Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2012 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 156)

! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP ®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position
0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R
you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
® may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.
G WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (
Y page 62) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 62).
Winter driving
General information
G
WARNING
If the vehicle becomes trapped in snow,
ensure that snow is kept away from the
exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle as
long as the engine is running. Otherwise,
poisonous carbon monoxide (CO) may enter
the vehicle, resulting in loss of consciousness
and even death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 316).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (
Y page 316).
Slippery road surfaces
G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
G WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 317).
G WARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
154
Driving tips
Driving and parking