Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction — part 20

Useful off-road driving equipment

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

The checklist lists only a few of the items that could be very helpful when driving off-road

⇒

. If you

have user's manuals or assembly instructions for the listed extra equipment, take them with you off-
road and heed them.

Checklist

Checklist: Useful off-road driving equipment

⇒

:

Water, compass, maps, flashlight and spare batteries.

Cable winch, tow rod or tow rope strong enough for your vehicle.

Mobile phone, shovel, blankets, and rubber boots, tape measure, and yardstick.

Electric air compressor to connect to the 12 volt outlet in the vehicle for inflating the tires.

A wooden plank about 2 inches thick and 3 feet long or similar aluminum frame as traction aid for a

stuck vehicle or as a base for the vehicle jack.

Snow chains for all 4 tires, additional spare tires.

WARNING

Accidents and severe personal injury can result from the improper use of tools or equipment
as well as from the use of tools or equipment that are damaged or not right for the job to be
done.

Safety and off-road driving

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

Proper seating position and safety belt use is always important, regardless of whether you are on the
highway or driving off-road.

Every person in the vehicle must sit properly and wear his or her safety belt whenever the vehicle

is moving

Every occupant must properly fasten the safety belt belonging to the seat he or she occupies and

keep the belt properly fastened while riding in the vehicle. This applies to the driver and all
passengers, even when driving off-road

Safety belts save lives – on the road and off.

Distance to the steering wheel

When driving off-road, you may want to sit a little differently than you would for normal highway
driving.

Depending on the terrain, you may need more strength to control the steering wheel because of the
higher forces that can come up from the front wheels.

Sit so that you can clearly see the terrain in front of you, especially when you are driving up or down
slopes. Never sit so that the distance from the center of your breast bone to the center of the airbag

cover on the steering wheel is less than 10 inches

⇒ page 78, Adjusting the seating position.

Suitable shoes

Never wear shoes with a slippery sole or high-heels when driving off-road, and never drive off-road
barefoot. Always wear shoes that support your feet properly and give you a good feel for the pedals.

WARNING

Not wearing safety belts, or wearing them improperly will increase the risk of serious injuries
when driving off-road. Holding the steering wheel improperly will reduce your ability to
control the vehicle and can also increase the risk of injury when driving off-road.

Properly worn safety belts are the single most effective means of reducing the risk of

serious injury and death during sudden braking or driving maneuvers and in automobile
accidents. For this reason, always wear your safety belt properly and make sure all
passengers wear their safety belts properly as well whenever the vehicle is moving.

Never wrap your thumbs around the steering wheel rim. When driving off-road, obstacles

in front of the wheels can make the steering wheel jerk suddenly in your hands and cause
personal injury. Rest your thumbs pointing up on the on the surface of the steering wheel at
the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.

Off-road driving situations

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Selecting the right gear

Driving in rough terrain

Driving through water

Driving over snow-covered terrain

Driving in steep terrain

Driving crosswise on a slope

Avoiding deep ruts and depressions

Crossing ditches

Driving in sand and mud

If the vehicle is stuck

After driving off-road

Driving off-road: Drive at a crawl; don't speed! Even harmless-looking areas can be dangerous

⇒

.

Volkswagen recommends that you get out of the vehicle and explore the terrain personally before
trying to cross it. Walk the area and make sure that the ground is firm enough. Check for obstacles or
other hidden dangers. Always obey local requirements and regulations; follow commonly accepted
safety practices and use common sense

The examples discussed in this chapter are intended to help you drive safely off-road. But the situation
facing you may not fit any of these examples.

The wide range of terrain you can come up against, as well the risks and dangers it may hide, make it
impossible to deal with every conceivable situation in this Manual. The examples in this chapter are
only general guidelines to help you drive safely off-road. The guidelines may not apply in every
situation you encounter. Therefore, it is vital that you know what lies ahead and evaluate possible
dangers before you try to drive over difficult or unfamiliar terrain. This will help you to evaluate and
prepare for possible dangers.

Driver assistance systems were designed only for driving on paved roads.

More information:

Before leaving

WARNING

Areas that look harmless can, in fact, be very dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-
offs, different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can
be partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such
terrain can cause accidents and severe injuries.

Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore the route you plan to take on foot.
Never choose a risky route or run a risk that will endanger you and your passengers. If

you have any doubts as to whether the route is safe, turn around use a different route.

Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.

Selecting the right gear

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

Different kinds of terrain require different gears. Selecting the right one helps you to get through safely.

Before driving over a difficult section, think carefully about which gear you should select. With time,
you will learn which gear is best for various types of terrain.

Basics

If you select the right gear you will usually not have to slow the vehicle down with the foot brake

when driving down slopes - the engine will brake the vehicle. You will then only have to use the brake
when the braking power of the engine is not enough.

Never accelerate more than necessary when driving off-road. If you accelerate too hard, the

wheels could lose traction and you could lose control of the vehicle.

Manual transmission

Never disengage the clutch or change gears in difficult terrain. Due to the increased adhesion of all

wheels, the vehicle can come to standstill if the clutch is disengaged in mud or deep sand or on an
incline. Driving off again from a standstill under these conditions may be difficult or even impossible.

Use first or second gear when driving up or down steep slopes.
On soft surfaces drive with appropriate speed and the highest possible gear.

Automatic transmission

Use selector lever position (D) when driving on ordinary level areas.
Use Tiptronic mode and put the vehicle in 2nd or 3rd gear when driving through moderately

difficult off-road terrain, for example mud, sand, water, or hills

Use Tiptronic mode and shift into 1st gear when driving up or down steep hills 1st

On soft or slippery surfaces, drive at an appropriate speed and in the highest possible driving

range of the Tiptronic.

Driving in rough terrain

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

Driving tips

Drive no faster than a crawl over rocky sections.
Drive around obstacles such as rocks wherever possible. If this is not possible:

Carefully advance until one front wheel is on the rock and then slowly drive over it

⇒

.

NOTICE

If you are facing a large rock or tree stump or other large obstacle, do not attempt to drive

straight over it or to climb over it with just 2 wheels. A rock or other obstacle that is too high
for your vehicle to clear will damage and may disable the vehicle if you try to drive over it. You
could be stranded far away from help. Never let large obstacles pass under the vehicle. If there
is no way around them and they are too large to drive over, back up and find another route.

Even obstacles that are lower than your vehicle's ground clearance can come into contact

with the underbody and damage or disable your vehicle. Such obstacles are especially
dangerous when the ground around them is soft or there is a dip right in front of or behind
them. They are also dangerous if you drive over them too quickly and the shock absorbers are
compressed.

Leaking engine oil and brake fluid can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids

and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

Driving through water

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

Important factors when deciding whether to drive through water:

Water depth.
Strength of the current.
Firmness of stream bed and bank.
Shape of the bank.
Objects in the water.

Before driving through water

Stop, get out of the vehicle, and assess the situation

⇒

:

Measure water depth from one side to the other. The water must not be any higher than the bottom

of the vehicle body (see Dimensions ). Check the firmness of the bed and banks; check for drop-offs

and obstacles in the water

⇒

.

Make sure it is possible to enter and exit the water safely.
Check the angle of the embankment and the firmness of the ground on each bank.

Driving through standing and slow-moving water

The vehicle can drive through standing water if the ground under the water is firm enough

⇒

.

Drive slowly into a river in the direction of the flow. Never exceed the departure/approach angle

and lateral angle (vehicle slope).

Always drive at a constant speed to the other side.

This will help prevent engine damage from the water. It also allows an air pocket to form in front of the
engine that can supply it with the necessary air.

Entering the water quickly or driving too fast through the water will create a bow wave. A bow wave
can force its way into the engine air intake duct and seriously damage the engine.

Driving through fast-moving water

Driving through fast-moving water is very dangerous

⇒

.

The vehicle can be swept away by the current. Even vehicles with high ground clearance can get
stuck if the ground is washed out from under the tires. Fast-moving water will build up against the side
of your vehicle. This will make the water deeper. Always think about this before entering the water.
Water volume, speed, and depth can be very unpredictable and dangerous.

If you are uncertain how fast the water is flowing, look for a shallower place where you can cross in
safety. If you cannot find a safe place to cross, turn back.

After driving through water

After crossing through deep water, stop the engine and check the oil dipstick. If there are beads of

water on the oil dipstick or the oil level has increased, do not start the engine. Change the engine oil
immediately. Depending on the amount of water in the oil, running or starting the engine can result in
engine failure or serious engine damage.

Always dry the brakes by braking a couple of times.

After driving through water, have the vehicle drive train and electrical system thoroughly inspected

for damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Flowing water is very powerful and can sweep your vehicle away. This can lead create an
extremely dangerous situation and cause an accident with serious personal injuries.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

Never stop in the water.
If water gets into the engine, your vehicle can break down. You will lose control of a

broken down vehicle, and it can be swept away.

Soft surfaces, mud, underwater obstacles, and holes can cause accidents and can cause

the vehicle to break down in the water. This can lead pose extreme danger.

Rapidly flowing water can develop strong forces that can pull the vehicle downstream.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

Drive through water only where the banks and bottom are firm enough and the water is

shallower at all points than the maximum permissible fording depth for your vehicle.

NOTICE

Vehicle components such as the engine, drive train, suspension or electrical system may

be severely damaged by driving through water.

Avoid stopping in deep water. This can let water get inside the vehicle.
On soft ground, the tires dig into the surface. This reduces fording depth. Make sure that

the ground is sufficiently firm.

Avoid creating a bow wave in front of the vehicle while driving through water. A bow wave

could force its way into the engine air intake duct and seriously damage the engine.

If you even briefly exceed the maximum fording depth when driving through water, severe

engine damage will result. This engine damage will lead to a vehicle breakdown. This can
disable the vehicle in the water.

Never drive over salt flats or through salt or salty water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion.

Rinse all parts of the vehicle that were exposed to salt or salt water right away with fresh water.

Driving over snow-covered terrain

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

Install snow chains on all 4 tires before driving over snow-covered terrain.

Snow-covered terrain may look harmless but the snow can hide many dangers. This is particularly true
for stretches where you can't see the tracks left by other vehicles.

WARNING

Driving through snow-covered terrain is very dangerous.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

Potholes, ruts, ditches, drop-offs, and other obstacles are often partially or completely

hidden by the snow, especially when it is deep.

Snow-covered dangers can lead to an accident, serious personal injury, or stranding

under extreme weather conditions.

Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.

Driving in steep terrain

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

Driving on slopes

Before driving up or down a slope, get out of the vehicle, explore the terrain, and assess the situation.

Walk the grade you intend to drive, check the stretch for firmness and obstacles or other hidden

dangers

⇒

.

Find out how the route continues at the end of a steep angle.
If the route is too steep or too uneven or the ground is too loose, do not drive this route. Find an

alternative.

Drive at a constant speed straight up or down a slope.
Use just as much power as needed to get up the slope. Too much power makes the tires slip, spin,

or lose traction. This can increase your risk of losing control. However, too little power will increase the
likelihood of stalling.

Never stop or try to turn around on a slope.
Do not let the engine stall.
Do not change gears while climbing the slope.

If you get stuck while driving up a slope

Never try to turn around.
If your engine stalls, apply the foot break and restart the engine.
Shift into Reverse (R) and back your vehicle carefully straight down the slope.

Use the brake to keep the speed steady when backing down to a safe place.

Driving down a slope

Never exceed the vehicle's maximum lateral angle (vehicle slope). If an emergency forces you to
cross the slope and the vehicle threatens to roll over, immediately steer the vehicle downhill along the
fall line.

There is an increased risk of rollover when driving down a slope. For this reason, concentrate on
steering safely down the slope.

Drive down steep slopes in first gear.
Gently apply the foot brake to help keep the vehicle under control.
If it is possible and if it is not dangerous, drive straight down the fall line (maximum slope).
Do not depress the clutch pedal or shift into Neutral (N).

WARNING

Never try to drive up or down slopes that are too steep for your vehicle. The vehicle could
slide away, tip over, or roll over.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

The lateral angle must never be more than the maximum angle approved for the vehicle.
Always drive along the fall line when driving up or down a slope.
Never try to turn the vehicle around on a slope. The vehicle could tip over or roll down the

slope.

If the engine stalls or you can no longer drive up the slope for any reason, stop and apply

the foot brake. If stalled, apply the foot brake and restart the engine. Then shift into Reverse
(R) and carefully back your vehicle straight down the slope along the fall line. Keep the
vehicle speed slow and even.

If the engine will not restart, apply constant pressure to the foot brake and carefully back

straight down the slope the same way you drove up. Keep the vehicle speed slow and even.

If the engine is running, select Reverse (R) and carefully back straight down the slope the

same way you drove up. Use engine braking power and the foot brake to keep the vehicle
speed slow and even.

Never just roll down a slope with the clutch depressed or the transmission in Neutral (N).

You could lose control of the vehicle.

Driving crosswise on a slope

Fig. 165 Steer downhill along the fall line.

Fig. 166 On a slope, always exit on the uphill side of the vehicle.

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

on

page 307.

Driving crosswise on a slope is one of the most dangerous off-road driving situations

⇒

.

Even if it seems harmless, never underestimate the difficulties and hazards when driving crosswise on
a slope. A vehicle perpendicular to the slope of the hill can become uncontrollable and slide away, tip,
or roll over. This could cause severe or fatal injuries to all occupants.

Driving at an angle to the slope

Before driving crosswise on a slope, check whether there is a different, safer route.

If you have to drive across a slope, first make sure the ground is firm and even along your route. If the
ground is soft or slippery, the vehicle is more likely to slip away to the side. Make sure that the angle
does not become too great due to surface unevenness. This can make the vehicle tip and roll over.

The steeper the slope across which the vehicle is moving, the more important it becomes to make
sure the wheels on the lower side do not run over holes or depressions. The wheels on the high side
must never run over protruding rocks, tree stumps, or other obstacles.

If the vehicle threatens to tip, immediately steer downhill into the “fall line” and gently accelerate
⇒

fig. 165

. If it is not possible to steer down the fall line, steer uphill and gently accelerate.

The vehicle center of gravity should be as low as possible. The weight of all passengers should be
evenly distributed. Taller or heavier passengers should sit on the higher side of the vehicle. Luggage
on the roof should be removed and heavy objects should be secured, as the vehicle could tilt due to

the sudden shifting of objects in the vehicle

⇒

.

While driving across the slope, passengers on the rear bench should always sit on the uphill side of
the vehicle. In extreme cases, passengers on the downhill side must get out of the vehicle until the hill
has been safely crossed.

Exiting on a hillside

If the vehicle comes to a standstill at a significantly tilted angle on the hillside, all passengers should

exit the vehicle on the uphill side

⇒

fig. 166

. This applies even if the uphill door is hard to open. The

uphill-side door may swing shut due to its weight or carelessness.

WARNING

Never try to drive crosswise on a slope, especially one that is too steep for your vehicle. The
vehicle could slide sideways and tumble down the slope. To reduce the risk of accidents and
serious injuries:

Never underestimate the difficulties and dangers of driving crosswise on a slope. Never

take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot go on or
have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a different route.

When driving crosswise on a hill, the vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip or turn

over and roll down the hill.

Make certain that the wheels on the downhill side of the vehicle do not run over holes or

depressions. Make certain that the wheels on the high side of the vehicle do not run over
rocks, tree stumps, or protruding objects.

Before driving crosswise on a hill, check whether it is possible to steer into the fall line

along the selected route. If this is not possible, select a different route. If the vehicle

threatens to tip, immediately steer downhill into the fall line and gently accelerate

⇒

fig. 165

.

If the vehicle is stopped a hillside and is laterally tilted, avoid sudden and uncontrolled

movement in the vehicle The vehicle can lose its hold, slide sideways, tip, or turn over and
roll down the hill.

If the vehicle is stopped at while pointed crosswise on a steep slope, make certain that no

one exits the vehicle through a door on the downhill side. This can shift the vehicle center of
gravity to the downhill side. The can tilt or roll over and roll down the hill. To help minimize

this risk, always exit the vehicle through the doors that are facing uphill

⇒

fig. 166

.

When getting out, make certain that doors opened on the uphill side are not closed

carelessly and do not swing shut due to their own weight and injure anybody.

Avoiding deep ruts and depressions

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

Ruts are very common on forest trails, in grassland and fields, as well an on much-used cross-country
lanes.

If the ruts and depressions are firm and shallow, simply follow the ruts.

Do not drive in ruts and depressions that are too deep

⇒

. If deep ruts and depressions cannot be

avoided, turn around.

NOTICE

If ruts and depressions become too deep, the vehicle underbody can bottom out and get stuck.
This can damage or even disable the vehicle.

Crossing ditches

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

Check whether the approach/departure angle and the lateral angle (tilt) are small enough to allow

the vehicle to cross the ditch.

If possible, cross the ditch at an acute angle

⇒

.

This is only possible if the lateral angle (side-to-side tilt) is not too large.

WARNING

If the approach/departure angle or the lateral angle of the ditch are too steep for the vehicle,
do not attempt to cross the ditch. The vehicle can fall over on its side, slide sideways, or turn
over.

NOTICE

If you enter at right angles to the ditch, the front wheels will fall into the ditch. The underbody
of the vehicle can get stuck and the vehicle can be damaged or disabled. Getting out of a ditch
without assistance is rarely possible, even with all-wheel drive.

Driving in sand and mud

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

Always drive at a constant speed through sand and mud; do not shift gears manually and do not stop.

Check whether ESC is active. The indicator light or in the instrument cluster must both be off
Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until solid ground is reached
Always keep the vehicle moving.

Never drive too fast through sand and mud. The wheels may spin and the vehicle can get stuck. If the
tires no longer grip, turn the steering wheel back and forth slightly in short, quick movements. This can
improve front wheel traction when driving in sand and mud.

Driving through sand

Never reduce tire inflation pressure before driving through sand

⇒

. If you have reduced the tire

pressure to drive through sand, make sure to correct the tire pressure afterwards before driving any
further. Driving with reduced tire pressure can make you lose control of the vehicle and increase the
risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Driving through mud

Do not change your speed or your direction. The tires can lose their grip in mud. If the vehicle skids,
steer in the direction the vehicle is sliding to try to get it back under control.

WARNING

Driving through sand and mud can be dangerous. The vehicle can skid out of control and
crash, causing serious injuries. Always drive carefully when driving in sand and mud.

Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot

go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a different route.

WARNING

Driving on tires that are not inflated to the correct cold tire inflation pressure can cause an
accident with serious or fatal injuries.

If the tires are not inflated to the correct pressure, they will wear out faster and the vehicle

will not handle as well.

Incorrect tire pressure can make tires overheat, resulting in tire damage including tire

tread separation and sudden blowouts, that can make you lose control of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is stuck

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

It takes experience and a fine touch to “rock” a vehicle back and forth to get it going when it is stuck.

If you go about it the wrong way, you'll dig the vehicle in even deeper and need someone to tow you
free.

If the vehicle won't budge

Carefully dig out all four wheels and make sure that no other parts of the vehicle are stuck in the

sand.

Select Reverse (R) gear.
Carefully accelerate and try to back up in your own track.

If this doesn't help, try placing brushwood, floor mats, or burlap sackcloth directly in front of the tires to

improve grip and traction

⇒

.

Rocking the vehicle free

Don't spin the wheels. It's unlikely to help you get going and all but certain to dig you in even deeper if

you do it too much

⇒

.

Switch off Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
Turn the steering wheel so that it points straight ahead.
Shift into Reverse (R) and accelerate just to the point where the wheels first start to spin.

Immediately engage first gear and accelerate again until the wheels just begin to spin.
Repeat this process to get the vehicle to rock back and forth and then hopefully develop enough

forward momentum to get going again.

Once the vehicle is free, switch ASR back on

WARNING

Make sure there are no people or animals in front of or behind the vehicle, especially when it
is stuck and you are trying to rock it loose.

Stones, brush, pieces of wood, and other objects under the wheels can be thrown at great

velocity when they spin. This can cause serious or even fatal injuries.

If the stuck vehicle suddenly regains traction, it will lurch forward and can run over

anybody who is standing too close to it in the front or in the back.

After driving off-road

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

After an off-road drive, you always need to check the vehicle's underbody for damage and may need

to clean the radiator grille

⇒

.

Checklist

Checklist: Perform after every off-road drive

⇒

:

Switch on ASR again

Clean the turn signal lights, the headlights and taillights, the license plate, and all windows.

If required, remove the towing eye(s) and snow chains.

Check tires, suspension struts, and axles for damage and remove coarse dirt, stones, and foreign

objects from the tire tread.

Examine the vehicle underbody and remove objects such as twigs, leaves, or bits of wood that

have gotten stuck in the brake system, the wheels, the suspension, the exhaust system, of the

engine

⇒

. If damage or leaks are detected, see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Remove coarse dirt from the radiator grille and the vehicle underbody

⇒ Exterior care and

cleaning.

Check the engine compartment to for dirt that interferes with engine operation

⇒ Working in the

engine compartment.

After driving in sandy or dusty areas, have the air cleaner checked, and if necessary cleaned by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility so that dust, sand, and
grit does not get drawn into the engine.

WARNING

Objects trapped under the vehicle floor can damage the brake system, fuel lines, gaskets,
and other underbody parts. Such objects can also ignite on contact with hot vehicle
components. You must check after each off-road outing to see whether any foreign objects
have gotten stuck in the vehicle underbody.

Never drive the vehicle if any foreign objects are stuck in the brake system, the wheels,

the suspension, the exhaust system, or the engine or engine compartment.

Flammable materials such as dry leaves or twigs can catch fire from contact with hot

vehicle components. A fire can cause serious personal injuries.

Trapped objects can damage or block the fuel lines, the brake system, gaskets, and other

parts of the suspension system. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and have
an accident.

NOTICE

Dust, sand, grit, and other material that has collected in the air filter after driving in certain
kinds of off-road terrain can be drawn into the engine and cause expensive damage. After
driving off-road where it is very dusty or sandy, be sure to have the air filter checked and, if
necessary, cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.

Working in the engine compartment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning light

Working in the engine compartment

Opening and closing the engine compartment

Always position the vehicle on a firm and level surface before doing any work in the engine
compartment.

The engine compartment of a vehicle is a hazardous area. Never do any work on the engine or in the
engine compartment unless you

know exactly how to carry out the job,
have the correct technical information and the proper tools and supplies, and

are familiar with the necessary safety precautions

⇒

!

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work.

More information:

Exterior views
Windshield wiper and washer
Starting and stopping the engine
Brake fluid
Checks while refueling
Engine oil
Engine coolant
12 Volt vehicle battery
Exterior care and cleaning
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement during maintenance work can cause serious personal injuries.

Never work under the vehicle unless you have safely secured the vehicle from moving. If

you must work under the vehicle with the wheels on the ground, always make sure that the
vehicle is on level ground, that all four wheels are chocked to keep them from moving, and
that the key is not in the ignition.

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle. The jack supplied with the vehicle is not strong enough for
this purpose and can collapse causing serious personal injury.

WARNING

The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.

Always use extreme caution when doing any work in the engine compartment. Always

follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.

Never perform any work in the engine compartment unless you know exactly how to carry

out the job and have the correct technical information and the correct tools.

If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized

Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified
workshop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.

We strongly recommend that you always have HID - High Intensity Discharge (Xenon)

lights and H7/H15 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician. Serious personal injury may result
from improperly performed work.

Never open or close the engine hood if steam or coolant is escaping. Hot steam or coolant

can cause serious burns. Always wait until you no longer see or hear steam or coolant
escaping from the engine.

Always let the engine cool down completely before carefully opening the hood.
Hot parts of the engine and the exhaust system will burn skin on contact.

When the engine has cooled down and you are ready to open the hood:

– Firmly apply the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or
Neutral (manual only).

– Take the vehicle key out of the ignition.

– On vehicles with Keyless Access, make sure that the remote control vehicle key is out
of range of the vehicle and that the vehicle cannot be started by depressing the starter
button.

– Always keep children and others away from the engine compartment and never leave
them unsupervised.

The engine coolant system is under pressure when the engine is hot. Never unscrew the

coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. Hot coolant can spray out and cause
severe burns and other serious injuries.

– Turn the cap slowly and very carefully in a counterclockwise direction while applying
light downward pressure on the top of the cap.

– Always protect your face, hands, and arms from hot escaping coolant or steam by
covering the cap with a large, thick rag.

Never spill fluids on the engine or exhaust system when refilling. Spilling fluids onto hot

parts of the engine or exhaust system can cause a fire.

WARNING

High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even
electrocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!

Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables.

The vehicle's battery could explode!

To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or

being started:

– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage
electronic ignition system.

– Never touch the wiring of the HID - High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.

Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine

compartment

WARNING

Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.

Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can

cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-
controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while
and the key has been removed from the ignition.

If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks

from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the
high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.

– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in
rotating engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie,
tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught
in moving engine parts.

– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a
check. The vehicle will start to move even if the electronic parking brake is on.

Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools.

Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.

WARNING

Additional materials in the engine compartment such as blankets can interfere with the
operation of the engine and can cause fires which can lead to serious injuries.

Never cover the engine with blankets or other materials.