Mercedes-Benz E 320 1996 Owners Manual - Manual (Page 18)

18
Driving Instructions
Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you
suspect that possible damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should
turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with
caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the
vehicle for possible damage. If the
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs.
Power Assistance
Warning!
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are
without power assistance. Under
these circumstances, a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.
Brakes
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the
vehicle is in the shop for the required
service.
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.
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 at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately.
All checks and service work on the
brake system should be carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake
fluid recommended by Mercedes-
Benz.
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.