2006 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 296

Operation Driving instructions High-performance brake system (SLK 55 AMG only) The high-performance brake system is designed to operate under the extremely high operating demands required to accommodate the performance capabilities of the vehicle. The brakes may produce a squeaking-type noise depending on the vehicle speed Warning! G 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. ! 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 park, so that the air stream will cool down the brakes faster. brake force applied ambient conditions, e.g. temperature and humidity As with any brake system, the wear of individual brake system components such as brake pads or discs 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. New vehicle brake pads and discs, and replacement brake pads and discs may take several hundred miles of driving until they provide optimum braking efficiency. Until that time, you may need to use increased brake pedal pressure while braking. Please be aware of this and adjust your driving and braking accordingly during this break-in period. Excessive high demand braking will cause correspondingly high brake wear. Please be attentive to the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster and brake condition messages in the multifunction display. Especially for high performance driving, it is important to maintain the brake system and have it checked regularly. 295