2014 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE warning

When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in the O position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on, Switching lights on and off.
WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Instrument panel lighting and headlight range adjustment

Fig. 79 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting (vehicles without manual headlight range adjustment).

Fig. 80 To the left of the steering wheel: Thumbwheel to adjust instrument panel lighting 1 and headlight range adjustment 2 (if equipped).

Instrument panel lighting
When the lights are on, the brightness of the instrument panel lighting is adjusted by turning the
thumbwheel ⇒ fig. 79, ⇒ fig. 80 (1).
Instrument cluster brightness
When the lights are on, the brightness of the instrument cluster lighting is adjusted by turning the
thumbwheel ⇒ fig. 79, ⇒ fig. 80 (1).
In some vehicles with daytime running lights (DRL), the instrument cluster lighting switches on automatically when it is dark outside or when driving through tunnels, for example. You will need to switch the headlights on manually when this happens, so that the vehicle's taillights will turn on, Lights and vision features, Lights and vision features.
Headlight range adjustment for vehicles with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights
For vehicles with HID headlights, the headlight range can be manually adjusted to the vehicle loading condition once the low beams are switched on. This feature helps ensure good visibility for the driver
and helps prevent oncoming traffic from being blinded ⇒ .

Turn the thumbwheel to the desired position (2):
Position Vehicle loading condition5
– Front seats occupied and an empty luggage compartment.
1 All seats occupied and an empty luggage compartment.
1.5 All seats occupied and a fully loaded luggage compartment
2 Only the driver seat occupied and a fully loaded luggage compartment.
3 –
WARNING
Headlights that are aimed too high because of the way the vehicle is loaded can blind and distract other drivers. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.
x Always make sure the headlights are adjusted to loading conditions so that they do not blind others.
5 You can also select intermediate positions on the thumbwheel depending on the loading condition.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
Y Not enough windshield washer fluid. Refill windshield washer reservoir at the next opportunity
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Windshield wiper lever

Fig. 84 Operating the front windshield wiper.

Turn the rotary knob to the desired position:
L Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
R Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down.
O Neutral position. Outside mirror folded out, no heating or adjustment possible.
WARNING
Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.
x Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
x Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base when moving the mirrors.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and serious injury.
x The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision. But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are.
x If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
x Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
x Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity also changes the way your vehicle handles:
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Stowing luggage

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive with an open luggage compartment lid, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly secured and take appropriate measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with an unlatched or open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal injury.
x Never transport objects larger than those that fit completely in the luggage compartment, because the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed properly.
x After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.
x Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.
x Drive carefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
x Avoid abrupt or sudden acceleration, steering, or braking, because the unlatched luggage compartment lid can move suddenly.
x Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see. Obey all applicable legal requirements.
x Never use the luggage compartment lid to “clamp” or “hold” objects that stick out of the luggage compartment.
x Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the luggage compartment lid (along with any luggage on the rack) before driving with an open luggage compartment lid.
WARNING
Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can cause poisonous carbon monoxide in the engine exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.
x Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of consciousness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.
x Always keep the luggage compartment lid closed while driving to help keep poisonous exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle.
x Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because then the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed.
x If you absolutely must drive with the convertible top closed and the luggage compartment lid open, do the following to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
– Close all windows.
– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.
– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.
– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.
NOTICE
Opening the luggage compartment lid changes the vehicle height.
Driving a loaded vehicle

For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
x Securely stow all luggage, Stowing luggage.
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
x Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
WARNING
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of control and serious injury.
x Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.
x Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center of gravity and also the way it handles.
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.
– Secure heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.
x Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
x Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and handle differently.
x Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
x Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
Weights and axle weights

WARNING
Exceeding maximum permissible weight ratings can result in vehicle damage, accidents, and serious personal injury.
x Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the permissible Gross Axle Weight Rating. Also, never let the total of these actual weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
x Always remember that the vehicle's handling and braking will be affected by extra load and the distribution of this load. Adjust your speed accordingly.
NOTICE
x Always distribute the load evenly and as low as possible in the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
x When transporting a heavy load in the luggage compartment, carry the load as close to the rear axle (as far forward) as possible so that the vehicle's handling and braking are affected as little as possible.