Driving Safety Systems; Antilock Brake System - SMART fortwo coupe Operator's Manual

Driving safety systems

G
Warning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
• Excessive speed, especially in turns
• Wet and slippery road surfaces
• Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather and traffic
conditions and keep a safe distance to
other road users and objects on the
street.
i
In winter operation, the maximum effec
tiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic brake
®
assistant and the ESP is only achieved with
winter tires ( page 208) or snow chains* as
required.
72
>> Safety.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
G
Warning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates the
brake pressure so that the wheels do not lock
during braking. This allows you to maintain the
ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster ( page 34) comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is regu
lating the brake pressure.
> Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an indication
of hazardous road conditions and functions as
a reminder to take extra care while driving.