148 Driving and operating9 WarningAlways apply parking brake firmlywithout operating the releasebutton, and apply as firmly aspossible on a downhill or uphillslope.To release the parking brake, pullthe lever up slightly, press therelease button and fully lower thelever.To reduce the operating forces ofthe parking brake, depress thebrake pedal at the same time.Control indicator R 3 92.Brake 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 brake pedal 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.Stop-start system 3 137.Ride control systemsTraction Control systemThe Traction Control system (TC) is acomponent of the Electronic StabilityControl (ESC) 3 149.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.
