In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read
the manufacturer's instructions.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further
intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and
regularly.
Car washes
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take
the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to
avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on
your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash.
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash.
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the
following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with
the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.
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
thus cause serious injury.
•Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.
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
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved
by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major
contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
•If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
•Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks or blisters.
•Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the inner
tyre⇒ Tyre damage.
•Always respond to any warning messages given by the tyre monitoring system.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering.
•Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including
oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ Tyre lettering.
The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps
to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted
with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 130 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.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that are
stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which
are in constant use.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also
applies to tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good condition and whose
tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒.
The age of a tyre can be determined from the manufacturing date, which is a component of the tyre
identification number () ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres before you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be
able to mount them correctly when you replace them (left, right, front, rear). When removed, the
wheels or tyres should be stored 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 tread).
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
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
Old tyres – even if they have not been used – 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
•After altering the tyre pressures, ensure that the valve caps are screwed on.
The spare wheel or temporary spare wheel are filled to the highest tyre pressure permissible for
the vehicle.
Under-inflated tyres can contribute to an increase in fuel consumption.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 132 Tyre tread: wear indicators
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tread depth
Difficult driving situations demand the deepest possible tread depth for the tyres and the same
tread depth for the tyres on the front and rear axles. This applies in particular for driving in winter
weather and cold temperatures and in wet conditions ⇒.
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread
grooves next to the tread wear indicators). Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
Winter tyres lose a large degree of their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of
4 mm.
The tread depth of new tyres can vary according to type and manufacturer due to construction and
tread design.
Tread wear indicator in tyres
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators running across the tread
⇒ Fig. 132. These wear indicators are positioned at set intervals around the tyre. Markings on the
tyre sidewall (for instance the letters TWI or other symbols) indicate the positions of the tread wear
indicators.
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 before the tread wear indicator.
Too high or too low a 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 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 or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the vehicle
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 shaft. This can damage the tyre valve.
•Missing valve caps, or valve caps that are not suitable or not screwed on properly, can
cause damage to the tyre valve. Always use valve caps that comply with the factory-fitted
valve cap specifications. Always screw on valve caps fully.
NOTICE
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Winter tyres
also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the tread depth.
The following applies when using winter tyres:
•Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
•Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.
•Only use in winter road conditions.
•Only use the sizes of winter tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Winter tyres must have the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
•Heed the maximum speed permitted by the speed index ⇒.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limitation depending on the speed index ⇒ Tyre lettering.
In some vehicle versions, a speed warning can be set in the MFD (multifunction display) menu in
the instrument cluster ⇒ Volkswagen information system.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and required tyre pressure will be determined by the
engine size. You must ask a Volkswagen dealership about the highest permitted speed and
required tyre pressure.
Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is
better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C (+45°F). They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please heed legislation and also the permitted speed when driving your vehicle with snow chains.
In winter conditions, snow chains will not only improve acceleration, but also braking response.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. They may be fitted only to the following tyre
and wheel combinations:
Tyre sizeWheel
165 / 70 R 145 J x 14 offset 35
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
If possible, use snow chains with fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 15 mm, including
the tensioner.
Remove wheel centre covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒. For safety reasons
cover caps must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. These are available from your Volkswagen
dealership.
Temporary spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel.
If you have to use snow chains with the temporary spare wheel fitted, the temporary spare wheel
should be fitted to the rear axle even when a front wheel is damaged. You can then use the wheel
taken from the rear axle to replace the damaged front wheel. Please note the direction of rotation.
Volkswagen recommends fitting the snow chains before mounting the wheel on the car.
The improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not encourage
you to take any risks.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.
WARNING
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings:
•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.
AbbreviationDefinition
rpmRevolutions per minute – engine speed.
ABSAnti-lock brake system.
AG55-speed automated manual gearbox.
TCSTraction control system.
BASBrake Assist system.
ccmCubic centimetres. Unit of displacement.
CNGCompressed Natural Gas.
COCarbon dioxide.
DINGerman Standards Authority (Deutsches Institut für Normung).
DRLDaytime running lights.
EBDElectronic brake pressure distribution system.
EDLElectronic differential lock.
EUEuropean Union.
ENEuropean standard.
EPCEngine management system (electronic power control).
ESCElectronic stabilisation programme.
EECEuropean Economic Community.
VINVehicle identification number
g/kmCarbon dioxide emissions in grams per kilometre.
CCSCruise control system.
kNKilonewton, pulling power.
kpKilopond, pulling power.
kPaKilopascal, value for tyre inflation pressure.
kWKilowatt, engine power.
LEDLight-emitting diode.
MFDMultifunction display.
ECEngine code.
NmNewton metres, unit of engine torque.
RONResearch octane number, indication of the knock resistance of petrol.
MG55-speed manual gearbox.
TCTraction control.
TINT Tyre identification number (TIN).
tripTrip recorder.
TWITread wear indicator.
Volkswagen AG works continuously to develop and improve its vehicles. Please understand that we
must therefore reserve the right to alter any part of the vehicle and its equipment or technical
specifications at any time. The data provided concerning scope of delivery, appearance,
performance, dimensions, weights, fuel consumption, standards and vehicle functions are all
correct at the time of going to print. Some of the equipment described might not yet be available in
a particular vehicle (information can be provided by your local Volkswagen dealership), and some
equipment may not be available in certain countries. No legal commitment may be inferred from the
information, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reprinted, reproduced or translated without the written permission of
Volkswagen AG.
All rights under the laws of copyright are expressly reserved by Volkswagen AG. Subject to
alteration and amendment.
Printed in Germany.
© Volkswagen AG 2012
This paper was bleached without the use of chlorine.
Abbreviations
2