•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) may be towed with a tow bar or tow rope. If the vehicle
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrow) to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE
Fig. 222 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper
⇒ Fig. 221.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
•Push the area of the cover pointing towards the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 221 in the direction of the arrow
to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anti-clockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible
⇒ Fig. 222⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it with a suitable object
clockwise.
•Insert the lug on the cover on the opening pointing towards the vehicle side in the bumper and
push on the opposite area of the cover until the lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage
compartment.
Driving notes when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, remember not to pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking
movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging
the anchorage points.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing automatically as soon as the turn signal
lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition of the vehicle being towed switched on to prevent the steering wheel from
locking, to enable the electronic parking brake to be switched off, and to ensure that the turn
signals, wipers and washer system can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more
strength to steer than you normally would.
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle:
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
Checking and refilling
In the engine compartment
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE
Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Damage to tyres and wheel rims is often hidden ⇒.
•If you suspect that a wheel is damaged, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•If a tyre is damaged, do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in order
to have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
•Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. Foreign bodies that are stuck
between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
•Replace the damaged wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel or seal the tyre with the breakdown set and
inflate it ⇒ Breakdown set. Seek professional assistance for this if necessary.
•Check and adjust the tyre pressure.
•Go to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Tyre wear
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Wheel imbalance may develop when the vehicle is driven; you will notice this by nervous steering
response. Unbalanced wheels will affect the level of tyre wear. In this case the wheels should be
balanced again.
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle. The
wheel alignment should be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Fig. 239 In the luggage compartment: handwheel for securing the spare wheel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause
serious injury.
•Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
•Worn tyres have considerably less grip, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
•Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult
driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of skidding.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion,
this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
•Reduce speed immediately and park the vehicle without obstructing traffic.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•Never drive on if wheels or tyres are damaged. Seek expert assistance instead.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified
workshop in order to have the vehicle checked.
WARNING
Scope of service
The scope of service includes all maintenance work that is necessary in order to keep your vehicle
roadworthy (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or
service fluids). The maintenance work is divided into inspection work and servicing work. You can
find out what work is required in detail for your vehicle:
•From your Volkswagen dealership.
•From your qualified workshop.
•In the electronic repair and workshop information system erWin at https://erwin.volkswagen.de.
Inspection work
Electrics
•12-volt vehicle battery: check and replace if necessary.
•Lighting: check.
•High-voltage components: check.
•Horn: check.
•Headlight setting: check.
•Service interval display: reset.
Engine/gearbox
•Exhaust system: check.
•Gearbox and final drive: check.
•Gas system: check.
•Poly V-belt: check.
•Cooling system: check.
•Engine and components in engine compartment: check.
•Engine oil level: check.
Running gear
•Swivel joints/track rods: check.
•Tyres: check.
•Brake system: check.
•Brake pads/discs: check.
•Brake fluid level: check.
•Boots: check.
•Coupling rod and stabiliser bearings: check.
•Pneumatic suspension: check.
•Breakdown set: check.
•Tyre pressure on all wheels: check.
•Power steering: check.
•Shock absorbers/coil springs: check.
Body
•Roof systems: check.
•Windscreen: check.
•Body: check for corrosion.
•Wiper blades: check.
•Window wiper and washer system: check.
•Door arresters: lubricate.
•Underbody: check.
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result
in breakdowns, accidents or serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work
or the lack of part availability.
NOTICE
Suitable accessories are available from your Volkswagen dealership. Follow the usage
instructions on the packaging.
Washing the vehicle
Also wash the underside of the vehicle on a regular basis to remove road salt or seawater residue.
Automatic car washes
Always observe all the car wash operator's specifications, in particular if your vehicle features add-
on parts ⇒.
•Preferably use car washes without brushes.
•Preclean the vehicle by rinsing with water.
•The steering column must not lock when driving through automatic car washes ⇒ Steering.
•Always switch off the Auto Hold function ⇒ Electronic parking brake, the wipers ⇒ Wipers and
the rain/light sensor before entering the car wash.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•If your vehicle has decorative and protective films, do not select a wash program with hot wax.
High-pressure cleaners
Observe the manufacturer's information for the high-pressure cleaner. Never use rotating nozzles
⇒.
•Only use water with a maximum temperature of +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Move the jet of water uniformly so that the nozzle is at least 50 cm away from the side windows
and other vehicle components.
•Do not point the water jet at the same location for too long. Instead, leave stubborn dirt to soak.
•If possible, do not direct the water jet at seals, e.g. side windows, decorative trim, tyres, rubber
hoses, insulation materials or any other sensitive components, e.g. door locks.
•Sensors, camera lenses, and decorative and protective films should be sprayed directly only for
brief periods of time.
Washing the car by hand
Washing the car by hand is always the more gentle way to clean it. However, there are also some
things to note for this ⇒.
•Before washing the vehicle, soak the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse it off thoroughly.
•Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a wash mitt or a brush applying only light pressure. Start
with the roof and work from the top to the bottom.
•Rinse the sponge, wash mitt or brush thoroughly at regular short intervals.
•Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a second sponge for this.
Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect use
of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Care products must be kept in the original, sealed container only.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never use empty food cans, bottles or other containers for storing care products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be
used outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to
wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly
inflammable.
WARNING
Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits should always be removed as quickly as possible and
not allowed to dry in.
•Have stubborn stains removed by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
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