2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS heating

Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If youshift down onaslipperyroadsurface in
an attempt to increasethe engine's braking
effect,the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking onaslippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early toalower gear. This allowsyou to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect,adrive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. onaslippery road
surface. This could cause damage to the
drive train. This type of damage is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benzwarranty.
Do notdepress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion,e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light
pressure to the pedal. This results in
excessive and premature wear to the brake
pads.
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must select shift range1,2or3in good time.
This is especially important if the vehicle is
laden.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the brakingsystem can overheat.This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal asafootrest.Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected toaheavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on forashort while. This allows the
airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven foralong time in heavy rain
without braking,there may beadelayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the
vehicle has been washed or driven through
deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintainagreater distancefrom the
vehicle in front.
After driving onawet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads,alayer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result inasignificantly
longer braking distance.
RBrakeoccasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginningand end ofajourney.
RMaintainagreater distancetothe vehicle
ahead.
172Driving tips
Driving and parking

New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after
several hundred kilometers of driving.
Compensate for this by applying greater force
to the brake pedal. Keep this in mind, and
adapt yourdriving and braking accordingly
during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in
correspondingly high brake wear. Observe
thebrake wearwarning lamp in the
instrumentcluster and noteany brakestatus
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performancedriving, it is
importanttomaintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated toacertain depth
on the road surface, there isadanger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
For this reason,inthe eventofheavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning may
occur, you must drive in the following
manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Rbrakecarefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through floodedareas.
Check the depthofany water beforedriving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water.Otherwise, water mayenterthe
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect,the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking onaslippery road surface.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the
vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There isarisk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open
awindow on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed ataqualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Ypage 336).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
If you shift down onaslippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect,the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking onaslippery road surface.
174Driving tips
Driving and parking

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage337).
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitablefor that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed afterashort delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areasoronbridges. The
vehiclecouldskid if you fail to adapt your
driving style.Always adapt your drivingstyle
and drive ataspeed to suit the prevailing
weatherconditions.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
preventsthe brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front,for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintainaconstant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Brakingor
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and preventsthe brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Driving systems175
Driving and parking
Z

sensor system. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes
automaticallysothat the set speed is not
exceeded.
Change intoalower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is
especially important if the vehicle is laden. By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there isarisk
ofacollision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically.DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
preventacollision without your intervention.
An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.
For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you, the radar
sensor system must be operational.
If there is no vehicle in front,DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). Ifavehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked aboutthis.
iUSA only: This device has been approved
by the FCC asa"VehicularRadar System".
The radar sensor is intended for use in an
automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering,oralteringofthedevice will void
any warranties, and is notpermitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Anyunauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authorityto
operate the equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Anyunauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authorityto
operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever
To storethe currentspeed orahigher
speed
To storethe currentspeed oralower
speed
$To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
!To storethe currentspeed or call up the
last stored speed
To set the specified minimum distance
Driving systems179
Driving and parking
Z

XTo open:brieflypress the trim on
cover.
The stowagecompartment opens.
XTo remove the insert:slideinsert
forwards in the direction of the arrow.
XRemoveinsert.
XTo re-install the insert:place the insert
into the holderand press it in the opposite
direction of the arrow untilitengages.
XTo close:folddowncover.
iYoucan remove the ashtrayinsert and
usethe resulting compartment for
stowage.
Rear-compartmentashtray
XTo open:slidecoverforwards.
XTo remove the insert:pull insertup
and out.
XTo installthe insert:installinsertfrom
above into the holderand press down into
the holderuntil it engages.
Cigarette lighter
GWARNING
Youcan burn yourselfifyou touch the hot
heating element or the socket of the cigarette
lighter.
In addition, flammable materials can ignite if:
Rthe hot cigarettelighter falls
Rachild holds the hot cigarettelighter to
objects, for example
There isarisk of fire and injury.
Always hold the cigarettelighter by the knob.
Always make sure that the cigarettelighter is
out of reach of children. Never leave children
unsupervised in the vehicle.
All vehicles (except AMG)
Your attention must always be focused on the
traffic conditions. Only use the cigarette
lighter when road and traffic conditions
permit.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
XTo open:slide coverforwards until it
engages.
XPress in cigarettelighter.
Cigarette lighterwill pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.
XTo close:briefly press coverat the
front.
The cover moves back.
288Features
Stowage and features

AMG vehicles
Your attention must always be focused on the
traffic conditions. Only usethe cigarette
lighterwhen road and traffic conditions
permit.
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the
ignition lock (Ypage 147).
XTo open:briefly press the trim on
cover.
The stowage compartmentopens.
XPress in cigarette lighter.
Cigarettelighterwill pop out
automatically when the heatingelementis
red-hot.
12Vsockets
General notes
XTurn theSmartKey to position1in the
ignitionlock (Ypage 147).
The socketscan be used for accessories with
amaximum draw of 180W(15 A).
Accessories include such items as lamps or
chargers for mobile phones.
If you use the socketsfor long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
iAn emergencycut-out ensures that the
on-board voltage does not drop too low. If
the on-board voltage is too low, the power
to the socketsisautomatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
Socket under the armrest
XOpen the stowage compartment under the
armrest (Ypage 280).
XLift up the cover of socket.
Socket in the front-compartment center
console
All vehicles (except AMG)
XTo open:slide coverforwards until it
engages.
XLift up the cover of socket.
XTo close:briefly press coverat the
front.
The cover moves back.
Features289
Stowage and features
Z

Under these or similarconditions, have, for
example, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter
replaced or changed more frequently. Under
arduous operating conditions, the tires must
be checked more often.Further information
can be obtained ataqualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Servicenetwork
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Care
General notes
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packagingand cleaning
clothsinanenvironmentally responsible
manner.
!For cleaningyour vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
Rdry, rough or hard cloths
Rabrasive cleaningagents
Rsolvents
Rcleaningagents containingsolvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g.aring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
!Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaningit, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive forafew minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle isacondition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care productsand cleaningagents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There isarisk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full brakingpower is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
preventdamage to thevehicle,deactivate
DISTRONICPLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean yourvehicle inaTouchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaningagents.These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
!In car washes withatowing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission
is in transmission positionN,otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
RVehicles withaSmartKey:
Care311
Maintenance and care
Z

by heatingattemperatures above 176 ‡
(80 †) or in direct sunlight.
XUse clean, lukewarm water and soap
solution.
Cleaning the headliner and carpets
XHeadliner:if it is very dirty, useasoft brush
or dry shampoo.
XCarpets:use the carpet and textile
cleaningagentsrecommended and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
318Care
Maintenance and care