Mercedes-Benz 300SD 1981, Owner'S Manual

Page: 51 / 97

S afe Driving
Aquaplaning:
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur even with tires still showing the
full tread depth, and even at low
speeds. Avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in
the rain.
Tire friction:
Dry road = 100 %
Wet road = from approx. 50 % to
approx. 80 % (be particularly cau­
tious on wet and dirty roads)
Icy road = approx. 15 %
A given speed at which a vehicle
driven on dry roads can still be fully
controlled must be reduced when the
same vehicle is to be driven safely on
a wet or icy road.
You should bay particular attention to
the condition of the road as soon as
the prevailing temperatures fall close
to the freezing point. If ice has formed
on the road (e.g. due to fog), a thin
film of water is then quickly produced
on the ice which substantially reduces
the grip of the tires. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and
brake particularly carefully.
We recommend M + S radial-ply tires
for the cold season. On ice or packed
snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance as compared with summer
tires. Stopping distance, however, is
nevertheless considerably greater
than when the road is wet or dry.
Brakes:
When driving down long and steep
declines, relieve the brakes by engag­
ing selector lever position “ S” or “ L” .
This prevents overheating of the
brakes and reduces brake pad wear.
After hard braking it is advisable not
to switch off the engine right away but
to drive on for some time so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
When driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes, the
first braking action may be somewhat
retarded and increased pedal pres­
sure may be necessary. For this
reason, stay further away from vehicle
in front.
The condition of the parking brake will
be checked during every mainte­
nance service. Furthermore it is
recommended to exert once or twice
between the regular maintenance
services, a maximum pressure of
10 kp/22 lb on the parking brake
pedal for 10 seconds while travelling
at a speed around 50 km /h/30 mph
on dry road. Pull release handle
during this process! Repeat proce­
dure once or twice. Exercise care, the
brake lights do not work.
Have all inspections of and work on
the brake system carried out by a
MERCEDES-BENZ service station.
If the parking brake is released and
the brake warning lamp in the