Driving with an open boot lid NOTICE Driving with an open boot lid is extremely dan- gerous. Ensure that the open boot lid and any objects are secured properly, and take appropri- ate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic ex- haust fumes entering the vehicle. The height and possibly also length of the vehicle are different when the boot lid is open. Driving through water WARNING Follow the precautions below to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water (for example, if the road is flooded): Driving with the boot lid unlocked or open may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries. ● Always drive with the boot lid closed.
– Observe the water depth before driving through the waterlogged road. The water level must be no higher than the lower edge of the vehicle body → . ● Stow all items securely in the luggage com- partment. Otherwise, loose items may fall out and cause injury to other road users. ● Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead. – Do not drive faster than walking speed. ● Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and brak- ing manoeuvres as this can cause the open boot lid to move unpredictably. – Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
– Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water. ● If items protrude from the luggage compart- ment, make sure that they are visible to oth- er road users while complying with the rele- vant traffic regulations. – Always deactivate the start/stop system man- ually when driving through water → page 101. ● Never use the boot lid to jam or fix objects in place. WARNING ● If it is necessary to drive with the boot lid open, always remove a luggage rack and its load from the boot lid.
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up (in winter). WARNING ● Carry out careful braking manoeuvres several times to “dry and de-ice the brakes”. Do not endanger other road users when performing braking manoeuvres and do not ignore any legal requirements. When driving with the boot lid open, toxic ex- haust gases can enter the vehicle interior and lead to unconsciousness, carbon monoxide poi- soning, accidents and serious or fatal injuries. ● Always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous exhaust gases from en- tering the vehicle.
● Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeu- vres directly after driving through water. ● If you have to drive with the boot lid open, the following measures must be taken to avoid the toxic exhaust gases entering the vehicle interior: – Closing all the doors, windows and the til- ted glass roof. – Switch off air recirculation mode. – Open all vents in the dash panel. – Switch the blower to the highest blower speed. NOTICE If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, e.g. engine, transmission system, travel system, and electronics, could sustain severe damage or corrode. ● Never drive through salt water.
Immediately rinse all vehicle parts that have come into con- tact with salt water using fresh water. 182.5C1.TRO.74 ● Avoid the engine from getting wet. When driv- ing on roads with low-lying water, be careful to prevent the engine from getting wet, as it Driving 95