2012 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN wiper blades

Move the lever to the desired position ⇒ :
(B) z
Intermittent wiping for the windshield.
Adjust the interval settings with switch ⇒ fig. 90 (1) (vehicles without rain sensors) or the sensitivity of the rain sensor (vehicles with rain sensors).
(C) ,/7 Slow wiper speed.
(D) ()'( Fast wiper speed.
(E) x One-tap wiping – brief wiping. Hold the lever pressed down longer to wipe more often.
(F) W Pull the lever toward the steering wheel to activate the windshield washers, then release.
(G) Z Intermittent wiping for the rear window. The wiper wipes about every 6 seconds.
(H) \ Press the lever forward as far as it will go to activate the rear window washers, then release.

NOTICE
x To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, always make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the
windshield ⇒ Windshield wiper service position.
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened. The rear windshield wipers turn off automatically when the rear hatch is opened.
If the front wipers are on, the rear wiper is switched on automatically when backing up.
If the windshield wiper lever is in the rear window intermittent wiping position ⇒ fig. 91 (G) when the ignition is switched off and back on or the engine is started, rear window wiper action does not resume until the windshield wipers are activated. This is to keep the wiper from working when the

window is dry. By switching rear window intermittent wiping off and then back on, you can override this feature and activate the rear window wiper immediately.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
Windshield wiper functions

x Salt streaks: Salt streaks on the windshield from winter driving can cause wiping more often or continuously on glass that is almost dry.
x Dirt: Caked-on dust, wax, any other buildup on the windshield (lotus effect), or car-wash detergent residue can lower the rain sensor's sensitivity and cause it to react too slowly or not at all.
x Crack or chip in the windshield: If a stone hits and chips the windshield while the rain sensor is on, this will trigger a wiper cycle. After that, the rain sensor will recognize the change and recalibrate itself to respond to the smaller detection zone. Depending on the size of the chip, the sensor's reaction pattern may or may not change.
WARNING
The rain sensor cannot always recognize rain and activate the wipers.
x Switch the wipers on manually when water on the windshield reduces visibility.
Clean the rain sensor's sensitive surface ⇒ fig. 94 regularly and check the wiper blades for wear or damage.
To remove wax and coats of polish safely, we recommend using an alcohol-based windshield cleaner.
Checking and refilling windshield washer fluid

Fig. 95 In the engine compartment: Cap of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.
x Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
CAUTION
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.
x Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.
NOTICE
x The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
x To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
x Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.
x Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.
x When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or rear hatch. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:
x Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!
x Switch off the rain sensor before driving through a car wash
x Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.
x To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.
x Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body. Do not fold power mirrors manually!
x Lock the rear hatch to prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.
Washing with a power washer

Cleaning and changing the windshield wiper blades

Fig. 176 Changing the windshield wiper blades.

Fig. 177 Changing the rear window wiper blades.

Changing wiper blades
x Lift the wiper arm(s) away from the windshield.
x Press and hold the release button ⇒ fig. 176 (1) and pull off the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow.
x Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow until it latches.
x Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the windshield.
Changing the rear window wiper blade
x Lift the wiper arm away from the rear window.
x Rotate the wiper blade 90°.
x Support the wiper arm with one hand.
x Pull the release on bracket in the direction of the arrow ⇒ fig. 177 (1). This may require a moderate force.
x Fold back the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow (2) this will create a gap between the wiper arm and the latch (3) (magnifying glass).
x Pull the wiper blade to the direction of the vehicle outside (direction of arrow) (4).
x Install a new wiper blade of same length and type onto the wiper arm by pushing in the opposite direction of the arrow (4) until it latches.
x Support the wiper arm with one hand.
x Slide the release in the opposite direction of the arrow (3) in order to secure the wiper blade.
x Carefully fold the wiper arm back down onto the window.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
x Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn, and if they cannot clean the windows sufficiently.
NOTICE
x Damaged or dirty wiper blades can scratch the windshield and the rear window.
x Solvents, abrasive sponges and sharp-edged objects will damage the graphite coating on the wiper blades.
x Do not clean the windows with gasoline, nail polish remover, paint thinner or similar fluids.
x To help prevent damage to the engine hood and the windshield wiper arms, lift the wiper arms away from the windshield only when they are in the service position.
Waxing and polishing vehicle paint