x Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage to the catalytic converter.
x If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline with the required octane rating as soon as possible.
x Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.
x Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic additives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to it.
Diesel fuel
NOTICE
x Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above range (A). Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter and engine can be damaged!
x When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine damage.
The engine oil level should never be above range (A). Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption
Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed ⇒ :
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface ⇒ .
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the switch ⇒ fig. 190.
3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving, Braking and parking.
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only), Shifting.
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch, Starting and stopping the engine.
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a guard rail.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
x Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
x In any emergency situation.
x If the vehicle breaks down.
x When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the ignition is switched off.
