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particularly if the tires are subjected
to high loads (e.g. high speeds,
heavy loads, high ambient tem
peratures).
Aquaplaning:
Depending on the depth of the
water layer on the road, aqua
planing may occur even with tires
still showing the full tread depth,
and even at low speeds. Avoid
track grooves in the road and apply
brakes cautiously in the rain.
Tire friction:
Dry road = 100 %
Wet road = from approx. 50 % to
approx. 80 % (be particularly cau
tious on wet and dirty roads)
Icy road = approx. 15 %
A given speed at which a vehicle driv
en on dry roads can still be fully con
trolled must be reduced when the
same vehicle is to be driven safely on
a wet or icy road.
You should pay particular attention
to the condition of the road as
soon as the prevailing tempera
tures fall close to the freezing
point. If ice has formed on the
road (e.g. due to fog), a thin film
of water is then quickly produced
on the ice which substantially
reduces the grip of the tires. Under
such weather conditions, drive,
steer and brake particularly care
fully.
We recommend M + S radial-ply
tires for the cold season. On ice or
packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared
with summer tires. Stopping dis
tance, however, is nevertheless
considerably greater than when the
road is wet or dry.
When driving down long and steep
declines, relieve the brakes by en
gaging selector lever position " S"
or "L " . This prevents overheating of
the brakes and reduces brake pad
wear.
After hard braking it is advisable
not to switch off the engine right
away but to drive on for some
time so the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
When driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying the
brakes, the first braking action may
be somewhat retarded and in
creased pedal pressure may be
necessary. For this reason, stay
further away from vehicle in front.
The condition of the parking brake
will be checked during every main
tenance service. Furthermore it is
recommended to exert once or twice
between the regular maintenance
services, a maximum pressure of
10 kp / 22 lb on the parking brake
pedal for 10 seconds while travelling
at a speed around 50 km /h / 30 mph
on dry road. Pull release knob during
this process! Repeat procedure
once or twice. Exercise care, the
stoplamps do not work.
Have all inspections of and work on
the brake system carried out by a
MERCEDES-BENZ service station.
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