Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 201 1987, Owner'S Manual

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Driving Hints
Power assistance
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are without
power assistance. Under these cir­
cumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to steer or stop the vehicle.
Brakes
Warning!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the brakes by shift­
ing into a lower speed (selector
lever position “3” or “2” in the case
of automatic transmissions). This
helps prevent overheating of the
brakes. Otherwise the brakes will
overheat and this may result in a
brake failure.
After hard braking it is advisable to
drive on for some time so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary. Be sure to maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in front.
The condition of the parking brake sys­
tem is checked each time the car is in
the shop for maintenance.
Between maintenance checks it is a
good practice to apply the parking
brake once or twice while driving at
approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on a
dry straight road. Apply brake lightly
until a slight drag on the wheels is felt.
Keep applying brakes for about 10 sec­
onds while holding release button in
before release parking brake com­
pletely. This practice will keep the
parking brake at maximum efficiency.
Warning!
The stop lamps will not come on
when applying the parking brake
only. Perform the procedure in the
previous paragraph only when the
road is clear of other traffic.
Caution!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system
may be the reason for low brake fluid in
the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
Install only brake pads recommended
by MERCEDES-BENZ.
If other than recommended brake pads
are installed, the braking properties of
the vehicle can be affected to an extent
that the safety is substantially
impaired.
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