Stowing luggage safely in the vehicle
—Always distribute any loads in the vehicle as evenly as possible. Do not cover any ventilation openings.
—Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment and place them as far forwards as possible →
—Observe gross axle weight ratings and the gross vehicle weight rating .
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—Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings using suitable fixing and securing straps.
—Also stow small objects safely.
—If necessary, fold back the rear seat backrest and engage it securely.
—If necessary, adjust the headlight range. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control adapt automatically to the load.
—Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the tyre pressure sticker (→ Tyre pressure).
—If necessary, adapt the tyre monitoring system to the new load level.
WARNING
Objects or animals that are not secured or are secured incorrectly can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of a sudden driving
or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if objects are struck when the airbag is triggered and then flung through
the vehicle interior.
● Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Observe legal requirements when doing this.
● Stow items in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in
motion.
● Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
● Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
● Do not stow any hard, heavy or sharp objects loose in any of the vehicle’s open stowage areas, on the surface behind the rear seat
backrest or on the dash panel.
● Remove any hard, heavy or sharp objects from items of clothing and bags inside the vehicle and stow them securely in the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
If an incorrect sitting position is assumed due to stowed objects, serious or fatal injuries can occur in the event of sudden driving and
braking manoeuvres and in accidents.
● Never stow objects on a seat if this is to be occupied and used by a person.
WARNING
Transporting heavy objects changes the vehicle’s handling due to the change in the centre of gravity and increases the braking
distance. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can change the vehicle handling, e.g. as a result of the load slipping.
This can lead to loss of control over the vehicle and cause serious or fatal injuries.
● Never overload the vehicle. Both the load and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an effect on the driving response
and braking distance of the vehicle.
● Always distribute the load evenly and as low down as possible in the vehicle.
● Always stow heavy items in the luggage compartment as far as possible in front of the rear axle.
● Secure loose objects to prevent them from slipping.
● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.
● Accelerate particularly carefully and gently.
● Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
● Brake earlier than usual if the vehicle is heavily loaded.
NOTICE
Rubbing objects on the rear windows can cause damage, e.g. to the heating conductors of the rear window heating.
● Load the luggage compartment only up to a height where no objects are in contact with the rear windows.
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