2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK CLASS fuel consumption

159 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at regular intervals by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips and in hilly country.
Drinking and driving
Pedals
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving can be a very dangerous combi-
nation. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident is sharply increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or
allow anyone to drive after drinking or taking
drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.

261 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Use only tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load, ex-
hibit dimensional variations and differ-
ent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel fill-
er cap of the vehicle. The tire pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

294 IndexManual transmission 91
Shifting into reverse 92
Starting with 40
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 25
Mirrors
Adjusting 35
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 99
Exterior rear view mirror 35
Inside rear view mirror 35
MON 169
MON (Motor Octane Number) 281
N
Night security illumination 87
O
Occupant safety 52
Airbags 53
Children and airbags 54
Children in the vehicle 60
Fastening the seat belt 37
Infant and child restraint systems 60
Seat belts 37, 55
Odometer, main 21
OilAdding 175
Checking level 172
Consumption 172
Dipstick 172
Filler neck 175
Viscosity 280
Oil level
Checking 170
One-touch gearshifting 94
Canceling gear range limit 94
Downshifting 94
Upshifting 94
Opening
Ashtray 142
Doors from the inside 78
Fuel filler flap 169
Fuel filler flap manually 213
Glove box 139
Hardtop in an emergency 215
Hood 171
Retractable hardtop 215
Side windows 127
Trunk 77
Windows 127
Operating
Audio system 111Garage door opener 155
Integrated remote control 155
Radio transmitters 166
Safety 14
Telephone 111
Telephone* 123
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 11
Operating safety 14
Audio system 111
Operator’s Manual 8
Ornamental moldings 189
Outside temperature indicator 90
Overdue service 186
Overhead control panel 25
Overspeed range 281
P
Paintwork 188
Panic alarm 65
Panic button on remote control 65
Parcel net
In front passenger footwell 141
Parking 47, 161
Parking brake 42, 47
Engaging 47
Releasing 42