Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive 2014 Operator's Manual page 151

their traction. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Do not increase the recuperation level on slip-
pery road surfaces.
The braking performance of the electric
motor using recuperative braking is, in some
operating modes, either reduced or not effec-
tive:
when the condition of charge of the high-
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voltage battery increases
if the high-voltage battery is not yet at a
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normal operating temperature
when driving close to the maximum speed
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when driving at speeds close to zero
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in transmission position N
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during and after ESP stability control.
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If you do not make an additional effort to
apply the brake yourself, the braking effect
may not be sufficient. If necessary, counter-
act the reduced regenerative braking effect
by applying the brake yourself.
Downhill gradients
On long, steep gradients, you must reduce the
load on the brakes by selecting maximum
recuperation. This helps you to avoid over-
heating the brakes and wearing them out
excessively.
Recuperation allows the vehicle to be decel-
erated without placing a load on the braking
system.
Do not depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. causing the
brakes to rub by constantly applying light
pressure to the pedal. This results in exces-
sive and premature wear to the brake pads.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
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 the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle 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 salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance.
Brake occasionally to remove any possible
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salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
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beginning and end of a journey.
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
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ahead.
Driving tips
149
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