2009 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 240
2009 Mercedes SL-Class Manual
Page 240 highlights
Operation Driving instructions The first time the brakes are applied after a long period of driving in heavy rain without braking, it is possible that there will be a delayed braking response and that you will need to depress the brake pedal more firmly. You should therefore maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front. To help prevent brake disk corrosion after driving on wet or salt-covered roads, it is advisable to brake the vehicle with considerable force prior to parking. The heat generated serves to dry the brakes. is removed without putting other road users at risk Rmaintain a greater distance to the vehicle ahead and drive with particular care Rcarefully apply the brakes at the end of a trip and immediately after commencing a new trip, so that salt residues are removed from the brake disc G Warning! If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident. ! Because the ESP® operates automatically, the engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer or when the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised. Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. If your brake system is normally only subjected to moderate loads, you should occasionally test the effectiveness of the brakes by applying above-normal braking pressure at higher speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the brake pads. Brake service ! The brake fluid level in the reservoir may be too low or the electro-hydraulic brake system may be malfunctioning if the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster comes on and an acoustic warning sounds although the parking brake is released. Observe additional messages in the multifunction display that may appear. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir. Have the brake system inspected immediately. Contact an authorized MercedesBenz Center. Only install brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Salt-covered roads G Warning! A layer of salt on the brake discs and the brake linings may cause a delay in the braking effect, resulting in a significantly increased braking distance, which could lead to an accident. To avoid this danger, you should: Roccasionally brake carefully when you are driving on salt-covered roads, so that any layer of salt that may have built up on the brake discs and the brake linings 238