2010 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 249

Driving instructions The brakes may produce a squeaking-type noise depending on the Rvehicle Rbrake 247 speed conditions, e.g. temperature and force applied Rambient humidity As with any brake system, the wear of individual brake system components such as brake pads or disks strongly depends on your driving style and the conditions under which you operate the vehicle. Thus, a driving style calling for high-demand braking will cause your vehicle's brakes to wear more quickly. ! When driving off on a slippery surface, do not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended period with the ESP® switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. ! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Hydroplaning Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. In heavy rain or when conditions indicate possible hydroplaning: X Reduce vehicle speed. X Avoid track grooves in the road. X Apply brakes cautiously. Parking brake When driving on wet roads or dirt covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into the parking brake. To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the braking power of the parking brake, observe the following: X From time to time, lightly engage the parking brake before driving off. X Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds (100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). Standing water ! Do not drive through flooded areas. Before driving through water, determine its depth. If you must drive through standing water, drive slowly to prevent water from entering the passenger compartment or the engine compartment. Water in these areas could cause damage to electrical components or wiring of the engine or transmission, or could result in water being ingested by the engine through the air intake causing severe internal engine damage. Any such damage is not covered by the MercedesBenz Limited Warranty. i Vehicles with air suspension program: Select the raised level (Y page 156) before driving through standing water. Z G Warning! While performing this procedure please assure that the vehicle is stopped before applying the parking brake. Otherwise the rear wheels could lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle's brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when you engage the parking brake. Driving off Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Operation