2011 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 176

174 Driving systems G Warning! the Distronic. This could result in wrong or missing distance warnings. Driving and parking The Distronic requires familiarity with its operational characteristics. We strongly recommend that you review the following information carefully before operating the system. G Warning! HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read the HYBRID Supplemental Operating Instructions included in your vehicle literature portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all necessary safety information and warning for the operation of your vehicle. If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC operates in the same way as cruise control in the speed range between 20 mph (30 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h). If there is a vehicle in front, DISTRONIC operates in the speed range between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h). Do not use DISTRONIC while driving on roads with steep gradients. G Warning G Warning When DISTRONIC brakes, the brake pedal is pulled back (i.e. operated automatically). The area around the pedal must not be blocked by obstacles: Rdo not place any objects in the footwell. Rensure that floormats and carpets are fixed securely. In particular, do not place several floormats on top of one another. Rdo not place your foot under the brake pedal, as it could become trapped. Non-compliance could lead you to cause an accident in which you and/or others could be seriously injured. DISTRONIC distance control is not a substitute for the driver's active involvement. It does not react to pedestrians or stationary objects and cannot detect or predict the road's course and the movements of the vehicles in front. DISTRONIC can only brake using 40% of the vehicle's maximum possible braking force. The driver must always pay attention to road, weather and traffic conditions. He must steer, brake and drive the vehicle so that he maintains control over it. High-frequency sources such as toll stations, velocity measurement systems, etc. may cause DISTRONIC to malfunction. G Warning! G Warning! The Distronic is a convenience system. Its speed adjustment reduction capability is intended to make cruise control more effective and usable when traffic speeds vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does it, replace the need for extreme care. The responsibility for the vehicle's speed, distance to the preceding vehicle and, most importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe stopping distance, always remains with the driver. The Distronic cannot take street and traffic conditions into account. Complex driving situations are not always fully recognized by The Distronic cannot take road and traffic conditions into account. Only use the Distronic if the road, weather and traffic conditions make it advisable to travel at a constant speed. G Warning! Use of the Distronic can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire traction can result in wheel spin and loss of control. The Distronic does not function in adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not use the Distronic during conditions of fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.