
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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