2004 Mercedes CLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 269

Operation Driving instructions Driving off Apply the brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear of other traffic. Warm up the engine gradually. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow a drive wheel to spin for an extended period. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Parking Warning! G 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. ! Set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move gear selector lever to position P. When parking on hills, turn front wheels towards the road curb. ! When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear to use the engine's braking power. This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather than immediately parking, so that the air stream can cool down the brakes faster. Warning! G ! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake wear and drivetrain wear. Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire. 269