Driving Systems - Mercedes-Benz E-Class Operator's Manual

values are required by law and must
therefore always be accurate.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( page 374).
Y
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( page 374).
Y
Slippery road surfaces
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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
Shift the transmission to position N.
X
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see (
Y
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges. The
vehicle could skid if you fail to adapt your
driving style. Always adapt your driving style
and drive at a speed to suit the prevailing
weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
page 375).

Driving systems

Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must shift to a lower gear
in time. By doing so, you will make use of the
braking effect of the engine. This relieves the
load on the brake system and prevents the
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control is only an aid. You are responsible for
the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle
speed, for braking in good time and for
staying in your lane.
Do not use cruise control:
in road and traffic conditions which do not
R
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
R
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
R
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
189
Z