2009 Mercedes R-Class Owner's Manual - Page 284

Operation Driving instructions Parking brake When driving on wet roads or dirt covered surfaces, road salt and/or dirt can get into the parking brake. To prevent corrosion and a reduction in the braking power of the parking brake, observe the following: X X Driving off Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has been reached. Hydroplaning Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. X Reduce vehicle speed. X X From time to time, lightly engage the parking brake before driving off. Drive a distance of approximately 110 yds (100 m) at a maximum speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). ! When driving off on a slippery surface, do not allow a 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. ! Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brakes reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Avoid track grooves in the road. Brakes cautiously in the rain. Standing water Prevent water from entering the passenger compartment or the engine compartment. If you must drive through standing water, keep in mind that Rthe maximum depth of the water may not exceed 10 in (25 cm) Ryou G Warning! While performing this procedure please assure that the vehicle is stopped before applying the parking brake. Otherwise the rear wheels could lock up. You could lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. In addition, the vehicle's brake lights do not light up when the parking brake is engaged. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when you engage the parking brake. must drive slowly i Vehicles with AIRMATIC: If you have selected the raised level (Y page 168) before driving through standing water, the maximum water depth is 12 in (30 cm). ! Do not drive through flooded areas. Before driving through water, determine its depth. 282