Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: 4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP® and 4ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip.
WARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
• While driving off, apply as little
throttle as
possible.
• While driving, ease up on the
accelerator
pedal.
• Adapt your speed and driving style
to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All wheels must remain either on the gr or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full contact with the ground.
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
When testing the parking brake, operate
the vehicle only briefly (for a maximum of
ten seconds) on a brake test dynamometer.
When doing this, turn the key to position 0 or 1 in the ignition. Failure to do this can cause damage to the drive train or the brake system.
Function or performance tests may only
be performed on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
beforehand. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
For information about driving off-road, see.
See also:
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
► Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
► Steering or Cornering Skid — too muc ...
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If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. See Tires .
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out slowly. But if
there is ever a blo ...