!
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
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the vehi-
cle has been washed or driven through deep
water.
You then 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 salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly lon-
ger braking distance.
R
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!
The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up
in the instrument cluster and
R
you hear a warning tone while the engine
is running
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immedi-
ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-
shop to arrange this.
!
A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamome-
ter. If you wish to operate the vehicle on
such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified specialist workshop in advance.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
!
As the ESP
®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if:
R
the parking brake is tested using a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
R
the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP
®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
When having brake pads/linings fitted, smart
recommends that you only use those which are
approved for smart vehicles or are of an
equivalent quality standard. Brake pads/
linings which have not been approved for
smart vehicles or which are not of an equiv-
alent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
smart recommends that you only use brake
fluid which is approved for smart vehicles or
is of an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for smart
vehicles or which is not of an equivalent
quality could affect your vehicle's operating
safety.
Driving tips
101
>>
Driving
and
parking.
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