Rolling with the engine switched off

Braking

Downhill gradients

On long and steep downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must shift to a lower gear in good time or select shift range 1, 2 or 3 on vehicles with automatic transmission*.

This uses the braking effect of the engine and you will not have to brake to such an extent to maintain the same speed. This relieves the load on the brake system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing too quickly. If you need additional braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.

Heavy and light loads

If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly.

If you only use the brakes moderately, you should occasionally check their effectiveness. To do this, brake more firmly from a higher speed. This improves the grip of the brakes.

Wet roads

If you drive for a long time in the rain without braking, there may be a delayed reaction when you first brake and you will have to depress the pedal harder.

You must therefore maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front.

Brake firmly after driving on a wet road. This way the brake discs will become warm, drying more quickly, which will protect them against corrosion.

Limited braking performance on salted roads

Note that braking performance on salted road surfaces can be limited. The reason is that a layer of salt residue may form on the brake discs and linings, resulting in a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction between the brake disc and brake lining. This occurs particularly after extended periods of driving without using your brakes, e.g. on motorways, and also when the vehicle has been parked for several hours.

New brake linings

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use brake pads/linings which have been specially approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle. Brake pads/linings which have not been approved for Mercedes-Benz could affect your vehicle's operating safety.

High-performance brake system for AMG vehicles

The high-performance brake system is designed for heavy loads. Braking can therefore cause noises. This will depend on:

• Speed

• Braking force

• Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity

The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs, depends on the individual driving style and operating conditions.

Because of this, it is impossible to state a mileage that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.

Tyre grip

Driving on wet roads

If water has accumulated to a certain depth on the road surface, there is a danger of aquaplaning occurring, even if:

• you drive at low speeds

• the tyres have adequate tread depth

For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts and brake carefully.

Driving on flooded roads

If you have to drive on stretches of road on which water has collected, please bear in mind that:

• the maximum permitted still water depth is 25 cm.

• you should drive no faster than at walking pace.