XTo apply:pull parking brake lever ;up
firmly.
When the ignition is switched on, the F
(USA only) or J(Canada only) indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
XTo release: pull parking brake lever ;
slightly.
XPress release button :and guide parking
brake ;down to the stop.
The F (USA only) or J(Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out.
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the parking brake.
XTo brake in an emergency: press and hold
release button :and carefully pull parking
brake lever ;upwards.
If you drive on wet roads or dirt-covered surfa-
ces, road salt and/or dirt could get into the
parking brake.
In order to prevent corrosion and a reduction in
the braking power of the parking brake, observe
the following:
Rpull the parking brake up with release but-
ton :depressed from time to time before
beginning a journey
Rdrive for approximately 110 yds (100 m) at a
maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h)
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m)per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof carriers when they are not nee-
ded.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
124Driving tips
Driving and parking
