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
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Electronic Stability Control (ESCyf
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations
⇒.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, ESC can be switched to a Sport mode ⇒ Switching TCS on
and off.
When ESC is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster display.
Traction control system (TCSyf
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the output to suit road surface
conditions. The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up hills.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances
⇒ Switching TCS on and off.
When the TCS is regulating, the yellow indicator lamp is shown on the instrument cluster
display.
Anti-lock brake system
The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up
until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle
and keeping it under control.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system
reinforces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency
situation.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal when the brake assist system is regulating. If you
reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake servo.
Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDSyf
EDL brakes the wheel that has lost traction and distributes the driving force to the other drive
wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the disc brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS applies pressure to the brake of the wheel on the inside of the bend. This will improve traction,
helping the vehicle to remain in the required lane longer.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of an accident, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to
reduce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.
The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only in front, side and rear collisions when
the airbag control unit detects a corresponding trigger threshold during the accident.
The ESC brakes the vehicle automatically, provided that the hydraulic braking system, the ESC and
the electrical system are undamaged in the accident and remain functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of an accident:
•When the driver depresses the accelerator. No automatic braking occurs.
•When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the
brake pressure provided by the system. The vehicle is braked manually.
•Water drains: check.
•Road test: perform.
Servicing work
In addition to the inspection work (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment
such as engine, gearbox or service fluidsyf I X U W K H U V H U Y L F L Q J Z R U N P X V W E H S H U I R U P H G R Q \ R X U
vehicle. The work dependent on either time and/or mileage.
•Additives: change/top up.
•Brake fluid: change.
•Diesel particulate filter: check.
•Natural gas tank and lines: change.
•Gearbox: change oil/filter.
•Gearbox mountings: change.
•Gas system filter: change.
•Final drive/differential: change oil.
•Diesel fuel filter: change/drain.
•Air filter: change.
•Engine: change oil/filter.
•Dust and pollen filter: change.
•Spark plugs: change.
•Toothed belt/toothed belt tensioning roller: check/change.
It is also possible to have servicing work carried out in between the scheduled service events
⇒ Fixed service or flexible service.
The scope of service is subject to change for technical reasons (continuous further development of
componentsyf <