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tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident is greatly increased when you
drink or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or
allow anyone to drive who has been drinking
or taking drugs.
Emission control
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide.
Inhaling these exhaust gases leads to poi-
soning. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Therefore never leave the engine running
in enclosed spaces without sufficient ven-
tilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications. There-
fore, only allow qualified and authorized
technicians to perform work on the engine.
The engine settings must not be changed
under any circumstances. Furthermore, all
specific service work must be performed at
regular intervals and in accordance with
smart service requirements. Details can be
found in the Maintenance Booklet.
Braking
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. There is an increased danger of
skidding and accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!
On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you
to take advantage of the engine's braking
effect. This helps you to avoid overheating
the brakes and wearing them out exces-
sively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train, which is not covered by the smart
warranty.
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 dis-
tance 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
airflow 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
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the vehi-
cle has been washed or driven through deep
water.
You then 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
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
Driving tips
103
Z
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