Driving Instructions - Mercedes-Benz 260 E 124 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 cir­
cumstances, 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 a lower gear (selector lever posi­
tion " 3 " or " 2 " in the case of automatic
transmissions). This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces
brake pad wear. Do not exceed en­
gine 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
16
braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pres­
sure may be necessary. Be sure to
maintain a safe distance from ve­
hicles in front.
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 sec­
onds while pulling the release handle
out before releasing the parking brake
completely. This practice will keep the
parking brake at maximum efficiency.
W arning!
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 sys­
tem 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.