Mercedes-Benz V 200 d, Operating Instructions Manual

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You thereby make use of the braking effect of
the engine and do not have to brake as often to
maintain the speed. This relieves the load on the
service brake and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads
G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. The brakes are cooled down
more quickly in the airflow.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effectiveness.
To do this, brake more firmly from a higher
speed, paying attention to traffic conditions.
The brakes will grip better as a result.
Wet road surfaces
If you have been driving for a long time in heavy
rain without braking, there may be a delayed
response when you first apply the brakes. This
may also occur after driving through a car wash
or deep water.
You must depress the brake pedal more firmly.
Maintain a longer distance to the vehicle in
front.
While paying attention to the traffic conditions,
you should brake the vehicle firmly after driving
on a wet road surface or through a car wash. This
heats the brake discs so that they dry more
quickly, which protects them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
When driving on salted roads, salt may start to
build up on the brake disks and brake pads. This
can increase braking distances considerably.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front.
To remove any build up of salt that may have
formed:
X
Apply the brakes at the start of the journey,
occasionally during journey and at the end of
the journey. Make sure that you do not endan-
ger other road users when doing so.
New brake discs and brake pads/
linings
New brake pads and brake discs only reach their
optimal braking effect after a few
hundred kilometres. Until then, compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only fitting the following brake discs and
brake pads/linings:
R
brake discs that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake discs or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake discs or brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time and only have
them replaced at a qualified specialist work-
shop. When replacing the brake discs, always
have the brake pads/linings replaced at the
same time.
Driving in wet conditions
Aquaplaning
G
WARNING
There is a danger of aquaplaning occurring,
even if you are driving slowly and your tyres
have sufficient tread depth, depending on the
depth of water on the road. There is a risk of
an accident.
Driving tips
195
Driving and parking
Z