Mercedes-Benz 2006 C-Class - Manual (Page 91)

90
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
୴ page 354) and ( ୴ page 360).
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
capabilities of an ESP ® equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
i
The ESP ® will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
୴ page 432).
!
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because of the ESP
® ’s automatic
operation, 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.
For information on vehicles with
4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic
traction system (4MATIC) with the
ESP®” (
୴ page 92).
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 Minis-
pare wheel is mounted.