Driving Instructions - Mercedes-Benz 560 SL 107 1988 Owner's Manual

Driving Instructions

Power assistance
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are
without 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 shift­
ing into "3", "2" or "B". This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes
and reduces brake pad wear. Do
not exceed engine speed limits
(see page 60).
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 neces­
sary. 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 sec­
onds while pulling the release
knob out before releasing the
parking brake completely. This
practice will keep the parking
brake at maximum 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 pe­
dal will cause excessive and pre­
mature 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 ins­
trument 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 pro­
perties of the vehicle can be affect­
ed to an extent that the safety is
substantially impaired.