Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2020 Owner's Manual page 209

206 Driving and parking
Notes on driving on salt-treated roads
The braking effect is limited on salt-treated
roads.
Therefore, observe the following notes:
due to salt build-up on the brake disks and
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brakepads, the braking distance can increase
considerably or result in braking only on one
side
maintain a much greater safe distance to the
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vehicle in front
To remove salt build-up:
brake occasionally while paying attention to
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the traffic conditions
carefully depress the brake pedal at the end
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of the journey and when starting the next
journey
Notes on aquaplaning
Aquaplaning can take place once a certain
amount of water has accumulated on the road
surface.
Observe the following notes during heavy precip‐
itation or in conditions in which aquaplaning may
occur:
reduce speed
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avoid tyre ruts
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avoid sudden steering movements
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brake carefully
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% Also observe the notes on regularly checking
wheels and tyres ( page 394).
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Notes on driving through water on the road
surface
Water which has entered into the vehicle can
damage the engine, electrics and transmission.
Water can also enter the air intake of the engine
and cause engine damage.
Observe the following if you must drive through
water:
The water, when calm, may only reach the
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lower edge of the vehicle body.
Drive at a maximum speed of 10 km/h;
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water can otherwise enter the vehicle interior
or engine compartment.
Vehicles travelling in front, or oncoming vehi‐
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cles, can create waves which may exceed the
maximum permissible depth of the water.
The braking effect of the brakes is reduced after
fording. Brake carefully while paying attention to
the traffic conditions until braking power has
been fully restored.
Function of rear axle steering
The rear axle steering is an electromechanical
auxiliary steering on the rear axle which adjusts
the steering of the rear wheels according to the
position of the front wheels, depending on the
speed. This results in greater manoeuvrability
and improved driving stability, e.g. when corner‐
ing.
Rear axle steering has the following characteris‐
tics:
reduced steering effort and turning circle
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resulting in reduced parking effort
improved driving stability, e.g. when corner‐
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ing