Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2006 Owners Manual User Manual
Page 86
85
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical Hints”
(
Switching off the ESP
®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn 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
Warning!
G
The ESP
®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP
®
equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
i
The ESP
®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
!
Because of the ESP
®
’s automatic oper-
ation, the engine must be turned off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1) when
ț
the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
ț
the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
Warning!
G
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel with collapsible tire is mounted.