2001 Mercedes CL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 245

Instruments and controls Operation Driving Instrument cluster display Practical hints Car care Technical data Index Driving instructions Pedals Warning! Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement. 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. 240 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 to obtain expected braking effect. 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 maintenance 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.