Notes on tow-starting and towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tow rope, tow bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow bar. Only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow
bar.
The tow rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the strain on both vehicles. It is advisable to use a
tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope or tow bar to the specially provided towing eyes or to the towing bracket.
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket must only use tow bars that are specially designed
to fit a ball head ⇒ Trailer towing.
Tow-starting
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Instead have the vehicle jump-started
⇒ Jump starting or collected by a recovery vehicle.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started:
•Engage second or third gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
•Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
•Once both vehicles are in motion, release the clutch.
•As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and put the gear into neutral. This helps to
prevent driving into the towing vehicle.
When should your vehicle not be towed?
•The vehicle gearbox is damaged or does not contain any lubricant.
•The 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged. The steering system is still locked and the electronic
parking brake and electronic steering column lock, if applied, cannot be released.
•The distance to be towed is further than 50 km.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition or switch off the ignition using the
starter button during towing. This could cause the mechanical steering column lock
(steering lock) or the electronic steering column lock to engage suddenly. You will no
longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change
significantly. Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious
injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the
brake servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is
pulling your vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE
•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.
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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
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
Removing the spare wheel
•Open the boot lid.
•Raise or fold forward the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Boot lid.
•Pull the wedge of the locating element ⇒ Fig. 239① upwards and out.
•Unscrew the handwheel in the middle of the spare wheel ② anticlockwise fully and remove the
spare wheel.
Storing the removed wheel
•Open the boot lid and raise the luggage compartment floor or fold it forwards.
•Place the removed wheel into the spare wheel well with the rim facing downwards so that the
central hole in the rim positioned exactly above the threaded pin.
•Screw the handwheel ⇒ Fig. 239② clockwise onto the threaded pin until the replaced wheel is
firmly secured.
•Insert the locating element wedge ① into the slot of the threaded pin so that the handwheel can
no longer be turned.
If the spare wheel tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on
the vehicle
If the spare wheel tyre differs from the other tyres on the vehicle, the spare wheel must be used
only in the event of a tyre failure and for a short time ⇒.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Snow chains.
•The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or
temporary spare wheel ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Tyre lettering and tyre type
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•Some vehicles may be equipped with a temporary spare wheel instead of a spare
wheel. The temporary spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the text 80 km/h
or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive with this
tyre. The sticker must remain in place throughout the wheel's service life.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive
axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as
possible. The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts
supplied by the factory.
•Never drive using more than one spare wheel that is a different size than the original
tyres.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel.
•Do not fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer ⇒.
WARNING
The spare wheel is not fitted with a tyre pressure sensor. If the spare wheel is used with
tyre pressure sensor, the tyre monitoring system indicator lamp will flash in the instrument
cluster display after approximately ten minutes ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
NOTICE
Ask all vehicle occupants to leave the vehicle and stand at a safe distance away from moving
traffic.
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone, collapsible
chocks or another suitable object.
When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park it properly .
Remove any items of luggage from the luggage compartment.
Remove the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel and the vehicle tool kit from the
luggage compartment.
Remove the hubcaps Hubcaps.
Wheel bolts
Fig. 244 Changing a wheel: loosening the wheel bolts.
Fig. 245 Changing a wheel: tyre valve ① and locations of the anti-theft wheel bolt ② or ③.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Use a suitable box spanner to loosen the wheel bolts.
Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the vehicle
jack.
If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down the end of the spanner
carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for support and take care not to slip.
Loosening the wheel bolts
•Fit the box spanner over the wheel bolt as far as it will go ⇒ Fig. 244.
•Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise ⇒.
Loosening the anti-theft wheel bolt
•Take the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt out of the vehicle tool kit.
•Insert the adapter into the anti-theft wheel bolt as far as it will go.
•Push the box spanner onto the adapter as far as it will go.
•Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise ⇒.
Tightening torque for the wheel bolts
Specified tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel or alloy wheels:
•140 Nm
If the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn, they must be replaced and the wheel hub
threads cleaned before the tightening torque is checked.
Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
If you get a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from
the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
Ask all vehicle occupants to leave the vehicle and stand at a safe distance away from
moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and position the warning triangle In an emergency.
Observe any legal requirements.
Check whether the puncture can be repaired with the breakdown set The tyre sealant must
not be used:.
When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park it properly .
Remove any items of luggage from the luggage compartment.
Take the breakdown set out of the luggage compartment.
Take the sticker ② from the breakdown set and stick it on the dash panel within the
driver's field of vision.
Do not remove foreign objects (e.g. screws or nails) from the tyre.
Tyre filler hose.
12-volt plug.
Tyre filler bottle with sealant.
Spare valve core.
There is a slot on the lower end of the valve insert extractor① for the valve insert. This is
required for extracting and fitting the tyre valve. This also applies to the spare valve core ⑪.
Could also be integrated in the tyre filler hose.
Preparation
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions in the given order ⇒:
Sealing and inflating tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Sealing a tyre
•Unscrew the cap from the tyre valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 249① to screw the valve core out of the tyre valve. Place
the core on a clean surface.
•Shake the tyre filler bottle ⇒ Fig. 249⑩ vigorously up and down several times.
•Screw the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249③ tightly onto the tyre filler bottle in a clockwise direction. The
plastic foil on the plug is pierced automatically.
•Remove the plug from the filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249③ and place the open end fully on the tyre
valve.
•Hold the bottle upside down and inject the entire contents of the tyre filler bottle into the tyre.
•Remove the empty tyre filler bottle from the valve.
•Use the valve core extractor ⇒ Fig. 249① to screw the valve core back onto the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
•Screw the tyre filler hose ⇒ Fig. 249⑧ of the air compressor tightly onto the tyre valve.
•Check that the bleed screw ⇒ Fig. 249⑥ is closed.
•Start the engine and let it run.
1)
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and
severe injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety
procedures.
WARNING
•From the PR number on the vehicle data sticker ⇒ Fig. 250 (arrow) ⇒ Technical data.
•From the table below.
Service
event
PR
No.
Service
type
Service interval
Oil change
service
QI1
Fixed
Every 5,000 km / 3,000 miles or 1 year.
QI2Every 7,500 km / 4,500 miles or 1 year.
QI3Every 10,000 km / 6,000 miles or 1 year.
QI4Every 15,000 km / 9,000 miles or 1 year.
QI6FlexibleAccording to service interval display.
InspectionAccording to service interval display.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
Features of the flexible service
With the flexible service, you need to have an oil change service carried out only if your vehicle
requires one. To determine this point in time, individual operating conditions and personal driving
style are taken into account. An important part of the flexible service is the use of LongLife engine
oil instead of conventional engine oil.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
If you do not wish to have the flexible service, you can opt for the fixed service instead.
However, a fixed service can affect your service costs. Your service advisor will be pleased to
advise you.
Service interval display
Scheduled services at Volkswagen are displayed in the service interval display in the instrument
cluster ⇒ Service interval display or in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system. The service interval display informs you about
the scheduled services which include an oil change and also about scheduled services which
include an inspection. When the respective service is due, additional work that is due can also be
carried out, e.g. changing brake fluid and spark plugs.
Information is stated for vehicles used under normal operating conditions.
Whichever comes first.
Information on operating conditions
The service intervals and service content are always for vehicles used under normal operating
conditions.
If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, some work will have to be performed before the
next service is due or at shorter intervals than those specified.
Severe operating conditions are, for example:
•Fuels containing sulphur,
•Regular short trips,
•Long periods of engine idling (taxis for example),
•Operation in regions with high dust levels,
•Regular trailer towing ⇒ Trailer towing,
•A high percentage of stop-and-go traffic, as is typical in city driving and
•Driving mainly in winter conditions.
This applies particularly to the following components:
•Dust and pollen filter
•Air filter
•Toothed belt
•Diesel particulate filter
•Engine oil
The service advisor at your qualified workshop will be pleased to advise you on whether your
vehicle requires more frequent work due to the conditions under which it is used.
a)
b)
b)
b)
b)
a)
b)
authorization symbol). These devices include cruise control systems or an electronically controlled
suspension.
Any additional electrical components fitted that do not serve to control the vehicle itself must
bear the mark (manufacturer conformity declaration in the European Union). Such devices
include refrigerator boxes, laptops and ventilator fans.
Repairs and technical modifications
Repairs and technical modifications must always be carried out according to Volkswagen
specifications⇒.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the vehicle may cause
malfunctions. As the electronic components are linked together in networks, these faults may
indirectly affect the working of other systems. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive
wear of components, and also invalidate the type approval for the vehicle.
The Volkswagen dealership cannot be held liable for any damage caused by technical
modifications and/or work performed incorrectly.
The Volkswagen dealership is not responsible for damage caused by technical modifications and/or
work performed incorrectly. Such damage is not covered by the Volkswagen guarantee.
Volkswagen recommends that all repairs and technical modifications be performed by an
authorised Volkswagen workshop using Volkswagen Genuine Parts.
Volkswagen repair information
Volkswagen Service information and official Volkswagen repair information can be purchased for a
fee.
Customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Central and South America: please contact a
Volkswagen dealership or qualified workshop or register on the online portal erWin (electronic
repair and workshop information):
https://erwin.volkswagen.de
erWin is available in numerous languages.
Vehicles with special auxiliary equipment or body parts
The manufacturer of these components must ensure that these parts (fittings) adhere to the
stipulated environmental laws and regulations, particularly the EU directive 2000/53/EC concerning
end-of-life vehicles and EU directive 2003/11/EC concerning the restriction on the marketing and
use of certain dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep all assembly documentation for these auxiliary fittings, and pass it
on to any scrapping company later engaged. This is to facilitate environmentally responsible
disposal for all vehicles, including refitted vehicles.
Windscreen repairs
To function properly, some items of equipment require an electrical or electronic module, which is
located on the inside of the windscreen near the interior mirror. If the windscreen has been
damaged in the viewing field of the electrical or electronic module, e.g. by stone impact, the
windscreen must be replaced. Repairing the crack can lead to malfunctions or functional faults in
the equipment.
After changing the windscreen, the camera and sensors must be set up and calibrated by a
qualified workshop.
Impairment or damage to sensors and cameras
Incorrect repairs, retrofit structural modifications to the vehicle, e.g. lowering the body, add-on parts
on the vehicle or trailer ⇒ Trailer towing, or changes to the trim may lead to the sensors or
cameras being disrupted or damaged. This can also be caused by collisions, e.g. when parking.
Failure to observe this may impair important functions (driver assist systems) and damage the
vehicle.
The area in front of and around the sensors and cameras must not be covered by stickers,
additional headlights, trim frames for number plates or similar.
Incorrectly performed repairs or modifications to your vehicle can impair the effectiveness
of the airbags, cause malfunctions, accidents and fatal injury.
•Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders either on or
next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zones of the airbag modules.
•Objects either on or next to the airbag module covers or are in the deployment zone of
the airbags can cause serious or even fatal injuries should the airbags be activated.
WARNING
®