Maintenance - Mercedes-Benz B-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
136
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
R
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
R
beginning and end of a journey.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
R
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!
The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
R
the instrument cluster and
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
R
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
!
A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
!
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As the ESP system operates automatically,
the engine and the ignition must be switched
off (the SmartKey must be in position u or
1 in the ignition lock), if the electric parking
brake is tested on a braking dynamometer
(maximum 10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS)
on ( page 57).
Y
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have
brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle
which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent
quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have
not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
or which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
Checking brake lining thickness
You can measure the break pad/lining thick-
ness using a test gage. Color-coding (green or
red) on the test gage allows you to determine
whether the brake pad/lining thickness is still
sufficient. The test gage is in the vehicle docu-
ment wallet in the glove box.
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may
Front wheel