Mercedes-Benz 2009 R-Class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 284 / 412

Driving instructions
282
Parking brake
When driving on wet roads or dirt covered
surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into
the parking brake.
To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the
braking power of the parking brake, observe
the following:
X
From time to time, lightly engage the
parking brake before driving off.
X
Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds
(100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph
(20 km/h).
G
Warning!
While performing this procedure please
assure that the vehicle is stopped before
applying the parking brake. Otherwise the
rear wheels could lock up. You could lose
control of the vehicle and cause an
accident. In addition, the vehicle’s brake
lights do not light up when the parking
brake is engaged. Make sure not to
endanger any other road users when you
engage the parking brake.
Driving off
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place
full load on the engine until the operating
temperature has been reached.
!
When driving off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an
extended period with the ESP
®
switched
off. Doing so may cause serious damage to
the drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Simultaneously depressing the
accelerator pedal and applying the brakes
reduces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear which
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on
the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires.
X Reduce vehicle speed.
X
Avoid track grooves in the road.
X
Brakes cautiously in the rain.
Standing water
Prevent water from entering the passenger
compartment or the engine compartment. If
you must drive through standing water, keep
in mind that
R
the maximum depth of the water may not
exceed 10 in (25 cm)
R
you must drive slowly
i Vehicles with AIRMATIC:
If you have selected the raised level
(
Y
page 168) before driving through
standing water, the maximum water depth
is 12 in (30 cm).
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Before driving through water, determine its
depth.
Operation