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Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the 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 optimal 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
container or above the MIN marking ⇒.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may
partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please
proceed to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule ⇒BookletService schedule,.
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.
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Any spilt service fluids must be cleaned up and
disposed of properly.
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, according to the service schedule
⇒BookletService schedule,.
•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. These containers could encourage other people to drink out of them, even if
they are labelled otherwise.
•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. Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt should be cleaned off the vehicle paintwork and
other components immediately.
NOTICE
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Driving with respect for the environment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ An economic driving style
⇒ Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and tyres depend largely on
three factors:
•Personal driving style.
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
•Technical conditions.
Depending on your personal driving style, a few simple measures can help save fuel by up to 25%.
An economic driving style
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Changing gear earlier
In principle, the highest gear is always the most economical gear. A rule of thumb for most vehicles:
at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) drive in 3rd gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in 4th gear and at 50 km/h
(31 mph) in 5th gear.
If the traffic and driving situation allows it, skipping gears when changing up a gear will also save
fuel.
Do not drive gears to their upper limit. Use first gear only for pulling away then quickly change up to
second gear. Avoid using the kickdown function in vehicles with an automated manual gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to improve fuel economy by indicating the optimum time to
change gear.
Rolling to a stop
Taking your foot off the accelerator will interrupt the supply of fuel to the engine and decrease fuel
consumption.
Therefore, in situations such as approaching a red traffic light, let the vehicle roll without applying
the accelerator. Only press on the clutch pedal to disengage if the vehicle becomes too slow or if
the stopping distance is longer. The engine will then run at idling speed.
Switch off the engine in situations when the vehicle might be stationary for a long time, e.g. at a
level crossing. In vehicles with an active start/stop system, the engine will switch off automatically
when the vehicle is stationary.
Thinking ahead when driving, and driving with the flow of traffic
Applying the brake and accelerator too often will significantly increase fuel consumption. By thinking
ahead when driving and by maintaining a sufficient distance from the vehicle in front, simply
keeping your foot off the accelerator will stop the speed from fluctuating. This means that active
braking and accelerating is not always necessary.
Driving smoothly and evenly
Even more important than speed is smoothness: the more evenly you drive, the lower your fuel
consumption will be.
When driving on a motorway, it is much more effective to drive at a constant moderate speed than
to drive with constant acceleration and braking. As a rule, driving with a constant style will get you
to your destination just as quickly.
The cruise control system will help you to maintain a constant driving style.
Using additional equipment in moderation
It is always important to be comfortable in your vehicle, but it is also important to consider the
environment.
Some equipment will increase fuel consumption when switched on:
Adapt your speed and distance from the vehicles ahead to suit visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
WARNING
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•The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very
high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine.
Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside
temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short
distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once
the windows have been closed.
•Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
•Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
•Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
•Fault in engine management.
•Driving in hilly regions.
Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 %.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less
and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you
can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its
working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to
minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20°C (+68°F) and at -
10°C (+14°F) are shown in ⇒ Fig. 102.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
Not only is it illegal in some countries to warm up the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is
stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.
Using low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils
decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread better and more quickly, especially for cold
starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil
change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been
approved by Volkswagen.
Page 108 of 211

Avoid unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and environmentally-friendly it is. An extra weight of
100 kg can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove all unnecessary objects and loads from the vehicle.
Remove any unnecessary special equipment and accessories
The more aerodynamic a vehicle, the lower its fuel consumption. Special equipment and
accessories, such as roof carriers or bicycle carriers, make the vehicle less aerodynamic.
You should therefore remove any special equipment and luggage carriers that are not in use,
especially if you are going to be driving at high speeds.
Steering
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Information on steering
Depending on its equipment level the vehicle may have power steering.
The power steering is not hydraulic. It is an electromechanical system. The advantage of this
steering system is that no hydraulic hoses, hydraulic oil, pumps, filter or other parts are required.
The electromechanical system reduces fuel consumption. A hydraulic system requires constant oil
pressure in the system, whereas an electromechanical steering system only needs an energy
supply while steering.
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
•Starting and stopping the engine ⇒ Starting and stopping the engine
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Warning and indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The electromechanical steering is faulty
or not working.
The steering should be checked by a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Electromechanical steering function
reduced.
The steering should be checked by a
qualified workshop as soon as possible.
If the yellow warning lamp remains off after
the ignition has been restarted and you have
driven a short distance, you do not need to
consult a qualified workshop.
The vehicle battery has been
disconnected and reconnected.
Drive a short distance at a speed of
15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph).
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will go out soon afterwards.
If the power steering is not working, the steering wheel is difficult to turn, which makes it
difficult to steer the vehicle.
•The power steering only functions when the engine is running.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock when the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may be activated and you will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.
WARNING
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Information on steering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The steering should be locked every time you leave the vehicle to make it more difficult for the
vehicle to be stolen.
Mechanical steering column lock
The steering column is locked if the vehicle key is removed from the ignition lock when the vehicle
is stationary.
Activating the steering lockDeactivating the steering lock
Park the vehicle ⇒ Braking, stopping and
parking.Insert the vehicle key into the ignition lock.
Remove the vehicle key.Turn the steering wheel slightly to take the load
off the steering lock mechanism.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until the
steering lock clicks into place.
Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn
the ignition on.
Electromechanical steering
The power steering provided by the electromechanical steering system automatically adjusts to the
vehicle speed, steering wheel torque and steering wheel angle. The electromechanical steering
only functions when the engine is running.
You will need considerably more strength than normal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is
reduced or has failed completely.
Driver assist systems
Pull-away assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Indicator lamps
⇒ Start/stop system
⇒ Hill Hold Assist
Additional information and warnings:
•Volkswagen information system ⇒ Volkswagen information system
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
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Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
The start/stop system is not available.
Automatic engine stop active.
The start/stop system is available, but an
automatic engine stop is not possible.
Check whether all technical requirements
have been fulfilled. If not, remedy any
shortfalls ⇒ Start/stop system.
Start/stop system cannot start the engine.
Start the engine again manually using the
vehicle key ⇒ Starting and stopping the
engine.
Fault in the alternator.⇒ Vehicle battery
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system not available.Proceed to a qualified workshop.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
Start/stop system
Fig. 103 In the upper part of the centre console: button for the start/stop system
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
When the start/stop system is active, the engine is switched off whenever the vehicle is stationary.
The engine then restarts automatically as soon as it is required.
The function is automatically activated every time the ignition is switched on. The instrument cluster
display shows information about the current status ⇒ Indicator lamps.
Always switch off the start/stop system manually when driving through water.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
•When the vehicle is stationary, disengage the gear and release the clutch pedal. The engine is
stopped.
The intelligent technology of the pull-away assist systems cannot overcome the laws of
physics. Never let the extra convenience afforded by pull-away assist systems tempt you into
taking any risks when driving – this can cause accidents.
•Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injury.
•The pull-away assist systems cannot replace the full concentration of the driver.
•Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•A pull-away assist system cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations or brake it
sufficiently on all slopes going downhill (e.g. if the ground is slippery or icy).
WARNING
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
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•Depress the clutch pedal to restart the engine.
Important preconditions for automatic engine switch-off
•The driver is wearing their seat belt.
•The driver door is closed.
•The bonnet is closed.
•A minimum engine temperature has been reached.
•The vehicle has been moved since the engine was last switched off.
•The defrost function of the air conditioning system is not switched on.
•The charging state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
•The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
•The vehicle is not on a steep incline.
•Reverse gear is not engaged.
Conditions for an automatic restart
The engine can start automatically under the following conditions:
•If the vehicle rolls on.
•If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls.
Conditions that make a key start necessary
The engine has to be started manually with the vehicle key in the following conditions:
•If the driver unfastens their seat belt.
•If the driver door is opened.
•If the bonnet is opened.
Switching the start/stop system on and off
•Press the button in the centre console ⇒ Fig. 103.
•If start/stop system has been deactivated, the indicator lamp in the button lights up.
If the start/stop system has switched the engine off, the engine will start again as soon as the
system has been switched off manually with the button.
In some cases, it will be necessary to restart the engine manually with the vehicle key. Take
note of the corresponding indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
Hill Hold Assist
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The Hill Hold Assist function actively holds the vehicle when pulling away on an incline.
The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically activated if the following
conditions are met
Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
1.On an incline, the stationary vehicle must be held in position with the footbrake until the
vehicle starts moving.
2.The engine is running smoothly.
3.
Fully depress the clutch pedal and move the
gear stick to the 1st gear position if you want
to drive forwards up a hill or to the R position
if you want to reverse up a hill.
Position D is selected when driving forwards
up an incline or position R is selected for
driving in reverse up an incline.
The brake servo and the electromechanical steering will not function if the engine is switched
off.
•Never allow the vehicle to roll if the engine is switched off.
•The start/stop system must be switched off if work is to be carried out in the engine
compartment.
WARNING
If the start/stop system is used in very high outside temperatures over a long period, the
vehicle battery can be damaged.
NOTICE
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Points 1 to 3 must be fulfilled at the same time:
Manual gearboxAutomated manual gearbox
In order to start moving, remove your foot
from the brake pedal, then release the clutch
pedal (clutch engages) and press the
accelerator simultaneously. The brake will
gradually be released as the clutch is
engaged.
To start moving, remove your foot from the
brake pedal and press the accelerator
immediately. The brake will gradually be
released as the vehicle pulls away.
The Hill Hold Assist function will be deactivated immediately:
•As soon as one of the conditions indicated on ⇒ The Hill Hold Assist function is automatically
activated if the following conditions are met is not fulfilled.
•If the engine is not running smoothly or there is an engine fault.
•If the engine is switched off or has stalled.
•Vehicles with automated manual gearbox: if the selector lever in is the neutral position N.
ParkPilot
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Operating ParkPilot
⇒ Acoustic and optical ParkPilot signals at the rear of the vehicle
The ParkPilot assists the driver when manoeuvring and parking.
The ultrasound sensors in the rear bumper transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The system uses
the time difference between the ultrasonic waves (i.e. between the transmission and reflection from
obstacles and the point of reception) to continuously calculate the distance between the bumper
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
•Portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and
renewal of parts
•Radio ⇒BookletRadio,