Driving in Wet Conditions. Driving in Winter

In the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016), you are well equipped for wet conditions and winter driving thanks to modern assistance systems and well-designed information. This chapter explains how to avoid aquaplaning and how to drive safely in winter. Recommendations on tire pressure, speed and driving technique support your safety.

Driving in Wet Conditions

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning can occur on the road surface above a certain water depth, even though

• drive at low speed
• the tread depth of the tires is sufficient.

Therefore, in heavy rain or in conditions where aquaplaning can occur, drive as follows:

• Reduce your speed.
• Avoid ruts.
• Avoid rapid steering movements.
• Brake carefully.

Driving Through Water on Roads

Note

Note that vehicles ahead or oncoming vehicles create waves. This can cause the maximum permissible water depth to be exceeded.

Be sure to observe these notes. Otherwise, you may damage the engine, electrical system and transmission.

If you have to drive through water that has collected on the road, note that

• the water depth in still water must not exceed the lower edge of the body at most
• you may drive at walking pace at most.

Driving in Winter

WARNING

If you downshift on slippery road surfaces to increase engine braking, the drive wheels can lose grip. There is an increased risk of skidding and accidents!

Do not downshift on slippery road surfaces to increase engine braking.

DANGER

If the exhaust tailpipe is blocked or sufficient ventilation is not possible, toxic exhaust gases, especially carbon monoxide, can enter the vehicle. This can happen, for example, if the vehicle gets stuck in snow. Danger to life!

If you have to leave the engine or the auxiliary heater running, keep the exhaust tailpipe and the area around the vehicle clear of snow. Open a window on the side of the vehicle facing away from the wind to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air.

At the start of winter, have your vehicle winterized at a qualified specialist workshop.

Drive with particular care on slippery roads. Avoid abrupt acceleration, steering and braking.

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be brought to a stop at low speed:

Vehicles with manual transmission: Shift to neutral.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Shift the transmission to position N.

Try to keep the vehicle under control with steering corrections.

The outside temperature display is not designed as an ice warning and is therefore unsuitable for this purpose. Changes in outside temperature are displayed with a delay.

Displayed temperatures just above freezing are no guarantee that the road is free of ice. The road can still be icy, especially in forest clearings or on bridges. If your driving style is not adapted, the vehicle could skid. Always adapt your driving style and speed to the weather conditions.

Pay particular attention to road conditions once temperatures are close to freezing point.

For more information on driving with snow chains.

For more information on driving with summer tires.

Observe the notes under "Operation in Winter".

The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offers comprehensive safety information for driving in wet conditions and in winter. Tips on avoiding aquaplaning, driving safely through water and recommendations for winter operation underline the high safety standards.

These notes help you drive safely even in difficult weather conditions and make full use of the potential of the E-Class BR 212.

Question: What is important when driving through water?

Answer: The water must not be deeper than the lower edge of the body, and the speed should be walking pace.

Question: Why is the outside temperature display not an ice warning?

Answer: Because it displays the temperature with a delay and does not guarantee ice-free roads.