2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! tow

Switch off the seat heating when the seat is not occupied.
FunctionAction ⇒ Fig. 41
Switching onPress the  button. The seat heating is switched on at the
highest setting. All indicator lamps light up in the button.
Adjusting the heating
outputPress the button again until the required heating level is set.
Switching offPress the button until the indicator lamps in the button go out.
If the second temperature level has been switched on for more than 15 minutes, it will automatically
switch to the first temperature level. Only one indicator lamp will be lit up.
The seat heating should be switched off as soon as it is no longer needed. Fuel is otherwise
wasted.
Seat belts
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp
⇒ Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
⇒ What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
⇒ Seat belt protection
⇒ Using seat belts
⇒ Fastening and unfastening seat belts
⇒ Seat belt routing
⇒ Automatic belt retractor, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
⇒ Service and disposal of belt tensioners
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing, belt connections, belt retractor or
seat belt buckle become damaged, the seat belt in question should be replaced immediately by a
qualified workshop ⇒. The qualified workshop must use correct spare parts that are compatible
with the vehicle, equipment level and model year. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Adjusting the seat position ⇒ Adjusting the seat position
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Child seats (accessories) ⇒ Child seats (accessories)
•Stowage ⇒ Stowage area
•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
Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature due to medication, paralysis
or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) could sustain burns on the back, buttocks and legs when
using the seat heating. These burns may take a long time to heal or may never heal fully.
Please consult a doctor to determine your own level of health.
•Anyone experiencing reduced sensitivity to pain or temperature should never use the seat
heating.
WARNING
Wet upholstery can cause a fault in the seat heating and increase the risk of burns.
•Ensure that the seat cushion is dry before the seat heating is used.
•Do not sit on the seat when wearing damp or wet clothing.
•Do not set any damp or wet objects or items of clothing on the seat.
•Do not spill any liquids on the seat.
WARNING
•To avoid damaging the heating elements, do not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure
at a single point on the seat cushion and backrest.
•Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials (such as a protective cover or child seat) on
the seat could damage the seat heating.
•If the system starts to emit a smell, switch the seat heating off immediately and have it
checked by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE

Warning lamp
Fig. 42 Warning lamp in the instrument cluster
Fig. 43 Seat belt status for the rear seats in the instrument cluster display
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lights
up or
flashes
Possible causeSolution
The driver seat belt and, if the front
passenger seat is occupied, the front
passenger seat belt are not fastened.
Fasten seat belts.
There are objects on the front
passenger seat.
Remove objects from the front passenger
seat and stow them safely.
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Seat
belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used properly.
•Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries in
the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the vehicle is
in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position, correctly
fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly throughout the
trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
•While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint
system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened seat
belts ⇒ Child seats (accessories).
•Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.
•Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always ensure
that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that you are
occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.
•Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could
prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.
•Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened
with the same belt.
•Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket). This could
prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.
WARNING
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.
•If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt may
tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.
•Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with new seat belts approved by
Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an
accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat belts,
belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING

Comply with any country-specific legal regulations.
Volkswagen recommends that children under 12 years of age are always transported on
the rear seats.
A child should only be transported on the front passenger seat in exceptional
circumstances Using a child seat on the front passenger seat. The safest seat in the
vehicle is on the rear seat behind the front passenger seat.
Always secure any children in the vehicle in a restraint system. The restraint system must
be suitable for the child's height, weight and build.
Transport only one child per child seat.
Observe the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat and always keep them in
the vehicle.
When securing a child seat using the seat belt, always guide the belt through or around
the child seat as described in the instructions from the child seat manufacturer.
Always ensure that the seat belt routing is correct for children and that they are sitting in
the correct position.
Whenever possible, fit the child seat on the rear bench seat behind the front passenger
seat so that children can exit the vehicle on the kerb side.
Replace child seats that withstand any force during an accident as they could have
sustained damage that may not be visible.
General information on transporting children in the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Legislation and legal requirements take precedence over the descriptions in this owner's manual.
Various standards and regulations govern the use of child seats and methods for securing them ().
For example, this could mean that in some countries you are not allowed to use child seats on
certain seats in the vehicle.
The laws of physics, which come into force on a vehicle during a collision or any other kind of
accident, also apply to children ⇒ Seat belts. In contrast to adults and teenagers, however,
children's muscles and bones are not yet fully developed. There is a higher risk for children than for
adults of sustaining serious injuries in an accident.
Children must be transported using child restraint systems that are specifically suited to their size,
weight and physical build, as children's bodies are not yet fully developed. In many countries there
are laws that require the use of approved child restraint systems for babies and small children.
Only use suitable, approved and authorised child seats in your vehicle. If you are unsure, always
speak to your Volkswagen dealership or a qualified workshop.
Checklist
Transporting children in the vehicle ⇒:
Children who are not strapped in or who are not strapped in properly could sustain severe or
fatal injuries while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never use a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat when the front passenger
front airbag is switched on.
•Children up to 12 years of age should always be transported on the rear seat.
•Always secure children in the vehicle in an authorised restraint system suitable for their
height and weight.
•Always fasten children's seat belts correctly and ensure that they assume a correct sitting
position.
•Adjust the seat backrest to an upright position if a child seat is to be used on this seat.
•Do not allow children to sit with their heads or any other body parts in the deployment
zone of the side airbag.
•Ensure that the seat belt routing is correct.
•Never allow children or babies to be transported on someone's lap, or while being held.
•Only ever fasten one child into each child seat.
•Read and follow the instructions by the manufacturer of the child seat.
WARNING
An unsecured, unoccupied child seat can be flung through the vehicle interior in the event of a
sudden braking manoeuvre or accident and cause injuries.
•Always secure child seats safely or stow them in the luggage compartment if they are not
being used while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING

•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Child seats with adjustable attachment belts
•Observe the child seat manufacturer's instructions when fitting or removing the child seat ⇒.
•Position the child seat on the seat cushion and attach the hooks from the attachment belts onto
the retaining rings ⇒ Fig. 59.
•Pull the attachment belts to ensure that they are equally taut. The child seat must fit snugly to
the vehicle seat.
•Pull on both sides of the child seat.
Securing child seats with the top tether
Fig. 60 Example of a fastened top tether
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Observe the instructions provided by the child seat manufacturer when fitting or removing the
child seat ⇒.
•Release the seat backrest and fold the backrest forwards slightly ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Remove the head restraint located behind the child seat and stow it securely in the vehicle
⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
•Guide the top tether of the child seat back between the backrest and the luggage compartment
cover into the luggage compartment.
•Fold back the seat backrest and push it firmly to lock it in place.
•Attach the child seat to the lower anchoring points ⇒ Securing child seats using lower anchoring
points (ISOFIX, LATCH).
•Fasten the top tether to the retaining rings in the luggage compartment ⇒ Fig. 60.
•Stretch the belt so that the child seat is positioned high on the backrest.
Reinstall the head restraints after the child seat has been removed⇒ Adjusting the seat position.
Lights and vision
Lights
The lower anchoring points for the child seats are not fastening rings. Fit child seats to the
lower anchoring points only.
WARNING
•In order to avoid permanent marks on the seats, the insert guides should be removed from
the anchoring points when there is no child seat fitted to them.
•In order to avoid damage to the seat covers, the seats or the insert guides, the insert
guides must always be removed from the anchoring points before folding the rear bench
seat forwards.
NOTICE
Child seats attached using the lower anchoring points and top tether must be fitted according
to the instructions from the manufacturer. Failure to do so could lead to severe injuries.
•Never attach more than one top tether from a child seat to one retaining ring in the
luggage compartment.
•Only use the specially fitted retaining rings when attaching the top tether.
•Never fasten the top tether to one of the fastening rings.
WARNING

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

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

•Luggage compartment ⇒ Luggage compartment
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
Stowing items of luggage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
•Always distribute any loads in the vehicle and on the roof as evenly as possible.
•Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible. Position the rear
seat backrests securely in the upright position.
•Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps
⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Adjust the headlight range ⇒ Lights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Please read the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Wheels and tyres.
Observe any information concerning the loading of a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Driving with an open tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open tailgate and any
objects are secured properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic
exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior.
Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in
the luggage compartment.
•Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from entering the deployment zones of the
side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an
accident.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter
the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front
passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small objects could be pressed into
the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded
forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.
•The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF 
must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•Any seat blocked by stowed objects must not be used by any passengers.
WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are
being transported.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and cause damage.
NOTICE