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In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as:
load
R
tyre pressure
R
cold start
R
choice of route
R
the use of electrical consumers
R
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style involves driving at a
moderate engine speed.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
observe the gearshift recommendation
R
drive the vehicle in drive program C or E.
R
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
motorway, only the outer area for "Constant"
will change.
The ECO display summarises the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. During
a prolonged driving time, these changes are
smaller. For more marked changes, perform a
manual reset (
page 203).
Y
Further information on the ECO display
(
page 202).
Y
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.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Take particular
note of this when driving a laden vehicle.
This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, the limiter or Distance Pilot DISTRONIC.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain vehicle
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads
G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave
your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
!
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, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow
to cool the brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effectiveness.
To do this, brake more firmly from a higher
speed while paying attention to the traffic con-
ditions. This improves the grip of the brakes.
Wet road surfaces
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 a car wash or
after driving through deep water.
You will have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance to 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 more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Driving tips
157
Z
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