Mercedes-Benz 2006 C 230 Sport Operator's Manual page 91

Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Warning!
®
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 ( page 432).
90
!
G
Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because of the ESP
operation, the engine must be turned
off (SmartKey in starter switch
®
position 0 or 1) when
the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer
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®" ( page 92).
For more information, see "Practical hints"
( page 354) and ( page 360).
Switching off the ESP
®
's automatic
Warning!
The ESP
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
pare wheel is mounted.
®
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:
when driving with snow chains
in deep snow
in sand or gravel
®
®
should not be switched off during
®
when a Minis-
®
in driving situations where it
G