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
•Press the button in the Infotainment system.
•Touch the Vehicle function button.
•Touch the Selection function button.
•Touch the Off-road function button.
Selecting instruments and setting units
The display shows various instruments ⇒ Fig. 130.
To change instruments, swipe vertically over the display.
The units can be adjusted for some instruments in the Infotainment system ⇒ Operation and
display in the Infotainment system.
Instruments in the off-road display (depends on the vehicle's equipment):
•Altitude: The altitude function shows the current height above sea level.
•Steering angle display: the steering angle of the vehicle is displayed in the range between -
49° and 49°. The value is positive for a left steering angle and negative for a right steering
angle.
•Compass: the compass shows the current driving direction.
•Coolant temperature display: the display corresponds to the temperature display on the
instrument cluster ⇒ Coolant temperature display. At high engine loads and with high outside
temperatures, the needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing.
•Oil temperature display: the needle is in the middle when the engine has reached operating
temperature. If the needle is in the bottom left area, this means that the engine has not yet
reached its operating temperature. At high engine loads and with high outside temperatures, the
needle will move clockwise. This is no cause for concern unless the indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster is lit up or flashing ⇒ Engine oil.
Adapting the display areas to the driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected depending on the driving situation, the ambient
conditions and the off-road conditions:
•Sandy terrain: oil, steering angle and coolant temperature display
•Inclines: steering angle and coolant temperature display, altimeter
•Alpine terrain: steering angle display, altimeter, compass
Off-road driving situations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Safety notes for driving off-road
⇒ Explanation of some technical terms
⇒ Checklist: Before driving off-road
⇒ General rules and driving tips
⇒ Useful accessories for off-road driving
⇒ Changing gear
⇒ Up hill and down dale
⇒ Driving through water
⇒ Off-road driving in snow
⇒ Driving in sand and mud
⇒ Driving in steep terrain
⇒ Traversing a slope
⇒ Driving through ditches
⇒ If your vehicle gets stuck
⇒ After off-road driving
You can also drive four-wheel drive vehicles off-road in addition to normal roads. It is very important
to read the contents of this section before driving off-road.
The vehicle is not built for expeditions.
The examples given in this chapter are an aid for safe off-road driving. However, we cannot predict
whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The large variety of landscapes and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines designed to help
you drive off-road safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into off-road
terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance.
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
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, by means of the button for the driver assist systems
⇒ Button for driver assist systems.
•OR: depending on the vehicle equipment, in the Driver assistance menu in the Infotainment
system ⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system.
Function
Rear Traffic Alert monitors the traffic crossing behind the vehicle when reversing out of a parking
space or manoeuvring. Rear Traffic Alert functions using radar sensors in the rear bumper.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 150:
Critical situation. Do not drive on!Possible critical situation.
Detection of a critical situation can also take place acoustically:
•A warning signal will sound and a text message will be displayed in the instrument cluster for
vehicles without Park Distance Control.
•A warning signal will sound with the continuous Park Distance Control tone if Park Distance
Control is installed in the vehicle. If the Park Distance Control is deactivated, no warning can be
given to the driver and the Rear Traffic Alert system will also be switched off temporarily.
If there is a fault in the system's scanned area, the yellow indicator lamp lights up .
Automatic braking intervention to minimise damage
If Rear Traffic Alert detects an approaching road user and the driver has not pressed the brake, the
system can brake automatically.
The Rear Traffic Alert helps the driver to prevent damage by initiating an automatic braking
intervention. Automatic braking intervention takes place when reversing at speeds of between
1-12 km/h (1-7 mph). The vehicle is held stationary for up to two seconds after vehicle standstill has
been detected.
After automatic braking intervention is activated to prevent damage to the vehicle, the system
requires approximately ten seconds before it can activate another automatic braking intervention.
The automatic braking intervention can be interrupted by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal
sharply and taking control of the vehicle.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
No sensor visibility, error message, system switches itself off
•Clean the radar sensors or remove stickers or accessories from the radar sensors ⇒ Caring for
and cleaning the vehicle exterior.
•Check whether any damage is visible.
The system is not responding as expected
•The radar sensors are dirty ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior. The sensor visibility
may be impaired by dirt and snow or also residue from cleaning agents or coatings.
•The prerequisites for system operation must be met ⇒ System limits.
•The radar sensors are covered by water.
•The vehicle is damaged in the area of the radar sensors, e.g. caused by parking collisions.
•The detection ranges of the radar sensors are blocked by add-on parts, e.g. bicycle carriers.
•Changes have been made to the paintwork in the area of the radar sensors or structural
modifications have been made, e.g. on the vehicle front end or the running gear.
•Tinting foils have been retrofitted on the side windows.
The intelligent technology of the lane change system including Rear Traffic Alert cannot
overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not
let the auxiliary function of the Rear Traffic Alert tempt you to take any risks while driving
– this can cause accidents. The system is not a substitute for the full concentration of the
driver.
•Never use the system with impaired vision or in unpredictable traffic situations, e.g. on
extremely busy roads or across several lanes.
•Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle – cyclists and pedestrians are
often not clearly detected.
•The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete
stop.
WARNING
The refill bottle must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection
of the environment.
Catalytic converter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter:
•Use unleaded petrol only ⇒ Fuel types and refuelling.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run completely empty.
•Do not overfill engine oil ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is moving, reduce speed
immediately. The vehicle should be inspected at the nearest qualified workshop
⇒ Troubleshooting. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
The emissions may have a sulphur-like smell even if the emission purification system is
working properly.
Particulate filter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Function
The particulate filter filters out soot particles in the exhaust gas. Observe the following points to
ensure that the exhaust purification system will work properly for a long time:
AdBlue is an irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing
passages upon contact.
•Always observe the instructions for use when using AdBlue. If containers are used
according to the instructions, it is unlikely that a user will come into contact with
AdBlue.
•AdBlue must be kept in the closed original container. Never use empty food
containers, bottles or other containers for this purpose.
•Always store in a safe place out of reach of children.
•If AdBlue gets into the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
•If AdBlue gets onto the skin, immediately wash the area with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes and consult a doctor if the skin becomes irritated.
•If AdBlue is swallowed, immediately rinse the mouth out with lots of water for at least
15 minutes. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Seek
medical assistance immediately.
CAUTION
®
®
®
®
®
®
®
Overfilling AdBlue may damage the tank system and the vehicle.
•Do not fill with more than the maximum refill quantity indicated on the instrument
cluster display.
•Remove any spilt AdBlue as quickly as possible with a damp cloth and plenty of cold
water.
•If the AdBlue has already formed crystals, use warm water and a sponge to remove.
NOTICE
®
®
®
Improper use of AdBlue may cause damage to the vehicle that is not covered by the
warranty.
•Only use AdBlue that complies with the standard ISO 22241-1.
•Do not mix with water, fuel or additives.
•Never fill AdBlue in the diesel tank.
•Do not transport the refill bottle in the vehicle habitually. The bottle may develop a leak
following changes in temperature and damage and the AdBlue may damage the
vehicle interior.
NOTICE
®
®
®
®
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Engine oil specification
⇒ Changing the engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
⇒ Troubleshooting
Leaking or spilt engine oil can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Engine oil specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The correct engine oil is important for the function and service life of the engine. A special high
quality multigrade oil has been filled at the factory and this can normally be used as an all-season
oil.
If possible, use only Volkswagen-approved engine oil ⇒. To comply with flexible oil change
service requirements, refill only with approved flexible service engine oil that meets the
corresponding VW standard. The engine oils listed are multigrade high-lubricity oils.
Engine oils are constantly being developed and improved. Volkswagen dealerships are kept up to
date on all innovations. Volkswagen therefore recommends having engine oil changes done by a
Volkswagen dealership.
The quality of the engine oil is not only tailored to the requirements of engines and exhaust gas
treatment systems, but also to fuel quality. Due to the way in which a combustion engine works,
engine oil always comes into contact with combustion residues and fuel, which has a knock-on
effect on the ageing process of the oil.
The quality of fuels can vary greatly between individual markets and this must be taken into account
when selecting the correct engine oil.
Never mix coolant additive or other unsuitable additives into the windscreen washer fluid.
These may leave an oily film on the screen, restricting the field of vision.
•Use clean, clear water (not distilled water) with a washer fluid recommended by
Volkswagen.
•A suitable anti-freeze agent should be added to the windscreen washer fluid if
necessary.
WARNING
•Never mix other cleaning agents with the cleaning agents recommended by
Volkswagen. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the windscreen
washer jets.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
Incorrect handling of engine oil can cause serious burns and other injuries.
•Always wear eye protection when handling engine oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Engine oil must be kept in the closed original container. This also applies to used oil
until it is disposed of.
•Never use empty food containers, bottles or other containers to store engine oil as
other people may then drink the engine oil.
•Regular contact with engine oil can damage the skin. Skin that has been in contact with
engine oil should be washed thoroughly with water and soap.
•Engine oil becomes extremely hot when the engine is running and can scald skin
severely. Always allow the engine to cool down.
WARNING
The use of engine oils compliant with the VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 specifications
requires a fuel quality compliant with EN 228 (petrol) and EN 590 (diesel), or fuel of an equivalent
quality. Engine oils compliant with VW 504 00, VW 507 00 and VW 508 00 are therefore
unsuitable for use in a large number of markets.
If the engine has been filled with engine oil in accordance with the standards W 502 00, VW 504 00
and VW 507 00, a sticker with the relevant information will be located on the lock carrier in the
engine compartment. Observe this information!
Permitted engine oil specifications ⇒Alternative engine
oil
specifications⇒
Engine typeFlexible
service QI6
(LongLife)
Fixed service QI1,
QI2, QI3, QI4, QI7
(based on
time/distance
travelled)
Only in the EU,
Switzerland,
Norway, Japan
and Australia.
Petrol engines
VW 508 00
Alternatively:
VW 504 00
VW 502 00VW 504 00
Diesel engines with
diesel particulate
filter
VW 507 00VW 507 00–
Diesel engines
without diesel
particulate filter
VW 507 00VW 505 01VW 507 00
Volkswagen recommends . Volkswagen recommends Volkswagen genuine engine
oils.
Alternative engine oil specifications may only be used in fixed services QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 and
QI7, and only when fuel of a quality compliant with EN 228 (petrol) and EN 590 (diesel), or fuel of
an equivalent quality, is available in the particular country.
The engine oil VW 502 00 must be used if the fuel grade does not comply with EN 228.
Using VW 504 00 instead of VW 508 00 may cause the vehicle's emissions values to increase
slightly.
You can also check with a qualified workshop if you are unsure whether your vehicle is equipped
with a diesel particulate filter. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Changing the engine oil
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil must be changed on a regular basis. Always observe the service intervals applicable
for your vehicle ⇒ Service.
The engine oil and filter change should be carried out by a qualified workshop due to the special
tools and knowledge required, this also applies to the disposal of used oil. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Please read the notes on the service intervals ⇒ Service.
Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does
not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.
a)
b)
c)
d)
d)
•Do not add any additional lubricants to the engine oil. Any damage caused by the use
of such additives is not covered by the warranty.
•Only those engine oil specifications that have been approved for use with the engine
should be used. Using other engine oils can cause engine damage.
•Another engine oil can be used in the event of an emergency if the listed engine oils are
not available. To avoid damaging the engine, a maximum quantity of 0.5 litres of the
following engine oil may be used only once until the next oil change:
- Petrol engines: standards ACEAA3/B4 or API SN (API SM).
- Diesel engines: standards ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
NOTICE
a)
b)
c)
d)
Before changing the engine oil, first find out where old oil can be disposed of properly near
you.
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection of the
environment. Never dispose of old oil in locations such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on
streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of
an engine.
The vehicle may consume up to 1.0 litre of engine oil per 2,000 km, depending on how you drive
and the conditions in which the car is used. In new vehicles, consumption is likely to be higher for
the first 5,000 km. The engine oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably
when refuelling and before long journeys.
When the engine is working hard, the engine oil level should be kept within the upper permissible
area ⇒ Fig. 227Ⓒ, for instance during extended motorway journeys in summer, when towing a
trailer ⇒ Trailer towing, or when climbing mountain passes.
Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
Fig. 227 Engine oil level markings on the oil dipstick.
Fig. 228 In the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Key to ⇒ Fig. 227:
Engine oil level too high – follow the messages in the instrument cluster display or contact
a qualified workshop, if necessary.
If, in exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the
following:
•Always wear eye protection.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.
•Avoid raising your arms when removing the oil drain plug with your fingers to help
prevent oil from running down your arm.
•Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be at least large enough to
hold the entire quantity of engine oil required for refilling.
•Never store engine oil in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain engine
oil.
•Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
WARNING
Fig. 231 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged
if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably
reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake
system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably
increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely. Your own safety
and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times
⇒.
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the
vehicle. To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the
use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container
correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can
be used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116
DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals
that can damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with
VW standard 501 14 to ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
Brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid
reservoir or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go
to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.