
•The steering function or the operating clearance of the wheels cannot be ensured after an 
accident.
If your own vehicle has to be towed:
•Switch on the ignition.
•Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N⇒ DSG dual clutch gearbox.
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed at speeds faster than 50 km/h (30 mphyf .
•Do not allow the vehicle to be towed further than 50 km.
•Vehicles with a DSG dual clutch gearbox may only be towed by the breakdown truck with the 
front wheels raised.
Towing vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf
Vehicles with four-wheel drive (4MOTIONyf  P D \  E H  W R Z H G  Z L W K  D  W R Z  E D U  R U  W R Z  U R S H   , I  W K H  Y H K L F O H  
is towed with the rear or front axle raised, the engine must be switched off otherwise the drive train 
could be damaged.
Please comply with the following when towing another vehicle:
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Comply with the information on towing contained in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
The vehicle can only be towed when the electronic parking brake is switched off and, if 
applicable, when the electronic steering column lock is released. If the power supply fails or if there 
are faults in the electrical system, you may need to use jump leads to start the engine to release the 
electronic parking brake and the electronic steering column lock.
Fitting the rear towing eye
Fig. 219 On the right-hand side of the rear bumper: screwed-in towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The mount for the screw-in towing eye is located behind a cover ⇒ Fig. 219① on the right-hand 
side of the rear bumper. In vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket there is no mount for the 
screw-in towing eye behind the cover. To tow, swivel out or fit and use the ball head ⇒ Trailer 
towing⇒.
Comply with the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the rear towing eye
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Press at the bottom of the cover ⇒ Fig. 219① (arrowyf  W R  U H O H D V H  W K H  F R Y H U  I D V W H Q H U .
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Insert the lower locking lug in the opening in the bumper and push on the upper area of the 
cover until the upper locking lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage 
compartment.
®
®
When tow-starting, unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
NOTICE
When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, the side spoilers 
on the rear window, the rear spoiler or large panels. This could damage the vehicle and 
loosen the spoiler.
NOTICE 

Fig. 222 Front bumper, right-hand side: screwing in the towing eye.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The towing eye is screwed into a threaded hole behind a cover on the right of the front bumper 
⇒ Fig. 221.
The towing eye must always be kept in the vehicle.
Observe the notes on towing ⇒ Notes on tow-starting and towing.
Fitting the towing eye at front
•Remove the towing eye from the vehicle tool kit in the luggage compartment.
•Push the area of the cover pointing towards the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 221 in the direction of the arrow 
to release the cover fastener.
•Remove the cover and leave it hanging from the vehicle.
•Turn the towing eye anti-clockwise into the threaded hole and tighten as far as possible 
⇒ Fig. 222⇒. Use a suitable object to screw the towing eye fully and securely into the 
mounting.
•After you have finished towing, remove the towing eye by unscrewing it with a suitable object 
clockwise.
•Insert the lug on the cover on the opening pointing towards the vehicle side in the bumper and 
push on the opposite area of the cover until the lug engages in the bumper.
•If necessary clean the towing eye and place them back in the vehicle tool kit in the luggage 
compartment.
Driving notes when towing
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow rope. Both drivers should be 
familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
When driving, remember not to pull too hard on the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking 
movements. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging 
the anchorage points.
It is still possible to activate the turn signals in a vehicle that is being towed, even if the hazard 
warning lights are switched on. To do this, operate the turn signal lever in the required direction 
while the ignition is switched on. The hazard warning lights will not flash while the turn signal is 
being used. The hazard warning lights will start flashing automatically as soon as the turn signal 
lever is moved back to the neutral position.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
•Leave the ignition of the vehicle being towed switched on to prevent the steering wheel from 
locking, to enable the electronic parking brake to be switched off, and to ensure that the turn 
signals, wipers and washer system can be used.
•As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you will need more 
strength to steer than you normally would.
•You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake servo is not 
working. Do not drive too close to the towing vehicle.
•Read and comply with the information and notes in the owner's manual of the towing vehicle.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle:
•Accelerate carefully and gently. Avoid any sudden driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
•Read and comply with any information and notes in the owner's manual of the towed vehicle.
Checking and refilling
In the engine compartment
The towing eye must always be screwed firmly into the mounting. Otherwise, the towing 
eye can be ripped out of the mounting when the vehicle is being tow-started or towed.
NOTICE 

Safety notes for working in the engine compartment
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable surface before carrying out any work in the engine 
compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. You should only carry out work on 
the engine, and in the engine compartment, 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 ⇒. The 
work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends 
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are 
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must 
be on a level, the wheels chocked, and the vehicle key removed from the ignition lock 
as required.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra 
support for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, 
which can lead to serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be 
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must 
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be 
carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not 
been carried out properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine 
compartment. Hot steam or hot coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you 
can no longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Observe the following points before opening the bonnet once the engine has cooled 
down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P 
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the 
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of 
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause 
serious burns and other injuries.
- Slowly and carefully turn the cap on the coolant expansion tank anticlockwise 
while exerting gentle downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, 
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust 
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries 
and death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The 12-volt battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and 
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
- Never touch the electrical wiring and connections of gas discharge bulbs.
WARNING 

Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface.
Depress and hold the brake pedal until you have switched off the ignition.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Electronic parking brake.
Select the neutral position Manual gearbox: selecting a gear or move the selector lever to 
position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox.
Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock Starting and 
stopping the engine.
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. So you should regularly check the 
ground underneath your vehicle. If there are spots of oil or other service fluids on the ground, the 
vehicle should be inspected by a qualified workshop. Any spilt service fluids must be disposed of 
properly.
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment
Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in 
the engine compartment ⇒:
There are rotating components in the engine compartment that can cause serious injury.
•Never place your hand near these components or in the radiator fan. Touching the 
rotary blades can result in serious injuries. The fan is temperature-controlled and can 
start automatically, even if the ignition has been switched off and the vehicle key has 
been removed from the ignition lock.
•If any work has to be performed when the 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-belts, alternator, radiator fan etc., 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 in the engine compartment.
- Always take due care and attention when depressing the accelerator. The vehicle 
could move, even if the electronic parking brake is applied.
•Always ensure you have not left any objects, such as cleaning cloths and tools, in the 
engine compartment. Any forgotten items can cause malfunctions, engine damage and 
fires.
WARNING
Additional insulating materials such as covers in the engine compartment could disrupt 
the operation of the engine, start fires and lead to severe injuries.
•Never cover the engine with any insulating materials.
WARNING
Service fluids and some materials in the engine compartment are highly flammable and 
can cause fires and serious injuries!
•Never smoke in the vicinity of the engine compartment.
•Never work near naked flames or sparks.
•Never spill fluids onto the engine. They could ignite on hot engine components and 
hence cause injuries.
•Please note the following when carrying out any work on the fuel system or the 
electrical system:
- Always disconnect the 12-volt vehicle battery. Ensure that the vehicle is 
unlocked when the 12-volt vehicle battery is disconnected as otherwise the anti-
theft alarm will be activated.
- Never work in the direct proximity of heating systems, water heaters or any other 
open flames.
•Always have a fully functional and tested fire extinguisher to hand.
WARNING
When topping up or changing service fluids, ensure that you pour the correct service 
fluids into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious 
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE 

•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the 
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive 
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains 
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do 
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant 
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
 only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant 
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of 
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping 
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet. 
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once the engine has 
cooled down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P 
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the 
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of 
the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause 
serious burns and other injuries.
- Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle 
downward pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, 
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust 
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene 
glycol in the engine can catch fire.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the 
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine 
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling 
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess 
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could 
cause damage.
•If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has 
cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the engine cooling 
system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as 
soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
•Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air 
could have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure 
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids 
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious 
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE 

If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance 
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch 
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the 
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of 
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not 
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the 
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle 
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one 
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for 
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road. 
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from 
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a 
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not, 
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the 
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce 
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately 
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING 

Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, with a manual gearbox select a gear or with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox 
move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox and switch on the 
electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
Chock both wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle using the collapsible chocks or 
other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being 
changed.
Insert the hand crank into the opening on the jack (depending on equipmentyf .
Crank up the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground, and 
that the foot of the jack is positioned fully underneath the point of application   and .
Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position 
around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
The tightening torque should be checked with a properly functioning torque wrench immediately 
after changing a wheel.
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 246 Lifting points for the jack.
Fig. 247 Vehicle jack at the rear left-hand side of the vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind 
the markings on the body ⇒ Fig. 246. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are 
working on ⇒.
Checklist
For your own safety, carry out the following points in the specified order ⇒:
Incorrectly tightened wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause 
accidents, serious injury, and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Only use wheel bolts that belong to the wheel.
•Never use different wheel bolts.
•The wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs must be clean, free from oil and grease, 
and turn easily.
•Always use the box spanner placed in the vehicle at the factory to loosen and tighten 
the wheel bolts.
•Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with 
the vehicle jack.
•Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could 
cause them to loosen while the vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting 
is used.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and rims can 
loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and threads can be damaged if 
the tightening torque is too high.
WARNING 

Dispose of used or out-of-date sealant in accordance with legal requirements.
You can get a new tyre filler bottle from a Volkswagen dealership.
Observe the separate instructions from the manufacturer of the breakdown set.
Contents of the breakdown set
Fig. 249 The breakdown set.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The breakdown set is located underneath the floor covering in the luggage compartment. It 
includes the following components ⇒ Fig. 249:
Valve core extractor.
Sticker with the maximum permitted speed max. 80 km/h or max. 50 mph.
Filler hose with plug.
Air compressor.
On/off switch
Air bleed screw.
Tyre pressure display.
Using the breakdown set can be dangerous, especially if the tyres are inflated at the 
roadside. Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe 
distance from moving traffic in order to fill the tyre.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm.
•All passengers, and children in particular, must be at a safe distance and away from 
your area of work.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•The breakdown set should only be used if you feel confident with carrying out the 
procedure. If not, seek expert assistance.
•Tyres repaired with the breakdown set are intended for temporary, emergency use 
only. They should only be used until you can reach the nearest qualified workshop.
•Tyres that have been repaired using the breakdown set should be replaced as soon as 
possible.
•Sealant is hazardous to health and must be washed off immediately if it gets onto the 
skin.
•The breakdown set must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Never use a vehicle jack, even if it is approved for the vehicle.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the 
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce 
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
WARNING
Tyres that have been filled with sealant will not handle in the same way as a standard tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mphyf .
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Drive for just 10 minutes at no more than 80 km/h (50 mphyf  D Q G  W K H Q  F K H F N  W K H  W \ U H .
WARNING
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