Mercedes-Benz 2007 CLS-Class Automobile User Manual


 
95
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 343) and
(
page 361).
Electronic traction system
The electronic traction system is a
component of ESP
®
.
The electronic traction system improves
the vehicle’s ability to utilize available
traction, especially under slippery road
conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel.
Except CLS 63 AMG:
When you switch off the ESP
®
, the
electronic traction system is still enabled.
Switching off the ESP
®
Switching off the ESP
®
(except CLS 63 AMG)
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch
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 when driving with snow chains
ț in deep snow
ț in sand or gravel
!
Because the ESP
®
operates automatically,
the engine and the 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 axle
raised
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may oth-
erwise seriously damage the brake system.
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.
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 driving
maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.