Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
•Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are
working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must be
on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the
ignition lock.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, use suitable stands to provide extra support
for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to
serious injuries.
•The start/stop system must have been deactivated.
WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be
sustained here.
•The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must
follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
•Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exactly
how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a
qualified workshop. Serious injuries can result from work that has not been carried out
properly.
•Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns. Always wait until you can no
longer see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
•Always allow the engine to cool down before opening the bonnet.
•Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system can burn the skin.
•Before opening the bonnet once it has cooled down:
- Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position N or move the
manual gear lever to the neutral position.
- Remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The engine cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap
of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause
serious burns and injuries.
- After cooling, turn the cap slowly and very carefully anticlockwise while exerting
some downwards pressure on the cap.
- Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large,
thick cloth.
•When refilling, do not spill any service fluids on engine components or on the exhaust
system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire.
WARNING
High voltages in the electrical system can cause electric shocks, burns, serious injuries and
death!
•Never short circuit the electric system. The vehicle battery could explode.
•Please note the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of an electric shock and
serious injuries while the engine is running or being started:
- Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
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
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
Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic
parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•Treat plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel with a special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care product that has been approved by Volkswagen ⇒.
•Treat wooden trims with a mild soap solution.
•Clean the mount for the portable navigation device using a dry cloth only.
Cleaning seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Large particles of dirt on the automatic belt prevent it from rolling back properly and thus from
working effectively.
The seat belts must never be removed for cleaning purposes.
•Remove dirt with a soft brush ⇒.
•Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.
•Clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution.
•Allow the seat belt fabric to dry completely.
•Do not allow the seat belt to roll up until it has dried completely.
Wheels and tyres
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Rims
⇒ New wheels and tyres
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
Volkswagen recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop.
They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING
When cleaning the dash panel, ensure that the contacts for the portable navigation device do
not become wet as this could cause damage to the electrical system.
NOTICE
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat
belt becomes damaged have it removed and replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts or their components. Furthermore
the seat belts may not come into contact with corrosive fluids, solvents or sharp objects.
These could considerably weaken the webbing.
•After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up. Otherwise the
automatic belt retractors could become damaged and thus impair their function.
•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 try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself.
•Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with 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.
WARNING
proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Transporting ⇒ Driving notes
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This
can also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type. Refer to the vehicle documentation and ask a
Volkswagen dealership if necessary.
Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 130 Diagram showing how to swap wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style handling and fitting.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of vehicle
control and braking power.
•Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread.
•New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking effect.
Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and serious
injury.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always keep to the specified tyre pressure value. 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.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries. Worn
or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
•The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake assist systems depends on the
tyre grip.
•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the car
immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
•In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on rims with bolted on rim rings.
•Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres could
be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
•Even if they have not been used, old tyres 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
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