2021 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN brake fluid

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
12-volt vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Checking the electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the 12-volt vehicle battery
⇒ Troubleshooting
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system and serves to supply power in
the vehicle.
You should only carry out work on the electrical system if you know exactly how to perform the
required tasks, are aware of the general safety procedures and have access to the correct
equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Failing to carry out work correctly can cause serious
injuries ⇒. All work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Location of the 12-volt vehicle battery
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the 12-volt vehicle battery may be located in the engine
compartment or in the luggage compartment under the luggage compartment floor.
Explanation of the warnings on the 12-volt vehicle battery
m/k/n948MKAlways wear eye protection!m/k/n947MKElectrolyte is very corrosive
and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!m/k/n944MKNo fires,
sparks, naked lights or smoking!m/k/n946MKA highly explosive mixture of gases is given
off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is charging!m/k/n945MKAlways keep children away
from battery acid and the 12-volt vehicle battery!m/k/n949MKAlways observe the owner's
manual!
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too
low or by brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
•The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
•The brake fluid should be changed regularly.
•Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system
for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase
braking distance and can cause the brake system to fail completely.
•Please ensure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly
compliant with VW standard 501 14.
•Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and
reduce their effectiveness.
•If a brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14 is not available, use a high-quality
brake fluid compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT
4, but only in exceptional circumstances.
•The refilled brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
•In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store
brake fluid. There is always a risk of someone drinking from such containers, even if
they are labelled appropriately.
•Brake fluid must always be stored in its original sealed container and kept out of the
reach of children.
WARNING
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts
and tyres. Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of
the vehicle.
NOTICE

Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 235 Diagram showing how to swap wheels.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The wheels and tyres approved by Volkswagen have been carefully selected.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 235 is recommended to help
ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified workshop.
Avoiding damage to the rims and tyres
•Always drive over kerbs slowly and at a right angle.
•Check the tyre pressure regularly.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering and 
tyre type.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Protect the wheels from contact with corrosive substances, including oils, lubricants, fuel and
brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that have
been stored unused for an extended period of time age quicker than tyres that are used all the time.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of
vehicle control and braking power.
•Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumferenceyfDQGWKHVDPHWUHDG.
•New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking
effect. Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and
serious injury.
•Check tyre pressures regularly when the tyres are cold, and always keep to the
specified value. If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature
will increase to such an extent when driving that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blistersyf'ULYLQJ
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries.
Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
•The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake support systems depends on
the tyre grip.
•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop
the car immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
•In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted on wheel rim rings.
•Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres
could be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
•Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst,
especially at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries. Avoid using
tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly and with
extra care at all times.
WARNING

Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also
applies for tyres which appear to still be in good condition and whose tread depth has not yet
reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒.
Winter and all-year tyres also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the
remaining tread depth ⇒ Winter tyres.
The age of each tyre can be determined using the manufacturing date ⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre 
type.
Storing tyres
Always store tyres in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Do not store tyres mounted on the rim
vertically.
Any tyres not fitted on rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be
stored vertically (standing on the treadyf.
New tyres
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in.
Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip ⇒ and braking effect ⇒.
•All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type, size, and the same tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
•Always replace tyres at least on an axle-by-axle basis ⇒.
•Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the
vehicle type.
•Never use tyres with an effective size that is larger than Volkswagen-approved tyres.
Re-adapting the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator must be recalibrated each time one or more wheels are replaced.
This also applies for changing the wheels round, e.g. from the front to the rear ⇒ Tyre monitoring 
systems.
Vehicles fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
If you wish to replace factory-fitted wheels, make sure that the new wheels are equipped with
sensors that are compatible with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre Pressure Monitoring 
System. The vehicle must be driven at a speed of over 25 km/h (15 mphyfIRUDQH[WHQGHGSHULRGVR
that the new wheels can be recognised.
Volkswagen recommends that a new valve set and set of seals is used every time the sensors are
replaced or modified.
Further information on the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the
tyres, which can cause the tyre to burst.
•Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive
substances away from the tyres.
WARNING
Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially
at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Avoid using tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive
slowly and with extra care at all times.
WARNING
New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking effect.
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and
serious injury.
WARNING

The vehicle data sticker confirms when the vehicle was first registered or delivered, when the
delivery inspection was carried out, and thus the date from which your vehicle is covered by our
warranty.
Saving the service operations performed (digital service scheduleyf
Each service record is stored by your Volkswagen dealership and qualified workshop in a central
system. This transparent documentation of the service history allows the service operations
performed to be reproduced at any time. Each time you have your vehicle serviced, Volkswagen
recommends asking for a printed service record, which contains all service work stored in the
system.
With every service, the printout of the previous service record is replaced by a current printout.
The digital service schedule is not available in some markets. In this case, your Volkswagen
dealership will inform you about the documentation process for service work.
Service work
The following information is documented in the digital service schedule by your Volkswagen
dealership or qualified workshop:
•When which service was carried out.
•Whether any repairs are recommended, such as replacement of the brake pads in the near
future.
•Whether you had any special requests before or during the maintenance work (your service
advisor will note these on the orderyf.
•Which components or service fluids were changed.
•When your next service is scheduled for.
The LongLife mobility guarantee is valid until the next inspection is due. Documentation takes place
at every due inspection.
The type and scope of service work may differ from vehicle to vehicle. Information on specific work
for your vehicle can be requested from a qualified workshop.
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only maintains its value, it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in working order. You should therefore have your vehicle serviced
according to the Volkswagen guidelines.
Fixed service or flexible service
Fig. 250 Vehicle data sticker with PR number for the relevant service.
The service events differ according to oil change service and inspection. The service interval
display in the display of the instrument cluster serves as a reminder for the due date of the next
service event.
Your vehicle will receive either the fixed service or flexible service for the oil change service,
depending on the vehicle equipment, the engine type and the operating conditions.
How do I know which type of service my vehicle needs?
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result
in breakdowns, accidents and serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work
or the lack of part availability.
NOTICE

•From the PR number on the vehicle data sticker ⇒ Fig. 250 (arrowyf ⇒ Technical data.
•From the table below.
Service
event
PR
No.
Service
type
Service interval
Oil change
service
QI1
Fixed
Every 5,000 km / 3,000 miles or 1 year.
QI2Every 7,500 km / 4,500 miles or 1 year.
QI3Every 10,000 km / 6,000 miles or 1 year.
QI4Every 15,000 km / 9,000 miles or 1 year.
QI6FlexibleAccording to service interval display.
InspectionAccording to service interval display.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
Features of the flexible service
With the flexible service, you need to have an oil change service carried out only if your vehicle
requires one. To determine this point in time, individual operating conditions and personal driving
style are taken into account. An important part of the flexible service is the use of LongLife engine
oil instead of conventional engine oil.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
If you do not wish to have the flexible service, you can opt for the fixed service instead.
However, a fixed service can affect your service costs. Your service advisor will be pleased to
advise you.
Service interval display
Scheduled services at Volkswagen are displayed in the service interval display in the instrument
cluster ⇒ Service interval display or in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system. The service interval display informs you about
the scheduled services which include an oil change and also about scheduled services which
include an inspection. When the respective service is due, additional work that is due can also be
carried out, e.g. changing brake fluid and spark plugs.
Information is stated for vehicles used under normal operating conditions.
Whichever comes first.
Information on operating conditions
The service intervals and service content are always for vehicles used under normal operating
conditions.
If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, some work will have to be performed before the
next service is due or at shorter intervals than those specified.
Severe operating conditions are, for example:
•Fuels containing sulphur,
•Regular short trips,
•Long periods of engine idling (taxis for exampleyf,
•Operation in regions with high dust levels,
•Regular trailer towing ⇒ Trailer towing,
•A high percentage of stop-and-go traffic, as is typical in city driving and
•Driving mainly in winter conditions.
This applies particularly to the following components:
•Dust and pollen filter
•Air filter
•Toothed belt
•Diesel particulate filter
•Engine oil
The service advisor at your qualified workshop will be pleased to advise you on whether your
vehicle requires more frequent work due to the conditions under which it is used.
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Scope of service
The scope of service includes all maintenance work that is necessary in order to keep your vehicle
roadworthy (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment, e.g. engine, gearbox or
service fluidsyf7KHPDLQWHQDQFHZRUNLVGLYLGHGLQWR inspection work and servicing work. You can
find out what work is required in detail for your vehicle:
•From your Volkswagen dealership.
•From your qualified workshop.
•In the electronic repair and workshop information system erWin at https://erwin.volkswagen.de.
Inspection work
Electrics
•12-volt vehicle battery: check and replace if necessary.
•Lighting: check.
•High-voltage components: check.
•Horn: check.
•Headlight setting: check.
•Service interval display: reset.
Engine/gearbox
•Exhaust system: check.
•Gearbox and final drive: check.
•Gas system: check.
•Poly V-belt: check.
•Cooling system: check.
•Engine and components in engine compartment: check.
•Engine oil level: check.
Running gear
•Swivel joints/track rods: check.
•Tyres: check.
•Brake system: check.
•Brake pads/discs: check.
•Brake fluid level: check.
•Boots: check.
•Coupling rod and stabiliser bearings: check.
•Pneumatic suspension: check.
•Breakdown set: check.
•Tyre pressure on all wheels: check.
•Power steering: check.
•Shock absorbers/coil springs: check.
Body
•Roof systems: check.
•Windscreen: check.
•Body: check for corrosion.
•Wiper blades: check.
•Window wiper and washer system: check.
•Door arresters: lubricate.
•Underbody: check.
Inadequate servicing, no servicing at all, or failure to adhere to service intervals can result
in breakdowns, accidents or serious injury.
•Have your service work carried out by an authorised Volkswagen dealership or
workshop.
WARNING
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by inadequate service work
or the lack of part availability.
NOTICE

•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 fluidsyfIXUWKHUVHUYLFLQJZRUNPXVWEHSHUIRUPHGRQ\RXU
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<RXU9RONVZDJHQGHDOHUVKLSRUTXDOLILHGZRUNVKRSDOZD\VKDVWKHODWHVWLQIRUPDWLRQ
about any changes.
Vehicle care
Notes on vehicle care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
For proper cleaning and care, Volkswagen recommends using Genuine care products that have
been matched to your vehicle. Consult a qualified workshop if you have any specific questions or if
vehicle parts are not listed.
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Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle
and cause serious injury.
•Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Always use approved or recommended cleaning products.
•Do not use solvent-based cleaning products. Solvents can cause irreparable damage
to the airbag modules.
•Protect your hands and arms against parts with sharp edges, e.g. when cleaning the
underbody or the insides of the wheel housings.
WARNING
Dirty, misted or iced over windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and
severe injuries. This could impair the safety equipment of the vehicle.
•Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
•Do not treat the windscreen with water-repellent window coating agents. In
unfavourable conditions, they can cause increased dazzle.
WARNING

Suitable accessories are available from your Volkswagen dealership. Follow the usage
instructions on the packaging.
Washing the vehicle
Also wash the underside of the vehicle on a regular basis to remove road salt or seawater residue.
Automatic car washes
Always observe all the car wash operator's specifications, in particular if your vehicle features add-
on parts ⇒.
•Preferably use car washes without brushes.
•Preclean the vehicle by rinsing with water.
•The steering column must not lock when driving through automatic car washes ⇒ Steering.
•Always switch off the Auto Hold function ⇒ Electronic parking brake, the wipers ⇒ Wipers and
the rain/light sensor before entering the car wash.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•If your vehicle has decorative and protective films, do not select a wash program with hot wax.
High-pressure cleaners
Observe the manufacturer's information for the high-pressure cleaner. Never use rotating nozzles
⇒.
•Only use water with a maximum temperature of +60°C (+140°Fyf.
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Move the jet of water uniformly so that the nozzle is at least 50 cm away from the side windows
and other vehicle components.
•Do not point the water jet at the same location for too long. Instead, leave stubborn dirt to soak.
•If possible, do not direct the water jet at seals, e.g. side windows, decorative trim, tyres, rubber
hoses, insulation materials or any other sensitive components, e.g. door locks.
•Sensors, camera lenses, and decorative and protective films should be sprayed directly only for
brief periods of time.
Washing the car by hand
Washing the car by hand is always the more gentle way to clean it. However, there are also some
things to note for this ⇒.
•Before washing the vehicle, soak the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse it off thoroughly.
•Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a wash mitt or a brush applying only light pressure. Start
with the roof and work from the top to the bottom.
•Rinse the sponge, wash mitt or brush thoroughly at regular short intervals.
•Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a second sponge for this.
Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect use
of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Care products must be kept in the original, sealed container only.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never use empty food cans, bottles or other containers for storing care products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be
used outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to
wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly
inflammable.
WARNING
Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits should always be removed as quickly as possible and
not allowed to dry in.
•Have stubborn stains removed by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
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