Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2006 Owners Manual User Manual

Page 260

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259

Operation

Driving instructions

To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.

If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.

Refer to the description of the Brake Assist
System (BAS) (

page 84).

If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
electro-hydraulic brake system
(

page 88) or the brake fluid level in the

reservoir is too low.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.

Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately.

All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.

After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than to park im-
mediately, so the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.

Warning!

G

Make sure not to endanger any other road

users when carrying out these braking

maneuvers.

Warning!

G

If other than recommended brake pads are

installed, or other than recommended brake

fluid is used, the braking properties of the

vehicle can be degraded to an extent that

safe braking is substantially impaired. This

could result in an accident.

Be certain to read and observe the warning

notices on brake pad replacement

(

page 89).

!

When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.

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