BMW BMW AG X5 4.4i Automobile User Manual


 
124n
Winter operation
Rubber seals and components
In order to prevent the weather-strip-
ping from freezing, apply BMW rubber
treatment or silicone spray to the seals
on the doors, hood and tailgate.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center.<
Snow chains
Mount BMW snow chains* only on tire
size 235/65 R 17. Always mount chains
in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Read and comply with the chain manu-
facturer's safety precautions. Do not
exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Starting off
When starting in deep snow or "rock-
ing" the vehicle free, it may be advis-
able to deactivate the DSC system
briefly. Refer to page 83.
Driving on low-traction road
surfaces
Use smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal and avoid exces-
sive engine speeds. Maintain an ade-
quate distance between yourself and
the car ahead.
Braking
Winter road conditions substantially re-
duce the amount of traction available
between the tires and the road surface.
The resulting increases in braking dis-
tance are considerable and should be
kept in mind at all times.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.
If the ABS does not respond in a critical
braking situation and the wheels lock:
Reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal until the wheels just start to roll
again while still maintaining enough
force to continue braking. Following
that, increase pedal pressure again.
Reduce the pressure as the wheels
lock, then reapply pressure. Repeat this
braking sequence.
This type of staggered braking will re-
duce the braking distance, and the ve-
hicle still remains responsive to steer-
ing.
You can then attempt to steer around
hazards after you have reduced pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
Do not shift down on slick road
surfaces if you want to decelerate.
Doing so could cause the wheels to
lose traction and skid, thus resulting in
the loss of vehicle control.<
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 155 303 - © 12/99 BMW AG