Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2020 Maintenance and Care User Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 2020, a world of elegance and power! You now possess a magnificent example of automobile engineering and design. It is crucial for you to comprehend the significance of appropriate maintenance and care as the esteemed owner of this outstanding vehicle in order to guarantee that your driving experience stays faultless for years to come. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 2020 is the pinnacle of style and innovation; it offers state-of-the-art features, unmatched comfort, and exceptional performance. Regular upkeep and careful attention are essential to preserve and enhance its remarkable traits. In order to maintain the peak performance, safety, and appearance of your A-Class Sedan 2020, we will walk you through the crucial maintenance procedures in this guide.

In order to maintain the peak performance, safety, and appearance of your A-Class Sedan 2020, we will walk you through the crucial maintenance procedures in this guide. We will provide you with the information you need to care for your Mercedes-Benz for many generations, from standard maintenance intervals and fluid checks to tyre maintenance and interior care. You will protect your investment and guarantee that your A-Class Sedan keeps providing the exciting driving experience for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned by devoting time and effort to its regular maintenance. Let’s go on this adventure together and learn how to maintain the best possible condition in your Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan 2020. Get ready to enjoy every moment on the road while drawing attention to yourself with your luxury sedan’s unrivalled refinement.

ASSYST PLUS service interval display

Function of the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display on the Instrument Display provides information on the remaining time or distance before the next service due date.
You can hide this service display using the back button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

Depending on how the vehicle is used, the ASSYST PLUS service interval display may shorten the service interval, e.g. in the following cases:

1. Mainly short-distance driving
2. When the engine is often left idling for long periods
3. In the event of frequent cold start phases

Mercedes-Benz recommends avoiding such operating conditions.
You can obtain information concerning the serv‐icing of your vehicle from a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Displaying the service due date
The next service due date is displayed.

1. To exit the display: press the back button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.

Be sure to also pay attention to the following related topic:
Operating the on-board computer

Information on regular maintenance work

NOTE
Premature wear through failure to observe service due dates
Service work which is not carried out at the right time or incompletely can lead to increased wear and damage to the vehicle.

1. Always observe the prescribed service intervals.
2. Always have the prescribed service work carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Special service requirements
The prescribed service interval is based on nor‐mal operation of the vehicle. Maintenance work will need to be performed more often if the vehicle is operated under arduous conditions or increased loads.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display is only an aid. The driver of the vehicle bears responsibility as regards to whether maintenance work needs to be performed more often than specified based on the actual operating conditions and/or loads.

Examples of arduous operating conditions:

1. regular city driving with frequent intermediate stops
2. mainly short-distance driving
3. frequent operation in mountainous terrain or on poor road surfaces
4. when the engine is often left idling for long periods
5. operation in particularly dusty conditions and/or if air-recirculation mode is frequently used In these or similar operating conditions, have the interior air filter, engine air cleaner, engine oil and oil filter etc. changed more frequently. The tires must be checked more frequently if the vehicle is operated under increased loads. Fur‐ther information can be obtained at a qualified specialist workshop.

Battery disconnection periods
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display can only calculate the service due date when the battery is connected.

1. Note down the service due date displayed on the instrument display before disconnecting the battery.
   

Engine compartment

Opening/closing the hood

WARNING
Risk of accident if the engine hood is unlatched while driving
An unlocked engine hood may open up when the vehicle is in motion and block your view.

1. Never unlatch the engine hood while driving.
2. Before every trip, ensure that the engine hood is latched.

WARNING
Risk of accident and injury when opening and closing the engine hood
When opening or closing the engine hood, it may suddenly drop into the end position.

There is a risk of injury for anyone in the engine hood’s range of movement.

1. Only open or close the engine hood when there are no persons in the engine hood’s range of movement.

WARNING
Danger of burns when opening the hood
If you open the hood when the engine has overheated or during a fire in the engine compartment, you could come into contact with hot gases or other escaping operating fluids.

1. Before opening the hood, allow the engine to cool down.
2. In the event of a fire in the engine com‐partment, keep the hood closed and call the fire service.

WARNING
Risk of injury due to moving parts
Certain components in the engine compart‐ment may continue to move or suddenly move again even after the ignition has been switched off, e.g. the cooler fan.

Make sure of the following before performing tasks in the engine compartment:

1. Switch the ignition off.
2. Never touch the danger zone surround‐ing moving component parts, e.g. the rotation area of the fan.
3. Remove jewelry and watches.
4. Keep items of clothing and hair away from moving parts.

WARNING
Risk of injury from touching component parts under voltage
The ignition system and the fuel injection system work under high voltage. If you touch component parts which are under voltage, you could receive an electric shock.

1. Never touch component parts of the ignition system or the fuel injection sys‐tem when the ignition is switched on.

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot com‐ ponent parts in the engine compartment
Certain components in the engine compart‐ment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the radiator and parts of the exhaust system.

1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of injury from using the windshield wipers while the engine hood is open
When the engine hood is open and the wind‐shield wipers are set in motion, you can be trapped by the wiper linkage.

1. Always switch off the windshield wipers and ignition before opening the engine hood.

1. To open: pull lever 1 to release the hood.
2. Push yellow handle 1 on the hood catch to the left as far as it will go (palm downwards). Lift the hood until it is automatically raised by the pneumatic strut.
3. To close: lower the hood and let it fall from a height of approximately 8 in (20 cm).
4. If the hood can still be lifted slightly, open the hood again and close it with a little force until it engages correctly.

Engine oil
Checking the engine oil level using the on-board computer

Requirements:

1. The engine has warmed up.
2. The vehicle is parked on a level surface.
3. The engine is running at idle speed.

The engine oil level is determined during driving. Determining the engine oil level can take up to 30 minutes with a normal driving style and even longer with an active driving style.

You will see one of the following messages on the multifunction display:

1. Measuring Engine Oil Level…: measurement of the oil level is not yet possible.
2. Repeat the request after a maximum of 30 minutes driving.
3. Engine Oil Level OK and the bar display for indicating the oil level on the multifunction display is green and is between “min” and “max”: the oil level is correct.
4. Engine Oil Level Add 1,1 qts. and the bar dis‐ play for indicating the oil level on the multi‐function display is orange and is below “min”:
5. Add 1.1 US qt (1 l) of engine oil.
6. Reduce Engine Oil Level and the bar display for indicating the oil level on the multifunction display is orange and is above “max”:
7. Drain off any excess engine oil that has been added. To do so, consult a qualified specialist workshop.
8. For Engine Oil Level Switch Ignition On:
9. Switch on the ignition to check the engine oil level.
10. Engine Oil Level System Inoperative: sensor faulty or not inserted.
11. Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
12. Engine Oil Level System Currently Unavail.
13. Close the hood.

Refilling engine oil

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain components in the engine compartment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the radiator and parts of the exhaust system.

1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of fire and injury from engine oil
If engine oil comes into contact with hot component parts in the engine compartment, it may ignite.

1. Make sure that no engine oil is spilled next to the filler opening.
2. Allow the engine to cool off and thoroughly clean the engine oil from compo‐nent parts before starting the vehicle.

NOTE
Engine damage caused by an incorrect oil filter, incorrect oil or additives

1. Do not use engine oils or oil filters which do not correspond to the specifi‐cations explicitly prescribed for the service intervals.
2. Do not alter the engine oil or oil filter in order to achieve longer change intervals than prescribed.
3. Do not use additives.
4. Follow the instructions in the service interval display regarding the oil change.

NOTE
Damage caused by refilling too much engine oil
Too much engine oil can damage the engine or the catalytic converter. Have excess engine oil removed at a qualified specialist workshop.

1. Turn cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove it.
2. Add engine oil.
3. Replace cap 1 and turn it clockwise as far as it will go.
4. Check the oil level again.

Checking the coolant level

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain components in the engine compart‐ment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the radiator and parts of the exhaust system.

1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Risk of scalding from hot coolant
The engine cooling system is pressurized, particularly when the engine is warm. If you open the cap, you could be scalded by hot coolant spraying out.

1. Let the engine cool down before opening the cap.
2. When opening the cap, wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
3. Open the cap slowly to release pressure.
4. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
5. Check the coolant temperature display in the instrument cluster.
   The coolant temperature must be in the bot‐tom quarter of the temperature display.
6. Slowly turn cap 1 counter-clockwise to relieve overpressure.
7. Continue turning cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove it.

The coolant level is correct in the following cases:

1. If the engine is cold, the coolant is up to marker bar 2.
2. If the engine is warm, the coolant is up to 0.6 in (1.5 cm) over marker bar 2.
3. If necessary, add coolant that has been approved for Mercedes-Benz.
4. Further information on coolant

Adding washer fluid to the windshield washer system

WARNING
Risk of burns from hot component parts in the engine compartment
Certain components in the engine compart‐ment can be very hot, e.g. the engine, the radiator and parts of the exhaust system.

1. Allow the engine to cool down and only touch component parts described in the following.

WARNING
Danger of burns when opening the hood
If you open the hood when the engine has overheated or during a fire in the engine compartment, you could come into contact with hot gases or other escaping operating fluids.

1. Before opening the hood, allow the engine to cool down.
2. In the event of a fire in the engine compartment, keep the hood closed and call the fire service.

WARNING
Risk of fire and injury from windshield washer concentrate
Windshield washer concentrate is highly flammable. It could ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine component parts or the exhaust system.

1. Make sure that no windshield washer concentrate spills out next to the filler opening.
2. Remove cap 1 by the tab.
3. Add washer fluid.

Keeping the air-water duct free
Keep the area between the hood and the windshield free of deposits, e.g. ice, snow and leaves.

Cleaning and care

Notes on washing the vehicle in a car wash

WARNING
Risk of accident due to reduced braking effect after washing the vehicle

The braking effect is reduced after washing the vehicle.

1. After the vehicle has been washed, brake carefully while paying attention to the traffic conditions until the braking effect has been fully restored.
   NOTE: Damage due to unsuitable car wash
2. Before driving into a car wash make sure that the car wash is suitable for the vehicle dimensions.
3. Ensure there is sufficient ground clearance between the underbody and the guide rails of the car wash.
4. Ensure that the clearance width of the car wash, in particular the width of the guide rails, is sufficient.

To avoid damage to your vehicle when using a car wash, ensure the following beforehand:

1. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the HOLD function are deactivated.
2. The 360° Camera or the rear view camera is switched off.
3. The side windows and sliding sunroof are completely closed.
4. The blower for the ventilation/heating is switched off.
5. The windshield wiper switch is in positiong.
6. In car washes with a conveyor system: neutral i is engaged.
7. The SmartKey is at a minimum distance of 10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle, otherwise the trunk lid could open unintentionally.
8. If you would like to leave the vehicle while it is being washed, make sure the SmartKey is located in the vehicle. The park position j is otherwise automatically engaged.
9. If, after the car wash, you remove the wax from the windshield and wiper rubbers, this will prevent smearing and reduce wiper noise.

Information on using a power washer

WARNING
Risk of accident when using high-pressure cleaning equipment with round-spray nozzles
The water jet from a round-spray nozzle (dirt grinder) may cause damage to tires and sus‐pension components that is not visible.

Components damaged in this way may fail unexpectedly.

1. Do not use high-pressure cleaning equipment with round-spray nozzles to clean your vehicle.
2. Damaged tires or suspension compo‐nents must be replaced immediately.

To avoid damage to your vehicle, observe the fol‐lowing when using a power washer:

1. keep the SmartKey at least 10 ft (3 m) away from the vehicle. Otherwise the trunk lid could open unintentionally.
2. maintain a distance of at least 11.8 in (30 cm) to the vehicle.
3. vehicles with decorative foil: parts of your vehicle are covered with a decorative foil. Maintain a distance of at least 27.6 in (70 cm) between the foil-covered parts of the vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer. Move the power washer nozzle around whilst cleaning. The water temperature of the power washer must not exceed 140 °F (60 °C).
4. observe the information on the correct distance in the equipment manufacturer’s oper‐ating instructions.
5. do not point the nozzle of the power washer directly at sensitive parts such as tires, slits, electrical components, batteries, light bulbs and ventilation slots.

Washing the vehicle by hand
Observe the legal requirements, e.g. in a number of countries, washing by hand is only permitted in specially designated wash bays.

1. Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. car shampoo.
2. Wash the vehicle with lukewarm water using a soft car sponge. When doing so, do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight.
3. Carefully hose the vehicle off with water and dry using a chamois. Take care not to point the water jet directly towards the air inlet grille below the hood.

Notes on paintwork/matte finish paintwork care

Cleaning and care                                                                                             Avoiding paintwork damage
Paintwork	R Insect remains: soak with insect remover and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.   R Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse off afterwards. R Tree resin, oils, fuels and greases: remove by rubbing gen‐ tly with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or lighter fluid. R Coolant and brake fluid: remove with a damp cloth and clean water. R Tar stains: use tar remover. R Wax: use silicone remover.	R Do not attach stickers, films or similar materials.   R Remove dirt immediately, where possible.

Cleaning and care                                                                                       Avoiding paintwork damage
Matte finish	Only use care products approved for Mercedes-Benz.	R Do not polish the vehicle and alloy wheels.   R Only use car washes that correspond to the latest engi‐ neering standards. R Do not use car wash programs with a final hot wax treat‐ ment. R Do not use paint cleaners, buffing or polishing products, gloss preservers, e.g. wax. R Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a qualified specialist workshop.

Notes on cleaning decorative foils
Observe the notes on matte finish care in the chapter “Notes on paintwork/matte finish paint‐work care”. They also apply to matte decorative foils.

Observe the following information:

Cleaning                                                                                             Avoiding damage to the decorative foil

R For cleaning, use plenty of water and a mild cleaning agent without additives or abrasive substances, e.g. a car shampoo approved for Mercedes-Benz.   R Remove dirt immediately, where possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard. There is otherwise a risk of damaging the decorative foil irreparably. R If there is dirt on the finish or if the decorative foil is dull: use the Paint Cleaner recommended and approved for Mercedes-Benz. R Insect remains: soak with insect remover and rinse off the treated areas afterwards. R Bird droppings: soak with water and rinse off afterwards. R To prevent water stains, dry a foil-wrapped vehicle with a soft, absorbent cloth after every car wash.

R The service life and color of decorative foils are impaired by:   –        Sunlight –        Temperature, e.g. hot air blower –        Weather conditions –        Stone chippings and dirt –        Chemical cleaning agents –        Oily products R Do not use polish on matte decorative foil. Polishing will have the effect of shining the foil-wrapped surface. R Do not treat matte or structured decorative foils with wax. Permanent stains may occur.

Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected by corrosion and damage caused by incorrect care cannot always be completely repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
You can obtain more information on care and cleaning products from the manufacturer. In the case of foil-wrapped surfaces, optical dif‐ferences may occur between the surfaces that were not protected by a decorative foil after removing a decorative foil. Have work or repairs to decorative foils carried out at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. in an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Notes on care of vehicle parts

WARNING
Risk of entrapment if the windshield wipers are switched on while the windshield is being cleaned
If the windshield wipers are set in motion while you are cleaning the windshield or wiper blades, you can be trapped by the wiper arm.

1. Always switch off the windshield wipers and the ignition before cleaning the windshield or wiper blades.

WARNING
Risk of burns from the tail‐ pipe and tailpipe trims
The exhaust tailpipe and tailpipe trims can become very hot. If you come into contact with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn yourself.

1. Always be particularly careful around the tailpipe and the tailpipe trims and supervise children especially closely in this area.
2. Allow vehicle parts to cool down before touching them.

Observe the following information:

Notes on cleaning and care		Avoiding vehicle damage
Wheels/rims	Use water and acid-free wheel cleaners.	R Do not use acidic wheel cleaners to remove brake dust. This could damage wheel bolts and brake components.   R To avoid corrosion of the brake discs and brakepads, drive the vehicle for a few minutes after cleaning before parking it. The brake discs and brakepads warm up and dry out.
Windows	Clean windows inside and outside with a damp cloth and with a cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes-Benz.	Do not use dry cloths or abrasive or solvent-based cleaning agents to clean the inside of windows.
Wiper blades	Fold out the wiper blades and clean them using a damp cloth.	Do not clean the wiper blades too often.

Notes on cleaning and care		Avoiding vehicle damage
Exterior lighting	Clean the lenses with a wet sponge and mild cleaning agent,   e.g. car shampoo.	Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths that are suitable for plastic lenses.
Sensors	Clean the sensors in the front and rear bumper and in the radiator grill with a soft cloth and car shampoo.	When using a power washer, maintain a minimum distance of 11.8 in (30 cm).
Rear view camera   and 360° Camera	R Open the camera cover with the multimedia system (/ page 198) .   R Use clean water and a soft cloth to clean the camera lens.	Do not use a power washer.
Tailpipes	Clean with a cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes- Benz, especially in the winter and after washing the vehicle.	Do not use acidic cleaning agents.

Notes on care of the interior

WARNING
Risk of injury from plastic parts breaking off after the use of sol‐vent-based care products
Care and cleaning products containing sol‐vents can cause surfaces in the cockpit to become porous. When the airbags are deployed, plastic parts may break away.

1. Do not use any care or cleaning prod‐ucts containing solvents to clean the cockpit.

WARNING
Risk of injury or death from bleached seat belts
Bleaching or dyeing seat belts can severely weaken them.

This can, for example, cause seat belts to tear or fail in an accident.

1. Never bleach or dye seat belts.

Observe the following information:

Cleaning and care		Avoiding vehicle damage
Seat belts	Clean with lukewarm and soapy water.	R Do not use chemical cleaning agents.   R Do not dry seat belts by heating them to over 176 °F (80 °C) or exposing them to direct sunlight.
Display	Clean the surface carefully with a microfiber cloth and a suit‐ able display care product (TFT/LCD).	R Switch off the display and let it cool down.   R Do not use any other agents.
Plastic trim	R Clean with a damp microfiber cloth.   R For heavy soiling: use a care product recommended for Mercedes-Benz.	R Do not attach stickers, films or similar materials.   R Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent or sun cream to come in contact with the plastic trim.
Real wood/trim ele‐ ments	R Clean with a microfiber cloth.   R Black piano-lacquer look: clean with a damp cloth and soapy water. R For heavy soiling: use a care product recommended for Mercedes-Benz.	Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents, polishes or waxes.
Headliner	Clean with a brush or dry shampoo.
Carpet	Use a carpet and textile cleaning agent recommended for Mercedes-Benz.

Cleaning and care		Avoiding vehicle damage
Genuine leather seat covers	R Clean with a damp cloth and then wipe with a dry cloth.   R Leather care: use a leather care agent that has been rec‐ ommended for Mercedes-Benz.	R Do not allow the leather to become too damp.   R Do not use a microfiber cloth.
DINAMICA seat cov‐ ers	Clean with a damp cloth.	Do not use a microfiber cloth.
Imitation leather seat covers	Clean with a damp cloth and 1% soapy water.	Do not use a microfiber cloth.
Cloth seat covers	Clean with a damp microfiber cloth and 1% soapy water and allow to dry.

FAQs

Useful Links

Download Manuals: Owner’s Manuals | Mercedes-Benz USA
View Full Manual: Mercedes-Benz A-CLASS SEDAN 2020 User Manual