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
Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought
from a qualified workshop.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting
them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Clean the windscreen wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth ⇒.
•Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades
•Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.
•When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
•Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 126① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in
the direction of the arrow.
•Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it
engages.
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe
injuries.
•Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
•Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.
WARNING
•Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the
windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer
jets.
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can
cause the glass to crack.
•The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear
window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the
rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.
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
Rims
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel
bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly ⇒ Changing a wheel.
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.
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.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Rims with bolted-on rings
Rims with bolted-on rings consist of several components. These components are fastened using
special bolts and special fastening technology. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, does
not leak, remains safe and runs true. For this reason, damaged rims should be replaced. They may
only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose ⇒.
Rims with bolted-on trims
Rims may have removable trims that are attached to the rim with self-locking bolts. Damaged trims
may only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rims identification
In some countries, new rims are legally required to contain certain specifications on them.
Depending on the country the following specifications can appear on the rims:
•Seal of conformity
•Rim size
•Name of manufacturer or brand name
•Date manufactured (month / year)
•Country of origin
•Production number
•Raw materials batch number
•Product code
New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New tyres
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in.
Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip ⇒ and braking effect ⇒.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread.
The use of unsuitable or damaged rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injury.
•Only use rims that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Check the rims regularly for damage and replace as necessary.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injury.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•All work on rims with bolted-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. Any unusual vibrations or signs that the car is
pulling to one side may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged ⇒.
•Reduce your speed immediately if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•If the tyre is damaged, do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in order
to have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
•Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. However, foreign bodies that
are stuck between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
•For vehicles with a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel: where appropriate, change the
damaged wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel If required, seek expert assistance when changing the
damaged wheel. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•For vehicles with a breakdown set: if required, seal the tyre and pump it up using the
breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set. Proceed to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•Check the pressure and adjust it as required.
Tyre wear
Tyre wear is affected by several factors. These include:
•Driving style.
•Unbalanced wheels.
•Running gear setting.
Driving style – fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear. The
running gear should be checked by a qualified workshop if the tyres show excessive wear despite a
normal driving style.
Unbalanced wheels – the wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results in steering
vibration. Unbalanced wheels will affect levels of wear on the steering system and the suspension.
In this case the wheels should be balanced again. A new tyre will have to be balanced after fitting.
Running gear setting – incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. The wheel alignment should be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show
excessive wear.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious
injury.
•Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
•Worn tyres have considerably less tread, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
•Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult
driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of sliding.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion, this
may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
•Reduce speed immediately and park the vehicle without obstructing traffic.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•Never drive on if wheels or tyres are damaged. Seek expert assistance instead.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in
order to have the vehicle checked.
WARNING
Fig. 133 In the luggage compartment: handwheel for securing the spare wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Removing the spare wheel
•Open the tailgate and lift up the luggage compartment cover ⇒ Luggage compartment
•If necessary, remove the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Lift up the floor covering at the recess and remove from the luggage compartment.
•If necessary, remove the vehicle tools with the container.
•Unscrew the handwheel in the middle of the spare wheel ⇒ Fig. 133 anticlockwise fully and
remove the spare wheel.
Storing the removed wheel
•Remove the floor covering.
•Place the removed wheel into the spare wheel well with the rim facing downwards and ensure
that the central hole in the rim is positioned exactly above the hole in the wheel well.
•Turn the handwheel clockwise on the stud until the wheel is secured firmly.
•If necessary, place the vehicle toolkit back in the container in the luggage compartment.
•Put the floor covering back on the floor of the luggage compartment.
•Lift the luggage compartment back down.
•Close the tailgate.
If the spare wheel tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle
If the spare wheel is not the same as those mounted on the vehicle – for example if winter tyres or
the temporary spare wheel are fitted – only use the spare wheel for a short period of time and drive
with extra care ⇒.
Refit the normal, functional road wheel as soon as possible.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Snow chains.
•The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or
temporary spare wheel ⇒ Tyre pressure.
The tyre pressure of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel should be checked together with
the normal tyres, at least once a month. The spare wheel should have the highest pressure allowed
for the vehicle ⇒ Tyre pressure. The tyre pressure for the temporary spare wheel can be found on
the sticker on the temporary spare wheel.
Event data recorder
The vehicle is not fitted with an event data recorder.
Event data recorders temporarily store vehicle information. This provides precise information in the
event of an accident. In vehicles with an airbag system, data that might be relevant in the event of
an accident can be stored, e.g. impact speed, belt buckle status, seat positions and trigger speed.
The scope of the data is manufacturer-specific.
An event data recorder may only be fitted if the owner has approved the procedure. This is covered
by legislation in some countries.
Reprogramming control units
All data for the control of components are stored in the control units. Some convenience functions,
such as lane change flash, single door unlocking and displays, can be reprogrammed using special
workshop equipment. If this is the case, the descriptions in your vehicle wallet will no longer
correspond with the original functions. Volkswagen recommends that you have any reprogramming
confirmed in the service schedule under Workshop comments.
Information about possible reprogramming can be obtained from the Volkswagen dealership.
Reading the vehicle's event memory
A diagnostic interface for reading the event memories is located in the vehicle interior ⇒. Data
relating to the function and status of the electronic control units are stored in the event memory.
Additional information on the stored data is available from qualified workshops.
The diagnosis interface is located behind near the fuse box in the footwell on the driver side.
The event memory should only be read and reset by a qualified workshop.
After a fault has been rectified, the information in the memory pertaining to the fault is deleted.
Other memory content is overwritten on an on-going basis.
Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the
external aerial
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Both during telephone calls and in standby mode, mobile telephones transmit and receive radio
waves, which may also be termed "high-frequency energy". Current scientific literature warns us
that radio waves can be harmful to human beings if they exceed certain limits. Government bodies
and international committees have introduced threshold values and guidelines to ensure that
electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile telephones does not pose a hazard to health.
However, there is no proven scientific evidence that demonstrates that cordless telephones are
absolutely safe.
For this reason, some experts are calling for more precautions to be taken in the use of mobile
telephones, by taking steps to reduce the level of personal exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
If a mobile telephone that is not connected to the vehicle's external aerial is used inside the vehicle,
the level of electromagnetic radiation could be higher than when the mobile telephone is connected
to an integrated aerial or any other external aerial.
If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free unit which enables the use of innumerable
additional functions of Bluetooth compatible mobile telephones, this will satisfy the legal
requirements in many countries which permit the use of a mobile telephone in a vehicle only if a
hands-free unit is used.
The hands-free system of the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) in your vehicle
has been developed for mobile telephones that are compatible with Bluetooth⇒ Portable
navigation device. Mobile telephones must be located in a suitable telephone holder or be stored
securely in the vehicle. If a telephone holder is used it must be securely attached to the base plate.
This is the only way to ensure that the mobile telephone is securely attached to the dash panel and
always within reach of the driver. Depending on the hands-free system, the connection between the
mobile telephone and the external aerial is established either via the telephone holder or via an
existing Bluetooth connection between the mobile telephone and the vehicle.
Connecting the mobile telephone is to a telephone aerial integrated in the vehicle or to an external
telephone aerial reduces the electromagnetic radiation generated by the telephone which could
affect the human body. Using an aerial also improves the quality of the signal.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause faults, which can result in accidents and
serious injuries.
•Never read the event memory using the diagnostic interface yourself.
•The diagnostic interface should only be read by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
®
®
®
If a mobile telephone is used in the vehicle interior without this hands-free system, it is not safely
secured in the vehicle and also not connected to the vehicle's external telephone aerial.
Furthermore, the mobile telephone is not being charged in the telephone holder. It is also likely that
the telephone connection will be disrupted and the signal strength will be poor.
A mobile telephone should only be used in the vehicle if it is connected to a hands-free unit.
Volkswagen recommends the use of an external aerial when using a mobile telephone in the
vehicle.
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Portable navigation device
Fig. 135 In the centre console: removing the navigation device and mounting
Fig. 136 Central console: closing the opening the navigation device mounting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In some vehicles other vehicle functions and additional applications can be accessed via the
portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒.
The tilt and angle can be set by moving the navigation device as required ⇒ Fig. 135A, ⇒.
The user's manual for the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) can be displayed
on the unit itself.
Functions
In some vehicles the following functions are available in the portable navigation device (delivered
by Volkswagen):
•Extended multifunction display (MFD) with additional instruments ⇒ Instruments.
•Operation of a factory-fitted radio and a connected media player ⇒BookletRadio,.
®®
If a mobile telephone is not secured or is incorrectly secured in the vehicle, it could be flung
though the interior during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or in the event of an
accident. This can cause injuries.
•Mobile telephones, other devices and accessories for the telephone such as telephone
holders, note blocks or portable navigation devices must always be secured properly
outside of the airbag deployment zones whilst the vehicle is in motion or be stored in a
safe place.
WARNING
If mobile telephones or two-way radios that are not connected to an external aerial are used,
electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle could exceed limit values and thus be a health hazard
for drivers and other vehicle occupants. This also applies to external aerials that have not
been correctly installed.
•Keep mobile telephone aerials at least 20 cm away from pacemakers, as the telephones
may affect their functioning.
•Do not carry a mobile telephone in your breast pocket above a pacemaker when the
telephone is switched on or in standby mode.
•Switch off the mobile telephone immediately if you suspect it may be interfering with a
pacemaker.
WARNING