
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒
.
Removing wax
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the
vehicle is washed.
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove
wax deposits ⇒.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen
dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to
scratch the window.
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.
•Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur
visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.
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 may 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.
•The ParkPilot sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice to guarantee
correct function. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors
should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm
away.
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•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

•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

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
®

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.
®
®
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
®
®
a)

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

Snow chains are available in a range of sizes for a vehicle type.
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Running-in
⇒ Accessories and parts
⇒ Service fluids and consumables
⇒ Repairs and technical modifications
⇒ Repairs and faults in the airbag system
⇒ Retrofitting two-way radios
⇒ Information stored in the control units
⇒ Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial
⇒ Portable navigation device
⇒ Vehicle lifting points
Additional information and warnings:
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Ashtray and cigarette lighter ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
•Electrical socket ⇒ Socket
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Cruise Control System (CCS) ⇒ Cruise control system (CCS)
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Engine oil ⇒ Engine oil
•Engine coolant ⇒ Coolant
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•⇒BookletRadio,
•User's manual for the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen)
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of
snow chains can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the correct snow chains.
•Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
•Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for the snow chains that are fitted.
WARNING
•Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains will
otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
•Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it.
Volkswagen recommends using non-scratch snow chains.
NOTICE