Mercedes-Benz SL 2008 Owner's Manual page 56

Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
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
ESP ® (Electronic Stability Program)
R
TM
R SBC brake system (Sensotronic Brake
Control)
i
In wintry road conditions, always use win-
ter tyres (M+S tyres) and, where necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section
work as effectively as possible.
G Risk of accident
The risk of an accident is significantly
increased by driving too fast. This is partic-
ularly the case when cornering on wet and
slippery roads and when driving too close
to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce this risk nor override
the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving
style to suit prevailing road and weather
conditions. Maintain sufficient distance
from other road users and objects on the
road.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
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.
G Risk of accident
Do not depress the brake pedal several
times in quick succession (pumping).
Depress the brake firmly and evenly. Pump-
ing the brake pedal reduces the braking
effect.
Braking
If ABS intervenes while you are braking, the
v warning lamp flashes in the instrument
Driving safety systems
cluster. You will not feel the brake pedal pul-
sating as this happens.
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
vehicle when braking and the braking dis-
tance 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.
You should always adapt your driving style
to suit the prevailing road and weather con-
ditions.
Safety
Z
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