Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK 300, Operator'S Manual

Page: 63 / 364

Driving safety systems
61
!
The ESP
®
will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The cruise control switches off automati-
cally when the ESP
®
engages.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
Y
page 272) and
(
Y
page 300).
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
G
Observe Safety notes, see
page 58.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) is a
component of the ESP
®
. The ETS improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions by applying the brakes to a spinning
wheel.
When you switch off the ESP
®
, the ETS is still
enabled.
Switching off the ESP
®
G
Warning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling the sys-
tem will reduce vehicle stability in driving
maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESP
®
in driving situations in which it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
R
when driving with snow chains
R
in deep snow
R
in sand or gravel
G
Warning!
Switch on the ESP
®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore. Otherwise the ESP
®
will not
stabilize the vehicle when it is starting to
skid or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESP
®
R
the ESP
®
does not stabilize the vehicle
R
the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
R
the ETS will still apply the brakes to a spin-
ning wheel
R
the ESP
®
continues to operate when you
are braking
R
you cannot activate the cruise control
R
the cruise control switches off if activated
i When the ESP
®
is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP
®
warning lamp
v
in the instrument clus-
ter flashes. However, the ESP
®
will then not
stabilize the vehicle.
Safety and security