Driving Safety Systems - Mercedes-Benz 2011 SL550 Roadster Operator's Manual

Safety notes
G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
Excessive speed, especially in turns
R
Wet and slippery road surfaces
R
Following another vehicle too closely
R
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
G
Observe Safety notes, see page 55.
G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
7 Depending on vehicle production date.

Driving safety systems

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
If the ABS activates during braking, the ABS/
®
ESP warning lamp ÷ or d
instrument cluster flashes. Because of the
electro-hydraulic brake system, you will not
feel any pulsation in the brake pedal.
X
Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
®
The ABS/ESP warning lamp ÷ or d
flashes whenever the ABS is activated. It can
be an indication for hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to
take extra care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
X
Keep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.
G
Warning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
55
7
in the
7
®
are also
Z