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Tyre pressure
Follow the trailer manufacturer's recommendations concerning the tyre pressure for the trailer
tyres.
When towing a trailer, inflate the wheels on the towing vehicle with the maximum permitted tyre
pressure Tyre pressure
WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can occur if you exceed the vehicle's maximum permitted gross axle
weight rating, drawbar load, gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating.
exceed the permissible gross vehicle weight for the vehicle with weight at the front and rear of the
vehicle.
WARNING
Loads that may slide can severely impair stability and driving safety, which can cause accidents and
severe injuries.
secure loads using suitable and undamaged lashing, retaining or securing straps.
Driving with a trailer
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Headlight adjustment
Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the dipped beam to dazzle other
road users. Use the headlight range control to lower the light cone as required. Vehicles with
dynamic headlight range control are adjusted automatically.
Things to note when driving with a trailer
If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will
prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer wheels locking.
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prior to downhill gradients (manual gearbox or Tiptronic mode of the
automatic gearbox) to additionally make use of engine braking. The brake system could otherwise
overheat and fail.
will change because of the
trailer load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.
When driving with this combination, drive particularly carefully and slowly.
Pulling off on slopes when towing a trailer
Depending on the steepness of the uphill gradient and the total weight of the trailer and vehicle, a
vehicle towing a trailer could roll back a short distance when moving off on a hill.
When towing a trailer, pull off on slopes as follows:
once to switch off the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake
ly.
Manual gearbox: selecting a gearor selector lever position D/SDSG
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t read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order
Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Turn the light switch to position 0 Switching lights on and off.
Move the turn signal and main beam lever to neutral position Switching turn signals on and off.
Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P DSG
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Pulled vehicle (rear)
Ensure that the ignition is switched on so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that you can
indicate, sound the horn and operate the wipers if necessary.
the
ignition is switched on and the vehicle is rolling. Otherwise you must press the brake pedal with
significantly more force and also use more effort for steering.
-rope is always taut.
ox in neutral or select the selector lever position N.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 178 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: removing the cover.
Fig. 179 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket, there is no mounting for the screw-in towing eye
behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head Trailer towing
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expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other
injuries.
-clockwise while exerting
gentle downward pressure on the cap.
face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.
spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and death!
-volt battery could explode.
started, never touch the electrical cables in the ignition system.
WARNING
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
rotor blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can start
automatically, even when the ignition has been switched off or the vehicle key has been removed
from the ignition lock.
e engine is started or with the engine running, there is an
additional, potentially fatal safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the poly V-belt, alternator,
radiator fan, and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always be particularly careful.
Always ensure that no body parts, jewellery, ties, loose items of clothing or long hair can be
caught up in rotating engine components. Before starting work, remove any jewellery and ties, tie
up long hair and pull clothes in tightly to avoid them getting caught on engine parts.
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
s and tools, in the engine
compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and fires.
WARNING
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Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Move the gear lever to neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever
to position P DSG
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Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to
the chemical components contained in the water. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other
type of water apart from distilled water has been refilled, the fluid in the cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fig. 188
be forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage.
have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result
in engine damage.
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine
damage.
Brake fluid
Fig. 190 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid reservoir.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. 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 and full braking 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 brake fluid specifications printed on the
container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
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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 proper 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
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 fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly,
please go to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes
are automatically adjusted.
Brake fluid level
The indicator lamp lights up red.
Brake fluid level is too low.
Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid level is too low, inform a qualified workshop. Have the brake system checked.
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.
WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by
brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.