262 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This 
applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high 
loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient 
temperatures).
Aq uaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, 
aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with 
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in 
the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is 
always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the condition of 
the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to 
the freezing point.
We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter 
season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced 
handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can 
reduce your stopping distance as compared with 
summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still 
considerably greater than when the road is not snow or 
ice covered.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the 
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose 
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat 
tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will 
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be 
substantially reduced. Under such weather 
conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme 
caution. 
270 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently 
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the 
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the 
following will assist in maintaining the set cruise 
controlled speed:Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Downshift occurs (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the set 
cruise controlled speed by using the engine’s braking 
power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission 
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
The set cruise controlled speed is switched off when 
declutching exceeds four seconds during downshifting a 
gear.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the 
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control 
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.
Wa r n i n g !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and 
weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a 
steady speed.• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on 
winding roads or in heavy traffic because 
conditions do not allow safe driving at a steady 
speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on 
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion 
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.The “Resume” function should only be operated if 
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed 
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.