2007 Mercedes C-Class Owner's Manual - Page 87

Safety and Security Driving safety systems ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because the ESP operates automatically, the engine must be turned off (SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1) when the parking brake is being tested on a brake test dynamometer the vehicle is being towed with the front axle raised Active braking action through the ESP® may otherwise seriously damage the brake system. For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see "Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP® " ( page 88). ® Electronic traction system The electronic traction system is a component of ESP®. The electronic traction system improves the vehicle's ability to utilize available traction, especially under slippery road conditions by applying the brakes to a spinning wheel. When you switch off the ESP®, the electronic traction system is still enabled. Warning! Switching off the ESP® Warning! G The ESP® should not be switched off during normal driving other than in the circumstances described below. Disabling of the system will reduce vehicle stability in standard driving maneuvers. Do not switch off the ESP® when a Minispare wheel is mounted. i The ESP® will only function properly if you use wheels of the recommended tire size ( page 403). G For more information, see the "Practical hints" section ( page 327) and ( page 335). If you are driving too fast, the electronic traction system cannot reduce the risk of an accident. The electronic traction system cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle. To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off the ESP® in driving situations where it would be advantageous to have the drive wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip such as: when driving with snow chains in deep snow in sand or gravel ! Switch on the ESP® immediately if the aforementioned circumstances do not apply anymore. 86