2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN maximum

CAUTION
The ball mount sticks out behind the rear bumper and can cause injury to pedestrians and
cyclists.
x To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists
when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball carrier when you are not towing a trailer.
NOTICE
x Never use a hitch ball larger than 2 inches on your vehicle. The vehicle was not designed to
tow heavier trailers with a receivers larger than the specified ball. The increased loads can
damage the attachment points for the trailer hitch.
x Never use an adapter to increase the size of the trailer hitch receiver from 2 inches to a
larger size to tow a trailer that is heavier than the maximum permissible trailer weight that your
vehicle can tow.
x You can use an adapter if required for the proper installation of a bicycle rack or other
similar carrier as long as the maximum weight limits are observed. When using bicycle racks
or similar carriers, make sure that the rear lights are not blocked.
x Only use trailer hitches that are approved by the hitch manufacturer for your vehicle and
model.

(G) /5 inch ( 1 mm)
WARNING
Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions
that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal
injury.
x Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of
the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide
power to the trailer. Use only a suitable connector to provide power to the trailer.
x Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.
Only use trailer hitches that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.
Maximum permissible trailer weight

If the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the vehicle battery will be drained by any device that
is plugged in and turned on. For this reason, never use the electrical sockets unless the engine is
running.
To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a 12
Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.
The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:
x In the storage compartment or in the front center console.
x In the storage compartment in the front center armrest.
x In the rear center console.
x In the luggage compartment.
Volt socket
The socket can only be used if the engine is running ⇒ .
Connecting an electrical device: Insert the plug as far as it goes into the socket in order to unlock the
integrated child-proof lock. There is electricity in the socket only after the child-proof lock is unlocked.

LED display on the socket
Green continuous light: The child-proof lock is unlocked. The
socket is operational.
Red flashing light: Malfunction such as over-current or
overheating cutoff

Temperature shutoff
The inverter in the Volt socket shuts off automatically above a certain temperature. The shutoff
prevents overheating in case of excessive power consumption of connected devices or at high
ambient air temperatures. The inverter switches back on automatically after a cool-down period.
Connected devices which were left switched on come back on again. For this reason, switch off
connected electrical devices if the inverter switches off due to overheating.
DANGER
High voltage in the electrical system!
x Never spill liquids on the socket. Improper use of a volt socket can cause electrical shock,
burns, and other serious personal injuries.
x Do not connect adapters or extension cords to the Volt socket. Otherwise, the integrated
child-proof lock is switched off and the socket is live.
x Do not stick objects, such as knitting needles, into the contacts of the Volt socket.
NOTICE
x Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connected devices!
x Never exceed the maximum power consumption, or the entire vehicle electrical system may
be damaged.
x 12 Volt socket:
– Only use equipment that has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and complies
with applicable guidelines.
– Never feed current into the socket, with a solar panel, for example.

To help prevent damage from voltage fluctuations, switch off all electrical devices connected to a 12
Volt socket before switching the ignition on or off or starting the engine.
The vehicle may have 12 Volt sockets at the following places:
x In the storage compartment or in the front center console.
x In the storage compartment in the front center armrest.
x In the rear center console.
x In the luggage compartment.
NOTICE
x Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connected devices!
x Never exceed the maximum power consumption, or the entire vehicle electrical system may
be damaged.
x 12 Volt socket:
– Only use equipment that has been tested for electromagnetic compatibility and complies
with applicable guidelines.
– Never feed current into the socket, with a solar panel, for example.
x Volt socket:
– Do not connect devices or plugs which are too heavy, such as a grid power supply adapter or
cord, directly onto the socket.
– Do not connect lamps containing neon tubes.
– Only connect devices to the socket whose voltage is consistent with the voltage of the socket.
– For devices with a high starting current, the integrated over-current shutoff will prevent them
from being switched on.
Unshielded devices may interfere with radio reception or the vehicle's electrical system.

Using Tiptronic with the selector lever
x Push the selector lever sideways to the right from Drive (D) position into the Tiptronic position
⇒  in Automatic transmission: Selector lever
x Briefly push the selector lever forward (+) to upshift into a higher gear or backward (–) to downshift
into a lower gear ⇒ fig. .
NOTICE
x During acceleration, the transmission will shift automatically into the next higher gear
before reaching maximum engine speed (rpm).
x If you use Tiptronic to shift into a lower gear, the transmission will downshift only when
doing so will not over-rev the engine.
Driving with automatic transmission

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on
the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any
salt coating from the brake disks and pads ⇒ .
Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is
not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been
used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully
braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.
Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others ⇒ .
Brake system malfunction
If you brake and find that vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light BRAKE or h will come on
and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.
Brake booster
The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above
and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.
If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒ .
WARNING
New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.
x New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first miles ( km) and must
be “broken in”. You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting more
pressure on the brake pedal.
x Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk
of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.
x Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might
require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.
WARNING
Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.
x When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed
and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could
overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down
more or to stop.
x A damaged front spoiler or a nonstandard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and
make them overheat.

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious
personal injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility
to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has
reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as
well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and
recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce
visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents,
collisions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long
period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to
help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation
system can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter,
resulting in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep
the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor)
switched on. Press the AC button. The indicator light in the button must come on.
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner
evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to
maintain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.
Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has
reached operating temperature.

be lower on hard, firm surfaces if ideal conditions do not exist. As the driver, you are always
responsible for deciding whether your vehicle is able to handle a particular situation ⇒ .

Term Explanation Technical data
Ground clearance This is the vertical distance between the
level ground and the lowest part on the
vehicle.
maximum 7.6 in ( mm).
Gradient angle The number of feet (meters) in altitude
gained when traveling ft (30.48 m) is
given as a percentage or in degrees ⇒ fig.
A.
Information on the maximum slope the
vehicle can climb unassisted (depends on
road surface and engine power).
Maximum permissible 31 degrees
(corresponds to 60 %).
Lateral angle
(vehicle slope)
The maximum angle the vehicle may be
driven across terrain without the vehicle
rolling over (depends on height of center of
gravity) B.
Maximum permissible
27 degrees.
Breakover angle Maximum permitted angle given in
degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed
can clear a ramp without the underbody of
the vehicle scraping the ramp.
maximum 21.3 degrees.
Approach/departure
angle
Transition from horizontal plane to a slope,
or from a slope to flat ground.
Maximum angle in degrees the vehicle can
be driven at low speed along an
embankment without the bumper or
underbody scraping.
Approach angle for off-road front
end:
maximum 28 degrees.
Departure angle:
maximum 25 degrees.
Fall line This is the vertical drop route.
Articulation Articulation capability of the vehicle while driving on one side over an object.

WARNING
Never exceed the recommended maximum values in the above table. Exceeding these values
will result in serious personal injury and/or damage to your vehicle.
x All values listed above are for ideal conditions and assume firm, even surfaces that are
dry and not slippery.
x Off-road conditions will always be less than ideal. Always reduce the maximum values
listed in the table above to allow an adequate margin of safety between the ideal maximum
value and your vehicle's actual off-road situation.
Useful off-road driving equipment