Protection from the sun
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Sun visors
Sun visors
Fig. 64 Sunblind (left-hand side). The right-hand side is a mirror image
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Various positions for the driver and front passenger sun visors:
•Folded down over the windscreen.
•Pulled out of the bracket and swung over towards the door ⇒ Fig. 64 (arrow).
Vanity mirrors
Some vehicles have a vanity mirror on the folded-down sun visor.
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Windscreen wiper lever
⇒ Windscreen wiper functions
⇒ Service position for the front windscreen wipers
⇒ Checking and refilling the windscreen washer fluid level
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Air recirculation mode ⇒ Heating, ventilating, cooling
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Sun visors can restrict vision when folded down.
•Sun visors should always be replaced in their holder when not in use.
WARNING
Checking and refilling the windscreen washer fluid level
Fig. 68 In the engine compartment: cap of washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The windscreen washer fluid level should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
•The washer fluid reservoir is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 68.
•Check whether there is enough windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
•To top up, mix clean water with a washer fluid recommended by Volkswagen ⇒. Observe the
dilution instructions on the packaging.
•At low temperatures, add a special anti-freeze agent so that the fluid cannot freeze ⇒.
Recommended windscreen washer fluid
•For warm weather: summer windscreen wash- G 052 184 A1 -. Dilution 1:100 (1 part
concentrate, 100 parts water) in the washer fluid reservoir.
•All-year washer fluid- G 052 164 A2 -. Dilution in winter to -18°C (0°F) approximately 1:2 (1 part
concentrate, 2 parts water), otherwise dilute one part concentrate to four parts water (1:4) in the
washer fluid reservoir.
Capacities
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of about 3 litres.
Mirrors
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Interior mirror
⇒ Exterior mirrors
For safety reasons it is important that the driver positions the exterior and interior mirrors correctly
before starting a journey ⇒.
The driver can use the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror to observe rear traffic and then adjust
his or her driving style accordingly. Looking in the exterior mirrors and the interior mirror does not
•In order to prevent damage to the bonnet and the windscreen wiper arms, the windscreen
wiper arms should only be lifted when in the service position.
•Always return the windscreen wiper arms to the windscreen before starting your journey.
NOTICE
Never mix anti-freeze or other unsuitable additives into the windscreen washer fluid. An oily
film may otherwise be left on the screen, and restrict the field of vision.
•Use clean, clear water with a washer fluid recommended by Volkswagen.
•A suitable anti-freeze agent should be added to the windscreen washer fluid if necessary.
WARNING
•Never mix other cleaning agents with the cleaning agents recommended by Volkswagen.
This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer jets.
•Never mix up service fluids when refilling. Failure to observe this warning can result in
serious malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
allow the driver to see the entre side and rear area of the vehicle. The area that cannot be seen is
known as the blind spot. Objects and other road users may also be located in the blind spot.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
Interior mirror
Fig. 69 Manual anti-dazzle interior mirror
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The driver must adjust the interior mirror to ensure clear visibility through the rear window.
The driver’s rear view may be restricted or completely obscured by objects such as a sunblind on
the rear window, items of clothing stowed on the luggage compartment cover, or a rear window that
is covered in ice, snow or dirt.
Switching interior mirror to anti-dazzle
•Basic position: the lever on the lower part of the mirror is pointing towards the windscreen.
•Pull the lever back to switch to anti-dazzle ⇒ Fig. 69.
Exterior mirrors
Fig. 70 In the front doors: setting knob for the mechanical exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior and interior mirrors while driving may cause the driver to become
distracted. This can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
•Exterior and interior mirrors should only be adjusted when the vehicle is at a standstill.
•When parking, changing lane, or performing an overtaking or turning manoeuvre, always
pay careful attention to the area around the vehicle as objects and other road users may
be located in the blind spot.
•Always ensure that the mirrors are positioned correctly and that the rear view is not
restricted by ice, snow, condensation or any other objects.
WARNING
Fig. 71 In the driver door: rotary knob for the electric exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The exterior mirrors are adjusted by moving the setting knob ⇒ Fig. 70 or the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71.
Turn the rotary knob ⇒ Fig. 71 to the required position:
Switch on the exterior mirror heating.
Set the left exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary knob.
Neutral position. Exterior mirror heating is switched off, it is not possible to adjust
the exterior mirrors.
Set the right exterior mirror to the front, rear, right or left by moving the rotary
knob.
The exterior mirrors can be folded in and back from the vehicle. To do this, carefully push the
exterior mirror housing in towards the side window or back from the side window until the exterior
mirror perceptibly engages.
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer needed. Fuel is
otherwise wasted.
If there is a fault, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the
outside of the mirror.
Transporting
Driving notes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Stowing items of luggage
⇒ Driving with an open tailgate
⇒ Driving a loaded vehicle
⇒ Vehicle-specific weight ratings
Heavy objects must always be stowed securely in the luggage compartment and you must ensure
that the rear seat backrests are securely engaged in the upright position. Always use suitable
securing straps with the fastening rings to secure heavy items. Never exceed the vehicle's
maximum payload. Both the payload and the distribution of the load in the vehicle will have an
effect on the driving response and braking distance ⇒.
Additional information and warnings:
•Tailgate ⇒ Tailgate
•Folding the front passenger seat backrest forwards ⇒ Seat functions
•Lights ⇒ Lights
Injuries can be sustained if you do not take care when folding the exterior mirrors in and out.
•Only fold the exterior mirrors in or out when there is nobody in the path of the mirror.
•Always ensure that no fingers are caught between the exterior mirror and the foot of the
mirror when the exterior mirror is moved.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating the distance to vehicles travelling behind you can cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•Curved mirrors (convex or aspheric) enlarge the field of vision and can make objects in the
mirror seem smaller and further away than they actually are.
•Using curved mirrors to estimate the distance of other vehicles when changing lanes is
inaccurate and can cause accidents and severe injuries.
•Whenever possible, use the interior mirror to check the exact distance away from vehicles
behind or other objects.
•Ensure that you have a good view to the rear of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always fold in exterior mirrors before using an automatic car wash.
NOTICE
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windscreen free of snow, ice and leaves to ensure
heating and cooling is not impaired, and to prevent the windows from misting over.
Controls
Fig. 112 In the centre console: rotary controls for the heating and fresh air system
Fig. 113 In the centre console: air conditioning controls
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Button,
control
Additional information. Heating and fresh air system
⇒ Fig. 112 and air conditioning system ⇒ Fig. 113.
Temperature ①.
Turn the regulator to set the temperature as required.
...
Blowers ②.Setting 0: blower and system switched off, setting 4: highest blower setting.
Air distribution ③.Turn the control to direct the airflow exactly as required.
④Air conditioning system: slider for the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air
recirculation mode.
Heating and fresh air system: defrost function. Air distribution to the
windscreen and the side windows around the exterior mirrors.
Air conditioning system: defrost function. Air distribution to the windscreen
and the side windows around the exterior mirrors. press the button,
increase the blower level and switch the air recirculation mode ⇒ Air
recirculation mode off, in order to remove condensation from the windscreen
as quickly as possible.
Air distribution to the upper body via the air vents in the dash panel.
Air distribution to the footwell.
Heating and fresh air system, air conditioning system: air distribution to the
windscreen and in the footwell.
Air conditioning system: Press the button to switch the cooling system on or
off.
Rear window heating
The button for the rear window heating is located in the centre console. The rear window
heating only functions when the engine is running and will switch off automatically after
approximately 10 minutes.
Stale air can quickly cause tiredness and lack of concentration in the driver, which in turn can
cause collisions, accidents and serious injuries.
•Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculation mode for an extended period
as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
WARNING
How the vehicle battery discharges:
•Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is
switched on.
•The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.
Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic
substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of
them properly.
Vehicle care and maintenance
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Washing the vehicle
⇒ Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
⇒ Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
⇒ Waxing and polishing the vehicle
⇒ Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
⇒ Cleaning wheels
⇒ Care of rubber seals
⇒ De-icing the door lock cylinders
⇒ Underseal
⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also
be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint
defects.
Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.
Additional information and warnings:
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits,
fire and serious injuries.
•Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties,
specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.
•Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).
•A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.
•Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and
then the negative cable.
WARNING
•Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or
the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the
vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be
damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.
•Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery
charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This
can damage the vehicle electrical system.
NOTICE
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
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒.
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.
•Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.
WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.
•You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
WARNING
•The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).
•Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle
paintwork.
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can
damage the surface.
•Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It
is best to use soapy water.
•Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and
seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order
to avoid damage to the vehicle:
•Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
•Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic
car wash.
•Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the
glass.
•Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.
NOTICE