Fig. 102 On the left of the steering column: operating the rear window wiper.
The windscreen wipers will only function when the ignition is switched on and the bonnet and boot
lid are closed.
Move the windscreen wiper lever to the desired position ⇒:
Wipers switched off.
Interval wipe for the windscreen or rain/light sensor mode. The interval wipe for the
windscreen depends on the speed of the vehicle. The wipers will wipe more frequently as the
vehicle moves faster.
Slow wipe.
Fast wipe.
x Flick wipe – wipes briefly. Push and hold the lever down for longer to wipe more quickly.
Pulling the lever activates the wash and wipe system for cleaning the windscreen. The
Climatronic will switch to air recirculation mode for approximately 30 seconds to prevent the
smell of the windscreen washer fluid from entering the vehicle interior.
Use the switch to set the interval lengths (vehicles without a rain/light sensoryf R U
adjust the sensitivity of the rain/light sensor.
Interval wipe for the rear window. The windscreen wiper will wipe the window
approximately every 6 seconds.
Pushing the lever activates the wash and wipe system for cleaning the rear window.
When switched on, the wipers will temporarily be switched to the next setting down when the
vehicle is stationary.
Some settings can be stored in the user accounts of the personalisation function and
therefore change automatically when the user account changes ⇒ Personalisation.
Without adequate anti-freeze, the washer fluid can freeze on the windscreen and obscure
your view.
•In winter temperatures, the windscreen washer system should only be used when
adequate frost protection has been added.
•Never use the windscreen washer system at winter temperatures before the
windscreen has been heated by the ventilation system or the windscreen heating. This
could lead to the anti-freeze mixture freezing on the windscreen and restrict the
driver's vision.
WARNING
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents
and severe injuries.
•Always change wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no longer clean the
windows properly ⇒ Wiper blades.
WARNING
Before setting off and before switching on the ignition, always check the following to avoid
damage to the windows, wiper blades and wiper motor:
•The wiper lever is located in the basic position.
•Snow and ice have been removed from the wiper blades and windows.
•Wiper blades that have become frozen onto the glass have been carefully loosened.
Volkswagen recommends using a de-icer spray for this.
NOTICE
Do not switch on the wipers when the windscreen is dry. Using the wipers when the glass
is dry can damage the glass.
NOTICE
Troubleshooting
Washer fluid level too low. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible ⇒ Washer
fluid.Fault in the rain/light sensor. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights
up permanently after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.Fault in
windscreen wipers. Switch the ignition on and off. If the indicator lamp still lights up permanently
after you switch the ignition back on, seek expert assistance.
Changes in the response of the rain/light sensor
Possible causes for faults and misinterpretations relating to the sensitive surface of the rain/light
sensor ⇒ Vehicle overviews include:
•Damaged wiper blades: a film of water or smears caused by damaged wiper blades can
increase the time the wipers are switched on, can shorten the length of the intervals between
wipes or cause the wipers to run quickly and continuously.
•Insects: insects hitting the windscreen surface can cause the wipers to be activated.
•Salt deposits: in winter, salt deposits on the windscreen can cause the wipers to continue to
wipe the windscreen when it is almost dry.
•Soiling: dry dust, wax, windscreen coatings (lotus effectyf R U G H W H U J H Q W G H S R V L W V I U R P D Q
automatic car washyf F D Q F D X V H W K H U D L Q O L J K W V H Q V R U W R E H F R P H O H V V V H Q V L W L Y H D Q G U H D F W W R R
slowly, or prevent it from reacting at all. Clean the sensitive surface of the rain/light sensor
⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior at regular intervals and inspect the wiper blades
for damage.
•Crack in the windscreen: a wipe cycle will be triggered if the rain/light sensor is on when the
windscreen is impacted by a stone. The rain/light sensor will then register the reduction in
sensitivity of the surfaces and adjust accordingly. The size of the crack can affect the way in
which the rain/light sensor activates the wipers.
We recommend that you use an alcohol-based glass cleaner to remove wax and polish.
The wipers will try to wipe away any obstacles that are on the windscreen. The wipers will
stop moving if the obstacle blocks their path. Remove the obstacle and switch the wipers back on
again.
Mirrors
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Interior mirror
⇒ Exterior mirrors
You can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe traffic behind you and adjust
driving style accordingly.
For safety reasons it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly
before starting a journey ⇒.
Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not allow the driver to see the entire side
and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is known as the blind spot. There may
be objects and other road users in the blind spot.
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become
distracted. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary.
•When parking, changing lane, or performing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre,
always pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road
users may be located in the blind spot.
•Always ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly and that the rear view is not
restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
WARNING
If you estimate the distance from traffic behind you incorrectly, you can cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or asphericyf H Q O D U J H W K H I L H O G R I Y L V L R Q D Q G F D Q P D N H R E M H F W V L Q
the mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance from other vehicles behind you when
changing lanes can provide inaccurate results and can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance between your
vehicle and following traffic or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles will create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such
an extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•Always deactivate the start/stop system manually when driving through water ⇒ Start/stop
system .
Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the boot lid closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out
of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this could cause the
open boot lid to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that
they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•If items protrude out of the luggage compartment, never use the boot lid to wedge
them into place or hold them in position.
•If you drive with the boot lid open, you must remove any racks and luggage from the
boot lid.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle interior if the boot lid is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and
accidents.
•You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent poisonous gases
from entering the vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do
the following to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust fumes that could enter into
the vehicle:
- Close all windows and the glass roof.
- Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or
switch off the air conditioning system.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers for the heating and fresh air system, or for the air
conditioning system, to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle height, and possibly the length, are different when the boot lid is open.
NOTICE