2003 Mercedes SLK-Class Owner's Manual - Page 161

Operation Driving instructions All checks and service work on the brake system should be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Warning! After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather than immediately parking, so that the air stream will cool down the brakes faster. 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 smoothly. 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 one 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. Parking Warning! G 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. 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. To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: Keep right foot on brake pedal. Firmly depress parking brake pedal. Move the selector lever to position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear). Slowly release brake pedal. When parked on an incline, turn front wheels towards the road curb. Turn the key to steering lock position 0. Take the key and lock vehicle when leaving. ! 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. ! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear. 161