Mercedes-Benz S 320 1999, Owner'S Manual

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Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the
brakes by shifting into a lower
gear. This helps prevent over­
heating of the brakes and reduces
brake pad wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time, rather than
immediately parking, so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators
are located in six places on the
tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of
approximately 1/ 16 in (1.5 mm), at
which point the tire is considered
worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears
as a solid band across the tread.
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Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear
down too far. As tread depth
approaches 1/ 16 in (1.5 mm),
the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather
and/or road surface (condi­
tions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies parti­
cularly if the tires are subjected to
high loads (e.g. high speeds,
heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A
flat tire affects the ability to
steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the car.
Continued driving with a flat
tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause ex­
cessive heat build-up and
possibly a fire.
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the
water layer on the road, aqua­
planing may occur, even at low
speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves
in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.
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