2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! winter tyres

Are any technical modifications required for driving the vehicle abroad, e.g. masking the
headlights?
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and
repair work?
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?
For petrol engines: is unleaded petrol with the correct octane number available?
And for gas engines: is compressed natural gas (CNG) available Fuel?
Are the correct engine oil (Engine oil) and other service fluids that comply with Volkswagen
specifications available in the destination country?
Will the portable navigation unit Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
work with the navigation data available in the destination country?
Are special tyres necessary for travelling in the destination country?
Checklist
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related legislation apply that may
differ from the construction of the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends that you visit your
Volkswagen dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and
the following issues at your destination:
Driving through water on roads
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please follow these rules to help prevent damage to your vehicle when driving through water, for
example if the road is flooded:
•Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water level must be no higher than
the lower edge of the vehicle body ⇒.
•Do not drive faster than walking speed.
•Never stop the vehicle, reverse or switch off the engine while in water.
•Oncoming vehicles create waves that could increase the water level for your vehicle to such an
extent that it is not safe to drive through the water.
•When driving through water, always switch off the start/stop system ⇒ Pull-away assist
systems.
Technical data
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Vehicle identification data
⇒ Engine data
⇒ Dimensions
⇒ Performance figures
The vehicle data sticker in the service schedule or the vehicle registration documents show which
engine is installed in your vehicle.
All data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data. All data in this manual
apply to the basic model. The figures may be different if additional equipment is fitted, for different
models, for special vehicles and for other countries.
Volkswagen is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by low-quality fuel, inadequate
servicing work or lack of Genuine Parts.
NOTICE
After driving through water, mud, slush etc., the brakes may react slowly and the braking
distance will be increased as the brake discs and pads will be wet, or possibly 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.
•Avoid abrupt and sudden braking manoeuvres directly after driving through water.
WARNING
•If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running
gear and vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
•Never drive through salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse all components that have
been exposed to salt water immediately with fresh water.
NOTICE

•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.

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

•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

•After altering the tyre pressures, ensure that the valve caps are screwed on.
The spare wheel or temporary spare wheel are filled to the highest tyre pressure permissible for
the vehicle.
Under-inflated tyres can contribute to an increase in fuel consumption.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 132 Tyre tread: wear indicators
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tread depth
Difficult driving situations demand the deepest possible tread depth for the tyres and the same
tread depth for the tyres on the front and rear axles. This applies in particular for driving in winter
weather and cold temperatures and in wet conditions ⇒.
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread
grooves next to the tread wear indicators). Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
Winter tyres lose a large degree of their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of
4 mm.
The tread depth of new tyres can vary according to type and manufacturer due to construction and
tread design.
Tread wear indicator in tyres
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators running across the tread
⇒ Fig. 132. These wear indicators are positioned at set intervals around the tyre. Markings on the
tyre sidewall (for instance the letters TWI or other symbols) indicate the positions of the tread wear
indicators.
The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when
the tread depth is just before the tread wear indicator.
Too high or too low a pressure may cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure or burst while
the vehicle is in motion. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such
an extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Fast speeds or overloading of the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage
including tyre bursts and ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control of the
vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the vehicle
will not handle well.
•Check tyre pressures regularly, at least once a month, and before every long journey.
•All tyres must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the vehicle load.
•Never reduce excess pressure when the tyres are warm.
WARNING
•When attaching the tyre pressure gauge, ensure that you do not position it at an angle to
the valve shaft. This can damage the tyre valve.
•Missing valve caps, or valve caps that are not suitable or not screwed on properly, can
cause damage to the tyre valve. Always use valve caps that comply with the factory-fitted
valve cap specifications. Always screw on valve caps fully.
NOTICE

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.