2013 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ESP

WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury, or even death.
x When the warning symbol Ç appears in the instrument cluster, stop the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so and inspect all tires.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect
the handling of the vehicle and its stopping ability.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, including
a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.
x The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door
x The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct
cold tire inflation pressure. Always maintain the correct cold tire inflation pressure so that
TPMS can do its job.
x Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Check the
pressure in all four tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm tires
to match cold tire inflation pressure.
x Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires
installed on the vehicle; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb Tires and
wheels.
x Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
x Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,
which can result in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.
x Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat buildup, sudden tire failure, and loss
of control.
x If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle
will not handle well.
x If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change the tire or wheel immediately, drive at
reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.
x When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS, always read and
heed the information and all WARNINGS in the section Tires and wheels
x The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire
pressure does not change
WARNING
Improper use of the MFI reset function can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give
no warning despite dangerously low tire pressure
WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups
as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
Resetting and recalibrating the benchmark tire pressure
Resetting the tire pressures in the Multi-function Indicator (MFI) resets the benchmark tire pressure
used by the TPMS to the current tire pressure in the tires based on the circumference of the tires.
To reset the reference tire pressure, switch on the ignition. In the MFI, navigate to the Settings menu
and select Tire pressure. Store and confirm the new tire pressures.
The re-calibration must be performed each time the tire pressure in one or more tires has been
adjusted or after one or more tires has been changed, exchanged, or repaired. The new tire pressures
are stored in the system only after at least 20 minutes of normal driving.
If you have reset the benchmark tire pressure when your tires do not have the correct tire pressure,
this will prevent the TPMS from working properly. It may then give false warnings or may not give any
warning even if the tire pressure is too low.
For this reason, it is vital to make certain that all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure
when they are cold, before calibrating the system. Cold tire tires are tires that have not been driven
more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speed within the last 3 hours.
Recalibrate the system to reset the benchmark TPMS pressure in the following
situations:
x After installing tires on your vehicle that have recommended cold tire inflation pressures that are
different from the tires that were taken off.
x After any tire on your vehicle is removed and then remounted, even if the same tire and wheel rim
that were taken off are reinstalled (for instance, after repair).
x After any tire on your vehicle is changed and replaced by another tire, even if the replacement tire
is the same type and is inflated to the same pressure as the tire it replaced.
x After adjusting the tire pressure of any tire on the vehicle to its correct cold tire inflation pressure,
either by putting air in one or more tires or by letting air out. Do this even though air was only added
(or let out) to bring the tire to the inflation pressure it should have had all along.
x After rotating the front and rear wheels
x After mounting the compact spare tire.
WARNING
Incorrect calibration can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no warning despite
dangerously low tire pressures. Make certain the tire inflation pressure of all tires is correct
before calibrating the system.

WARNING
Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal
injuries, especially in a crash.
x For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel
container in your vehicle.
x If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please
observe the following:
– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for
example, in the luggage compartment or on the rear hatch). Static electricity can build up
while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.
– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel
inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.
– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and
during filling.
– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact
with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a
fire.
– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and
transportation of portable fuel containers.
– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as
ANSI/ASTM F -86.
NOTICE
x Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires,
and wheel housings.
x Refueling with diesel fuel when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious
and expensive engine and fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited
Warranty.
x If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any
circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely
damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly,
following all applicable environmental regulations.
There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

WARNING
Inadequate experience and knowledge of the demands of off-road driving can lead to critical
situations and cause serious personal injury.
x Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot
go on, or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.
x The intelligent technology of the vehicle cannot change the laws of physics. Despite the
ABS, adverse terrain can cause instability through blocked wheels – for example, if you brake
hard when driving on a loose gravel road. Difficult terrain may also prevent the ESC from
doing its job.
x Never operate the vehicle at the limit of its performance ability. Always leave a good safety
margin.
x To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise
control when driving off-road.
x Even terrain that looks easy can be difficult and dangerous, putting you and your
passengers in a critical situation. It is often best to check an area out on foot first.
x Drive with special care and think ahead in off-road terrain. If you drive too fast, or fail to
maneuver the vehicle properly, you could cause personal injury and damage the vehicle.
x Never drive faster than is appropriate for the prevailing terrain and the road, traffic, and
weather conditions.
x Never drive too fast across embankments, ramps, or slopes. The vehicle could become
airborne. If that happens, you will not be able to steer and can lose control.
x If your vehicle becomes airborne, always keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead. If
the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.
x Never allow people to stand in front of or behind the vehicle if you have put items such as
stones or pieces of wood under the wheels to improve traction on slippery ground. Spinning
wheels can turn these items into dangerous flying objects causing serious personal injury.
x Even areas that look harmless can be dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-offs,
different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can be
partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such terrain
can cause accidents and severe injuries. Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore
the route you plan to take on foot.
WARNING
Never drive off-road if you are low on fuel. Too little fuel in the tank can cause an accident
and serious injuries. You can also run out of fuel in a remote area where getting help is
difficult or impossible.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,
especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills. The interruption
in fuel flow could stall the engine during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose
control of the vehicle.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the
engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel. This can cause loss of vehicle control,
especially in difficult terrain.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.
NOTICE
If the power sunroof or the windows are open when it rains or snows, the interior of the vehicle
will get wet and the vehicle may be damaged. Always keep the windows and the power sunroof
closed when driving off-road.

¥ Check the vehicle tool kit. Add tools and other gear based on the special requirements of the trip
you will be taking
¥ Stow luggage as low and flat as possible in the vehicle. Safely secure all loose objects.
Before driving off-road the first time
Before you drive your vehicle off-road, we urge you to take an appropriate off-road driving course.
Taking a course is especially important if you have little or no experience driving off-road. Even more
experienced off-roaders can benefit from an off-road driving course.
A good course can show you how to handle the vehicle in a wide range of off-road situations and how
to more safely deal with difficult terrain Driving off-road demands a different attitude and very different
skills compared with highway driving. Your safety and that of your passengers will depend on your
knowledge, skill, and caution as a driver ⇒ .
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist above. Follow commonly accepted safety practices
and use common sense.
x All occupants must sit properly and wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is moving.
General rules and good driving practices

WARNING
Off-road driving can be dangerous, can lead to accidents, vehicle damage, stranding in
remote areas, and serious personal injury.
x Never drive too fast or for terrain and weather conditions.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather
conditions.
x Always avoid sudden, sharp maneuvers that increase the risk of loss of vehicle control or
getting stuck.
x When driving off-road look and think ahead, expect the unexpected.
x To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise
control when driving off-road. Cruise control is designed for highway use. It is completely
unsuitable for off-road situations and can even be dangerous when used off-road.
NOTICE
Always make sure the vehicle has enough ground clearance. Severe damage to the underbody
can occur if the vehicle bottoms out. The damage could disable the vehicle and leave you
stranded.
x While driving off-road do not drag the clutch or rest one foot on the clutch pedal. Otherwise,
in bumpy terrain you might press the clutch accidentally, resulting in loss of vehicle control. In
addition, the frictional connection between the engine and transmission is lost. Further, driving
while dragging the clutch causes fast wear of the clutch lining.
“Tread lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land use
regulations and responsibilities in our nation's wilderness areas. Volkswagen supports the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to preserve our national forests and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly”.
Technical terms explained

Fig. Illustration of A: ascent angle. B: lateral gradient.

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

WARNING
Driving through snow-covered terrain is very dangerous.
x Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot
go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.
x Potholes, ruts, ditches, drop-offs, and other obstacles are often partially or completely
hidden by the snow, especially when it is deep.
x Snow-covered dangers can lead to an accident, serious personal injury, or stranding
under extreme weather conditions.
x Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.
Driving in steep terrain