2009 Mercedes SLR McLaren Owner's Manual - Page 89

Safety and Security Driving safety systems The electro-hydraulic brake servo assistance switches off automatically approximately 2 minutes after you turned the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 or removed the SmartKey approximately 20 seconds after you locked the vehicle from the outside Notes on driving with the electro-hydraulic brake system Following extended periods of only minor loads to your brake system, you should occasionally apply the brakes when traveling at high speeds. This improves the grip of the brake pads and prevents possible brake noise. After driving on wet or snow-covered roads, you should apply your brakes firmly before parking your vehicle. This produces heat which serves to dry the brake disks. Warning! G Warning! G Have brake pad replacement and other work on the electro-hydraulic brake system carried out by qualified technicians only. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further information. The electro-hydraulic brake system must be deactivated prior to working on the system. High pressure is intermittently built up in the system as part of its automatic self-test. In addition, the system is automatically activated when the vehicle is unlocked by remote control, when the driver or passenger door is opened, when the SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to position 1, when the brake pedal is depressed or when the parking brake is released. Failure to deactivate the system prior to maintenance will cause brake pistons to extend and brake fluid to leak, which may result in injuries (contusions and acid burns). Extended brake pistons may also cause injury. Make sure not to endanger any other road users when carrying out these braking maneuvers. On long and steep grades, shift to a lower gear (gear range 1, 2, or 3) to prevent the brakes from overheating and to reduce brake wear. If you need to brake, do not keep the brake pedal depressed, instead depress it repeatedly in short intervals. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time so that the air stream will cool down the brakes faster. Only Mercedes-Benz approved components (e.g. brake pads) should be installed on your vehicle. Brake pads not approved by Mercedes-Benz may impair the safety of your vehicle. 89