Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Owner's Manual page 217

Driving tips
214
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effective-
ness. To do this, brake more firmly from a
higher speed while paying attention to the
traffic conditions. This improves the grip of
the brakes.
Wet road surfaces
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after a car wash or
after driving through deep water.
You will have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance to the vehi-
cle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer of
salt may form on the brake discs and pads.
This can increase the braking distance con-
siderably.
In order to prevent a layer of salt forming,
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apply the brakes occasionally while paying
attention to the traffic conditions.
Carefully depress the brake pedal at the
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end of the journey and when starting the
next journey.
Maintain a much greater distance to the
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vehicle in front.
New brake discs and brake pads/
linings
Brake pads/linings and discs that are either
new or have been replaced only achieve opti-
mum braking effect after several hundred kil-
ometres of driving. Compensate for the
reduced braking effect by applying greater
force to the brake pedal.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only fitting the following brake discs
and brake pads/linings:
brake discs that have been approved by
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Mercedes-Benz
brake pads/linings that have been
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approved by Mercedes-Benz or that are of
an equivalent standard of quality
Other brake discs or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake discs and brake
pads/linings on an axle at the same time.
Always fit new brake pads/linings when
replacing brake discs.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight
brake discs to which the wheel assembly with
rim and threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake discs other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz may alter track
width and is subject to approval, if applicable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can
lead to a reduction in comfort when driving
with lightweight brake discs. Avoid shock-
type loads on the lightweight brake discs,
particularly on the brake plate.
Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
you are driving at low speeds
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the tyres have adequate tread depth
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For this reason, drive in the following manner
in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in
which aquaplaning can occur:
lower your speed
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avoid tyre ruts
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