2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Owners Manual

Repair any paint damage on steel wheels before rust begins to form.
Cleaning alloy wheels
Every 2 weeks: Wash road salt and brake dust off alloy wheels, and clean the wheels with an acid-free detergent. Every 3 months: Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the wheels.
If road salt and brake dust are not removed regularly, they can corrode the metal.
Use an acid-free detergent specifically designed for light alloy wheels. Do not use car polish or other abrasive products.
If the protective coating is damaged, for example by stone impact, repair the damaged area right away.
Care of rubber door and window seals

Cleaning the engine compartment

Interior care and cleaning

WARNING
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can compromise the vehicle's safety features and cause serious personal injury.
x Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.
x Only use approved or recommended cleaners.
NOTICE
x Vehicle care products containing solvents can cause irreparable damage to plastics and other vehicle materials.
x Stains, dirt and other deposits that contain aggressive substances or solvents can corrode vehicle materials and cause permanent damage, even after brief contact with the surface.
x Remove stains, dirt, and other deposits as quickly as possible and do not allow them to dry.
x To help prevent damage, have stubborn stains removed by a professional who has the necessary expertise and experience.
Suitable care products are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
Caring for upholstery

Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim and Alcantara®

Removing stains
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean entire surface and not just the stain itself. This is especially true if the entire surface has become dirty from normal use. Otherwise, the area that is treated may be lighter than the untreated area. If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional cleaner.

Type of stain Recommended cleaning for fabric and upholstery
Water-based stains, such as coffee or fruit juice. – Moisten a sponge with water and rub the stain gently with a circular motion. – Wipe dry with an absorbent cloth.
Persistent stains, such as chocolate or make-up. – Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products. – If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.
Grease-based stains, such as oil, lipstick, etc. – Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products. – If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.
WARNING
If there is a malfunction in the airbag system, the airbag may not deploy correctly or at all, or it may deploy unexpectedly. This could cause fatal injuries.
x Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
If the upholstery on power seats, heated seats, or seats with airbag components is wet, electrical components and the vehicle electrical system could be damaged.
x If the seating surface becomes soaked, have it dried and the system components checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not use steam cleaners because the steam could cause the dirt to penetrate deeper into the fabric and make it impossible to remove.
x Pressure washers and cooling sprays can damage the upholstery.
NOTICE
x Clean only the carpet and floor mats with brushes. Other textile surfaces can be damaged by brushes.
x If detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge, the surfactants in the detergent may cause visible lines to form at the edges of the area where the detergent was applied. These lines are generally difficult or impossible to remove.
NOTICE
x Do not soak Alcantara®.
x Do not treat Alcantara® with leather care products, solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover or similar products.
x Do not use brushes for damp cleaning, because they can damage upholstery surfaces.
x Do not use a steam cleaner, because dirt will penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Care and cleaning of leather upholstery

Type of stain Cleaning
Special stains, such as ballpoint pen, marker, nail polish, latex paint, or shoe polish.
– Dab dry with an absorbent cloth. – Clean with a special stain remover designed for leather.

NOTICE
x Stains that have been left in place too long will penetrate the surface of the leather and cannot be removed.
x Never treat leather with solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover or similar products.
x Wipe up spilled liquids immediately with an absorbent cloth. Liquid can penetrate leather surfaces and seams within a few seconds.
x If the vehicle is left in the sun for a long time, cover the upholstery to protect the leather from direct sunlight and to help prevent fading and discoloration.
Slight discoloration caused by wear and tear is normal.
Cleaning leatherette