2004 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 246

Operation Driving instructions SL 55 AMG Your vehicle is factory equipped with "W"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 168 mph (270 km/h) or "Y"-rated tires, which have a speed rating of 188 mph (300 km/h). An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Winter driving instructions The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions. When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move gear selector lever to position N. Try to keep the vehicle under control by corrective steering action. Road salts and chemicals can adversely affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the normal brake effect. Depressing the brake pedal periodically when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency back to normal. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed. Warning i For information on tire speed rating for winter tires, see "Winter driving" ( page 268). i For information on driving with snow chains, see "Snow chains" ( page 269). G Warning! G Make sure not to endanger any other road users when carrying out these braking maneuvers. On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent this type of control loss. 245