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

Page: 78 / 412

Driving safety systems
76
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle. They cannot increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with
the driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users
and objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other
driving safety systems may also switch off.
Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 75.
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.
Safety and security