Braking - Downhill Gradients; Heavy And Light Loads - Mercedes-Benz C-Class Operator's Manual

Driving tips
180
At the beginning of the journey, the three
outer areas are empty and fill up as a result of
economical driving. A higher level indicates a
more economical driving style. If the three
outer areas are completely filled at the same
time, the driver has adopted the most eco-
nomical driving style for the selected settings
and prevailing conditions. The ECO display
border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. The additionally achieved
range displayed under
does not indicate a fixed consumption reduc-
tion.
In addition to driving style, the actual con-
sumption is affected by other factors, such
as:
load
R
tire pressure
R
cold start
R
choice of route
R
electrical consumers switched on
R
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
observe the gearshift recommendations.
R
drive the vehicle in drive program E (vehi-
R
cles with the AGILITY SELECT switch)
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on
the highway, only the outer area for "con-
stant" will change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On
longer journeys, there are fewer changes. For
more marked changes, perform a manual rest
( page 237).
Y
For further information on the ECO display,
see ( page 236).
Y
Bonus fr. Start Bonus fr. Start
Braking
Important safety notes
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 brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting
early to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive
wear of the brakes.
When you take advantage of the engine
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train. This type of damage is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty.

Heavy and light loads

G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately.
Drive on for a short while. This allows the air-
flow to cool the brakes more quickly.