Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Owner's Manual page 216

time, the driver has adopted the most eco-
nomical driving style for the selected settings
and prevailing conditions. The ECO display
border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. The additionally achieved
range displayed under
does not indicate a fixed consumption reduc-
tion.
In addition to driving style, the actual con-
sumption is affected by other factors, such
as:
load
R
tyre pressure
R
cold start
R
choice of route
R
the use of electrical consumers
R
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style involves driving at
a moderate engine speed.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"acceleration" and "smooth driving":
observe the gearshift recommendation
R
drive the vehicle in drive program E (vehi-
R
cles with the AGILITY SELECT switch)
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on
the motorway, only the outer area for "con-
stant" will change.
The ECO display summarises the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. Dur-
ing a prolonged driving time, these changes
are smaller. For more marked changes, per-
form a manual rest (
Y
Further information on the ECO display
( page 298).
Y
Bonus fr. start Bonus fr. start
page 299).
Brakes
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Take particular
note of this when driving a laden vehicle and
when towing a trailer.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do
not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on for
a short while. This allows the airflow to cool
the brakes more quickly.
Driving tips
213
Z