Driving Instructions; Brakes - SMART For two coupé Operator's Manual

to keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle. Adapt your driving
accordingly.

Brakes

G WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out braking maneu-
vers.
Refer to the description of the hydraulic
brake assistant ( page 47).
Y
! Because the ESP
®
cally, the engine must be turned off
(ignition switched off) when the parking
brake is being tested on a brake test
dynamometer. Active braking action
®
through the ESP may otherwise seriously
damage the brake system which is not
covered by the smart Limited Warranty.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the brake system
may be the reason for low brake fluid level
in the brake fluid reservoir.
The brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir may be too low if the brake warn-
ing lamp in the instrument cluster comes
on ( page 21) although the parking brake
Y
is released.
Have the brake system inspected immedi-
ately. Contact an authorized smart center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
smart center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by smart.
Inclines
! When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes by
shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine's braking power. This helps pre-
operates automati-

Driving instructions

vent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
When using the engine's braking power, a
drive wheel may not spin for an extended
period of time, e.g. on slippery road
surfaces. This may cause serious damage
to the drive- train which is not covered
by the smart Limited Warranty.
High and low stresses
G
WARNING
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheat-
ing, thereby significantly reducing their
effectiveness and your ability to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
park, so that the air stream will cool down
the brakes faster.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
G WARNING
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Wet road surface
G WARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through
water deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking
145
Z