2021 VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC brakes

The emergency braking function should be used only in those situations where the vehicle cannot be
stopped using the foot brake ⇒ !
Pull the button. The vehicle brakes hard. A signal tone can be heard at the same time.

WARNING
Incorrect use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and serious injuries.
Never use the electronic parking brake to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The braking
distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake.

WARNING
Failing to park the vehicle properly before leaving it may result in the vehicle rolling away. This can
cause accidents, serious injuries and damage to property.
Always park the vehicle in the specified order ⇒ Parking .
Ensure that the electronic parking brake is switched on before you leave the vehicle and the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red after you switch off the ignition.
Troubleshooting
Fault in electronic parking brake
The indicator lamp lights up yellow. Go to a qualified workshop or a Volkswagen dealership.
Electronic parking brake does not switch off
The prerequisites for switch off are not met.
OR: the 12-volt vehicle battery is discharged.
Check whether all requirements for switching off the electronic parking brake are met ⇒ Switching
off .
Use jump leads ⇒ Jump starting the vehicle .
Noises from the electronic parking brake
You may hear noises when the electronic parking brake is switched on and off.
If the electronic parking brake has not been used for a long period, the system will carry out
occasional automatic and audible checks when the vehicle is parked.
Auto Hold function

Never use the system where visibility is restricted or in unclear traffic situations, e.g. on extremely
busy roads or across several lanes.
Always pay attention to the area around the vehicle, since cyclists and pedestrians are often not
reliably detected, for example.
The Rear Traffic Alert will not always independently bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
Brake support systems
Information on brake support systems
The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. The systems can support the driver in critical driving
or braking situations. Brake support systems cannot overcome the limits of physics and cannot
always keep the vehicle under control in every single critical driving or braking situation. The driver is
responsible for driving safety ⇒ .
Driving with brake support systems
The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated
separately.
The brake pedal may pulsate or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.
Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the
brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving situations
⇒ .
ESC is always switched on.
Traction control system (TCS)
The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the drive output to suit road
surface conditions ⇒ Troubleshooting . The TCS makes it easier to pull away, accelerate and drive up
hills.
With some equipment levels, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances ⇒ Switching
the TCS on and off .
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
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 ⇒ Troubleshooting .
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system reinforces
the braking force when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency situation.
If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake
servo.

Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)
EDL brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive wheels.
The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from
overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.
XDS improves traction in order to keep the vehicle on its intended course.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In the event of a collision, 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 for collisions that are detected as a
collision by the airbag control unit.
The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the collision
and have remained functional.
The following actions override automatic braking in the event of a collision:
When the driver depresses the accelerator.
When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the brake
pressure provided by the system.

WARNING
The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics, and
functions only within the limits of the systems. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can lead to a
loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and passengers.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL, TCS and ESC tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
The brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads will remain
dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.
Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and
aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with the
road surface.
Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close to the
vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation.
Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in difficult
driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle depends on the
tyre grip.

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, accelerate carefully. The
wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active, and this can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle.

WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which affect
driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This also applies, but not
exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other named systems.
Please always bear in mind that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the way brake
support systems operate.
Alterations to the suspension or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre combinations can affect
the function of brake support systems and reduce their effectiveness.
Suitable tyres support the effectiveness of ESC.

WARNING
Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause
accidents and serious injuries.
Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.
If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system.
Switching the TCS on and off
Switch off the traction control system (TCS) if the vehicle does not have sufficient traction:
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When rocking the vehicle free if it is stuck.
Then switch on TCS again.
Switching TCS on and off
TCS can be switched off and on in the Infotainment system ⇒ Infotainment system controls and
displays .
When the TCS is switched off, the yellow indicator lamp lights up on the instrument cluster
display.
As soon as the TCS starts regulating, the indicator lamp flashes yellow.
Troubleshooting

Do not drive on! Brake system fault.
Warning lamp lights up red.
Seek expert assistance immediately.
ABS failure or fault.
Warning lamp lights up yellow.
Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without the anti-lock brake system.
TCS regulating to prevent the wheels from spinning.
Indicator lamp flashes yellow.
ESC switched off for system-related reasons.
Indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Switch the ignition on and off.
Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary.
If is still lit up, seek expert assistance.
The brake support systems make noises
Noises may be heard when the brake support systems are performing control interventions.
Unexpected reduction in engine power
Faults can occur in the ESC and TCS systems if the four wheels have different types of tyres.
Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power
unexpectedly.

WARNING
If the brake system warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp , the ABS
control function may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock quickly when you brake.
Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible, reduce your speed and
drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in order to have the brake system
tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the way.
If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion, ABS is not
working properly. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only (without the anti-lock
brake system). The protection provided by the anti-lock brake system is no longer available. Go to a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Practical equipment
Stowage areas

possible.

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⇒Introduction 
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.

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 . Otherwise the excess coolant will
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.

Brake fluid that is compliant with VW 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.