Mercedes-Benz 2009 C 230, Operator'S Manual

Page: 69 / 404

Driving safety systems
67
ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 66.
G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The
-
indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in the
regulating mode.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.
G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving
safety systems such as the BAS or the
ESP
®
are also switched off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may
lock during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking
distance.
For more information, see “What to do
if …?” (
Y
page 337).
BAS
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 66.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS automatically provides
full brake boost, thereby potentially reducing
the braking distance.
X Apply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
G
Warning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system
still functions, but without the additional
brake boost available that the BAS would
normally provide in an emergency braking
maneuver. Therefore, the braking distance
may increase.
Safety and security
Z