2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA suspension

WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the brakes react slower and need longer stop-
ping 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.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden braking maneuvers immediately after driving through water.

NOTICE
x Vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, suspension or electrical system
may be severely damaged by driving through water.
x Never drive through salt water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Thoroughly rinse with fresh
water all vehicle parts that were exposed to salt water.

Track1, front 60.1–60.7 in. (1527–1541 mm)
Track1, rear 59.9–60.6 in. (1523–1538 mm)
Ground clearance (unloaded) about 3.7–5.5 in. (about 94–139 mm)2

NOTICE
x Please be careful when parking your vehicle in areas with parking barriers or curbs. These
vary in height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits
a barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot.
x Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over
curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

2 Varies depending on your vehicle's equipment (engine, tires, wheels, tire
inflation pressure, driving situation and other factors).

WARNING
Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.
x Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a
stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.
x Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
x Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.
x Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.
x Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an
emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.
x Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is
running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as
the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They
could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and
vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.
x Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the
vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
x Heat build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in
temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

NOTICE
x Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in
height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.
x Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over
curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).
Warning and indicator lights

barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.
x Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over
curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).
About the brakes

WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious
personal injury for you and your passengers.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility
conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide
tempt you into taking extra risks.
x Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent
loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the
other systems!
x Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and
“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.
x These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for
conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
x Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many
difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire
traction.
x When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the
accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss
of vehicle control.

WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that
affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems
mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.
x Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of
the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.
x Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can
change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their
effectiveness.
x The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted .
All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.
Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power
when it is not expected.
If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.
You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and braking increase tire wear. If you experience
increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Unbalanced wheels – The wheels on a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, various
conditions can cause a wheel to become unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the
steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebalanced. A wheel must always be rebalanced if
a new tire has been mounted.
Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairing
vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.
x Reduce speed immediately and stop when it is safe to do so.
x Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
x Never drive with a damaged tire or rim. Get expert assistance instead.
x If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and
have the vehicle checked.
Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Fig. 142 In the luggage compartment: Handwheel holding the spare wheel in place.