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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Switching off ESP
To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:
ț starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains
ț in sand or gravel
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.
!
Because of ESP’s automatic operation,
the engine must be shut off when
ț the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.
ț the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
rear axle brake system.
ESP will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire
size (
୴ page 337).
Warning! G
ESP should not be switched off during nor-
mal driving other than in the circumstances
described below. Disabling of the system
will reduce vehicle stability in standard driv-
ing maneuvers.
i
Distronic* cannot be activated when
ESP has been deactivated.