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Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 2007 Owners Manual User Manual

Page 95

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94

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

ESP

®

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP

®

) is

operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and monitors the vehicle’s traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.

The ESP

®

recognizes when a wheel is spin-

ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying the brakes to the appropriate wheel
and by limiting engine output, the ESP

®

works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP

®

is

especially useful while driving off and on
wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP

®

also stabilizes the vehicle during braking
and steering maneuvers.

The ESP

®

warning lamp

v in the

instrument cluster flashes when the ESP

®

is engaged.

The ESP

®

warning lamp

v in the

instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.

Warning!

G

Never switch off the ESP

®

when you see the

ESP

®

warning lamp

v flashing in the in-

strument cluster. In this case proceed as fol-

lows:

ț

While driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.

ț

While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.

ț

Adapt your speed and driving style to
the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could

cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP

®

cannot prevent accidents result-

ing from excessive speed.

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.

!

The ESP

®

will only function properly if you

use wheels of the recommended tire size
(

page 438).