Mercedes-Benz S-class W140 - Repair manual and operation

2.6.12. Operation of the car in the conditions of winter

With approach of a winter season try to have onboard the car the corresponding equipment and stock on a case of unforeseen situations: antisliding chains, a scraper for purification of glass, a sand reserve, a lamp, a small shovel and a set of an electrical wiring for start of the engine from the auxiliary power supply.

Use the motive oil of the corresponding grade and viscosity intended for cold weather (see the Head Routine maintenance). Dense summer oil can cause difficulties at start of the engine.

Process mechanisms of locking devices and cylinders of door locks glycerin or special anti-icer.

Compulsory opening of the frozen door can cause office of a rubber sealant of a door. The frozen door before opening should be warmed hot water, then to wipe dry.

For washing of a windshield and lenses of headlights use only the liquids providing the required resilience to freezing.

Do not add to the tank for the washing liquid antifreeze at all cooling systems which at hit on body elements is capable to damage paint and varnish covering.

Preparation for a start of motion

Remove outgrowths of snow and ice which can interfere with functioning of the steering drive from under wings.

At the movement during snowfall regularly stop and clean snow from under wings. Before an entrance to salon shake snow which when thawing can make pedals dangerously slippery from footwear. During warming up of the engine check serviceability of functioning of accelerator pedals, brakes, coupling and other governing bodies.

Care of the rechargeable battery

Remember that low temperatures overall performance of the rechargeable battery decreases.

At the insufficient level of a charge of the rechargeable battery in frosty weather there is a risk of freezing of electrolyte. Regularly check a state and level of a charge of the battery, in case of need you make its service and recharge (see the Head Routine maintenance).

Antifreeze use

With approach of a winter season when temperature of air can fall below 0th °C, the cooling system of the engine should be filled with antifreeze on the basis of ethylene glycol (see the Head of the Cooling system, heating).

Removal of water from the cooling system

At refusal of operation of the car in winter season in the cooling system it is necessary or to fill antifreeze, or to completely remove water from a cooling path, - drain traffic jams are located under a radiator and on the engine block. Before starting operation of the car do not forget to fill the cooling system.

The parking in winter season

Deep snow can cause dangerous concentration of the fulfilled gases under the car. That it did not occur, at the parking in cold weather with the working engine remove snow from the areas adjacent to an exhaust pipe, and from below around the car.

At the long parking in cold weather avoid use of the parking brake which hummock drive is subject to freezing.

At the parking of the car in snow or at snowfall take away the screen wiper lever from a windshield in order to avoid damage of a brush.

At the parking of the car after movement along strongly snow-covered road or at the parking in a blizzard formation of hoarfrost on elements of the brake system is possible that can reduce efficiency of its functioning. Before a start of motion make sure of lack of snow and hoarfrost on suspension bracket knots, brake disks and hoses. In case of need carefully remove snow, - try not to damage brake disks and hoses, the assembly ABS hub and elements of a pneumatic suspension bracket.

Gas station of the car in cold weather

For the purpose of prevention of education in fuel system of moisture and its freezing use special additives to fuel.

Efficiency of effect of additives increases at their addition in a thin tank when filling the car.

At refusal of use of the car for a long time leave the fuel tank completely filled.

Movement along snow-covered roads and in ice

Do not use tempostaty on slippery roads.

For prevention of sliding and drifts avoid sharp braking, accelerations and maneuverings, observe the safe high-speed mode.

Always support a safe distance to the vehicles which are ahead directly. Try to use more actively braking by the engine, - on a measure and need switch to a low gear.

Avoid sharp switchings to low gears in order to avoid blocking of wheels and loss of controllability.
The ABS system improves efficiency of the brake system on snow-covered and ice-covered roads, however it is necessary to remember that excessive self-confidence is always fraught with the most serious consequences, - be careful. Remember that operation of ABS increases length of a brake way.

Use of a screen wiper at snowfall

Before a start of motion make sure that the brush of a screen wiper did not freeze to a windshield. In case of need previously warm up glass, having chosen function of defrosting of glasses of the air conditioning system (see Comfort).

If at the movement in snowfall a brush of a screen wiper do not provide the required cleaning of a windshield and on it frost begins to be formed, include heating.

In case of need after sufficient warming up and thawing of snow use a washer.

Freezing of snow to the lever of a screen wiper interferes with its normal functioning. In case of need stop the car in the safe place and remove snow.

At a stop on a roadside do not forget to turn on the alarm system.

Winter tires

When changing wheels use only the tires suitable on a standard size (see Schild on a back driver's door of a rack). All four winter tires have to be identical by the size, a circle, a design, model and a load index. Use of different tires can lead to serious mechanical damages of the drive of wheels and loss of control over management. Do not install on one axis of the car at the same time radial diagonal / диагонально the surrounding tires.

When using winter tires (a high-speed Q, T symbol or H) never exceed the maximum admissible limit of speed of the movement (160, 190 and 210 km/h, respectively).

Antisliding chains

The movement on snow-covered slopes or ice-covered roads can demand installation on wheels of chains of antisliding. Chains have to be established only on forward wheels. In order to avoid damage of a body of the car or a suspension bracket, use the chains corresponding to the size of tires of your car.

Speed of the movement of the car equipped with chains should not exceed 30 km/h.

At the movement with chains observe extreme care, - you remember that excessive self-confidence is fraught with the most serious consequences. be extremely attentive.

Rocking of the car

If for departure from snow or dirt it is necessary to shake the car, slightly press the accelerator pedal and (at AT) move the selector between provisions "D" and "R". Do not press gas too strongly. At departure from snow or dirt for optimum coupling with a surface avoid pro-slipping of wheels.

On very slippery paving the provision of transmission "2" provides the best coupling with a surface, than situation "1" (that belongs as to the mechanical, and automatic transmission).

Operation of diesel models in winter conditions

When using summer option of diesel fuel at a temperature below 0 °C there can be interruptions in operation of the engine that is explained by increase in viscosity of fuel as a result of release of paraffin.

At negative temperatures it is necessary to use special "winter" diesel fuel. Depending on brand winter fuel provides uninterrupted operation at temperatures from -15 °C to -22 °C.

Use as gasoline diesel fuel additives, etc. of thinners is not allowed! At poor quality of fuel replacement of the fuel filter, perhaps, will be required to be made more often than it is provided by the schedule THAT.