Wiper performance in different situations:
During automatic
wipe/wash:
While the washer system is working, the
climate control system switches to recircula-
tion for about 30 seconds to help prevent the
washer fluid odor from entering the vehicle
interior.
During intermittent wiping: Speed-dependent interval control: The high-
er the vehicle speed, the faster the wipers
move.
Heated washer nozzles
The heating thaws frozen washer nozzles, but not the fluid supply hoses. When the ignition is switched on, the heat applied to the washer nozzles is automatically regulated depending on the outside air temperature.
Headlight washer system
The headlight washer system cleans the headlight lens.
If the ignition and the headlights (high or low beams) are switched on, the headlights are cleaned the first time and every fifth time the front windshield washers are activated. This happens only when the low or high beams are on when the windshield wiper lever is pulled towards the steering wheel. How-ever, the headlights must still be washed by hand periodically (for instance, during fueling) in order to get rid of hard-to-remove dirt (like insect splatter).
To help make sure that the headlight washer system works during winter weather, always keep the headlight washer nozzles free of snow and remove any ice with a deicer spray before driving. Use a deicer spray to remove any ice.
If there is something on the windshield, the wiper will try to wipe it away. If it continues to block the wiper, the wiper will stop moving. Remove the obstacle and switch the wiper on again.
Headlight settings
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the low beams to blind other road users. Use the headlight range adjustment feature to lower the light cones as required. If your vehicle does not have headlight range adjustment, have the headlights adjusted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Vehicles with Xenon headlights self-adjust to vehicle load and do not need manual adjustment.
Special towing considerations
x If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This helps to prevent sudden brake shock and helps prevent trailer wheels from locking up.
x Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehicle weight, the stopping distance is longer.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear so that the engine helps to brake the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and might fail.
x The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
x Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra care and at a reduced speed.
Starting off with a trailer on hills
Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can roll backwards when you first start moving.
When starting off with a trailer on a hill:
x Depress and hold the brake pedal.
x Put the transmission in Drive (D).
x Press the G button once to deactivate the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 411, Braking and parking.
x Pull and hold the G button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake ⇒ Braking and parking.
x At the same time, release the brake pedal and gradually depress the accelerator. Do not release the G button until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress and hold the brake pedal for added braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle “wants” to move forward.
x Drive ahead slowly.