Information on the brakes
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 200 to 300 km and must first
be run in ⇒. However, you can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal. During the run-in period, the braking distance is longer when
the brakes are depressed fully or during emergency braking than with brakes that have been fully
run in. In the run-in period, the brakes should not be depressed fully and situations that create a
heavy load on the brakes should be avoided. For example, when driving too close to the vehicle
ahead.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under which the
vehicle is operated and the way in which the vehicle is driven. With regular urban trips, short
journeys and a sporty driving style, the brake pads must be checked by a qualified workshop more
regularly than stated in the service schedule.
When driving with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after heavy rainfall or after
washing the vehicle, the braking effect may be delayed as the brake discs will be wet, or possibly
iced up (in winter). The brakes must be dried as quickly as possible by careful braking at higher
speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road user is put at risk as a result of
this action ⇒.
Any layer of salt accumulated on the discs and pads will delay the braking effect and increase the
braking distance. If the brakes on the vehicle have not been applied for a long time on roads that
have been gritted with salt, the layer of salt must be reduced through careful braking ⇒.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt in the brake pads are facilitated through long periods of
inactivity, low mileage and low load levels. If the brake pads have been hardly used, or if they are at
all corroded, Volkswagen recommends that the brake discs and brake pads be cleaned by braking
strongly several times from high speed. Please ensure that no following vehicle and no other road
user is put at risk as a result of this action ⇒.
Fault in the brake system
A brake circuit may have failed if you have to reduce speed and the vehicle does not brake as
normal (sudden increase in braking distance). This is indicated by the warning light . Go to the
nearest qualified workshop immediately to have the fault corrected. Drive at low speed when doing
this and anticipate much longer braking distances and an increase in the pressure required on the
pedal.
Brake servo
The brake servo will only function when the engine is running and reinforces the pressure applied
by the driver on the brake pedal.
If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be
depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for
the brake system ⇒.
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious
injuries.
•Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with any
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel.
WARNING
•To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly
and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
•Always take care when driving in car parks with protruding kerbstones or bollards. Objects
that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when
parking the vehicle. In order to avoid any damage, stop the vehicle before the wheels
touch the bollards or kerbs.
•Drive carefully through dips in the road, over driveways, ramps, kerbstones and other
objects. Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the
running gear, engine or exhaust system could be damaged.
NOTICE
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Start/stop system cannot start the
engine.⇒ Pull-away assist systems
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 125 In the engine compartment: possible position of the window on top of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in
hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with a start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist systems are fitted with special vehicle
batteries. For technical reasons, it might not be possible to check the electrolyte level in these
vehicle batteries.
Preparation
•Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ .
Checking the electrolyte level
•Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames
or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
•The colour display in the round window ⇒ Fig. 125 on the top side of the vehicle battery will
change according to the electrolyte level.
Colour displayAction
Light yellow or colourless
The electrolyte level of the vehicle is too low. The vehicle battery
should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if
necessary.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and
to accidents and serious injuries.
•Never ignore any warning lamps that are lit up.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
WARNING
Failure to observe the illuminated indicator lamps could lead to the vehicle being damaged.
NOTICE
Running-in
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow the regulations concerning running-in new parts.
Running in a new engine
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During its first few hours of
running, the internal friction in the engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have
bedded down.
The style of driving during the first 1,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after
this time – and especially with a cold engine – drive the vehicle at moderate speeds in order to
reduce engine wear and to increase the mileage that the engine can cover. Do not drive at engine
speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running smoothly. The
following applies up to 1,000 kilometres:
•Do not depress the accelerator fully.
•Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
From 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, gradually increase driving performance to top speed and highest
engine speed.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
•New wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Information on the brakes ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil consumption
reduced.
Accessories and parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Volkswagen recommends that you seek advice from a Volkswagen dealership before purchasing
accessories, spare parts or service fluids. For example, if the vehicle is to be retrofitted with
accessories or if parts have to be renewed. Volkswagen dealerships can recommend accessories,
parts and service fluids suitable for your requirements. They can also answer any questions you
might have regarding official regulations.
Volkswagen recommends that you only use approved Volkswagen accessories and Volkswagen
Genuine Parts. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by Volkswagen for
suitability, reliability and safety. And Volkswagen dealerships are qualified to install them correctly.
Although the market is constantly scrutinised, Volkswagen cannot assume responsibility for the
reliability, safety and suitability of products Volkswagen has not approved. Volkswagen can
therefore assume no responsibility for these parts, even if they have been approved by an official
testing agency or are covered by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment that has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or the way it is driven must be
approved by Volkswagen for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark (the European Union's
authorization symbol). These devices include cruise control systems or an electronically controlled
suspension.
Any additional electrical components fitted that do not serve to control the vehicle itself must bear
the mark (manufacturer conformity declaration in the European Union). Such devices include
refrigerator boxes, laptops and ventilator fans.
Unsuitable spare parts and accessories, incorrectly carried out work, modifications and
repairs can lead to damage to the vehicle and cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Volkswagen strongly recommends that you only use approved Volkswagen accessories
and Volkswagen Genuine Parts. These parts and accessories have been specially tested
by Volkswagen for suitability, reliability and safety.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified
workshop. Qualified workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information and qualified personnel.
•Never fit parts to your vehicle that are in any way different from the factory-fitted parts.
•Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders on or next to
the airbag covers or within the deployment zone of the airbag.
•Only use rim/tyre combinations that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle
type.
WARNING
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