Owners Manual

otherwise be injured by the load slipping or
being thrown around in the event of sharp
braking, sudden changes in direction or on
poor road surfaces. This also applies to seats
which have been removed if they remain in the
vehicle.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event
of an accident. Observe the tips in the
"Securing a load" section.
G
WARNING
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle.
If the gross axle weight rating or permissible
gross vehicle weight is exceeded during
transport, tire durability and road safety are
adversely affected. The vehicle's handling and
steering characteristics change noticeably.
Braking and stopping distances are
significantly longer.
The vehicle's driving, steering and braking
characteristics change as the gross vehicle
weight increases or when the center of gravity
is raised.
Always make sure that the distribution of the
load is correct and adapt your driving style
according to the load.
G
WARNING
If you have mounted a roof carrier, the
vehicle’s handling, steering and braking
characteristics may change due to the higher
center of gravity. This is the case particularly
if the roof carrier is laden. Adapt your driving
style according to the vehicle load.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. An incorrectly secured roof
carrier and/or load could come loose, fall off
and thereby endanger you or others.
Observe the maximum roof load and
maximum roof carrier load. Loads transported
on the roof must always be secured with
particular care.
Do not allow the load, including passengers,
to exceed the permissible gross vehicle
weight or the gross axle weight rating for your
vehicle.
G
WARNING
When using suitable load securing aids and
lashing material, always follow the
manufacturer's operating instructions, in
particular the notes on discard criteria
contained therein.
Load securing aids and lashing material may
not be used, for example, if:
R
identification marks are missing or illegible
R
there are yarn breakages, damage to
bearing seams or other signs of tearing
R
there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R
there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Load securing aids and lashing material in this
condition are ready for discard and must be
replaced.
If you use load securing aids or lashing
materials that are ready for discard, the load
is not correctly secured and could cause
serious injuries to you and others and cause
material damage.
G
WARNING
In the event of an accident, have a damaged
cargo compartment floor or loading area, the
cargo tie down rings and the tie down checked
at a specialist workshop. Otherwise, the load
may not be correctly secured the next time
anything is stowed and could cause serious
injuries to you and others and cause damage
to property.
!
If you are using a roof carrier, observe the
maximum roof load and maximum roof
carrier load.
You will find information about the maximum
roof load in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 290) and information about roof
Transporting loads with the vehicle
145
Operation
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