194 Driving and operatingImportant hints for using theparking assist systems9 WarningUnder certain circumstances,various reflective surfaces onobjects or clothing as well asexternal noise sources may causethe system to fail to detectobstacles.Special attention has to be paid tolow obstacles which can damagethe lower part of the bumper.CautionPerformance of the sensor can bereduced when sensors arecovered, e.g. by ice or snow.Performance of the parking assistsystem can be reduced due toheavy loading.Special conditions apply if thereare taller vehicles involved (e.g.off-road vehicles, mini vans,vans). Object identification in theupper part of these vehiclescannot be guaranteed.Objects with a very small reflectioncross section, like objects ofnarrow size or soft materials, maynot be detected by the system.Parking assist will not detectobjects out of the detection range.NoteThe parking assist systemautomatically detects factory-fittedtowing equipment. It is deactivatedwhen the connector is plugged in.It is possible that the sensor detectsa non-existing object (echodisturbance) caused by externalacoustical or mechanicdisturbances.Advanced parking assist systemmay not respond to changes in theparking space after initiating aparallel parking manoeuvre.Side blind spot alertThe Side blind spot alert systemdetects and reports objects on eitherside of the vehicle, within a specified"blind spot" zone. The system alertsvisually in each side rear view mirror,when detecting objects that may notbe visible in the inside and outsiderear view mirrors.The system's sensors are located inthe bumper on the left and right sideof the vehicle.9 WarningSide blind spot alert does notreplace driver vision.The system does not detect:■ Vehicles outside the side blindzones which may be rapidlyapproaching.■ Pedestrians, cyclists or animals.Before changing a lane, alwayscheck all mirrors, look over theshoulder and use the turn signal.
