2011 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 170

168 Driving tips Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is in motion. G Warning Make sure that you do not endanger other road users when you apply the brakes. Exhaust check Driving and parking G Warning Downhill gradients ! On long and steep gradients, you must reduce the cargo on the brakes by shifting to a lower gear in good time. This allows you to take advantage of engine braking and helps you to avoid overheating the brakes and wearing them out excessively. When you take advantage of engine braking, a drive wheel may not turn for some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This could cause damage to the drive train. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz warranty. Heavy and light loads G Warning Depressing the brake pedal constantly results in excessive and premature wear to the brake pads. It may also cause the brakes to overheat, seriously impairing their effectiveness. It may then not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident. Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully open at all times. Certain engine systems are designed to keep the level of poisonous components in exhaust fumes within legal limits. These systems only work optimally if they are maintained exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. For this reason, all work on the engine must be carried out by qualified and authorized MercedesBenz technicians. The engine settings must not be changed in any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific service work must be carried out at regular intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz service requirements. Details can be found in the Service Booklet. If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy cargo, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow to cool the brakes more quickly. Wet roads Brakes Important safety notes G Warning 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 loss of control. G Warning After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front. After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying