High-Performance Brake System; Driving On Flooded Roads; Braking; Hydroplaning - Mercedes-Benz 2011 CL-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
290
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
testing the electric parking brake on a
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brake dynamometer.
you intend to have the vehicle towed with
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one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
®
by ESP may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This also improves the brake
pads' friction.
G
Warning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS) can be
found on ( Y page 62) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 62).
High-performance brake system for
AMG vehicles
The high-performance brake system is only
installed on the CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG.
G
Warning
New vehicle brake pads and discs, and
replacement brake pads and discs may take
several hundred miles of driving until they
provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that
time, you may need to use increased brake
pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware
of this and adjust your driving and braking
accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive high-demand braking will cause
correspondingly high brake wear. Please be
attentive to the brake warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and brake condition
®
messages in the multifunction display.
Especially for high performance driving, it is
important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly.
The high-performance brake system is
designed for heavy loads. This may lead to
noise when braking. This will depend on:
speed
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braking force
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environmental conditions, such as
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temperature and humidity
The wear of individual components of the
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
Driving on wet roads

Hydroplaning

If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
you drive at low speeds
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the tires have adequate tread depth
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For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
Lower your speed
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Avoid ruts
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Brake carefully
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Driving on flooded roads

! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or AUTOTRONIC.
Water can also be drawn in by the engine's
air suction nozzles and this can cause
engine damage.