Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.
Check the tyre pressure (Wheels and tyres) and fuel level (Filling the tank).
Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment
or on the roof Driving notes.
Ensure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight
and size Child seats (accessories).
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of
the occupants Adjusting the seat position, Mirrors.
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be
securely fastened.
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving.
This also applies to all passengers Adjusting the seat position.
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout
the journey. This also applies to all passengers Seat belts.
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls,
opening menus and making adjustments to settings.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.
When travelling long distances, stop and take a break regularly – at least every 2 hours.
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.
Additional information and warnings:
•Sitting correctly and safely ⇒ Sitting correctly and safely
•Transporting ⇒ Transporting
•Starting the engine, changing gear and parking the vehicle ⇒ Starting the engine, changing gear
and parking
•Driving with respect for the environment ⇒ Driving with respect for the environment
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
Preparing for a journey and driving safely
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Observe the following information both before and during the journey to ensure your own safety
and the safety of passengers and other road users ⇒:
Servicing the vehicle is not only about vehicle maintenance – it also ensures that your
vehicle remains roadworthy and in perfect working order. Servicing work should therefore be
carried out in accordance with the service schedule. Some work may have to be carried out before
the due date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe
operating conditions are, for example, regular stop and go driving and driving in areas with high
levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop.
Driving abroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious
accidents and fatal injuries.
•Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction times
and driving safety. This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving.
Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make the difference between reaching your
destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.
WARNING
•Luggage compartment ⇒ Luggage compartment
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
Stowing items of luggage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely.
•Always distribute any loads in the vehicle and on the roof as evenly as possible.
•Place heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible. Position the rear
seat backrests securely in the upright position.
•Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the fastening rings with suitable straps
⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Adjust the headlight range ⇒ Lights.
•Adjust the tyre pressure according to the vehicle load. Please read the tyre pressure sticker
⇒ Wheels and tyres.
Observe any information concerning the loading of a roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier.
Driving with an open tailgate
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open tailgate and any
objects are secured properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic
exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.
Objects that are not secured, or are secured incorrectly, can cause serious injuries in the
event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident. This applies particularly if
objects are struck by the airbag when activated and then flung through the vehicle interior.
Please apply the following rules to reduce the risk of accidents:
•Always stow all objects in the vehicle securely. Always stow luggage and heavy objects in
the luggage compartment.
•Always use suitable straps to prevent luggage from entering the deployment zones of the
side airbag or the front airbag in the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or an
accident.
•Objects should be stowed in the vehicle interior in such a way that they can never enter
the airbag deployment zones while the vehicle is in motion.
•Always keep stowage compartments closed while the vehicle is in motion.
•All objects must be removed from the seat cushion of the front passenger seat if the front
passenger backrest is folded forward. Even light and small objects could be pressed into
the weight detection mat underneath the seat cushion by the backrest when it is folded
forwards and thus send incorrect information to the airbag control units.
•The front airbag must be switched off and the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
must light up for as long as the front passenger seat backrest is folded forwards.
•Stowed objects must never cause passengers to assume an incorrect sitting position.
•Any seat blocked by stowed objects must not be used by any passengers.
WARNING
The vehicle handling and braking effect may alter significantly if large or heavy objects are
being transported.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
•Accelerate carefully and gently.
•Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
•Brake earlier than in normal driving.
WARNING
Hard objects on the shelf can chafe against the wires of the heating element in the rear
window and cause damage.
NOTICE
Driving in the correct gear can reduce fuel consumption.
The display on the gear-change indicator will disappear when the clutch pedal is depressed.
In some vehicles the gear recommendation may be displayed on the screen of the portable
navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen) ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts.
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Handbrake
⇒ Parking
⇒ Information on the brakes
⇒ Brake assist systems
⇒ Brake fluid
The brake assist systems are the electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBV), anti-lock
brake system (ABS), the brake assist system (BAS), the electronic differential lock (EDS), traction
control (TC), the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stabilisation programme (ESC).
Additional information and warnings:
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
The gear-change indicator is only designed to assist the driver and cannot replace the driver's
own judgement.
•The driver has full responsibility for selecting the correct gear in all situations, e.g. when
overtaking or when driving up and down hills.
CAUTION
•The cooling function of the air conditioning system: if the air conditioning system is set to a very
high or low temperature it will require a lot of energy, which is generated by the engine.
Therefore the temperature setting in the vehicle should not vary too much from the outside
temperature. It may be a good idea to air the vehicle before setting off and then to travel a short
distance with the windows open. The air conditioning system should then be switched on once
the windows have been closed.
•Keep the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Having the windows open increases fuel
consumption.
•Switch the seat heating off as soon as it has served its purpose.
•Switch the rear window heating off as soon as the window has defogged and is clear of ice.
Other factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
•Fault in engine management.
•Driving in hilly regions.
Driving in a fuel-efficient manner
Fig. 102 Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km at two different outside temperatures
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15 %.
Cars use most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving, you will need to brake less
and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you
can see that the next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Directly after a cold start, the engine has a very high fuel consumption. The engine reaches its
working temperature after a few kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working temperature in order to
minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The outside temperature is a key factor.
The different rates of fuel consumption for the same distance at both +20°C (+68°F) and at -
10°C (+14°F) are shown in ⇒ Fig. 102.
Therefore, avoid making too many short journeys and car share whenever possible.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle will use more fuel in winter than in summer.
Not only is it illegal in some countries to warm up the cold engine by running it while the vehicle is
stationary, it is also technically unnecessary and a waste of fuel.
Adjust the tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance and therefore also fuel consumption.
Ensure that any new tyres purchased have optimum rolling resistance.
Using low viscosity engine oils
Fully synthetic low viscosity engine oils reduce fuel consumption. Low viscosity engine oils
decrease frictional resistance in the engine and spread better and more quickly, especially for cold
starts. They are especially effective in vehicles that make a lot of short journeys.
Always ensure that the engine oil level is correct and that you keep to the service intervals (oil
change intervals).
When buying engine oil, always ensure that it complies with engine oil norms and has been
approved by Volkswagen.
Windscreen washer fluid level Windscreen wiper and washer
Engine oil level Engine oil
Engine coolant level Coolant
Brake fluid level Braking, stopping and parking
Tyre pressure Wheels and tyres
equipment, service fluids and unsuitable tools are not available ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are
uncertain. Please ensure that the following are checked regularly, preferably every time you fill
the tank:
Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
- Turn signals
- Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
- Tail light cluster
- Brake lights
- Rear fog light ⇒ Lights
Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Petrol
⇒ Natural gas
Different engines require different fuels. The factory-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap
indicates the fuel type that is required for your particular vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends using low-sulphur or sulphur-free fuels, to help reduce fuel consumption
and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel
quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and
drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If
these symptoms occur immediately after the vehicle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as
soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assistance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
•⇒BookletService schedule,
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Engine management and exhaust system ⇒ Engine management system and exhaust
purification system
Petrol
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Petrol types
Vehicles with a petrol engine must be run on unleaded petrol in compliance with the European
standard EN 228 or DIN 51626-1 ⇒. Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of 10% (E10) can
be used for refuelling.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number, e.g. 91, 95, 98 or 99 RON (RON =
Research Octane Number). The vehicle may be filled with petrol that has a higher octane number
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explosions, fire and serious burns and injuries.
•Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
•Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
•Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
•Switch off your mobile telephone or two-way radio when dealing with fuel. Electromagnetic
radiation can generate sparks which can in turn start a fire.
•Avoid electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic radiation in the direct vicinity of fuels.
•Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment.
•Comply with any relevant safety information and legislation concerning the handling of
fuels.
WARNING
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 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 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