R
Accel.
(evaluation of all acceleration pro-
cesses)
-
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds
-
The bar empties: sporty acceleration
R
Constant
(assessment of driving behavior at
all times)
-
The bar fills up: constant speed and avoid-
ance of unnecessary acceleration and
deceleration
-
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed
R
Coasting
(assessment of all deceleration
processes)
-
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving, keep-
ing your distance and early release of the
accelerator. The vehicle can coast without
use of the brakes.
-
The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Accel.
and
Constant
,
R
observe the gearshift recommendations.
R
drive in drive program E
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the bar for
Constant
will change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving char-
acteristics from the start of the journey to its
completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey. On
longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For
more dynamic changes, carry out a manual
reset.
For further information on the ECO display, see
(
Y
page 262).
Brakes
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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a
drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g.
on a slippery road surface. This could cause
damage to the drive train. This type of damage
is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads
G
WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!
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. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven 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.
194
Driving tips
Driving
and
parking
