Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction — part 16

Fig. 143 Steering wheel with optional Tiptronic shift paddles.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Tiptronic lets you upshift and downshift manually with the automatic transmission. When Tiptronic
mode is used, the transmission stays in the current gear and does not upshift or downshift
automatically unless the transmission senses a situation where upshifting or downshifting is necessary
to keep the engine from over- or under-revving.

Using Tiptronic with the selector lever

Push the selector lever sideways to the right from Drive (D) position into the Tiptronic position

⇒

in Automatic transmission: Selector lever

Briefly push the selector lever forward

(+)

to upshift into a higher gear or backward

(–)

to downshift

into a lower gear

⇒

fig. 142

.

Using Tiptronic with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel

The paddles

⇒

fig. 143

(arrows) work when the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position or when

the selector lever is in Drive (D) or Sport Drive (S). You do not have to move the selector lever over to
the right into the Tiptronic position.

To upshift, pull the paddle on the right +

toward you.

To downshift, pull the paddle on the left – toward you.

To switch off Tiptronic mode, pull the paddle on the right +

toward you and hold it there for

about 1 second.

Tiptronic will switch off automatically if the shift paddles have not been used for a while and the
selector lever is not in the Tiptronic position.

NOTICE

During acceleration, the transmission will shift automatically into the next higher gear

before reaching maximum engine speed (rpm).

If you use Tiptronic to shift into a lower gear, the transmission will downshift only when

doing so will not over-rev the engine.

Driving with automatic transmission

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

All forward gears shift up and down automatically.

Driving on hills

The steeper the grade, the lower the gear that must be selected. Lower gears increase the braking
effect of the engine. Never coast downhill in Neutral (N).

Reduce speed.
Switch to Tiptronic mode by moving the selector lever from Drive (D) to the right into the Tiptronic

position

⇒ Shifting with Tiptronic®.

Downshift by pulling the selector lever back briefly (-).

Stopping and starting on hills: If you stop on a hill with the vehicle in gear, you must depress the
brake pedal or engage the electronic parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling. Do not release the

brake pedal or the parking brake until the vehicle has started to move forwards

⇒

.

Kick-down acceleration

The kick-down feature permits maximum acceleration when the selector lever is in the Drive (D), Sport
Drive (S) or Tiptronic mode.

If you push the accelerator all the way down, the vehicle will automatically downshift, depending on
vehicle speed and engine speed (rpm). This feature lets you take advantage of the full acceleration

capacity of the vehicle

⇒

.

With kick-down actuated, the transmission will stay in the current gear longer and not upshift until the
engine reaches maximum rpm.

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature or fast acceleration if visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions allow it and other drivers will not be endangered by your driving and the vehicle's
acceleration.

Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.
Note that the drive wheels can spin and the vehicle can swerve when ASR is switched off,

especially when the road is slippery.

Once you have accelerated, switch ASR back on again.

NOTICE

When stopping on hills with the transmission in a drive gear, do not use the accelerator to

help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. This can cause the automatic transmission to
overheat and be damaged.

Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is

not running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.

Automatic transmission malfunction

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Emergency shift program

If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright
background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission will then operate in the

emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you drive the vehicle, but at a reduced
speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.

In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either

park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).

If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you

must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let
the transmission cool down.

To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the

acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start
driving and avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).

Steering

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is not hydraulic, it is electro-mechanical. In both cases, the power steering
works only when the engine is running.

The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other
parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.

The electromechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,
and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning
the wheels. The electromechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.

More information:

Starting and stopping the engine
12 Volt vehicle battery
Towing

WARNING

Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This
makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Power steering works only when the engine is running.
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering malfunction.

Stop!

Have the power steering system checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Lights

up

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering assist is reduced.

Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short

distance. If the yellow warning light does not

come on again, you do not need to have the

steering system checked.

Otherwise, have the steering checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Vehicle battery was disconnected and

has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at about 10 - 12 mph

(15 - 20 km/h).

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Electronic steering column lock

malfunction.

Stop!

The ignition cannot be switched on. The

vehicle must not be towed! Get professional

assistance.

Steering system stiff.

Turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Steering column not locked / unlocked.

Switch the ignition off and then switch it on

again. Heed any messages shown in the

instrument cluster display, if applicable.

On vehicles with Keyless Access press the

starter button briefly twice in a row without

depressing the brake or clutch pedal.

Do not drive any farther if the steering

column remains locked after you switch on

the ignition. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Steering system information

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column
is locked before leaving the vehicle.

Electronic steering column lock

The steering column is locked by removing the remote control vehicle key from the ignition switch
when the vehicle is not moving standing still. The electronic steering column lock does not lock if the
vehicle moves for more than 10 seconds after the remote control vehicle key is removed.

Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the
ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an
automatic transmission vehicle.

If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is
activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door
handle.

Mechanical steering column lock

Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the
vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.

Engaging the steering column

lock

Disengaging the steering column

lock

Parking the vehicle

Turn the steering wheel slightly to

take pressure off the steering

column lock.

Remove the vehicle key.

Insert the vehicle key into the

ignition switch.

Turn the steering wheel slightly until

you hear the steering column lock

engage.

Hold the steering wheel in this

position and turn the ignition switch.

Power steering

Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.

If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Counter-steering assistance

Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier
for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a
surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this

situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power

⇒

.

WARNING

The counter-steering assistance in ESC can do no more than help the driver steer in difficult
situations. The driver must still control the vehicle. The vehicle does not steer by itself with
this feature!

NOTICE

If the ignition is off, the steering column lock will engage and the vehicle cannot be steered.
For this reason, you must leave the ignition on when going through an automatic car wash, for
example, so that the wheels will still steer.

Braking and parking

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Electronic parking brake

Parking

About the brakes

Braking assistance systems

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Brake fluid

The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC).

More information:

Trailer towing
Tires and wheels
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a collision and serious personal
injury.

If the symbol

or lights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,
replaced.

WARNING

Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.

Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.
Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.
Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as
the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.

Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They

could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and

vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

Warning and indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Brake system malfunction.

Stop!

Get professional assistance immediately

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Brake fluid level too low.

Stop!

Check the brake fluid level

Together with ABS indicator light or

: there is an ABS failure.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

The electronic parking brake is set.

To begin driving, press the brake pedal to

release the electronic parking brake

Brake pads worn.

If you believe that it is safe to do so,

immediately take the vehicle to an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Check, and if necessary replace, all brake

pads.

Lights up: ESC malfunctioning or

switched off by the system.

Switch ignition off and on again. You may

have to drive a short distance.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Together with the ABS indicator light

or

: ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Vehicle battery has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at a speed of 10 –

12 mph (15 - 20 km/h). If the indicator light

stays on, see an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen

Service Facility

ASR switched off.

Automatically switch on ASR by turning the

ignition on and off.

Together with ESC indicator light :

ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Together with the ,

or

warning light: ABS failure.

Together with a flashing

or

warning light: there is an electronic

parking brake malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Depress the brake pedal to select a gear or

drive position.

Depress the brake pedal to release the

electronic parking brake

Flashes

Possible cause

⇒

Solution

Electronic parking brake malfunction.

Stop!

Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

for assistance.

ESC or ASR regulating.

Take foot off accelerator pedal. Adapt

driving to road conditions.

The release button in the selector level

is not engaged in position.

Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.

If the brake warning light

or does not go out, or lights up when driving, either the

brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the

vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance

⇒ Brake fluid.

If the brake warning light

or lights up at the same time as the ABS warning light

or

, the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock up

relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control.

If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified
workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.

If the ABS indicator light

or does not go out, or if it lights up while driving, the ABS

system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard
brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as
possible.

If the symbol

or lights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,
replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Electronic parking brake

Fig. 144 In the lower center console: Switch for the electronic parking brake.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Setting the electronic parking brake

You can engage the electronic parking brake any time the vehicle is not moving - even if the ignition is
switched off. Always engage the parking brake when you leave or park the vehicle.

Pull and hold the switch

⇒

fig. 144

.

The parking brake is engaged when the indicator light in the switch and in the instrument cluster

⇒ Braking and parking lights up.

Releasing the electronic parking brake

Switch the ignition on.

Press the switch

⇒

fig. 144

. At the same time, press the brake pedal firmly or press the accelerator

pedal lightly if the engine is running.

The parking brake is released when the indicator light in the instrument cluster

⇒ Warning and

indicator lights goes out.

Releasing the electronic parking brake automatically when you start driving

The electronic parking brake releases automatically when you start driving if the driver's door is closed
and the driver's safety belt is buckled. With a manual transmission, you must also press the clutch
pedal all the way down before you start driving so the system recognizes that the parking brake should
be released.

Emergency braking function

Only use the emergency braking function in an emergency, when you cannot stop the vehicle using

the brake pedal

⇒

!

Pull and hold the switch

⇒

fig. 144

to brake the vehicle hard. An audio warning signal will sound at

the same time.

To stop the braking maneuver, release the switch or press the accelerator pedal.

WARNING

Improper use of the electronic parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.

Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Always
use the foot brake.

Never press the accelerator pedal when a selector lever position or gear is engaged and

the engine is running. The vehicle could begin moving, even if the electronic parking brake is
set.

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move even if the
parking brake is engaged.

NOTICE

Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few
centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the
vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the electronic parking brake releases automatically when

you release the clutch pedal and press the accelerator pedal at the same time.

If the vehicle battery is dead, the electronic parking brake cannot be released. Use a jump-start

You may hear noises when setting or releasing the electronic parking brake.

If the electronic parking brake is not used for a while, an automatic system check will

occasionally run when the vehicle is parked. This system check makes audible noises.

Parking

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please note legal regulations when stopping and parking your vehicle.

Parking the vehicle

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface

⇒

.

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Electronic parking

brake.

For automatic transmissions: Shift the transmission into Park (P).
Switch off the engine and then take your foot off the brake.
Remove the vehicle key from the ignition.
If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering column lock.
Shift manual transmission into 1st gear (on level ground or if pointed uphill) or reverse (if pointed

downhill) and let the clutch out.

Make sure all passengers and especially children leave the vehicle.
Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
Lock the vehicle.

On hills

Before stopping the engine, turn the steering wheel so that, if the vehicle starts to roll, its front wheels
will roll into the curb:

Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
Facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very hot. They can cause fires and
serious personal injury.

Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as

brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a
barrier or curb that is too high while your are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

About the brakes

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

New brake pads do not provide full performance during the first 100 to 200 miles (200 to 300 km) and

must first be “broken” in

⇒

. To some extent, you can make up for the somewhat reduced

performance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the
stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully
broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other
vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.

Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a
lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads
checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often
than the regular service intervals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will
not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy.
Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times
while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not

endanger yourself or others

⇒

.

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on
the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any

salt coating from the brake disks and pads

⇒

.

Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is
not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been
used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully
braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others

⇒

.

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light

or

will come on

and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.

Brake booster

The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above
and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒

.

WARNING

New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.

New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and

must be “broken in”. You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.

Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk

of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.

Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might

require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING

Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.

When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed

and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use
engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could
overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down
more or to stop.

A damaged front spoiler or a nonstandard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and

make them overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake

applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause
accidents and serious personal injuries.

Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more

pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.

NOTICE

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes
will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause
complete brake system failure.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine
braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and
possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to
stop.

When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same

time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake
pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If
necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.

Braking assistance systems

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is
running. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding
and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult
driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps
you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine
power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will
not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may
not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of
friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water,