
(F) from 134 /5 inch to 161 /2 inch (350 - 420 mm)
(G) 412 /5 inch (1051 mm)
WARNING
Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal injury.
x Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.
x Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.
Only use trailer hitches that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.
Maximum permissible trailer weight

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a 12 Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.
The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:
x In the storage compartment in the lower front center console.
x In the storage compartment in the front center armrest.
x In the luggage compartment ⇒ fig. 133.
x In the rear center console ⇒ fig. 134.
NOTICE
x Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connected devices!
x Never exceed the maximum power consumption, or the entire vehicle electrical system may be damaged.
x Only use equipment that has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and complies with applicable guidelines.
x Never feed current into the socket, with a solar panel, for example.
Unshielded devices may interfere with radio reception or the vehicle's electrical system.

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.
Vehicles without Keyless Access Vehicles with Keyless Access
5. Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ fig. 135 (0) in the ignition switch. Briefly press the starter button ⇒ fig. 136. If the engine will not switch off, carry out the emergency shutoff procedure
6. With a manual transmission, shift into 1st gear (vehicle on flat surface or pointing uphill) or Reverse (R) (vehicle pointing downhill).
7. Removing the vehicle key from the ignition switches off electrical equipment and activates the steering column lock.
Opening the doors switches off electrical equipment and activates the steering column lock.
WARNING
Never stop the engine before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. You can lose control of the vehicle, crash, and be seriously injured.
x The airbags and safety belt pretensioners will not work when the ignition is switched off.
x The brake booster does not work when the engine is not running. More brake pedal pressure will be needed to stop the vehicle.
x The power steering system does not work when the engine is not running, and you will need more force to steer the vehicle.
x When the key is removed from the ignition switch, the steering will lock and you will not be able to steer the vehicle.
NOTICE
If the vehicle has been driven hard for a long time, the engine could overheat when it is stopped. To reduce the risk of engine damage, let the engine idle in Neutral for about 2 minutes before you switch off the ignition.
If the ignition is switched on or the engine is running and the driver door is opened, a chime sounds. The chime is also a reminder to switch off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside.
On vehicles with automatic transmissions, the vehicle key can only be removed from the ignition when the transmission is in Park (P).
After the engine has been switched off, the radiator fan in the engine compartment may keep running for several minutes, or may start running after the vehicle has been parked for a while, even if the ignition is switched off and the vehicle key has been removed. The radiator fan shuts off automatically when the engine has cooled down enough.
off the engine and turn off the ignition before leaving and locking the vehicle from the outside

Calm and smooth driving
Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you drive, the less fuel the vehicle consumes.
When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed is more efficient and economical than constantly accelerating and braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by driving at a moderate, but steady speed.
The cruise control system can assist in maintaining a uniform driving style.
Moderate use of extra electrical loads
Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to use them in an environmentally conscious manner.
Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (examples):
x Climate control system (air conditioner): If the air conditioner has to produce starkly contrasting temperatures, it requires a large amount of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature in the vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the outside temperature. It may be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows open. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.
x Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
x Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
x Malfunctioning engine control.
x Driving in the mountains.
x Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.
Fuel-efficient driving
Fig. 147 Fuel consumption in mpg at 2 different outside air temperatures.