Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your vehicle
remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. You should therefore have your vehicle serviced
according to the Volkswagen guidelines. Some work may have to be carried out before the date of
the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe operating
conditions are, for example, regular stop-and-go driving or driving in areas with high levels of dust.
Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or qualified workshop.
Sitting position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
⇒ Correct sitting position
Number of seats
The vehicle has a total of five seats: two at the front and three at the rear.
Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.
WARNING
Assuming an incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries
during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre in the event of a collision or accident or if the airbags
are triggered.
All vehicle occupants must assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this
position throughout the trip. This also applies for the fastening of seat belts.
The number of vehicle occupants must never exceed the number of seats with seat belts in the
vehicle.
Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised child restraint system which is suitable for
their height and weight ⇒ Safe transport of children and ⇒ Airbag system .
Always keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion. Never place your feet on the
seat or dash panel, for example, and never ride with your feet out of the window. The airbag and
seat belt can otherwise not provide optimal protection and can actually increase the risk of injury
during an accident.
Dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases.
Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if seat belt routing is correct. An incorrect sitting
position considerably impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This could lead to
severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a
Eco driving profile ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control .
Avoid driving at full throttle
Never drive the vehicle at its top speed. The drag coefficient increases at excessively high speeds.
This in turn increases the force needed to move the vehicle.
Reduce idling
Pull away immediately with low engine speeds. If you are stopped for a long period, do not allow the
engine to idle but switch it off, e.g. when in a traffic jam or at a railway crossing.
In vehicles with an activated start/stop system, the engine can switch off automatically when the
vehicle is stopping and when the vehicle is stationary ⇒ Start/stop system .
Refuel moderately
A full fuel tank increases the weight of the vehicle. A fuel tank that is half or two thirds of the way
full is sufficient for journeys in urban traffic in particular.
Avoid short journeys
A cold engine has very high fuel consumption. The optimum operating temperature is reached only
after driving a few kilometres. The fuel consumption is above average at very low ambient
temperatures, e.g. in winter ⇒ Fig. 97 . Plan journeys economically and combine short journeys.
Carry out regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is an essential prerequisite for economical driving and increases the service life
of the vehicle.
Observe the tyre pressures
Low tyre pressures does not just mean greater wear, but also increase the rolling resistance of the
tyres and thus the fuel consumption. Use optimised rolling resistance tyres.
Adjust the tyre pressure according to the load. Observe the information on the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres
Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring system .
Use low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic engine oils with a low viscosity decrease frictional resistance in the engine and are
distributed better and more quickly, especially during cold starts.
Do not drive with unnecessary loads in the vehicle
You can reduce fuel consumption by clearing out the luggage compartment before setting off, for
example by removing empty drink crates or unused child seats.
To keep the vehicle's air resistance as low as possible, remove any add-on parts and equipment such
as ski racks, bicycle racks and roof carriers once you have finished using them.
Save electrical energy
The alternator is driven by the engine and generates electrical power for convenience consumers
such as the air conditioning system, windscreen heating and ventilation. Saving electrical energy is
easy, e.g.:
Open the windows and doors before driving at high outside temperatures and drive for a short
distance with a window open. Only then switch the air conditioning system on.
Switch the convenience consumers off as soon as they have served their purpose.
WARNING
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Inform yourself about other ways of protecting the environment. Think Blue. is the global
Volkswagen trademark for sustainability and environmental compatibility.
Your Volkswagen dealership can provide you with further information on maintenance and energy-
efficient replacement parts, e.g. new tyres.
Think Blue. Trainer.
The Think Blue. Trainer analyses and visualises your driving style and helps you to drive more
economically.
Fig. 98 In the Infotainment system: Think Blue. Trainer.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 98 :
Blue Score:
The higher the displayed value on a scale from 0 to 100, the more efficient your driving style. A blue
border symbolises an efficient and constant driving style. A grey border indicates an inefficient
driving style.
gearbox the clutch can be opened at idling speed, thus saving fuel. Thanks to its efficiency, low
weight and intelligent control system, the DSG® dual clutch gearbox usually enables fuel
consumption that is equal to or lower than a manual gearbox.
However, just like the manual gearbox, the clutch in the DSG® dual clutch gearbox is subject to wear.
Regular maintenance is necessary depending on the type of DSG® dual clutch gearbox; further
information ⇒ Scope of service . In the event of a fault in one gear train half, the DSG® dual clutch
gearbox also allows one gear train half to be deactivated and the journey to be continued using the
other gear train half ⇒ Troubleshooting . The gearbox must then be checked as soon as possible by a
qualified workshop.
DSG® dual clutch gearbox: selecting a gear
Fig. 105 Left-hand drive vehicles: selector lever for dual clutch gearbox DSG with lock button (arrow).
The location is mirrored in right-hand drive vehicles.
When the ignition is switched on, the selected gear or gearbox programme is displayed in the
instrument cluster display.
Instrument cluster display
Selector lever position Display
P P
R R
N N
D/S E, D or S ⇒ Driving profile selection and 4MOTION Active Control
Tiptronic gate M ⇒ Changing gear using Tiptronic
– Parking lock
The drive wheels are locked mechanically. May be selected only when the vehicle is stationary. To
disengage this selector lever position while the ignition is switched on, depress the brake pedal and
press the lock button in the selector lever.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
Even when the above-mentioned requirements for using the services are met, the functionality of
the Car-Net services can be impaired or interrupted due to factors that lie outside the control of
Volkswagen AG. Such factors include in particular:
Maintenance, repairs, software updates and technical changes to your service provider’s
telecommunication systems, satellites, servers and databases.
The telecommunications provider has changed the mobile telecommunication standard for
transferring mobile data, e.g. from UMTS to EDGE or GPRS
An existing mobile telecommunications standard has been shut down by the telecommunications
provider.
Impairment or interruption to mobile and GPS reception, e.g. due to high speeds, solar storms,
weather, landscape, interfering devices or intensive use of the mobile network in the relevant cells.
Restricted availability, completeness or correctness of information provided by third parties, e.g.
maps.
Countries where Volkswagen Car-Net services are not available.
Apps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The Volkswagen Car-Net app can execute Volkswagen Car-Net services in the vehicle and provide
information.
Volkswagen App-Connect allows content from Volkswagen apps and third party apps on mobile
devices to be shown on the Infotainment system screen.
There may be problems with compatibility with third party apps.
A wide range of applications may be available and they may be vehicle-specific and country-specific
⇒ . Content, range and provider of applications can vary. Some applications also depend on
availability of services offered by third parties.
We are unable to guarantee that the available apps can be run on all mobile devices and all
operating systems.
Applications offered by Volkswagen can be changed, discontinued, deactivated, reactivated and
expanded without prior notice.
Transporting items
Stowing luggage and loads
Cargo and luggage can be transported in the vehicle, on a trailer ⇒ Technical requirements and on
the roof ⇒ Roof carrier . Always observe the legal regulations.
Stowing luggage safely in the vehicle
Always distribute any loads in the vehicle as evenly as possible.
The content of the vehicle toolkit varies according to the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 162 . The
following describes the maximum scope.
Key to ⇒ Fig. 162 :
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for unscrewing or tightening slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stowed under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel bolt
adapter in the vehicle toolkit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is engraved
on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note of
the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place – but not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre wheel trims, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
Vehicle jack. Before you repack the jack, you must fully wind in the claw.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Crank.
Vehicle jack: maintenance
There are no maintenance cycles for the vehicle jack. Grease it with universal lubricant when
necessary.
Wiper blades
Service position
Fig. 163 Wiper blades in service position.
The windscreen wiper arms can be lifted off the windscreen when in the service position. Proceed as
follows to move the wipers to the service position ⇒ Fig. 163 :
Activating service position
⇒ In the engine compartment .
Fig. 192 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with an auxiliary heater ⇒ Auxiliary heater and ventilation are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. The electrolyte level of these 12-volt vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical
reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparations
eparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ In the engine compartment .
⇒ In the engine compartment .
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery window)
e for you to clearly see the colour indicator in the round
battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery ⇒ Fig. 192 (arrow). Never use naked
flames or glowing objects as a light source.
s according to the electrolyte level in the
12-volt vehicle battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
te is very aggressive. It can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the
12-volt vehicle battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protected from acid
spillages.
-volt vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause
chemical burns.
-volt vehicle battery.
Then consult a doctor immediately.
lyte is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒Introduction
If you suspect that the 12-volt vehicle battery is damaged or faulty, go to a qualified workshop and
have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Charging the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery should be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in
factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle batteries requires voltage-limited charging ⇒ . Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Replacing the 12-volt vehicle battery
The 12-volt vehicle battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its installation location and
has special safety features. If a 12-volt vehicle battery has to be replaced, find out about the
electromagnetic compatibility, size and necessary maintenance, power and safety requirements for
the new 12-volt vehicle battery at a Volkswagen dealership before purchase. The ventilation opening
of the vehicle battery must always be on the negative terminal side: the ventilation opening on the
positive terminal side must always be sealed.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
should be used. These standards must be dated October 2014 or later.
Always have the 12-volt vehicle battery replaced by a qualified workshop, as the vehicle electronics
must be adapted as part of the replacement process. Only qualified workshops have the technology
required to carry out this adjustment correctly. Volkswagen recommends that the 12-volt vehicle
battery is replaced by a Volkswagen dealership.
Disconnecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
Please observe the following if the 12-volt vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical
system in the vehicle:
-theft
alarm.
⇒ .