Fahrradträger_i21-i31.book Seite 20 Mittwoch, 19. April 2017 10:56 10
General safety instructions
Vehicle drivers are themselves responsible for ensuring their vision
and hearing are not impaired by the condition of the vehicle or its
load. They are obliged to ensure that the vehicle and its load are in
accordance with regulations and the load does not impair the
vehicle's road safety.
The prescribed lighting and lighting equipment must also be
available on the day of travel and be ready for operation.
These assembly and operating instructions include a general
approval for the towbar cycle rack, which should be kept inside
the vehicle at all times.
Observe the legal specifications on the use of cycle racks in
the relevant country of use.
Caution
The work and safety instructions described in these mounting
and operating instructions must be observed at all times.
The towbar cycle rack is only to be used for the transportation
of bicycles. The cycle rack is not suitable for off-road use.
All bolt connections and fasteners on the cycle rack and the
bicycles must be checked for secureness each time it and the
bicycles are mounted, prior to each journey and during long
journeys and then retightened if necessary. This check is to be
repeated at regular intervals regardless of the road surface.
During driving, drivers should check the cycle rack and bicycles
for any movement/shifting/displacement by looking into
the rear view mirror.
Should any changes occur, continue to the next available
stopping location at low speed, then tighten the bolt
connections and fasteners on the cycle rack or bicycles.
If this is not done, the cycle rack may become loose, together
with the bicycles mounted on it, thereby injuring other persons
and/or causing an accident.
Caution
Moving parts such as the threaded bolts of the holders and
the quick-acting clamp should be cleaned and lubricated at
regular intervals to prevent the rotary handles seizing up.
Do not use any lubricant on the pre-installed bolt connections.
This may cause the bolt connections to become loose as
a result and the cycle rack might be released together with
the mounted bicycles, thereby injuring other persons or
causing an accident.
Caution
Should the load (the bicycles) protrude by more than 15.7 inch
(40 cm) beyond the outermost edge of the light exit area of the
cycle rack's side marker lights or tail lights, this must be
indicated via a white light to the fore and at the rear via a red
light located at the side, no more than 15.7 inch (40 cm) from
the edge of the bicycles and no more than 59 inch (150 cm)
above the road surface.
Provide an extra marking for the wheels of any bicycles
protruding at the side when transporting bicycles.
When driving at night, cover any reflectors at the rear or on
the wheels to prevent them from blurring the vehicle's tail
lights and thereby obstructing or misleading other roads users.
Failure to observe this may cause accidents.
Caution
Before starting the journey, check the lighting is working.
When the rear fog light is activated on the cycle rack, the
rear fog light on the vehicle must be switched off i.e.
they may not be lit simultaneously.
On vehicle versions where type approval was granted after
October 1, 1998 for the first time, the attached vehicle rack or
the load carried (the bicycles) must not cover the vehicle's third
brake light. The vehicle's third brake light must remain visible:
on the right and left based on the vehicle's longitudinal axis – at
a horizontal angle of 10°, to the top in relation to the edge of the
light – at a vertical angle of 10° and downwards – based on the
lower edge of the light – at a vertical angle of 5°. If these values
are not complied with, a third replacement brake light must be
attached.
Failure to observe this may cause accidents.
Caution
When the cycle rack and bicycles are mounted, driving and
braking characteristics as well as sensitivity of the vehicle to
side winds will be altered. The maximum speed of 80 mph
(130 km/h) must not be exceeded.
Do not cover bicycles using tarpaulins, protective covers or
similar as this will considerably influence the area exposed to
wind and the driving characteristics.
Push any heavy loads in the luggage compartment as far to the
front as possible to prevent excessive rear loading.
Always adapt your driving style to the road, traffic and weather
conditions and exercise particular caution when driving with
a loaded cycle rack.
If this is not done, the cycle rack may become loose, together
with the bicycles mounted on it, thereby injuring other persons
and/or causing an accident.
Caution
Where a vehicle is equipped with an electric rear lid, ensure
the required clearance is still available while the cycle rack is
installed. Deactivate the electrically operated rear lid where
required and operate it manually.
Detach the cycle rack prior to using automatic car washes.
Damage may otherwise be caused to the vehicle rack,
the vehicle and/or the automatic car wash itself.
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