2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE towing

Front view

Fig. 2 Vehicle front overview.
Key to fig. 2:
(1) Inside mirror
(2) Front windshield
Windshield antenna
(3) Windshield wipers
(4) Engine hood
(5) Engine hood release
(6) Headlights
(7) Turn signals
(8) Fog lights/static cornering lights (if equipped)
(9) Front license plate bracket
(10) Threaded hole for the front towing eye (behind cover)

Rear view

Fig. 3 Vehicle rear overview.
Key to fig. 3:
(1) Rear window
– Rear window defroster
(2) High-mounted brake light
(3) Volkswagen Emblem for opening the luggage compartment lid
(4) Taillights
(5) Threaded hole for the rear towing eye (behind cover)
(6) Rear license plate bracket
(7) License plate lights
(8) Luggage compartment lid

WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious
injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity
also changes the way your vehicle handles:
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the
safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the
vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Stowing luggage

Trailer towing
Important information
For technical reasons, the vehicle body structure is not designed for the installation of a trailer hitch.
Never install a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Installing a trailer hitch will do considerable damage to the
vehicle ⇒ .
WARNING
Installing a trailer hitch on the vehicle can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.
x Never install a trailer hitch on the vehicle.
x A trailer hitch can fall off while driving or rip loose or while pulling a trailer causing the
trailer to separate from the vehicle.
NOTICE
Installing a trailer hitch of any kind will cause expensive damage to your vehicle that will not be
covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.
Step Vehicles without Keyless AccessVehicles with Keyless Access
4. Turn the vehicle key to position ⇒ fig. 96 (2)
– do not depress the accelerator pedal.
Briefly press the starter button ⇒ fig. 97 – do
not depress the accelerator pedal. An
authorized vehicle key must be inside the
vehicle in order to start the engine.
5. When the engine starts, release the vehicle
key.
When the engine starts, release the starter
button.
6. If the engine does not start, switch off the
ignition and start again after about 1 minute.
If the engine does not start, switch off the
ignition and start again after about 1 minute.
Use the emergency start feature if
necessary
7. Release the parking brake when you are ready to start driving

WARNING
Never leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running. The vehicle could move
suddenly, especially when the vehicle is in gear, resulting in accidents and personal injury.
WARNING
“Starting fluids” can explode and can cause a “run-away” vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x You can damage the starter or the engine if you try to start the engine when the vehicle is
still moving, or if you try to restart the engine right after switching it off.
x Avoid high engine speeds, full throttle acceleration, and heavy engine loads when the
engine is cold.
x Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle. Unburned fuel can get into
the catalytic converter and damage it. The steering column may also be locked.
Do not let your vehicle warm up while standing; instead, start driving right away after making sure
that you have good visibility through all windows. This will help the engine reach operating
temperature faster and keep down emissions.
Major consumers of electricity are temporarily switched off when the engine is being started.
After starting a cold engine, there may be increased operating noises for a few seconds. This is
normal and harmless.
When outside temperatures are below +41 °F (+5 °C) and the diesel fueled preheater is
activated, minor fume build-up may occur underneath the vehicle.

Towing

WARNING
Towing a vehicle changes the way it handles and brakes. To help reduce the risk of an
accident and serious personal injury, note the following:
x The driver of the vehicle that is being towed:
– Since the brake booster also does not work when the engine is stopped, you will need
to press harder on the brake pedal to slow down or stop. Always be alert so as not to rear-
end the towing vehicle.
– Will have to use considerably more force to turn the steering wheel because the power
steering is not working.
x The driver of the vehicle that is doing the towing:
– Must accelerate gradually and gently and avoid jerking movements.
– Must not brake hard or steer sharply.
– Must brake earlier and more gently than in normal driving.
NOTICE
x Be careful not to damage the paint when installing and removing the towing eye and the
cover for the threaded hole behind the bumper.
x Unburned fuel can get into the catalytic converter during towing and damage it.
Towing on a commercial tow truck
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
To help avoid damaging the vehicle, have it towed only by a professional towing company. Read and
heed the following information:
General information
Never let the vehicle be towed at speeds above 30 mph (50 km/h).
Never let the vehicle be towed for more than 30 miles (50 km).
Towing manual transmission vehicles
x Release the parking brake.
x Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).
x If possible, have the vehicle towed with the front wheels off the ground.
x If necessary, the vehicle can also be towed with the rear wheels off the ground ⇒ .
Towing automatic transmission vehicles
x Release the parking brake.
x Shift the transmission into Neutral (N).
x Tow the vehicle only with its front wheels off the ground ⇒ .
When not to tow your vehicle
If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with
the drive wheels off the ground. The vehicle can only be towed if its ignition is switched on and its
electrical system is operating. In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed at all and must
be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:

x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock engages and cannot be
released).
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
WARNING
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
x Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.
NOTICE
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This
can damage the automatic transmission.
x Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
x Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain
that no transmission fluid can leak out.
Tips on towing