Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new
or have been replaced only achieve optimum
braking effect after several hundred kilometres
of driving. Compensate for the reduced braking
effect by applying greater force to the brake
pedal. Always be aware of this and adapt your
driving and braking accordingly during the run-
ning-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the
#
brake
wear warning lamp in the instrument cluster and
note any brake status messages in the multi-
function display. If you regularly drive at high
speeds, it is particularly important to have the
brake system checked and maintained regu-
larly.
Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplan-
ing occurring, even if:
R
you are driving at low speeds
R
the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, drive in the following manner in
the event of heavy rain or in conditions in which
aquaplaning can occur:
R
lower your speed
R
avoid tyre ruts
R
avoid sudden steering movements
R
brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
!
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in front
or in the opposite direction create waves. This
may cause the maximum permissible water
depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all cir-
cumstances. You could otherwise damage
the engine, the electronics or the transmis-
sion.
If you must drive on stretches of road on which
water has collected, please bear in mind that:
R
in the case of standing water, the water level
must be no higher than the lower edge of the
vehicle body
R
you should drive no faster than walking pace
Off-road fording
!
Under no circumstances should you accel-
erate before entering the water. The bow
wave could cause water to enter and damage
the engine and neighbouring assemblies.
!
Do not open any of the vehicle's doors while
fording. Otherwise, water could get into the
vehicle interior and damage the vehicle's
electronics and interior equipment.
R
Establish how deep the water is and the char-
acteristics of the body of water before ford-
ing.
R
Select the highest possible vehicle level.
R
Shift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-
ing wheel gearshift paddle.
R
Avoid high engine speeds.
R
Enter and exit the water at a flat place and at
a steady walking pace.
R
Drive slowly and at a constant speed through
the water.
R
Ensure that a bow wave does not form as you
drive.
R
Do not stop and do not switch off the engine.
Water offers a high degree of resistance, the
ground is slippery and, in some cases, unsta-
ble. Therefore, it is difficult and dangerous to
pull away in the water.
R
Clean any mud from the tyre tread after ford-
ing.
R
Apply the brakes to dry them after fording.
Always observe the fording depth values
(
Y
page 388).
Winter driving
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
Driving tips
175
Dri
vin
g
and
parking
Z
