255
Operation
Driving tips
You will find basic driving tips inthe
"Getting started" section ( =page 32). On
long and steep downward gradients,
you shou ldshi ftto a lower gear (shift rang-
es 1,2or 3) (
=page 137). This prevents
the brakes overheat ing and wearing too
qui ckly.
If you have subjected the brakes to a very
high load, do not switch the vehicle off im-
mediately, but drive on for a short dis-
tance. The brakes will cool more qui ckly in
the airflow.
If you drive for a long period in heavy rain
withou tbr ak ing, the first tim eyou br ake:
! the brakes may not react immediately
! you may have to depress the brake
more firmly
You should therefore maintain a greater
distance from the vehicle in front. Brake carefully after driving on a
wet road
surface, particularly if sal thas been spread
on the road. The brake discs will become
warm, will dry quicker and will be protect-
ed from corros ion.
If you only use the brakes moderately, you
shoul doccasionally check their effective-
ness. To do so, brake more firmly and at a
higher speed. This improves brake grip.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that, for
safety reasons, you only fit brake pad sto
your vehicle whi chhave been approve dfor
Mercedes-Benz. Brake pads whi chhave
not been approved for Mercedes-Benz ve-
hicles may adversely affect the safety of
your vehicle. Dr
iving tips Rolling with the engine swi
tchedoff G
Risk of accident There is no power assistance for the
steer-
ing or service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will re quire considerably more effort to
st eer and brake and you could therefore
lose control of the veh icle and cause an
accid ent.
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion. Braking
G
Risk of accident Make sure that other road users ar
enot en-
dangered when you brake. 209en_d2.boo Seite
255 Dienstag, 25. Mai 2004 7:26 19
