
Suitable accessories are available from your Volkswagen dealership. Follow the usage
instructions on the packaging.
Washing the vehicle
Also wash the underside of the vehicle on a regular basis to remove road salt or seawater residue.
Automatic car washes
Always observe all the car wash operator's specifications, in particular if your vehicle features add-
on parts ⇒.
•Preferably use car washes without brushes.
•Preclean the vehicle by rinsing with water.
•The steering column must not lock when driving through automatic car washes ⇒ Steering.
•Always switch off the Auto Hold function ⇒ Electronic parking brake, the wipers ⇒ Wipers and
the rain/light sensor before entering the car wash.
•Fold in the exterior mirrors.
•If your vehicle has decorative and protective films, do not select a wash program with hot wax.
High-pressure cleaners
Observe the manufacturer's information for the high-pressure cleaner. Never use rotating nozzles
⇒.
•Only use water with a maximum temperature of +60°C (+140°Fyf .
•Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
•Move the jet of water uniformly so that the nozzle is at least 50 cm away from the side windows
and other vehicle components.
•Do not point the water jet at the same location for too long. Instead, leave stubborn dirt to soak.
•If possible, do not direct the water jet at seals, e.g. side windows, decorative trim, tyres, rubber
hoses, insulation materials or any other sensitive components, e.g. door locks.
•Sensors, camera lenses, and decorative and protective films should be sprayed directly only for
brief periods of time.
Washing the car by hand
Washing the car by hand is always the more gentle way to clean it. However, there are also some
things to note for this ⇒.
•Before washing the vehicle, soak the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse it off thoroughly.
•Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a wash mitt or a brush applying only light pressure. Start
with the roof and work from the top to the bottom.
•Rinse the sponge, wash mitt or brush thoroughly at regular short intervals.
•Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a second sponge for this.
Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect use
of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•Care products must be kept in the original, sealed container only.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never use empty food cans, bottles or other containers for storing care products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be
used outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to
wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly
inflammable.
WARNING
Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits should always be removed as quickly as possible and
not allowed to dry in.
•Have stubborn stains removed by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
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Waxing
Waxing protects the paintwork. At the latest when water no longer clearly forms small drops and
runs off the paintwork when the vehicle is clean, you should re-wax the vehicle with a good wax
solution.
Even if a preservative wax is applied regularly in the automatic car wash, Volkswagen recommends
protecting the vehicle paintwork at least twice a year using Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (-
000 096 317 -yf .
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by
applying wax.
Wash the vehicle only in specially provided wash bays This prevents waste water
contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering the sewerage system.
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Fig. 251 Between the engine compartment and the windscreen: plenum chamber (illustrationyf .
Fig. 252 In the rear of the vehicle: rear view camera in the Volkswagen badge or in the number
plate lighting.
The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle
components ⇒.
Windows, glass surfaces: remove wax residue, e.g. from care products, using the Volkswagen
Genuine cleaning cloth - 000 096 166 A - or a suitable glass cleaner.
Use a hand brush to remove snow and ice. If you use a plastic scraper, move it in one direction
only.
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
Incorrectly washing the vehicle can cause serious damage to the vehicle.
•Always follow the instructions exactly.
•Never wash the vehicle in direct sunshine.
•Never aim a water jet directly at locks, doors or the boot lid in cold weather. The locks
and seals could freeze.
NOTICE
Painted parts and surfaces with a matt finish, unpainted plastic parts, headlight lenses and
tail light clusters can be damaged if the vehicle is not washed correctly.
•Use only brushless car washes for matt-painted surfaces.
•Do not use hard or abrasive brushes.
NOTICE

The durability and colourfastness of decorative and protective films can be affected by
environmental influences such as direct sunlight, moisture, air pollution, stone impact etc.
Decorative films may show signs of wear or ageing after about one to three years, protective films
after about two to three years. In very warm environments, decorative films may fade slightly after
one year and protective films after two.
Mild soap solution: a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Vehicle interior care and cleaning
The following overview contains recommendations for cleaning and care of individual vehicle
components ⇒.
Windows: clean with a glass cleaner, then wipe dry with a clean chamois leather or with a lint-free
cloth.
Textiles, microfibre cloth, artificial leather: remove any dirt with Volkswagen Genuine interior
cleaning agent (- 000 096 301 -yf 1 H Y H U W U H D W P D W H U L D O V Z L W K O H D W K H U F D U H D J H Q W V V R O Y H Q W V Z D [
polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar substances.
•Dirt particles adhering to surfaces: remove with a vacuum cleaner on a regular basis so that the
material is not permanently damaged by abrasion.
•Grease stains, e.g. oil: use Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaning agent (- 000 096 301 -yf ' D E
off dissolved grease and colour particles with an absorbent cloth and then treat with water if
necessary.
•Special soiling, e.g. ballpoint pen, nail varnish: use Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaning agent
(- 000 096 301 -yf D Q G W K H Q W U H D W D I W H U Z D U G V Z L W K D P L O G V R D S V R O X W L R n if necessary.
Natural leather: remove fresh soiling with a cotton cloth and mild soap solution. Do not allow
fluids to seep into the seams.
Treat any dried spots with Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner (- 000 096 323 -yf .
Regularly and each time after having finished cleaning, apply care cream with light protection and
impregnating properties. Use a special coloured leather cream if necessary. If the vehicle is parked
outdoors for long periods, you should cover the leather to protect it from direct sunlight.
Never treat leather with solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or similar.
•Grease-based soiling, e.g. oil: remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
•Special soiling, e.g. ballpoint pen, nail varnish and dried stains: treat with Volkswagen Genuine
leather cleaner (- 000 096 323 -yf .
Plastic parts: use a soft, moist cloth.
Remove stubborn stains with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. If necessary, use a solvent-free
plastic cleaning agent, e.g. Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner (- 000 096 314 -yf .
Trim parts, trim strips made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel: clean in a dust-free
environment using a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution.
Anodised surfaces: do not use chrome cleaning products.
Controls: remove coarse dirt and other dirt that is difficult to reach using a soft brush. Then use a
clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Do not allow liquids to come into contact with control
elements.
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area. All work in the engine
compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work, ensure that you are familiar with the requisite
procedures and general safety regulations ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Incorrect cleaning and care may cause vehicle damage.
•Always heed the instructions precisely.
•Do not use any excessively harsh, abrasive cleaning products.
NOTICE
The drains of the plenum chamber may become blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that
does not drain away can enter the vehicle interior.
•Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned by a qualified workshop.
NOTICE
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Repairs and structural modifications should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•Repainting and paint touch-ups in the area around the sensors may impair the function of the
system in question.
•As the Volkswagen badge influences the view of the radar sensor in the front area, drive the
vehicle only with the original Volkswagen badge.
Engine and transmission guard
An engine and transmission guard can reduce the risk of damage to the underside of the vehicle
and to the engine oil sump.
Depending on where the vehicle is used, it may be a good idea to have an engine and transmission
guard installed, e.g. if the vehicle will be driven over kerbs, on driveways or on unsurfaced roads. If
you wish to have one fitted, Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.
Repairs and faults in the airbag system
Repairs and technical modifications must always be carried out according to Volkswagen
specifications⇒.
Modifications and repairs to the front bumper, the doors, the front seats, the headliner, or the
bodywork should be carried out by a qualified workshop. System components and airbag system
sensors might be fitted on these vehicle components.
If you work on the airbag system or remove and install parts of the system when performing other
repair work, parts of the airbag system may be damaged. The consequence may be that, in the
event of an accident, the airbag inflates incorrectly or does not inflate at all.
Regulations must be observed to ensure that the effectiveness of the airbags is not reduced and
that removed parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution. Qualified workshops are
familiar with these requirements.
Any modifications to the vehicle's suspension could prevent the airbag system from working
properly during a collision. For example, using tyre/rim combinations that have not been approved
by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle, making modifications to the suspension rate including work on
the springs, struts and shock absorbers could change the forces that are measured by the airbag
sensors and sent to the electronic control unit. Some changes to the suspension could cause the
forces measured by the sensors to increase, for example. This can lead to the airbag system being
triggered in collision scenarios where it normally would not be triggered if modifications to the
suspension had not been made. Other modifications can cause the forces measured by the
sensors to decrease, therefore preventing the airbag system from being triggered when it should
have been.
Incorrect repairs and modifications can cause malfunctions and damage to the vehicle
and impair the effectiveness of the driver assist systems. This can result in accidents and
severe injuries.
•Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should be carried out only by a qualified
workshop.
WARNING
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 you use only 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 either on or
next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zones of the airbag modules.
•Only use rim/tyre combinations which have been approved by Volkswagen for your
vehicle type.
WARNING
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Third-party services
If you are able to use online services provided by a party other than the manufacturer, these
services are the sole responsibility of the provider in question and are subject to this provider's data
protection policy and terms and conditions of use. Volkswagen has no influence over the content
exchanged in these services.
Please refer to the provider in question for information about the type, scope and purpose of the
collection and use of personal data related to third-party services.
Please note the further information on Volkswagen Car-Net services ⇒ Mobile online
services.
Information stickers and plates
Safety certificates, stickers and plates showing important vehicle operation information are factory-
fitted in the engine compartment and on certain vehicle parts, such as the tank flap, front passenger
sun visor, driver door pillar or under/on the luggage compartment floor.
•Never remove or damage the safety certificates, stickers and plates. They must remain legible
at all times.
•If vehicle parts bearing safety certificates, stickers or plates are removed from the vehicle,
replacement safety certificates, stickers or plates with the same information must be applied
properly to the new parts by the qualified workshop.
Safety certificate
There is a safety certificate on the door pillar of the driver door which states that all necessary
safety standards and specifications from the transport safety authorities of the particular country
were met at the time of production. The month and year of production and the chassis number may
also be listed. Observe notes in the owner's manual.
Fluids in the air conditioning system
Refrigerant in the air conditioning system
The sticker in the engine compartment contains information regarding the type and quantity of
refrigerant used in the vehicle's air conditioning system. The sticker is located at the front of the
engine compartment, close to the coolant filler neck.
SymbolDescription
Warning: the air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Type of refrigerant.
Type of lubricating oil.
See workshop information (available only for Volkswagen dealershipsyf .
The air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Flammable refrigerant.
Make sure that all components are disposed of correctly. Never install components
that have been taken from old vehicles or recycling facilities.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause malfunctions, which can result in
accidents and serious injuries.
•Never read the event memory using the diagnostic interface yourself.
•The event memory should only be read out via the diagnostic interface by a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
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 specifications.
NOTICE