126 Driving and operatingBrake assistIf the brake pedal is depressedquickly and forcefully, maximumbrake force is automatically applied(full braking).Maintain steady pressure on thebrake pedal for as long as full brakingis required. Maximum brake force isautomatically reduced when thebrake pedal is released.Hill start assistThe system helps prevent unintendedmovement when driving away oninclines.When releasing the foot brake afterstopping on an incline, the brakesremain on for a further two seconds.The brakes release automatically assoon as the vehicle begins toaccelerate.The hill start assist is not active duringan Autostop.Ride control systemsTraction Control systemThe Traction Control system (TC) is acomponent of the Electronic StabilityControl (ESC) 3 127.TC improves driving stability whennecessary, regardless of the type ofroad surface or tyre grip, bypreventing the drive wheels fromspinning.As soon as the drive wheels starts tospin, engine output is reduced andthe wheel spinning the most is brakedindividually. This considerablyimproves the driving stability of thevehicle on slippery road surfaces.TC is operational after each enginestart as soon as the control indicatorb extinguishes.When TC operates b flashes.9 WarningDo not let this special safetyfeature tempt you into taking riskswhen driving.Adapt speed to the roadconditions.Control indicator b 3 81.DeactivationTC can be switched off when spinningof drive wheels is required: