STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
296
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. 81).
Also, be aware of different accessories that load
the electrical system. Do not use functions 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 dis-
play 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 engine and then running it for at
least 15 minutes - battery charging is more
effective during driving than running the
engine at idling speed while stationary.
Related information
•Starter battery - general (p. 360)
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. 398) 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. 327) is a
legal requirement in certain countries.
Related information
•Engine oil - checking and filling (p. 345)
•Spare wheel* (p. 322)
•Lamp replacement - general (p. 349)
Winter driving
For winter driving it is important to perform cer-
tain 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. 393) 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. 390).
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 places
