2007 Mercedes GL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 352

Operation Driving instructions To help prevent brake disk corrosion after driving on wet road surfaces (particularly salted roads), it is advisable to brake the vehicle with considerable force prior to parking. The heat generated serves to dry the brakes. If your brake system is normally only subjected to moderate loads, you should occasionally test the effectiveness of the brakes by applying above-normal braking pressure at higher speeds. This will also enhance the grip of the brake pads. Warning! Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir. The brake fluid level in the reservoir may be too low if the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster comes on and an acoustic warning sounds although the parking brake is released ( page 437). Observe additional messages in the multifunction display that may appear ( page 472). Have the brake system inspected immediately. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. All checks and service work on the brake system should be carried out by qualified technicians only. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center. Only install brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz. 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. G ! 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. When using the engine's braking power, a drive wheel may not spin for an extended period of time, e.g. on slippery road surfaces. This may cause serious damage to the drivetrain which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when carrying out these braking maneuvers. Refer to the description of the Brake Assist System (BAS) ( page 105). 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. 351