Driving Safety Systems Overview; Abs; Braking - Mercedes-Benz A-Class Series Owner's Manual

Driving safety systems
54
To activate/deactivate: press switch :.
X
Switch : is pushed in or extended. If the
switch has engaged, operation of the rear
side windows is disabled. Operation is then
only possible using the switches in the driv-
er's door.
Driving safety systems

Driving safety systems overview

In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
R
BAS (Brake Assist System)
R
Adaptive brake lamps
R
®
R ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
steering assistant STEER CONTROL
R
Important safety notes
G
Risk of accident
The risk of an accident is significantly
increased by driving too fast. This is particu-
larly the case when cornering as well as on
wet or slippery roads or when driving too close
to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this
section can neither reduce this risk nor over-
ride the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving
style to the prevailing road and weather con-
ditions. Maintain sufficient distance from
other road users and objects on the road.
i
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tyres (M+S tyres) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section
work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety guidelines
G
Risk of accident
Do not depress the brake pedal several times
in quick succession (pumping). Pumping the
brake pedal reduces the braking effect. You
might otherwise not be able to stop the vehi-
cle in time and could cause an accident.
Depress the brake pedal firmly and smoothly.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h
upwards, regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently.

Braking

If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
X
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
To make a full brake application:
X
depress the brake pedal with full force.
G
Risk of accident
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. This limits the steerability of the vehi-
cle when braking and the braking distance
may increase.
If ABS is deactivated due to a malfunction,
then BAS and ESP are also deactivated. There
is an increased risk of your vehicle skidding in
certain situations.