2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! warning

Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought
from a qualified workshop.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting
them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Clean the windscreen wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth ⇒.
•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 126① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in
the direction of the arrow.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it
engages.
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.
•Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
•Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.
WARNING
•Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the
windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer
jets.
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can
cause the glass to crack.
•The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear
window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the
rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.
NOTICE

•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Lift the wiper blade arm and fold away at an angle of 60°.
•Press and hold the release button ①.
•Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 127 (arrow Ⓐ) and pull it off in the
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm against the
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 127Ⓑ. The wiper blade must be in the
tilted position (arrow Ⓐ).
•Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.
Waxing and polishing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Waxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water
no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the
paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by
applying wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal
the paint.
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.
•For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.
•Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts using a soft, dry cloth.
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and
severe injuries.
•Therefore, always change windscreen wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no
longer clean the windscreen properly.
WARNING
•Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.
•Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the
graphite coating.
•Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the
windows.
NOTICE
•In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses
and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.
•Do not polish the paint if the vehicle is in a sandy or dusty environment or if it is dirty.
NOTICE

Cleaning wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning steel wheels
An industrial cleaner is needed to remove accumulated brake dust. Steel wheels should therefore
be cleaned regularly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Wash grit and brake dust from alloy wheels approximately every 2 weeks. Then use an acid-free
detergent to clean the wheels. Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the
wheels approximately every 3 months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regular intervals,
otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not
be used on the wheels.
If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be repaired
immediately.
Care of rubber seals
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rubber seals on the doors, windows etc. will seal better, remain flexible and last longer if they
are treated at regular intervals with a suitable care product.
Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
De-icing the door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Volkswagen recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive
properties to de-ice the lock cylinders.
Underseal
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective
coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore
To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:
•Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.
•Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty environments.
•Do not use any abrasive care products (e.g. cream cleaners).
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products.
•Do not polish any dirty surfaces.
•Do not use solvent-based cleaning products.
•Do not use hard wax.
NOTICE
Chrome rims or wheel covers may also have an additional varnish finish and should not be
treated using chrome or aluminium cleaning agents or chrome or aluminium polish. A normal
commercially available paint cleaning product should be used instead.
NOTICE
Do not use lock de-icers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the
door lock cylinder to rust.
NOTICE

recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components.
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Cleaning and caring for the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat covers
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts
⇒ Cleaning seat belts
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft
materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the
garments.
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.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot
engine parts.
•Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter,
heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.
CAUTION
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures
and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE

Before getting into the vehicle, close all Velcro fasteners that could touch the cloth seat
covers and fabric trims. Open Velcro fasteners can cause damage to cloth seat covers and
fabric trims.
Avoid the direct contact of sharp-edged items and accessories to the upholstery and fabric
trims in order to prevent damage. Accessories include zips, studs, rhinestones on clothing
or belts.
Dust and grit in upholstery pores, folds and seams should be removed regularly so that no
permanent damage is caused to the surface of the seats by scratching.
Always check whether garments are colourfast to prevent damage to the upholstery. This
is especially important for light-coloured upholstery.
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Suitable care products are available from a Volkswagen dealership.
Seat covers
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Please note the following for the cleaning and maintenance of the seat covers ⇒:
Volkswagen recommends that stained upholstery is cleaned by a specialist company.
Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain 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
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.
•Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
WARNING
•Cleaning products that contain solvents attack the material and may cause irreparable
damage.
•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 be removed as quickly as possible and not allowed
to dry in.
•To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning company.
NOTICE
Ignoring any of the items on this important checklist for maintaining the seat covers can lead
to damage or discolouration of the seat covers and fabric trims.
•Follow the instructions on the checklist.
NOTICE
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Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically
adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag components
Airbag-related components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, passenger
seat and sometimes also in the rear outer seats. Seat cushions or backrests that are damaged,
incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that become wet, may cause damage to the vehicle electrics or
trigger a fault in the airbag system ⇒.
Electrical components and connectors are installed in electrically adjustable seats and seat
cushions with seat heating. These can be damaged if cleaned or treated incorrectly ⇒. This can
also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrics.
For this reason, please follow these cleaning guidelines:
•Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.
•Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.
•Avoid getting the seat wet.
•Only use detergents that have been approved by Volkswagen.
•If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.
Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions without seat heating, seats that are
not electrically adjustable, and seats that do not contain airbag components
•Please read and follow the instructions, notes and warnings on the package before using
cleaning products.
•Upholstery, fabric trims, Alcantara seat covers and carpeting should be cleaned regularly with
a vacuum cleaner (brush).
•Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.
•We recommend that you use a soft sponge or commercially available lint-free microfibre cloth
for cleaning jobs ⇒.
•Clean Alcantara surfaces with a slightly damp cotton or woollen cloth or a commercially
available lint-free microfibre cloth ⇒.
General surface soiling of the upholstery and fabric trim can be cleaned with a commercially
available foam cleaner.
If the upholstery and fabric trims are generally heavily soiled, consult a Volkswagen dealership for
information on suitable cleaning methods before attempting any cleaning. If required, take the
vehicle to a specialist cleaning company.
Treating stains
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself.
This particularly applies if the surface shows general signs of wear. The cleaned area could
otherwise be lighter than the surrounding area. If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.
Type of stainRecommended cleaning method for seat cushions
and upholstery
Water-based stains, e.g.
coffee, fruit juice.
– Moisten a sponge using a spray bottle and treat the stain by
rubbing it in a circular motion.
– Wipe with a dry absorbent cloth.
Stubborn stains, e.g.
chocolate, foundation.
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the
upholstery cleaned.
Oily stains, e.g. oil,
lipstick.
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the
upholstery cleaned.
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If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not function properly, or not function at
all or function unexpectedly. This could cause accidents and fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the upholstery on electrically adjustable seats or on seat cushions containing airbag
components gets wet, electric components and the vehicle electrics could be damaged.
•A wet seat cushion should always be dried out, and system components checked, by a
qualified workshop.
•Do not use steam cleaners as the steam pushes the soiling into the fabric and sets it.
•High-pressure cleaners and coolant sprays can damage the upholstery.
NOTICE

Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please contact a Volkswagen dealership or other qualified workshop if you have any questions on
cleaning and caring for the leather equipment in your vehicle.
Care and use
Natural leather is sensitive as it does not have a uniform coating of dye.
•Use a leather cream with sunlight protection and impregnation properties on a regular basis and
always after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, keeps it breathable and supple and
replaces lost moisture. It also protects the surface.
•Leather should be cleaned every two to three months and fresh stains removed.
•Treat the leather with a special leather care product every six months ⇒.
•Always apply cleaning and care products extremely sparingly and always use a dry cotton or
woollen cloth that is free from fluff. Do not apply cleaning and care products directly to the
leather.
•Remove fresh stains such as ink, ball-point pen ink, lipstick, shoe cream etc. as quickly as
possible.
•Look after the pigment. Use a special coloured leather cream to refresh the colour where
necessary.
•Wipe it off with a soft cloth.
Cleaning
Volkswagen recommends that you use a damp cotton or wool cloth for general cleaning purposes.
Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams.
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leather upholstery ⇒ Cleaning upholstery
on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag
components.
Type of stainCleaning
Stubborn stains– Use a wrung-out cloth to apply a mild soap solution.
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.
Water-based stains, e.g.
coffee, tea, juice, blood
etc.
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth,
– If the stain has already dried, use a suitable cleaning agent ⇒.
Oily stains, e.g. oil, lipstick
etc.
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
– If the stain has not yet penetrated the surface, use a suitable
cleaning agent ⇒.
Difficult stains, e.g. biro,
felt tip pen, nail varnish,
emulsion paint, shoe
polish etc.
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.
– Clean with a suitable leather stain remover.
•Brushes should be used on carpets and mats only. Other surfaces could be damaged by
brushes.
•When washing paste or fine detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge,
visible edges may appear on the upholstery once it has dried. This can be due to
substances such as surfactants. These edges are usually difficult or even impossible to
remove.
NOTICE
•Do not soak Alcantara under any circumstances.
•Do not use leather care products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or
similar products on Alcantara.
•Do not use brushes if cleaning with liquids. This could damage the surface of the material.
NOTICE
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a)

However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
Mild soap solution: two tablespoons neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Cleaning leatherette upholstery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leatherette upholstery ⇒ Cleaning
upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing
airbag components.
Only use water and neutral detergents to clean the leatherette upholstery.
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
Fig. 128 In the centre console: stowage compartment with drink holder
Fig. 129 Ashtray with snuffer, removed and opened
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning stowage compartments and drink holders
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
•Remove and empty the ashtray.
•Wipe the ashtray with a cloth to clean it.
To clean the snuffer ⇒ Fig. 129, use a toothpick or similar object to pick out the ashes.
•Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on leather.
•Stains cannot be removed if they has been left on the leather for a long time and have
penetrated the surface.
•Spilt liquids should be cleaned immediately using an absorbent cloth as the leather surface
and the stitching absorb liquids quickly.
•If the car is left standing outdoors for long periods, the leather should be protected against
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
NOTICE
a)
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on the
leatherette upholstery. These may cause the material to become hard and brittle prematurely.
NOTICE