Mercedes-Benz

Notes on driving

WARNING Risk of accident due to objects in the driver's footwell

Objects in the driver's footwell may impede pedal travel or block a depressed pedal.

This jeopardises the operating and road safety of the vehicle.

Stow all objects in the vehicle securely so that they cannot get into the driver's footwell.

Always fit the floor mats securely and as prescribed in order to ensure that there is always sufficient room for the pedals.

Do not use loose floor mats and do not place floor mats on top of one another.

WARNING Risk of accident due to unsuitable footwear

Operating the pedals may be impaired by wearing unsuitable footwear, e.g.:

platform shoes
high-heeled shoes
slippers

Always wear suitable footwear when driving so that you can operate the pedals safely.

WARNING Risk of accident when switching off the ignition when driving

If you switch off the ignition while driving, safety functions are restricted or no longer available. This may affect the power steering system and the brake force boosting, for example.

You will then need to use considerably more force to steer and brake.

Do not switch off the ignition while driving.

WARNING Risk of exhaust gas poisoning

Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling these exhaust gases causes poisoning.

Never leave the engine running in an enclosed space without sufficient ventilation.

WARNING Risk of skidding and of an accident due to shifting down on slippery road surfaces

If you shift down on slippery road surfaces to increase the engine braking effect, the drive wheels may lose traction.

Do not shift down on slippery road surfaces to increase the engine braking effect.

DANGER Risk of fatal injuries due to poisonous exhaust gases

If the tailpipe is blocked or sufficient ventilation is not possible, poisonous exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide may enter the vehicle. This is the case, for example, if the vehicle is stuck in snow.

When the engine or the stationary heater are running, keep the tailpipe and the area around the vehicle clear of snow.

Open a window on the side of the vehicle facing the wind to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air.

WARNING Risk of accident due to the brake system overheating

If you leave your foot on the brake pedal when driving, the brake system may overheat.

This increases the braking distance and the brake system may even fail.

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest.

Do not depress the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal at the same time while driving.

NOTE Causing wear to the brake linings by permanently depressing the brake pedal

Do not permanently depress the brake pedal while driving.

To use braking effect of the engine, shift to a lower gear in good time.

NOTE Damage to the drivetrain and engine when pulling away

Do not warm up the engine when stationary. Pull away immediately.

Avoid high engine speeds and full throttle until the engine has reached its operating temperature.

Do not allow the wheels to spin.

NOTE Damage to the catalytic converter due to non-combusted fuel

The engine is not running smoothly and is misfiring.

Non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter.

Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.

Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist workshop.

Limited braking effect on salt-treated roads:

due to salt build-up on the brake discs and brakepads, the braking distance can increase considerably or result in braking only on one side.
maintain a much greater safe distance to the vehicle in front.

To prevent salt build-up:

brake occasionally while paying attention to the traffic conditions.
carefully depress the brake pedal at the end of the journey and when starting the next journey.