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Loading the trailer 
The weight distribution in the vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum permissible 
tongue weight and make sure that the load in the trailer is evenly distributed and that it is not front-
heavy or tail-heavy: 
 x Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as close as 
possible to the axle. 
 x Secure loads properly on the trailer. 
Tire pressure 
Always follow the trailer manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations for the trailer tires. 
When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum permissible pressure listed on the tire 
pressure label    
  WARNING 
Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can 
cause accidents and serious personal injury. 
 x Never exceed the specified values. 
 x Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight 
Rating. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight 
Rating.  
  WARNING 
Trailer loads that are not properly secured can shift when the vehicle is moving or braking 
and suddenly change the way the vehicle handles, causing accidents and severe injuries. 
 x Always load the trailer properly. 
 x Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so 
that the load cannot shift. 
Driving with a trailer 
 
     
        
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Opening and closing the glove compartment 
If necessary, unlock the glove compartment. It is locked when the key slot is vertical. 
To open, pull the handle ⇒ fig. 111. 
To close, push the lid up. 
Owner's Manual slot 
The slot at the top of the glove compartment is designed to hold the Owner's Manual. 
The Owner's Manual is in this glove compartment slot ⇒ fig. 112 (1). 
Always keep the Owner's Manual in this slot. 
Cooling the glove compartment 
There is an air vent (2) in the back of the glove compartment. Cool air can be directed into the glove 
compartment if the air conditioner is on. Open or close the air vent by turning it. 
Button in the glove compartment 
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) SET button (3) is also located in the glove compartment 
. 
  WARNING 
An open glove compartment door can increase the risk of serious injury during sudden 
braking or driving maneuvers or in a crash. 
 x Always keep the glove compartment closed while the vehicle is moving.  
  NOTICE 
In some vehicle models, design considerations have made it necessary to have openings in the 
glove compartment behind the Owner's Manual slot, for example. Small items may fall through 
these openings and get behind the instrument panel. This can cause unusual noises and 
damage the vehicle. Never put any small objects in the glove compartment for this reason. 
Applicable only in Canada 
Glove compartment 
 
Fig. 113 On the passenger side: Glove compartment.  
     
        
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Adjust the tire pressure 
The proper tire pressure helps reduce rolling resistance as well as fuel consumption. 
When purchasing new tires, always make sure that the tires are optimized for lower rolling resistance. 
Use low viscosity engine oil 
Fully “synthetic,” low viscosity engine oils that expressly comply with Volkswagen oil quality standards 
reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils reduce the frictional resistance on the engine and 
are distributed more evenly and quickly, particularly when cold-starting the engine. The effect is 
particularly apparent in vehicles that frequently travel short distances. 
Always ensure the right engine oil level is maintained and keep to the scheduled service intervals 
(engine oil changes). 
Make sure the engine oil that you purchase expressly complies with Volkswagen oil quality standards 
and is the oil approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle. 
Avoid unnecessary weight 
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and eco-friendly it will be. For example, an extra 220 lbs 
(100 kg) of weight increases fuel consumption by up to 1 pint per 60 miles (0.3 l/100 km). 
Remove all unnecessary items and unnecessary dead weight from the vehicle. 
Remove unnecessary aftermarket components 
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the less fuel it will consume. Aftermarket components such as 
bicycle racks reduce its aerodynamic performance. 
Therefore, remove unnecessary structures and unused rack systems, particularly if planning to drive at 
higher speeds.  
     
        
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