2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT warning light

WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x In some vehicles, the compact spare wheel is smaller than the original tire. A smaller
compact spare wheel is identified with a sticker and the words “50 mph” or “80 km/h.” This is
the maximum permissible speed when driving with this tire.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed on the front
axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.
x Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) to determine the age of the
compact spare wheel. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail suddenly,
especially at higher speeds.
x Tires that are more than 6 years old can only be used in an emergency and then with
special care and at lower speeds.
x The compact spare wheel must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the
factory.
x Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.
x After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as
possible.
x Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. 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 you do not change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow
chains on the full-sized road tire.
NOTICE
When the spare wheel or compact spare is being used, the TPMS indicator light can come on
after a couple of minutes.
If possible, attach the compact spare wheel or the tire you took off the vehicle securely in the
luggage compartment.

Section width
The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling decoration, or protective bands.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread.
Sidewall separation
The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.
Speed rating (letter code)
A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for
extended periods of time. The ratings range from 93 mph or 150 km/h (“P”) to 186 mph or (300 km/h)
“Y”.
The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall. You may not find this
information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underinflated and illuminates a low tire-
pressure warning light.
Tread
The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.
Tread rib
A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation
Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.
Tread wear indicators (TWI)
Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end
of their useful life.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a
guarantee that a tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It gives tire buyers
more information to compare with factors such as price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations.
Under UTQG, tires are graded by the tire manufacturers in 3 areas: tread wear, traction and
temperature resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire sidewalls.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates
that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters indicate the plant where the
tire was manufactured. The last four numbers represent the week and year of manufacture.
For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other
numbers are marketing codes used by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify
affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the
vehicle's total seating capacity (as listed on the label inside the driver door).

Section width
The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling decoration, or protective bands.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread.
Sidewall separation
The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.
Speed rating (letter code)
A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for
extended periods of time. The ratings range from 93 mph or 150 km/h (“P”) to 186 mph or (300 km/h)
“Y”.
The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall. You may not find this
information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underinflated and illuminates a low tire-
pressure warning light.
Tread
The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.
Tread rib
A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation
Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.
Tread wear indicators (TWI)
Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end
of their useful life.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a
guarantee that a tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It gives tire buyers
more information to compare with factors such as price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations.
Under UTQG, tires are graded by the tire manufacturers in 3 areas: tread wear, traction and
temperature resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire sidewalls.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates
that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters indicate the plant where the
tire was manufactured. The last four numbers represent the week and year of manufacture.
For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other
numbers are marketing codes used by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify
affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the
vehicle's total seating capacity (as listed on the label inside the driver door).

WARNING
Improper use of the fire extinguisher can cause serious personal injury.
x Never point or discharge the fire extinguisher at a person unless it is necessary.
x Always keep the fire extinguisher out of the reach of children.
x Never expose the fire extinguisher to direct sunlight.
x Always make sure that the fire extinguisher is clean and ready to use, but never use
aggressive cleaners, clean the fire extinguisher only with a moist cloth.
x Always stay at least 3 ft (1 m) away from a fire when using the fire extinguisher.
x The contents of the fire extinguisher are under pressure, always handle it with care and
never subject it to impact or abuse.
x Never try to open or repair the fire extinguisher, always leave work on the fire extinguisher
to a trained specialist.
x If the fire extinguisher is damaged, corroded or cannot be used because it is too old, have
a trained specialist depressurize and dispose of the fire extinguisher properly.
WARNING
The fire extinguisher can only be used once and must then be replaced with a fire
extinguisher of the same kind and size.
x The expiration date of the fire extinguisher is specified by law. The expiration date is
marked on the fire extinguisher housing.
x Replace the fire extinguisher immediately after use or upon reaching its expiration date.
x For safety reasons, the fire extinguisher must only be serviced or replaced by a trained
specialist. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility with appropriate certification.
Read and follow the information contained in the labels on the fire extinguisher housing regarding
usage, maintenance and inspection intervals for the fire extinguisher.
Have the fire extinguisher checked regularly to help make sure that it will work when needed
(every 2 years is recommended).
Do not use fire extinguishers in the vehicle that have been partially used or that have expired.
Heed all applicable legal requirements.

Mounting a spare tire or a compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction.
x Place the spare tire or compact spare on the axle.
x Place the anti-theft wheel bolt (where applicable) in position ⇒ fig. 208 (2) or (3) in relation to the
position of the tire valve (1). Hand tighten it using the adapter by turning clockwise.
x Screw in all wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the
screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in
sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first
bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of
vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease.
The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they
are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on
the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious
personal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine
compartment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area,
and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source
that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure
and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In
particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and
have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)
headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb
evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment
and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or
plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting
into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
Indicator light

NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Information on light bulb replacement

As the driver of the towing vehicle:
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Avoid sudden driving maneuvers.
x Brake earlier and more gently than usual and with light pedal pressure.
x Read and heed the information and WARNINGS in the owner's manual of the vehicle being towed.