Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 Operator's Manual page 19

Tire Traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered
or icy road is always lower than on a
dry road.
You should pay particular attention to
the condition of the road as soon as the
prevailing temperatures fall close to the
freezing point.
Warning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire
traction will be substantially
reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
We recommend M + S radial-ply tires
for the winter season for all four
wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance,
however, is still considerably greater
than when the road is wet or dry.
Tire Speed Rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"Z"-rated tires.
Despite the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never
operate a vehicle at speeds greater
than the maximum speed rating of
the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for
which tires are rated can lead to
sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in
personal injury and possible death.
Parking
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,
before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle always:
1. Keep right foot on brake
pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to
position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards
the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering
lock position 0 and remove.
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle. In addition, move selector
lever position "P".
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.
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