Winter Driving with a Mercedes-Benz

Neil Shore, Learning and Quality Management

February 2015
 Table of Contents

• Preparing for winter, before the snow starts to fall

• Helpful fuel additives
• Windshield wipers
• Tire chains
• Driving in snow
• Snow tires
• All season floor mats
• Winch-outs
• Removal of snow from the vehicle
• FAQs
• Final 10 question quiz
 Preparing for winter, weeks before the snow starts to fall

Vehicles not running properly will certainly fail Tires – Brakes – Fluids -- Battery
when driving in cold weather or snow

Any outstanding maintenance that needs to be completed should get done!

 Additives for Diesel and Gasoline Engines

Diesel Engine Gasoline Engine

• Additive for diesel fuel, required when filling fuel
tank in cold weather, to keep fuel from gelling
• Only needed if outside temperature is < 30°F
• Not needed if winterized diesel fuel is used
• If fuel gells and engine stalls, vehicle must be
towed to service
• No specific diesel additive is recommended
• Additive not required for cold weather,
however a recommended fuel additive is
available for maintenance of the fuel injection
system
• Chevron Techron additive is recommended for
the fuel tank at each scheduled service
• Add to fuel tank at each oil service
Windshield Wipers

Snow and ice should be removed from the wipers and

windshield so the wiper arms and wiper motor linkage
do not get damaged

• Do not leave wipers in the up-right position for

extended periods
• This position is reserved for cleaning the wipers and
the windshield.
• The wind can push the wipers down and crack the
windshield
 Tire Chains

• Customers may use tire chains on their vehicle only if the owner’s manual permits it
• Each tire configuration may have a restriction on snow chain use (check owner’s manual)
• Speed of the vehicle is significantly reduced with the use of tire chains (check owner’s manual)
• RUD snow chains are approved by Mercedes-Benz
 Driving in Snow

• Clean all snow from the vehicle and make sure windows are clean
• The depth of the snow should not be taller than the lowest edge of the bumper or damage may occur
• The speed of the vehicle should be significantly less than when driving on a dry road
• Leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle you as stopping distances will increase
 Driving in Snow

• Just because your vehicle had 4matic does not make your driving invincible on a slippery surface
• If your vehicle slides, always steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
• If stuck in an icy patch, ESP (if equipped), can be turn off to help you get out
• Slow down when making turns
 Winter Tires
A decision to purchase winter tires is dependent upon typical winter weather conditions where the customer is located

Poor: Summer tires

GOOD: All season tires

BETTER: Winter tires

BEST: Winter tires with 4matic

+
• If a customer wants the optimal equipment to drive in snow, a vehicle with winter tires and 4matic are best
• Customers who encounter very minimal snow can use all-season tires
• Vehicles with summer tires should not be driving in snow
• Customers who want the ease of winter preparation should have a set of wheels, winter tires and TPM sensors
dedicated for winter use. TPM (tire pressure monitor)
• MB Tire offers complete sets of wheels, winter tires and TPM sensors, assembled and balanced, ready for
mounting
 All Season Floor Mats

All Season Floor Mats Carpet floor mats must be removed if using all season mats

• All season floor mats will protect the vehicle’s carpet from snowy or dirty shoes
• Carpet mats must be removed when installing all season mats
• Having both mats in place may jam the acceleration pedal
• The all season mat will snap into place just like the carpet mat
• Mercedes-Benz mats are custom fit to each vehicle’s floor
 Winch-outs

• Arrangements for a vehicle winch out of snow can be made by Roadside Assistance
• If the customer does not need towing to the dealer for repairs the cost of the winch out is $99
• The $99 cost is for all vehicles regardless of Roadside status, MB vehicles, smart and Sprinter
• Customers should attempt to get their vehicle out of their stuck position by turning off the ESP (if
equipped).
 Cleaning Snow off your Mercedes-Benz

• Use a soft brush or a Sno-Rake™ to remove snow from the windows and painted surfaces
• Clear all snow from the windshield wipers and lower windshield to prevent damage to wiper arms and linkage
• Use the scraper edge of the snow brush to remove ice on the glass only, never a painted surface
• Some states prohibit snow on the roof of vehicles while driving
 Frequently Asked Questions Related to Winter Driving
Q: I put the diesel additive in my ML250 and it still does not start in very cold weather. What could I do now?
A: The anti-gell additive must be installed in the fuel tank, when re-fueling. The engine must be in running condition so the anti-gell
additive can circulate throughout the fuel system. Now the vehicle must be towed to a warm garage to be serviced.

Q: I was driving in deep snow and cracked by front bumper. How did this happen?
A: If the depth of the snow is taller than the lowest part of the front bumper, it is possible to damage the front bumper.

Q: It just snowed and I did not clean my car well. When I drive, instrument cluster messages appear stating specific functions are
inoperative.
A: If the snow is not is not cleaned where sensors are located, certain systems can not operate and will be disabled until the
sensors are cleaned off

Q: It is late fall and my tires are close to the wear marks. Should I replace the all season tires before the winter?
A: Yes

Q: I cleaned the snow off my ML350 with my ice scraper. One week later I saw a lot of scratches in my paint. How did this happen?
A: Use a soft brush or a Sno-Rake™ to remove snow from the painted surfaces, never a scraper.

Q: How much does it cost if I am pulled out of a snow bank? I have no damage and do not need dealer service.
A: $99

Q: Will the additive help the gasoline fuel in my car from freezing?
A: No, it is just helpful for the maintenance of the fuel system

Q: What is the best tire/drive configuration for winter driving?

A: 4Matic with winter tires.
 Thanks for Watching.
To finish your training, please click on the Sno-Rake™ below to complete the quiz