Stowing luggage and cargo
Stowing luggage securely in the vehicle
—Distribute luggage as evenly as possible in the vehicle. Do not cover any vent openings.
—Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment and place them as far forward in the
compartment as possible →
.
—Adhere to the Gross Axle Weight Rating and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .
—Secure objects in the luggage compartment using suitable securing cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps on the
tie-downs.
—Also store small objects securely.
—If necessary, fold the rear seat backrest down and lock it securely.
—If necessary, adjust the headlight range. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control will adjust automatically.
—Adjust the tire pressure based on the load. Follow the tire pressure label (→ Tire pressure).
—If necessary, calibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS) to the new load.
WARNING
Objects or animals that are not secured or are secured incorrectly can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of
sudden driving and braking maneuvers or a collision. This is especially true if the airbags deploy and strike objects,
causing them to fly through the vehicle interior.
● Store all objects securely in the vehicle. Follow the legal regulations whilst doing so.
● Stow objects in the vehicle interior in such a way that they will not enter the airbag deployment zone while you
are driving.
● Secure animals in the vehicle restraint systems that are appropriate for their weight and size.
● Always keep the storage compartments closed while driving.
● Do not leave hard, heavy, or sharp objects loose in the open storage compartments in the vehicle, on the surface
behind the rear seat backrest, or on the instrument panel.
● Remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and store them securely.
WARNING
If objects stowed in the vehicle cause people to sit in the wrong position, serious or fatal injuries may occur in the
event of sudden driving and braking maneuvers or accidents.
● Never stow objects on a seat if a person is going to use it.
WARNING
When transporting heavy objects, the vehicle’s handling performance may change because of the altered center of
gravity and the braking distance may increase. Heavy loads that have not been stowed or secured properly may
change the vehicle handling, e.g. if the load slides around. This can result in a loss of vehicle control and lead to
serious or fatal injuries.
● Never overload the vehicle. Both the load and the distribution of the load in the vehicle affect driving behavior
and braking efficiency.
● Always distribute the load evenly and as low down in the vehicle as possible.
● Secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.
● Secure any loose objects to prevent them from sliding around.
● Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
● Take extra care and caution when accelerating.
● Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
● Brake earlier than usual if the vehicle has a heavy load.
NOTICE
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