Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

→ Stowing items of luggage
→ Driving with an open tailgate
→ Driving a loaded vehicle
→ Vehicle-specific weight ratings

Heavy objects must always be stowed securely in the luggage compartment and you must ensure that the rear seat backrests are securely engaged in the upright position. Always use suitable securing straps with the fastening rings to secure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response and braking distance .

Additional information and warnings:

• Tailgate

• Lights

• Luggage compartment

• Roof carrier

• Towing a trailer

• Wheels and tyres

Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior. Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:

• Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment.

• Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage entering the path of the side airbag or the combined curtain and side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an accident.

• Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.

• Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.

• All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small objects could be pressed into the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.

• The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.

• Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.

• Any seat blocked by stowed objects must not be occupied by passengers.

The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are being transported.

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Accelerate carefully and gently.

• Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

• Brake earlier than you normally would.