Releasing automatically
Your vehicle's electric parking brake is auto-matically released if all of the following condi-tions are met:
RThe engine is running.
RThe transmission is in position [or ^andyou depress the accelerator pedal or shiftfrom position ]to [or ^.
RThe seat belt has been fastened.
If the transmission is in position ^, the trunk lidmust be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the followingconditions must be fulfilled to automaticallyrelease the electric parking brake:
RThe driver's door is closed.
RYou are shifting from transmission position ]or have previously driven at speedsgreater than 2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the acceleratorpedal unintentionally. Otherwise, the parkingbrake will be released and the vehicle will startto move.
Emergency braking
The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-gency by using the electric parking brake.
XWhile driving, push handle Cof the electricparking brake (Ypage 144).The vehicle is braked as long as you keephandle Cof the electric parking brakepressed. The longer the electric parking brakehandle Cis depressed, the greater the brak-ing force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
RtheRelease Parking BrakeRelease Parking Brakemessageappears
Rthe red I(USA only) or $(Canadaonly) indicator lamp in the instrument clusterflashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-still, the electric parking brake is applied.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer thanfour weeks, the battery may be damaged byexhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than sixweeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as aresult of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seekadvice.
iYou can obtain information about tricklechargers from a qualified specialist work-shop.
Driving tips
General notes
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 countryin which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-hibit the driver from using a mobile phone whiledriving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always usehands-free mode. Only operate the telephonewhen the traffic situation permits. If you areunsure, pull over to a safe location and stopbefore operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers adistance of 44 ft (approximately 14m)per sec-ond.
Driving tips145
Driving and parking
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