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Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
୴ page 344).
Switching off the ESP
®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch
off the ESP
®
in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the 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.
i
Distronic* is switched off when the
ESP
®
engages.
i
The ESP
®
will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (
୴ page 426).
!
Because of the ESP’s
®
automatic oper-
ation, 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 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 otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
Warning! G
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
i
Distronic* cannot be activated when
the ESP
®
has been switched off.