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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
(
୴ page 438).