Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 1991, Owner'S Manual

Page: 18 / 129

Driving Instructions
Power assistance
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are with­
out power assistance. Under these
circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the ve­
hicle.
Brakes
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear (selector
lever position “3” or “ 2” in the case of
automatic transmission). This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear. Do not exceed
engine speed limits (see page 62).
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
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required mainte­
nance.
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 brake for about
10 seconds while holding the release
button in before releasing the parking
brake completely. 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.
Resting your foot on the brake
pedal will cause excessive and
premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It
may not be possible to stop the
car in sufficient time to avoid an
accident.
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 immediately.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.
Warning!
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking pro­
perties of the vehicle can be affec­
ted to an extent that the safety
is substantially impaired.
16