Explanation of some technical terms
Fig. 131 Illustration: angle of gradient.
The terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows,
ditches, precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not
recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or
branches lying on the ground. Driving off-road over such terrain could cause accidents,
serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
•Check any unknown sections of the route on foot carefully before driving.
•Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your
passengers. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn back and choose
another route.
•Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and off-road,
visibility and weather conditions.
WARNING
•Always avoid traversing a slope ⇒ Traversing a slope.
•Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill
when parked sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle
and its payload (vehicle occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll
over and roll down the incline. Always leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which
open up the incline ⇒ Traversing a slope.
WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise
control system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If you use the
cruise control system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the vehicle and
sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road.
WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on paved roads only.
The area monitoring system is not suitable for use off-road and may even be hazardous. If
you use the area monitoring system while driving off-road, you may lose control over the
vehicle and sustain severe injuries.
•Never use the area monitoring system when driving off-road.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down
off-road, accidents and serious injuries.
•When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular,
especially when driving up or down hills and inclines.
•The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if
the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
•Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel
and breaking down.
WARNING
Any rain entering the vehicle when the windows or glass roof are open can soak the
interior equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass
roof closed when driving off-road.
NOTICE
Obtain sufficient information before driving into off-road terrain with the vehicle.
Do not plan day tours that are too long. Take increased fuel requirements for off-road
driving into account.
Refill tank completely. Fuel consumption is considerably higher off-road.
Check that your tyres are suitable for the off-road journey you have planned.
Recommendation for difficult off-road terrain: always have off-road tyres fitted to your
vehicle.
Check the tyre pressure on all tyres and correct them if necessary. This includes the
temporary spare wheel, if fitted.
Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. The engine will only be supplied
with engine oil when it is driven on or across a steep slope if the engine oil level is
sufficient.
Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.
Fit the towing eye at the front and rear. It is not always possible to fit a towing eye when
the vehicle is stuck.
Check the vehicle tool kit and add tools according to individual requirements Useful
accessories for off-road driving.
Pack luggage in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.
Fig. 132 Illustration: angle of tilt.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for off-road driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the level ground and the
lowest item on the vehicle.Angle of rising gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m will be given as a percentage or degree ⇒ Fig. 131. Indication of gradient that
the vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface
and engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope
without the vehicle toppling over (determined by centre of gravity) ⇒ Fig. 132.Breakover
angleMaximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a
ramp without the underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the
horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface.
Angle at which the vehicle underbody will come into contact with the edge of the ramp.Fall lineThis
is the vertical drop route.Torsional flexibilityThe vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over
objects with just one side of the vehicle.
Checklist: Before driving off-road
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points
before driving off-road:
Before driving off-road, Volkswagen recommends attending an off-road driving course, particularly if
you have no or very little experience.
A good driving course will teach you how to handle the vehicle in a variety of off-road situations and
how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Code of conduct for off-road driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving off-road. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
•Always stay on designated routes and paths.
•Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
•Leave nature as you found it.
•Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.
Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.
Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.
Electric air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the
tyres.
A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of
similar size: this will help to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a
vehicle jack.
Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
•Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving off-road:
•Never drive off-road alone. Always drive off-road in a team of at least two other off-road
vehicles. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment
you can use for calling for help.
•Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the path ahead to
reconnoitre it.
•Drive slowly over the brows of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this
could cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
•Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always
keep the vehicle in motion.
•Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving off-road
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the wading
depth.
•Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.
Useful accessories for off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for off-road driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories you should always take
them with you and consult them as necessary when driving off-road.
Checklist
Useful items when driving off-road:
Changing gear
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The choice of gear depends on the terrain off-road.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After some time driving off-road, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction
with the low range and the differential lock for different types of terrain.
Basic points
•With the correct gear selected, the vehicle will normally not have to be braked so much using
the foot brake when driving downhill as the engine braking effect will normally be sufficient.
•You should only depress the accelerator as much as is required. If you accelerate too hard, the
wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.
DSG dual clutch gearbox
•Select position D when driving in normal, flat off-road terrain.
•Adjust your speed when driving on soft or slippery ground, and select the highest suitable
position for the Tiptronic.
•If driving through mud, sand, water or hilly terrain, select the Tiptronic in the positions 3 or
2⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious
damage to the underbody could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could
cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.
•Do not slip the clutch or rest your foot on the clutch when driving off-road. When
travelling over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control
of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also prevents power being transferred from the engine
to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the
clutch lining.
NOTICE
®
®
Clean the turn signals, headlight system, the number plate and all windows.
If necessary, remove the towing eye and the snow chains.
Check the tyres, struts and axles for damage and remove dirt, stones and other foreign
bodies from the tyre tread.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and remove all items that are jammed in the brake system,
on the wheels, in the running gear, in the exhaust system and in the engine, such as
branches, leaves or pieces of wood . If you see any damage or leaks, take your vehicle to a
qualified workshop.
Clean heavy soiling from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody Vehicle care.
Check the engine compartment to see if any dirt is affecting the engine operation In the
engine compartment.
Switch off OFF-ROAD mode Selecting a driving profile (4MOTION Action Control).
Switch on TCS again Brake support systems.
If your vehicle gets stuck
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Rocking out a vehicle requires a great deal of training and feeling for the vehicle.
If you make a mistake when rocking the vehicle, it can sink deeper and you will need assistance to
get out of the mud.
When you cannot proceed ...
•Carefully dig out all the wheels and check that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the
sand.
•Engage reverse gear.
•Reverse over your own tracks, accelerating gently.
If this does not help, place brushwood, floor mats or sacking directly in front of the wheels to
increase grip ⇒.
Rocking the vehicle
Never allow the wheels to spin for long periods as this will cause the vehicle to sink deeper ⇒.
•Switch off TCS ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Position the steering wheel so that it is facing straight ahead.
•Reverse until the point where the wheels just start to spin.
•Quickly select first gear and drive forwards until the wheels start to spin again.
•Repeat driving back and forth until you have enough momentum to free yourself.
•Switch the TCS on after the rocking procedure is completed ⇒ Brake support systems.
•Use the Off-road driving profile.
After off-road driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Never drive through a ditch if the entry/exit angle is too steep for the vehicle and the ditch
is too deep. The vehicle could slide away, tip over or roll.
WARNING
If you drive into the ditch at a right angle, the front wheels will fall in. The underbody of
your vehicle could get stuck and damaged which means that the vehicle could break
down. It is then almost impossible to get out of the ditch despite having all-wheel drive.
NOTICE
Nobody may stand either in front or behind the vehicle, particularly if you are attempting
to free a stuck vehicle.
•Spinning wheels can propel stones, brushwood, pieces of wood or other objects that
are in front or behind the wheels at enormous speed and cause potentially fatal injury.
•People standing in front of or behind the vehicle could be run over if the stuck vehicle
starts to move suddenly.
WARNING
The current speed is stored as the maximum speed. The green indicator lamp also lights up.
Setting the speed
You can adjust the stored speed:
+ 1 km/h (1 mph)- 1 km/h (1 mph)+ 10 km/h (5 mph)- 10 km/h (5 mph)
Press and hold the button or to continuously change the stored speed.
Interrupting control
•Press the or button.
The speed remains stored in the memory.
Resuming control
•Press the button.
The speed limiter is activated again as soon as the current speed is lower than the stored speed.
Switching off
•Press and hold the button.
The speed limiter is switched off and the speed remains stored (also after the ignition is switched
off).
Changing to cruise control system or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
•Press the button.
The speed limiter is switched off.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Regulation is automatically interrupted.
•Malfunction. Switch off the speed limiter and have it checked by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
For safety reasons, the speed limiter switches itself off completely only when you release the
accelerator once or switch off the system manually.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Special driving situations
⇒ System limits
⇒ Switching ACC on and off
⇒ Setting ACC
⇒ Troubleshooting
The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
maintains a constant speed that you
have set. When your vehicle
approaches a vehicle that is driving in
front, ACC automatically adapts the
speed to maintain the distance that you
have set.
Driving with ACC
You can override control by ACC at any time. Control will be interrupted if you brake. If you
accelerate, control will be interrupted while you are accelerating and then resumed.
Control by ACC is less dynamic when towing a trailer ⇒. ACC will not perform control if the brake
lights of the trailer are defective.
Brake request
If automatic deceleration by ACC is not sufficient, ACC will request you to brake additionally by a
corresponding message on the instrument cluster. The red warning lamp lights up. An
acoustic warning is also given. Brake immediately.
Speed range
ACC controls the vehicle in the speed range between 30 km/h (20 mph) and 160 km/h (100 mph)
or 210 km/h (130 mph). This speed range may differ in certain markets.
Radar sensor
ACC detects driving situations by means of the radar sensor at the front of the vehicle ⇒ Front
view. The range of the radar sensor is up to approximately 120 m.
Does the vehicle have ACC?
The vehicle is equipped with ACC if you can make settings for ACC in the vehicle settings of the
Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
If the vehicle has ACC, the cruise control system is not available as an independent system.
Special driving situations
Fig. 142 On the instrument cluster display: slower vehicle detected in the left-hand lane
(illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Overtaking
If you indicate left (left-hand traffic: indicate right) to overtake, ACC will accelerate the vehicle and
reduce the distance from the vehicle in front. Your set speed will not be exceeded.
If ACC does not detect any vehicle in front after you have changed lane, ACC will accelerate the
vehicle up to the set speed.
Stop-and-go traffic
ACC can brake vehicles with DSG dual clutch gearbox to a standstill and hold them stationary.
ACC remains active and the instrument cluster display shows ACC ready for a few seconds.
During this time the vehicle will move off again automatically as soon as the vehicle in front moves
off (depending on the vehicle equipment level and not available in all countries).
•Press the button.
•Press the button or briefly press the accelerator.
The intelligent technology used in the ACC cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience tempt you
into taking safety risks when driving. Careless or unintentional use of the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) can cause accidents and lead to serious injury. The system is not a
substitute for the full concentration of the driver.
•Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
•Do not use the ACC in poor visibility, on steep or winding roads, on slippery road
surfaces, e.g. on snow, ice, wet roads, loose chippings, or on flooded roads.
•Never use ACC off-road or on non-surfaced roads. The ACC is designed for use on
surfaced roads only.
•ACC does not respond to stationary vehicles.
•The ACC does not react to persons, animals or vehicles crossing or approaching in the
same lane.
•Brake immediately if speed reduction by ACC is not sufficient.
•Brake immediately if a request to brake appears on the instrument cluster display.
•Brake if the vehicle starts rolling unintentionally after a request to brake.
•Be prepared to control the speed yourself at all times.
WARNING
®
•Press the button.
ACC is switched off.
Setting ACC
Fig. 146 On the instrument cluster display: setting the distance (illustration, ACC regulating).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Setting the distance
You can set the distance in 5 steps from very small to very large:
•Press the button and then the button or .
•Alternatively, press the button as often as necessary until the desired distance is set.
The instrument cluster display shows the chosen distance setting ⇒ Fig. 146①. Please observe
any country-specific requirements for the minimum distance.
You can set the distance which should be set at the start of control operation in the vehicle settings
of the Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
If ACC is not regulating, the set distance and vehicle are not highlighted on the instrument cluster
display.
Setting the speed
You can adjust the stored speed within the defined speed range by means of the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel:
+ 1 km/h (1 mph)- 1 km/h (1 mph)+ 10 km/h (5 mph)- 10 km/h (5 mph)
Press and hold the corresponding button to incrementally change the stored speed.
Setting the control behaviour
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles with driving profile selection: set the desired driving profile
⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control.
•m/k/a995MK Vehicles without driving profile selection: set the desired gearbox
programme in the vehicle settings of the Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
If you do not maintain the minimum distance to a vehicle in front and the difference in
speed between the vehicle in front and your own vehicle is so great that the braking action
of the ACC is insufficient, you are in danger of colliding with the vehicle in front. The
braking distance is also longer in rain and winter road conditions.
•The Adaptive Cruise Control may not be able to detect all driving situations correctly.
•Always be prepared to brake the vehicle yourself.
•Speed and distance control are overridden when you press the accelerator. ACC does
not brake automatically in this case.
•Observe any country-specific regulations relating to the minimum distance.
•Always set a larger distance in wet or snowy conditions or when visibility is poor.
WARNING
System limits
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Front Assist has physical and system-related limitations. From the driver's perspective, some Front
Assist reactions may therefore occur unexpectedly or with a delay in certain circumstances. You
should therefore always be prepared to take full control of the vehicle if necessary.
•In tight bends.
•If the accelerator is fully depressed.
•If Front Assist is switched off or faulty.
•If TCS is switched off manually.
•If ESC is taking corrective action.
•If there is a fault in several brake lights on the vehicle or on a trailer with an electrical
connection to the vehicle ⇒.
•If the radar sensor is dirty or covered.
•If there are metal objects, e.g. tracks in the road or metal plates used in roadworks, or road
signs, above and adjacent to the road.
•If the vehicle is reversing.
•Under hard acceleration.
•In snow or heavy rain.
•In case of narrow vehicles, e.g. motorbikes.
•If vehicles are travelling slightly to the left or right of your vehicle.
•If vehicles are crossing in front of your vehicle.
•If there is oncoming traffic.
•If pedestrians are standing in front of the vehicle, approaching the vehicle, or moving in the
same direction as the vehicle.
•In complex driving situations, e.g. at traffic islands.
•In unclear traffic situations, e.g. vehicles ahead are heavily braking or turning off.
•When loads or attachment parts on other vehicles protrude to the side, rear or above the normal
dimensions of the vehicle.
Switching off Front Assist
•If the vehicle is being towed.
•If the vehicle is on a rolling road test bed.
•If the vehicle is driven in areas other than public roads.
•If the radar sensor is faulty.
•After external force on the radar sensor, e.g. after a rear-end collision.
•In the event of multiple unwanted interventions.
•If the radar sensor is covered temporarily by any auxiliary equipment, e.g. auxiliary headlights.
•If the vehicle is loaded onto a truck, car ferry or motorail train.
The intelligent Pedestrian Monitoring technology cannot overcome the laws of physics,
and functions only within the limits of the system. Never let the extra convenience
afforded by the Pedestrian Monitoring system tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. The driver is always responsible for braking in time.
•If Pedestrian Monitoring issues a warning, brake your vehicle immediately depending
on the traffic situation or avoid the pedestrian.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system cannot prevent accidents and serious injuries on its
own.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out
unwanted braking interventions in complex driving situations, e.g. on a twisting main
road.
•The Pedestrian Monitoring system can issue unnecessary warnings and carry out
unwanted braking interventions when its function is impaired, e.g. if the radar sensor is
covered or its position has been changed.
•Be prepared to take over control of the vehicle yourself at all times.
WARNING
Failure to switch off Front Assist in the situations mentioned can result in accidents and
serious injuries.
WARNING