2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE fuel

Fuel

that do not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and
prevent deposits on the engine.
Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For more information on TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.
If quality gasoline with additives that do not contain metal is not available or engine malfunctions
occur, you should add the required additives while refueling ⇒ .
Not all gasoline additives are effective. Using the wrong additives can cause significant and expensive
damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. Never use additives that contain metal. Please note
that metal can be included in some aftermarket gasoline additives that are available to be added to
gasoline during or after refueling to help improve knock resistance or increase the octane rating.
Volkswagen recommends using only additives approved by Volkswagen. Appropriate additives as well
as instructions on how to use them are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Do not add any other gasoline additives.
NOTICE
You can damage the engine by using incorrect additives.
x Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage
to the catalytic converter.
x If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with
the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and
heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline
with the required octane rating as soon as possible.
x Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel
contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.
x Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic
additives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to
it.
Applicable only in the United States
Diesel fuel

To help prevent the filter from being clogged with wax, the fuel filter in your vehicle is heated with
warm fuel when the engine is running (filter preheating system). Heating the fuel filter makes it
possible to use your vehicle with ULSD down to about -10 °F (-24 °C).
If you expect temperatures below +5 °F (-15 °C) ask your fuel dealer if their ULSD is sufficiently
winterized.
If non-winterized or insufficiently winterized diesel fuel has already thickened to the point that the
engine will not start, move the vehicle to a heated garage or workshop until it has warmed up.
Cold diesel engines normally produce louder noises during winter conditions than during warmer
periods. In addition, the exhaust gases may be light blue in color until the engine has warmed up. The
exhaust gas volume varies depending on the outside temperature.
Do not let your diesel engine idle unnecessarily after a cold start. Driving off slowly will shorten the
warm-up period.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason,
never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use
with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel
system and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any
circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same
applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic
part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help
prevent leaks and serious damage.
x The vehicle is designed to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in
concentrations of 5% or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5%
(5% methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5). The properties of methyl
ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% may cause serious damage to the fuel injection
system and to the engine. This could lead to expensive repairs that will not be covered by any
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels
that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even
electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.
The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or
being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage
electronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine
compartment , Cleaning the engine compartment
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can
cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks
from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in
rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie,
tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught
in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.
Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Operating fluids and some materials in the engine compartment can catch fire easily, causing
burns and other serious personal injuries!
x Never smoke near the engine compartment.
x Never work next to open flames or sparks.
x Never pour or spill operating fluids or other flammable liquids on the engine. These fluids
can ignite on hot engine parts and cause injuries.
x If work on the fuel system or the electrical system is necessary:
– Always disconnect the 12 Volt vehicle battery. Make sure the vehicle is unlocked when
you disconnect the battery, or the alarm will go off. Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Never work near heaters, water heaters, or other open flames.
x Always have a functional, approved fire extinguisher nearby.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Engine oil quality is based not only on requirements for engines and exhaust treatment systems, but
also on fuel quality. Engine oil comes into contact with fuel and fuel residue in all internal combustion
engines, causing engine oil to age and its lubricating qualities to deteriorate.
Your engine was factory-filled with a high-quality, “synthetic” all-season engine oil that meets strict
Volkswagen oil quality standards and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40. or SAE 5W-30. You can
use this oil for normal driving in all temperatures.
If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality oil that expressly complies with the
Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine:

Engines Engine oil specification
Gasoline engines
VW 502 00
VW 503 00
VW 504 00

At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen
standards are “synthetic” oils. This does not mean, however, that any “synthetic” engine oil will meet
Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil
quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.
General recommendations:
If “synthetic” oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for
the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil
meets the quality standard .
Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
x If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality
standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a
high-quality “synthetic” oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of
SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.
x Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality
standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine
damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine
damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen
Limited Warranty.
Applicable only in the United States
Engine oil capacities
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

WARNING
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can impact the safety features of the
vehicle and cause severe injuries.
x Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.
x Only use approved or recommended cleaners.
NOTICE
Vehicle care products containing solvents can damage plastics and other vehicle the materials.
Wash the vehicle only at specifically designated wash locations to help prevent water
contaminated with oil, grease and fuel from entering the storm drain sewer system. In some areas it is
against the law to wash motor vehicles anywhere than other than at specified designated car washing
locations.
When buying vehicle care products, try to choose those that are not harmful to the environment.
Never throw out vehicle care products with ordinary household waste. Always read and heed all
the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.
Maintaining and cleaning the convertible top

If you have to mount a tire opposite to its proper direction of rotation, you must drive more carefully,
since the tire is no longer being used as designed. This is particularly important on wet roads. You
must replace or remount the tire as soon as possible in order to restore the correct direction of
rotation.
Rotating tires
To help ensure even wear on all tires, regular tire rotation according to the diagram ⇒ fig. 126 is
recommended. In this way all tires can have about the same service life.
Volkswagen recommends that you have your tires rotated by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Tires more than 6 years old
Tires age even if they are not being used. Physical and chemical processes reduce tire strength and
performance and cause them to harden and become brittle. Old tires can fail suddenly and without
warning.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tires that are 6 years and older. This also applies to tires that look
new (including the tire on the compact spare wheel) or that seem to still be usable with tread depth
that has not yet reached the legal minimum depth ⇒ .
The age of each tire can be determined with the manufacturing date that is part of the U.S. DOT tire
identification number (TIN) .
Tire storage
Mark tires before removing them to help make sure that the previous location (left, right, front, rear)
and rolling direction can be maintained when remounting them. Store tires in a cool, dry and preferably
dark place. Do not store tires mounted on wheels standing up.
Tires not mounted on wheels should be covered to help protect them from dirt and stored vertically
(sitting on the tread).
WARNING
Aggressive fluids and materials can cause visible and invisible tire damage that can cause
tire blowouts.
x Always keep chemicals, oils, grease, fuels, braking fluids and other aggressive
substances away from tires.
WARNING
Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail suddenly, especially at high speeds,
causing loss of vehicle control, accidents, and severe personal injuries.
x Tires that are more than 6 years old can be used only in an emergency and even then only
with special care and at low speed.
Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.
Wheel rims
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

WARNING
Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were
designed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of
control, crashes and serious personal injuries.
x Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that may be lower than your vehicle's maximum
speed.
x Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires installed on your
vehicle are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.
x Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.
Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer better handling characteristics for
temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel
consumption.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever you
remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement
wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not
change
If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
about permissible winter tire dimensions.
Snow chains
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Obey local regulations as well as the applicable speed limits when driving with snow chains.
Snow chains improve forward motion, traction and braking characteristics under wintry conditions.
Snow chains may be used only on the front wheels and only in tire and wheel combinations that
have been approved by Volkswagen.
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about
appropriate wheel, tire and snow chain dimensions.
If possible, use only chains with low profile links that are not thicker than 37/64 in. (15 mm) including
the tensioner.
Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing snow chains ⇒ . However, for
safety reasons, caps must be installed on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
Compact spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare 256.
If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare
wheel to the rear axle if a front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be
used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tires so that they will run in the
proper direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chains before mounting the wheel to
the vehicle.