Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2008 COMAND Manual - Manual (Page 74)

73
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
section (
୴ page 634) and ( ୴ page 642).
Electronic traction system
The electronic traction system is a compo-
nent of ESP
® .
The electronic traction system improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available trac-
tion, especially under slippery road condi-
tions by applying the brakes to a spinning
wheel.
When you switch off the ESP ® , the elec-
tronic traction system is still enabled.
Warning!
G
The ESP ® cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of an ESP ® equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.
i DISTRONIC Plus* and cruise control are
switched off when the ESP ® engages.
i The ESP ® will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
(
୴ page 754).
! Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because the ESP ® operates automatically, the
engine and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey
in starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button* in position 0 or 1) when
ț the electronic parking brake is being tested
on a brake test dynamometer
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front/rear axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP ® may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.
For information on vehicles with 4MATIC, see
“Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC)
with the ESP
® ” ( ୴ page 76).
Warning!
G
If you are driving too fast, the electronic
traction system cannot reduce the risk of an
accident.
The electronic traction system cannot pre-
vent the natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle.