Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - If it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be““run in”” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light will light up in the instrument cluster » page 33
,
Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNING■ Greater physical effort for braking is required when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
During the braking procedure on a vehicle with manual transmission,
when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs, press the clutch pedal. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■
Do not depress the brake pedal, if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - There is a risk of an accident!
■
Only brake for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the
traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - There is a risk of an accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – There is a
risk of an accident!
HandbrakeFig. 233
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 192 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop- ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 233 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied. The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven
at a speed of over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.
WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Note
Push the armrest cover all the way back to the stop before applying the hand-
brake » page 79 .192Driving
Check and refillFig. 293
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 255 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 293 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
C
» Fig. 291 on page 254 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 255.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 293 there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
,
stop
driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
NoteAn engine oil level which is too low is shown in the instrument cluster by the
warning light illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 38.
Nevertheless, we recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using
the dipstick.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
257
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa-
ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 252.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - There is a risk of the engine overheating.256General Maintenance
