Driving Instructions - Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL 1988 Owner's Manual

Driving Instructions

Power assistance
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are with­
out power assistance. Under these
circumstances, a much greater effort
is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.
Brakes
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the brakes by shifting
into "3" , "2" or " B" . This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and re­
duces brake pad wear. Do not exceed
engine speed limits (see page 64).
After hard braking it is advisable to
drive on for some time so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary. Be sure to maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in front.
16
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car
is in the shop for maintenance.
Between maintenance checks it is a
good practice to apply the parking
brake once or twice while driving at
approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on a
dry straight road. Apply brake lightly
until a slight drag on the wheels is felt.
Keep applying brake for about
10 seconds while pulling the release
handle out before releasing the park­
ing brake completely. This practice
will keep the parking brake at maxi­
mum efficiency.
Warning!
The stop lamps will not come on
when applying the parking brake
only. Perform the procedure in the
previous paragraph only when the
road is clear of other traffic.
Caution!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried
out by an authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer.
If the parking brake is released and
the brake warning lamp in the instru­
ment cluster stays on, 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 reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at
an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer without delay.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking proper­
ties of the vehicle can be affected to
an extent that the safety is substan­
tially impaired.