SMART fortwo 2015, Owner'S Manual, Page: 113 / 228

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On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g.
on the motorway, only the bar for
antici‐
patory
will change.
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The eco score calculation takes into
account your driving characteristics from
the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are dynamic changes in
the bars at the start of a journey. During a
prolonged driving time, these changes are
smaller. For dynamic changes, perform a
manual reset (
Y
page 126).
If you reset the data in the eco score dis-
play, then the data in the
from start
trip
computer is also reset automatically
(
Y page 125).
For further information on the eco score dis-
play, see (
Y
page 126).
Braking
Important safety notes
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 skid-
ding and having an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Take particu-
lar note of this when driving a laden vehicle.
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This also applies if you have activated
cruise control or the speed limiter.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to prevent
the vehicle from gaining speed. This relieves
the load on the brake system 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 dis-
tance and could even cause the braking sys-
tem 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 driv-
ing.
!
Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do
not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on
for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed, paying attention to traffic
conditions. This improves the grip of the
brakes.
Wet road surfaces
If you have driven for a long time in heavy
rain without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after a car
wash or after driving through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer of
salt may form on the brake discs and pads.
This can increase the braking distance con-
siderably.
Driving tips
111
>> Driving and parking.
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