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STARTING AND DRIVING
292
Overload - starter battery
The electrical functions in the car load the starter
battery (p. 380) to varying degrees. Avoid using
the key position II (p. 83) when the car is
switched off. Instead use position I - which uses
less power.
Also, be aware of different accessories that load
the electrical system. Do not use functions which
use a lot of power when the car is switched off.
Examples of such functions are:
•
ventilation fan
•
headlamps
•
windscreen wiper
•
audio system (high volume).
If the starter battery voltage is low then the com-
bined instrument panel's information display
shows the text
Low battery charge Power
save mode. The energy-saving function then
shuts down certain functions or reduces certain
functions such as the ventilation fan and/or
audio system.
–
In which case, charge the starter battery by
starting the car and then running it for at
least 15 minutes - starter battery charging is
more effective during driving than running
the engine at idling speed while stationary.
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. 424) 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. 332) is a
legal requirement in certain countries.
Related information
•
Engine oil - checking and filling (p. 364)
•
Changing wheels - removing wheels (p. 328)
•
Lamp replacement - general (p. 368)
Winter driving
For winter driving it is important to perform cer-
tain checks in order to ensure that the car can
be driven safely.
Check the following in particular before the cold
season:
•
The engine coolant (p. 365) must contain
50% glycol. This mixture protects the engine
against frost erosion down to
approximately –35 °C. To avoid health risks,
different types of glycol must not be mixed.
•
The fuel tank must be kept filled to prevent
condensation.
•
Engine oil viscosity is important. Oils with
lower viscosity (thinner oils) facilitate starting
in cold weather and also reduce fuel con-
sumption while the engine is cold. For more
information on suitable oils, see Engine oil -
adverse driving conditions (p. 415).
IMPORTANT
Low viscosity oil must not be used for hard
driving or in hot weather.
•
The condition of the starter battery and
charge level must be inspected. Cold
weather places great demands on the starter
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