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m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: the selector lever must be in the
Tiptronic position ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic.
No recommended gear is indicated if the most suitable gear is already selected. The currently
selected gear is displayed.
Information on cleaning the particulate filter
The engine management system recognises when the particulate filter is becoming saturated and
supports regeneration of the particulate filter by recommending the most suitable gear when driving.
Compared with normal driving, this may mean driving with an increased engine speed ⇒ Particulate
filter.
Driving in the correct gear can help to reduce fuel consumption.
Gear-change indicator display goes out when the clutch is depressed in vehicles with a
manual gearbox or when Tiptronic position is deselected in vehicles with a DSG dual clutch
gearbox.
Driving economically
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The fuel consumption, pollution and
wear of the engine, brakes and tyres
are reduced by an appropriate driving
style. A few tips are provided below
which will help you protect the
environment and also save money.
Fig. 116 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures.
Think ahead when driving
The fuel consumption will increase if you do not adopt a steady driving style. Keeping a close eye
on the traffic can help to avoid frequent acceleration and braking. Keeping a sufficient distance from
the vehicle in front will help you anticipate the driving situation.
Use the cruise control system where possible ⇒ Cruise control system (CCS).
With a gear engaged, allow the vehicle to come to a halt by itself to make use of the engine braking
effect, e.g. when approaching traffic lights.
Using freewheeling
m/k/a995MKVehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox: When the selector lever is in
position D/S and neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle will roll
(coast) with practically no energy being consumed.
With the engine-off coasting function, the engine is not just disengaged, but is also switched off.
Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox ⇒ Driving with DSG dual clutch gearbox.
Change gears in an energy-saving way
Shifting up early at an engine speed of 2,000 rpm will save energy. Do not drive gears to the limit
and avoid high revs.
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the
driver's own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations (e.g.
when overtaking, driving up and down hills ⇒ Trailer towingand when towing a trailer).
CAUTION
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m/k/a995MK Vehicles with manual gearbox: change from first to second gear immediately
after setting off. Change to higher gears rapidly.
m/k/a995MK Vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox: accelerate slowly and avoid using the
kickdown function.
Gear-change indicator ⇒ Gear-change indicator.
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
Avoid full throttle
Never fully use the maximum speed of the vehicle. Driving at excessive speeds, e.g. above 130
km/h on the motorway, will increase air resistance and thus the amount of force needed to move
the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Drive off immediately with low revs. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the engine to
idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel with moderation
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half to three quarters full is
sufficient for urban journeys in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has a very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached
only after driving a few miles. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 116. Plan journeys economically and combine short distances.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service
life of the vehicle.
Observe the correct tyre pressures
An inadequate tyre pressure does not just mean greater wear, but also increases the rolling
resistance of the tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure
sticker ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and
spread better and more quickly, especially for cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
In order to keep the drag coefficient of the vehicle as low as possible, remove attachments and
add-on parts such as ski, bicycle or roof carriers after use.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates power for convenience consumers such as the
air conditioning system, window heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is easy, e.g.:
•At high ambient temperatures, ventilate the car before starting a journey and drive a short
distance with open window. Only then switch on the air conditioning system.
•Switch off convenience systems as soon as they have served their purpose.
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
WARNING
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Inform yourself about other ways of protecting the environment. Think Blue. is the global
Volkswagen brand for sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Your Volkswagen dealership will gladly provide you with further information on correct
maintenance and replacement parts that are particularly energy-efficient, e.g. new tyres.
On vehicles with active cylinder management (ACT), individual engine cylinders can be
deactivated in driving situations with a low power requirement. When a cylinder is deactivated, no
fuel is injected into that cylinder, which leads to an overall reduction in fuel consumption.
Think Blue. Trainer.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Think Blue. Trainer analyses and
visualises your driving style and helps
you to drive more economically.
Fig. 117 In the Infotainment system: Think Blue. Trainer.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 117:
Blue Score:The higher the displayed value on a scale from 0 to 100, the more efficient
your driving style. A blue border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey
border indicates an inefficient driving style.Touch the display to open the statistics of the last
30 driving minutes Since start.
Acceleration and braking:At a constant speed, two arcs appear in the central area. The
arcs move up and down during acceleration and braking.
History display:The efficiency of the driving style is indicated by the blue bars. The white
bar stores a blue bar approximately every 5 seconds.The larger the bar, the more efficient the
driving style has been.
Driving tips: Think ahead when driving. Gear-change indicator. Adapt your
speed. Economic driving style.
Fuel consumption:The display shows the average fuel consumption Since start
in l/100 km. A blue border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey border
indicates an inefficient driving style.Touch the display to open the statistics of the last 30 driving
minutes Since start.
Tips for saving energy:Press the Think Blue. function button to access additional
tips.
Selecting Think Blue. Trainer.
•Depending on the equipment level, press the button or function button in the
Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle, Selection, Think Blue. Trainer. button.
Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km (124 to 186
miles) and must first be run in ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking
force by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking
distance is longer when the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than
with that have been fully run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and
®
Accidents and injuries can occur if the driver is distracted. Operating the Infotainment
system can distract you from the road.
•Always drive carefully and responsibly.
WARNING
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situations should be avoided that create a heavy load on the brakes, e.g. when driving up close to
the vehicle ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is used for regular
urban trips, short journeys, and is driven with a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be
regularly checked by a qualified workshop.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of
this action ⇒.
Any salt layer accumulating on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system ⇒.
Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•If the warning lamp lights up either alone or together with a text message in the
instrument cluster display, go to a qualified workshop immediately to have the brake
pads checked and the worn brake pads replaced.
WARNING
New brake pads will not have the optimal braking effect when first fitted.
•New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km (186
miles) and must first be run in. A reduced braking effect can be increased by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal.
•You must drive particularly carefully when driving with new brake pads in order to
reduce the risk of accidents, serious injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never
create a driving situation that will place a heavy load on the brakes.
WARNING
Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking
distance.
•When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot
very quickly.
•Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear
(with manual gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the DSG dual clutch gearbox). This
will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes.
•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and
cause them to overheat.
WARNING
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If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time.
Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the
underside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Driving with a loaded vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
•Stow all items of luggage securely ⇒ Stowing luggage and loads.
•Accelerate particularly cautiously and carefully.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•If applicable, observe the information concerning the roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
•If applicable, observe the information about driving with a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing.
Driving with an open boot lid
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open boot lid is particularly dangerous. All objects and the open boot lid must be
secured properly. Take the appropriate measures to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust
fumes that could enter into the vehicle.
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer
braking distances.
•Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
•Always dry brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious
applications of the brake when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
•If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will
have to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to
the lack of assistance for the brake system.
WARNING
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety which could
cause accidents and severe injuries.
•Secure objects properly to prevent them from sliding.
•Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.
•Engage the rear seat backrests and the adjustable rear bench seat securely.
WARNING
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Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the boot lid closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE
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Running in the engine
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. All moving parts have to adapt
themselves to each other. The engine is subject to higher internal friction during the first hours of
operation than later on.
•Do not depress the accelerator fully.
•Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
•Do not drive with a trailer attached ⇒ Trailer towing.
•Increase the driving speed and engine speed gradually.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after
this time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover.
Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running
smoothly.
New tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres and brake pads ⇒ Notes on driving must be run in carefully.
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.
Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle has been manufactured specifically for a particular country and complies with the
registration regulations that applied in that country at the time of vehicle production.
If you want to use the vehicle abroad for a short period, all relevant information and instructions
should be followed ⇒ Safety.
If the vehicle is going to be sold in another country or used in another country for an extended
period, the legal requirements applicable in that country must be observed.
In some cases, certain equipment will have to be fitted or removed and functions deactivated. The
service scope and service types could also be affected. This is particularly important if the vehicle is
driven in another climate region for a long period of time.
Because different frequency bands are used in different countries, the factory-fitted Infotainment
system may not work in other countries.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly iced up in
winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure
that you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when
doing so.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that
have been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE
•Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel,
inadequate servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
•Volkswagen cannot be held responsible if the vehicle does not comply with or only
partly complies with the relevant legal requirements in other countries and continents.
NOTICE
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Warning lights and text messages are shown on the instrument cluster display. These warnings
may be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Front brake pads worn. Go to a qualified workshop immediately. All brake pads should be
checked and renewed as necessary.
Malfunction in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning lamp and in
some cases by a text message. Go to the nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault
corrected. Drive at low speed when doing this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an
increase in the pressure required on the pedal.
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Ignition lock
⇒ Starter button
⇒ Starting the engine
⇒ Stopping the engine
⇒ Electronic immobiliser
⇒ Troubleshooting
Push-starting or tow-starting
For technical reasons, your vehicle must not be push-started or tow-started. Use jump leads to
start the engine instead ⇒ Jump starting.
Ignition lock
Switching the engine off while the vehicle is moving makes it more difficult to stop the
vehicle. This can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and to accidents and severe injuries.
•Braking and steering support systems, the airbag system, the belt tensioners and other
items of safety equipment in the vehicle are only active when the engine is running.
•Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
The risk of serious injury can be reduced with the engine running or when starting the
engine.
•Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It can also cause death.
•Never start or run the engine if oil, fuel or any other highly flammable fluids are under
or near the vehicle, or are leaking out of the vehicle, e.g. as the result of damage.
•Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, particularly if a gear or
position has been selected. The vehicle could move suddenly or something
unexpected may happen that may cause damage, fire and serious injuries.
•Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode and cause the engine to
suddenly run at high revs.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt
fuel.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converters, heat shields or particulate filter.
WARNING