on snow, slush and on icy roads fit snow chains in good time ( Y page 223). While the vehicle is in motion X Avoid placing heavy loads on the engine when pulling away. You should drive particularly carefully on slip- pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera- tion, steering and braking manoeuvres. X Shift gear early and avoid high engine speeds. X Warm the vehicle up for approximately 20 minutes before increasing the load. X Adapt your driving style to suit the road conditions. Parking in extremely cold conditions If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be stopped when moving at low speed:
If the vehicle is parked at outside tempera- tures of below Т 30 †, it cannot be guaranteed that the engine will start, even with the cold- climate package. Mercedes-Benz advises against parking the vehicle outdoors at out- side temperatures of below Т 30 †. X Shift the transmission into neutral. X Try to bring the vehicle under control by using corrective steering. The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an ice-warning device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. There is a delay in displaying a change in out- side temperature. Indicated temperatures just above the freez- ing point do not guarantee that the road sur- face is free of ice.
The road may still be icy, especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could start skidding if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always adapt your driving