Driving a loaded vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:
•Stow all items of luggage securely ⇒ Stowing items of luggage.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
•If applicable, heed the information about driving with a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Vehicle-specific weight ratings
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule and the official vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The values quoted here may differ if additional equipment is fitted, for different models or for special
vehicles.
The values for the kerb weight in the following table apply for the road-ready vehicle with driver
(75 kg), service fluids including fuel tank carrying 90% of its capacity and, if applicable, tools and
Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate can cause serious injuries.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed.
•Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of
the luggage compartment and injure other road users.
•Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.
•Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this can cause the open
tailgate to move unpredictably.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that they
are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.
•Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must never be held in position by
the tailgate.
•If it is necessary to drive with the tailgate open, all luggage racks and cargo stowed on the
rack must be removed from the tailgate.
WARNING
Poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This could
result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.
•Always drive with the tailgate closed in order to prevent toxic gases from entering the
vehicle.
•If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open tailgate, you must do the
following to reduce the quantity of toxic exhaust fumes that could enter the vehicle:
- Close the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof.
- Switch off air recirculation mode.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers to the highest setting.
WARNING
The vehicle length and height are different when the tailgate is open.
NOTICE
Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle's stability and driving safety, which can cause
accidents and severe injuries.
•Secure objects properly to prevent them from sliding.
•Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.
•Engage the rear seat backrests securely in an upright position.
WARNING
•The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre and the tread
pattern.
Replacing tyres
•Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front tyres or both rear
tyres together) ⇒.
•Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen for the
vehicle type. Ensure that the tyres used are correct in respect of size, diameter, load-carrying
capacity and maximum speed.
•Never use tyres with an effective size that is larger than Volkswagen-approved tyres. Larger
wheels could rub against the body or other parts of the vehicle.
Despite identical size details, the actual size of the various tyre makes may vary from these
specified dimensions, or the tyre contours may vary considerably.
Volkswagen-approved tyres are guaranteed to have the dimensions that are suitable for the
vehicle. The salesperson will have to provide a certificate from the tyre manufacturer for other tyre
makes to prove that the tyre is also suitable for the vehicle. This certificate must be stored in a safe
place in the vehicle.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 131 On the inside of the tank flap: tyre inflation pressure label
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The correct tyre pressure for factory-fitted tyres is shown on a sticker and applies to all-season,
summer and winter tyres. The sticker ⇒ Fig. 131 is located either on the driver door column or
inside the tank flap.
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the vehicle will not
handle well ⇒. The correct tyre pressure is particularly important at high speeds. Incorrect tyre
pressure causes premature wear and can cause a tyre burst.
The pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a journey.
The given tyre pressure applies to cold tyres. Tyre pressure is always higher in warm tyres than it
is in cold tyres.
For this reason, never reduce the pressure in warm tyres to adjust the tyre pressure. This would
result in low tyre pressures that could cause the tyre to burst suddenly.
Checking tyre pressure
Only check the tyre pressure when the tyres have not been driven for more than a few kilometres at
low speed in the last three hours.
•The tyre pressures should be checked regularly and only when the tyres are cold. Always check
all the tyres, including the spare wheel if fitted. The tyre pressure should be checked more
frequently in colder regions, but only if the vehicle has not been moved beforehand. The tyre
pressure tester must function correctly.
•The tyre pressures must be altered to suit the vehicle load.
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.
WARNING
Wheels must have the necessary freedom of operation. If the wheels do not have the
necessary freedom of operation, the tyre could rub on parts of the running gear, the vehicle
body and the brake lines. This can lead to a fault in the brake system and to tread separation
and thus to a tyre bursting.
•The actual tyre size must not exceed the tyre dimensions of manufacturers approved by
Volkswagen and must not rub on any vehicle body parts.
WARNING
If possible, stow the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the removed wheel safely in the
luggage compartment. In vehicles with a breakdown set, the removed wheel cannot be secured.
Tyre lettering
Fig. 134 International tyre lettering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
Brand name, logoManufacturer
Product nameIndividual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 18
Size designation:
PIdentification for passenger vehicle.
255Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %.
RTyre construction: radial.
18Rim diameter in inches.
109 HLoad capacity index ⇒ Tyre load and speed index ⇒ Speed
index.
XLHeavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
M+S or M/S orDenotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ⇒ Winter tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSTubeless radial tyres.
E4 ...Certification of conformity with international regulations. The
number following (E) is the code number of the country that
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of the
vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•In some vehicles, the spare wheel could be smaller than the standard wheel. The small
spare wheel has a sticker with the text 80 km/h or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at
which you are permitted to drive with this tyre.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as possible.
The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts supplied
by the factory.
•Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
WARNING
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
granted approval. This is followed by the number of the type
approval certificate.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709
Tyre identification number (TIN – may be on the inner side of
the wheel) and manufacturer date:
DOT
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the
USA Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre
safety standards.
BTCode identifier of the factory that manufactured the
tyre.
RATyre manufacturer's data on tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre characteristics.
1709Manufacture date: 17th week in 2009.
TWIIndicates the position of the tread wear indicator ⇒ Tread depth
and wear indicators.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KGUS load data for the maximum load per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI)US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONData on tyre sub-construction components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL +
1 NYLON
Data on the tread surface components:
In the example there are four layers under the tread surface:
1 layer of rayon, 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres
(standardised test procedure)⇒ Consumer information:
TREADWEAR 220Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-
specific standard test.
TRACTION AWet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATemperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A, B or
C).
Any other characters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or are country-specific
codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
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. The direction of
rotation must be adhered to. This guarantees 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.
Tyre load
The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre
load).
78425 kg81462 kg83487 kg85515 kg87545 kg91615 kg
Speed index
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular
wheels are fitted.
Pmax. 150 km/h (93 mph)Qmax. 160 km/h (99 mph)Rmax. 170 km/h (106 mph)Smax. 180 km/h
(112 mph)Tmax. 190 km/h (118 mph)Umax. 200 km/h (124 mph)Hmax. 210 km/h (130 mph)Vmax.
240 km/h (149 mph)Zover 240 km/h (149 mph)Wmax. 270 km/h (168 mph)Ymax. 300 km/h
(186 mph)
Some tyre manufacturers use the code ZR for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over
240 km/h (149 mph).
The TIN is the tyre serial number.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In winter road conditions, winter tyres will considerably improve the car's handling. The design of
summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen
urgently recommends the use of winter tyres or all-year tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle,
particularly if winter conditions are expected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking
response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volkswagen
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F).
a)
a)
There are many precautions that have to be followed when lifting a vehicle on a workshop hoist or
floor jack. Do not try to lift a vehicle on a lifting platform or vehicle jack unless you have the training,
knowledge and experience to be able to do so safely.
Using the jack to lift the vehicle ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Consumer information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Information stickers and plates
⇒ Using the vehicle in other countries and continents
⇒ Radio reception and aerials
⇒ Volkswagen repair information
⇒ Declaration of conformity
⇒ Declaration of conformity for wheels and tyres
⇒ Recycling and scrapping end-of-life vehicles
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
•⇒BookletService schedule,
Lifting your vehicle incorrectly with a lifting platform or vehicle jack can cause accidents and
serious personal injury:
•Always read and heed the operating instructions from the lifting platform or vehicle jack
manufacturer and any legal regulations before lifting the vehicle.
•All occupants should leave the vehicle before it is lifted.
•The vehicle should only be lifted at the points indicated in the illustrations ⇒ Fig. 137 and
⇒ Fig. 138. If the vehicle is not lifted at the points shown, it could fall off the lifting platform
when work is carried out, e.g. when the engine or gearbox is removed.
•The vehicle jacking points must be placed on the centre of the vehicle lift support surfaces,
with as much surface contact between the vehicle and the support surfaces as possible.
•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vibration of the engine could cause
the vehicle to fall off the lifting point.
•If work has to be carried out underneath the lifted vehicle, secure the vehicle with suitable
jack stands with a sufficient load-bearing capacity.
•Never climb up the lifting platform.
•Always ensure that the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of the lifting platform.
WARNING
•Never lift the vehicle by the engine oil sump, the gearbox or the front or rear axle.
•To prevent damage to the underside of the vehicle when lifting, rubber pads must be used.
Ensure that the lifting platform arms are able to move freely.
•The lifting platform arms must not be allowed to come into contact with the sills or any
other part of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Handling the vehicle incorrectly will increase the risk of accident and injuries.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Observe the owner's manual.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly could lead to the vehicle becoming damaged.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Carry out service jobs in accordance with the service schedule.
•Observe the owner's manual.
NOTICE