15 Correct and safe ›  Engine compartment ▶ When handling the 12-volt vehicle battery, eye and skin protection must be worn. ▶ Do not tilt the 12-volt vehicle battery, as it may leak battery acid. ▶ If battery acid comes into contact with skin, wash the affected areas with water for a few minutes. Seek medical assistance without delay. ▶ Do not charge a frozen or thawed 12-volt vehicle battery. Replace a frozen 12-volt vehicle battery. ▶ Do not use a damaged 12-volt vehicle battery. ▶ Short circuit! The battery poles of the 12-volt vehi- cle battery are not connected. ▶ If you suspect damaged sensors or cameras, seek the help of a specialist company. ▶ Stop the engine and allow it to cool. ▶ Remove the ignition key. On vehicles with a key- less locking system, open the driver's door. Engine compartment Before opening the engine compartment flap When working in the engine compartment Use electrical sockets in the vehicle Before your journey Handling operating fluids 12 volt vehicle battery Handling the 12-volt vehicle battery The battery acid of the 12-volt vehicle battery is very caustic. Improper handling of the 12 volt vehicle battery can cause an explosion, fire, chemical burns or poisoning! ▶ Check seat belts, their locks and attachment points for damage. ▶ Make sure that the seat belts are not trapped, e.g. in the door or in the seat. ▶ Only one person can be secured with a seat belt. ▶ Take up the correct sitting position, adjust the seats correctly and fasten the seat belt properly. Ensure that passengers do likewise. Always leave the seat belt on while driving. ▶ Store cloths soiled by brake fluids in a well-ventila- ted place until disposal. Cloths with residues of en- gine oil can ignite and cause a fire. ▶ The leaked engine oil in the engine compartment can cause a fire, so wipe it off with a cloth. ▶ In the event of contact with operating fluids, wash affected areas with warm water. If required, seek medical help. ▶ Do not use or check operating fluids with the en- gine running. ▶ Only use operating fluids outdoors or in well-venti- lated areas. If required, wear protective equipment. ▶ Close all doors and the engine compartment and boot flap. ▶ Adjust the rearview mirrors. ▶ Ensure that you have a good view of outside the vehicle. Attach external devices (e.g. navigation system) so that they do not restrict the view exter- nally. ▶ Do not insert any objects into the socket contacts. ▶ Do not leave any objects in the engine compart- ment. Before you go Adults and children, cargo and objects - everything has its place in the vehicle. Observe the following in- structions so that all occupants are protected in the best possible way in the event of an accident. Your vehicle uses various operating fluids to operate that can affect health or the environment when they are emitted. These are fuel, oils, battery acid from the 12-volt vehicle battery, coolant and brake fluid. Risk of scalding! Do not open the engine compart- ment flap if steam or coolant comes out of the en- gine compartment. Improper handling of the sockets may lead to life- threatening electric shock or a fire. ▶ If moisture does manage to get into the power socket, completely dry out the socket before re- use. ▶ Protect sockets from liquids. ▶ The sockets can become warm during operation. Do not touch warm sockets. ▶ If you need to work in the engine compartment with the engine running, be mindful of rotating en- gine parts and electrical equipment. ▶ Do not smoke near the vicinity of the engine and refrain from handling open flames or sparks. ▶ Do not touch electrical cables. Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, especially on the 12 Volt vehicle battery. ▶ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan can turn itself on, even when the ignition is off. ▶ Keep children away from the engine compartment.