
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 

Warning lamps and text messages may be shown in the instrument cluster display. These warnings 
may also be accompanied by acoustic signals.
Engine oil
Lit up: engine oil level too low. Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking 
the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil.Flashing: engine oil system fault. Go to a 
qualified workshop and have the engine oil sensor checked.Flashing: engine oil pressure 
is too low. Do not drive on!
Switch off the engine and check the engine oil level ⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling the 
engine oil - Do not drive on or remain at idling speed if the warning lamp is flashing even if the 
engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be damaged. You should obtain professional 
assistance.
Engine coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Coolant specification
⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
You should only carry out work on the cooling 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 ⇒. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. 
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be 
collected then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 
40yb  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  G 13 (TL-VW 774 Jyf   7 K H  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  L V  G \ H G  S X U S O H   7 K L V  P L [ W X U H  R I  
water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°Fyf  D Q G  S U R W H F W V  
the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and 
raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the proportion of coolant additive must always be at least 
40yb   H Y H Q  L I  D Q W L  I U H H ] H  L V  Q R W  U H T X L U H G  L Q  Z D U P  Z H D W K H U  D Q G  Z D U P  F O L P D W H V .
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can 
be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60yb   D V  W K L V  Z R X O G  
reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40yb  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  - G 13 - or 
- G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 Gyf   E R W K  R I  Z K L F K  D U H  G \ H G  S X U S O H \f must be used in order to obtain 
the optimum corrosion protection ⇒. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-
VW 774 Fyf   - G 12 - (dyed redyf  R U  - G 11 - (dyed blue-greenyf  Z L O O  V L J Q L I L F D Q W O \  G H F U H D V H  W K H  O H Y H O  R I  
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒.
Engine coolant is toxic.
•Engine coolant should only be kept in sealed original containers in a safe place.
•Never store engine coolant in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original 
containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine coolant.
•The engine coolant must be stored out of the reach of children.
•Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the 
lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to 
break down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to 
death as the heating will also no longer function.
WARNING 

Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be 
collected then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 229 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
Fig. 230 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap (illustrationyf .
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
•Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
•Allow the engine to cool down ⇒.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The coolant expansion tank is identified by the  symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 230.
Checking the coolant level
•When the engine is cold, check the coolant level on the side markings of the engine coolant 
expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. The engine coolant level must be between the marks.
•Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking 
(minyf   : K H Q  W K H  H Q J L Q H  L V  Z D U P   W K H  H Q J L Q H  F R R O D Q W  O H Y H O  P D \  E H  V O L J K W O \  D E R Y H  W K H  P D [ L P X P  
(MAXyf  P D U N .
Refilling coolant
•Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth 
on the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification ⇒ Coolant specification⇒
.
Insufficient anti-freeze in the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and 
cause serious injuries.
•Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the 
lowest ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to 
break down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to 
death as the heating will also no longer function.
WARNING
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by 
Volkswagen. Mixing other coolants could cause serious damage to the engine and cooling 
system.
•If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not pink (colouring results from mixing the 
purple coolant additive with distilled wateryf  E X W  I R U  H [ D P S O H   E U R Z Q  L Q V W H D G   - G 13 - has 
been mixed with an unsuitable coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as 
possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this point can result in serious faults or 
engine damage.
NOTICE 

•Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The specified tyre pressure applies to 
cold tyres. Tyre pressure is always higher in warm tyres than it is in cold tyres. For this reason, 
never reduce the pressure in warm tyres to adjust the tyre pressure.
•Always adjust the tyre pressure to the load level ⇒ Fig. 236\b.
•After adjusting the tyre pressures, always screw the caps onto the valves and observe the 
information on the tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
•Always use the tyre pressure specified on the sticker. Never exceed the maximum tyre pressure 
which is given on the sidewall of the tyre
Underinflated tyres will result in increased fuel consumption.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 238 Tyre tread: wear indicators.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tread depth
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread 
grooves next to the tread wear indicatorsyf   Q R W H  D Q \  F R X Q W U \  V S H F L I L F  U H J X O D W L R Q V   7 K H  W \ U H V  V K R X O G  
have the same tread depth, at the minimum on each axle ⇒.
Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths 
for winter and all-year tyres ⇒ Winter tyres.
Tread wear indicator in tyres
The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when 
the tread depth is just down to the tread wear indicator.
The bottom of the tyre tread has 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators ⇒ Fig. 238. Markings on the 
tyre sidewall indicate the position of the tread wear indicators ⇒ Fig. 238.
Incorrect tyre pressure may cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure or burst while the 
vehicle is in motion. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•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.
•Fast speeds or overloading of the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage 
including tyre bursts and ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control of 
the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres will wear prematurely and the car will not 
handle well.
•Check tyre pressures regularly, at least once a month, and before every long journey.
•All tyres must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the vehicle load.
•Never reduce excess pressure when the tyres are warm.
WARNING
•When attaching the tyre pressure gauge, ensure that you do not position it at an angle 
to the valve stem. This can damage the tyre valve.
•Always make sure the valve caps are completely screwed on while driving.
NOTICE