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08 Starting and driving
08
294
* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction.
Overload - starter battery
The electrical functions in the car load the
starter battery to varying degrees. Avoid using
the key position II when the engine is
switched off. Instead use the I mode - which
uses less power, see Key positions - functions
at different levels (p. 76).
Also, be aware of different accessories that
load the electrical system. Do not use func-
tions which use a lot of power when the
engine is switched off. Examples of such
functions are:
•
ventilation fan
•
headlamps
•
windscreen wiper
•
audio system (high volume).
If the battery voltage is low the information
display shows the text
Low battery charge
Power save mode. The energy-saving func-
tion then shuts down certain functions or
reduces certain functions such as the ventila-
tion fan and/or audio system.
– In which case, charge the starter battery
by starting the engine and then running it
for at least 15 minutes - battery charging
is more effective during driving than run-
ning the engine at idling speed while sta-
tionary.
Related information
•
Starter battery - general (p. 370)
Before a long journey
Before a long journey, it makes good sense to
go through the following points:
•
Check that the engine is working normally
and that fuel consumption (p. 409) is nor-
mal.
•
Make sure that there are no leaks (fuel, oil
or other fluid).
•
Check all bulbs and tyre tread depths.
•
Carrying a warning triangle (p. 324) is a
legal requirement in certain countries.
Related information
•
Engine oil - checking and filling (p. 355)
•
Spare wheel* (p. 319)
•
Lamp replacement - general (p. 360)
Winter driving
For winter driving it is important to perform
certain checks in order to ensure that the car
can be driven safely.
To bear in mind:
Check the following in particular before the
cold season:
•
The engine coolant (p. 403) must contain
at least 50% glycol. This mixture protects
the engine against frost erosion down to
approximately –35 °C. To achieve opti-
mum antifreeze protection, different types
of glycol must not be mixed.
•
The fuel tank must be kept filled to pre-
vent condensation.
•
Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate star-
ting in cold weather and also reduce fuel
consumption while the engine is cold. For
more information on suitable oils, see
Engine oil - adverse driving conditions
(p. 400).
IMPORTANT
Low viscosity oil must not be used for hard
driving or in hot weather.
•
The condition of the battery and charge
level must be inspected. Cold weather
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