Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2008 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 94)

93
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Electronic traction system
The electronic traction system is a compo-
nent of ESP
® .
The electronic traction system improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions by applying the brakes to a spinning
wheel.
When you switch off the ESP ® , the elec-
tronic traction system is still enabled.
Switching off the ESP ®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch
off the ESP
® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
ț when driving with snow chains
ț in deep snow
ț in sand or gravel
When you switch off the ESP ®
ț the ESP ® does not stabilize the vehicle
ț the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip
ț the electronic traction system will still
apply the brakes to a spinning wheel
ț the ESP ® continues to operate when
you are braking
ț you cannot activate the cruise control
or the Distronic* system
ț the cruise control or the Distronic*
system switch off if currently activated
Warning!
G
If you are driving too fast, the electronic
traction system cannot reduce the risk of an
accident.
The electronic traction system cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.
Warning!
G
ESP ® should not be switched off during nor-
mal driving other than in the circumstances
described below. Disabling of the system
will reduce vehicle stability in standard driv-
ing maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ® when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Warning!
G
Switch on the ESP ® immediately if the afore-
mentioned circumstances do not apply any-
more. Otherwise the ESP ® will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.