2014 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN roof rack

Side view

Fig. 1 Vehicle side overview.
Key to fig. 1:
(1) Fuel filler flap
(2) Roof antenna for:
– Mobile phone
– Navigation
(3) Outside door handles
(4) Outside mirror
– Additional turn signal light
(5) Lift points for the jack
(6) Roof rack
(7) Side window with integrated antenna
(8) Trailer hitch/ball mount receiver

Vehicle payload consists of the combined weight of the following:
x Passengers.
x Total luggage and other cargo.
x Factory-installed or retrofitted accessories.
x Roof load including roof rack system.
x Hitch weight and tongue weight for trailer operation.
Please refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and rear Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for your vehicle, which are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door jamb.
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.

Roof rack

If a roof rack is installed, fuel consumption increases due to increased air resistance.
Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Fig. 107 Vehicles without roof railing: Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.

Fig. 108 Vehicles with roof railing: Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.

Vehicles with roof railing: Mounting the roof rack
Typical roof racks cannot be attached to the roof railing. Only roof racks which have been approved by Volkswagen may be used.
Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the roof rack manufacturer.
The attachment holes are on the inside of the roof railing ⇒ fig. 108 (magnified view).
Only mount the roof rack base carrier at the holes shown in the illustration.
WARNING
Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.
x Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
x Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.
x Mount the roof rack base carrier only at the markings shown in the illustration ⇒ fig. 107
or ⇒ fig. 108.
x Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.
x Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip, check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.
x Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.
x Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.
Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them in the vehicle.
Securing a load on the roof rack

WARNING
If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage may occur.
x Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum gross axle weight rating, or the gross vehicle weight rating.
x Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is not fully utilized.
x Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as possible, toward the front.
WARNING
Loose or improperly secured loads can be thrown from the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.
x Always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.
x Secure the load properly.

Limits and guidelines have been established by governmental authorities and international committees in an effort to keep the electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones at levels that will not cause health problems. However, there is no scientifically based proof that wireless phones are absolutely safe.
Therefore some experts recommend a precautionary approach regarding the use of mobile phones by taking measures that lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields.
When using a mobile phone inside a motor vehicle without a proper connection to an integrated vehicle telephone antenna, the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields will be higher than when using the mobile telephone while properly connected to an integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna.
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional hands-free system that will permit many of the features of compatible Bluetooth® enabled mobile telephones to be used for greater convenience and is consistent with the laws of an increasing number of states and localities that prohibit the use of mobile telephones without some kind of hands-free device.
The hands-free system in your vehicle can be used with certain mobile phones that are connected by wire and hardware connector or via compatible Bluetooth® enabled phones with a cradle that is designed to fit your mobile telephone. The special cradle offers several advantages: The phone cradle must be safely secured to the base plate. Your phone is firmly attached to the instrument panel and is within reach at all times. Placing the phone in its cradle permits it to be charged, but more importantly connects the mobile phone to the vehicle's outside antenna. A mobile telephone that is properly connected to the integrated or other outside vehicle telephone antenna will lower the personal exposure to electromagnetic fields. You should also experience a better quality of service. Although a mobile telephone can be used inside your vehicle without a cradle, the phone will not be securely attached to the vehicle, will not be charged through the cradle wiring, and more importantly will not be connected to the vehicle's integrated telephone antenna. The mobile phone will also not be recharged. You might also experience more dropped calls and an overall impaired quality of the connection.
Therefore we strongly recommend that you use your mobile telephone in your vehicle only when it is properly attached to an appropriate cradle mounted on a base plate on the instrument panel.
Because of the large number and variety of mobile telephones on the market and the frequency with which new models are introduced, Volkswagen does not offer cradles for mobile telephones. Please check with the manufacturer of the mobile telephone that you plan to use.
Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth® SIG, Inc.
WARNING
A mobile phone on the seat, instrument panel or in other places can be thrown around the inside of the vehicle during a sudden braking maneuver, a crash or other accident and injure vehicle occupants.
x Never place or attach accessories or other objects (such as cup holders, telephone brackets, notepads, navigation systems, large, heavy or bulky objects) on the doors, on the windshield, over or near the area marked “AIRBAG” on the steering wheel, instrument panel, backrests or between these areas and the occupant. Such objects could cause serious injury in a collision, especially if an airbag inflates.

Description Possible causes among others Possible remedy
Electrical consumers do not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
Fuel consumption higher than indicated.
– Short hauls. – “Jumpy accelerator pedal”.
– Avoid short distance driving. – Drive defensively. – Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunctioning. Have the malfunction corrected
Tire pressure too low. Adjust tire pressure
Driving in the mountains. No direct corrective action possible.
Towing a trailer or driving with a roof rack. – Check use. – Remove if not in use.
Driving with heavy payload. No direct corrective action possible.
Driving at high engine speed. Select a higher gear.