Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 year). Instruction — part 19

Refueling

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Refueling

Fuel capacities

Refueling checklist

The fuel filler flap is located on the rear right side of the vehicle.

More information:

Exterior views
Fuel
Working in the engine compartment

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel is dangerous and can cause fire, explosion, and severe
burns.

Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on all the way. This helps keep fuel

from spilling out or evaporating.

Fuel is highly flammable and explosive; it can cause severe burns and other severe

injuries.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle all the way

into the fuel filler neck can cause fuel to overflow and to spray out. Fuel spray and
overflowing fuel are dangerous because they can cause fire and serious personal injury.

During fueling, the engine and the ignition must be switched off for safety reasons.
Never use a cellular telephone, CB radio, or other radio equipment while refueling. The

electromagnetic radiation can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.

Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. This helps avoid the
build-up of static electricity, which can cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released
during refueling.

Never smoke or have an open flame (or sparks, cigarettes, or other smoldering objects)

anywhere in or near your vehicle when refueling or filling a portable fuel container.

Follow all safety instructions and procedures that apply at the service station where you

refuel.

Never spill fuel in the vehicle or the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal
injuries, especially in a crash.

For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel

container in your vehicle.

If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please

observe the following:

– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for
example, in the luggage compartment or on the rear hatch). Static electricity can build up
while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.

– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel
inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.

– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and
during filling.

– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact
with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a
fire.

– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and
transportation of portable fuel containers.

– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as
ANSI/ASTM F852-86.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires,

and wheel housings.

Refueling with diesel fuel when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious

and expensive engine and fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited
Warranty.

If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any

circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely
damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.

Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly,

following all applicable environmental regulations.

There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Fig. 161 Fuel gauge in the instrument cluster: A Refuel warning zone.

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

Lights

up

Gauge position

⇒

fig. 161

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Refuel warning zone

Fuel tank almost empty.

Running on reserve

Time to refuel

⇒

.

Fuel filler cap not properly

closed.

Stop and close fuel filler cap

properly.

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.

Fuel filler cap not properly closed

If the indicator light

lights up or you see a text message in the instrument cluster display indicating

that the fuel filler cap is not properly closed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and switch off the engine
and the ignition.

Open the fuel filler flap and take the fuel filler cap off the filler neck. Then put the fuel filler cap back on
the filler neck and screw it on clockwise until you clearly hear a clicking sound. Close the fuel filler flap.

After switching on the ignition, the indicator light

may stay on or the text message may still appear

in the instrument cluster display, even if the fuel filler cap is now properly closed. This is normal and no
reason to take your vehicle in for service.

If, however, the malfunction indicator light

also lights up, drive to your nearest authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the fuel system and the
engine checked.

WARNING

Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and
serious personal injuries.

When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,

especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.

Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the

engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.

Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling

in traffic.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the

engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the
catalytic converter.

The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge

⇒

fig. 161

shows the side of the

vehicle with the fuel filler flap.

Refueling

Fig. 162 Right rear side of vehicle: Opening the fuel filler flap.

Fig. 163 Fuel cap placed on the open fuel filler flap.

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

Before refueling, always switch off the engine, the ignition, and all mobile phones, and leave them
switched off until refueling is complete.

Opening the fuel filler cap

Unlock the vehicle from the outside with the vehicle key or press the central locking button in driver

door to unlock the vehicle from the inside

⇒ Power locking system.

The fuel filler flap is located at the right rear of the vehicle.

Press on the back part of the fuel filler flap

⇒

fig. 162

(arrow) and fold open.

Unscrew fuel cap counterclockwise and remove. Use the receptacle on the filler flap hinge to hold

the cap while refueling

⇒

fig. 163

.

Refueling

The correct fuel grade for your vehicle

⇒ Fuel is listed on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap

⇒

fig. 163

.

The fuel tank is full when the automatic filler nozzle pump switches off the first time

⇒

.

Do not try to add fuel after the pump stops! Topping off the tank in this way may fill the expansion

space that the tank needs and cause fuel to overflow, for example, if it gets warmer outside.

Closing the fuel filler cap

Screw the fuel cap clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until you hear it click into place.
Close the fuel filler flap until you hear it latch shut. The fuel filler flap must be flush with the vehicle

body.

WARNING

Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.

Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not

overflow.

NOTICE

Remove fuel spills from all vehicles surfaces immediately to help prevent damage to the paint,
tires, and wheel housings.

Fuel spills may pollute the environment.

Fuel capacities

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

Fuel tank capacity

About 16,8 gallons (63.5 liters), including about 2 gallons (7.5 liters) reserve.

Refueling checklist

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

The engine compartment of any motor 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

⇒ Working in the engine compartment.

Checklist

If you are uncertain in any way, have the work done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed
work. Make sure that you check the following items regularly. The best thing is to check them every
time you refuel:

Windshield washer fluid level

⇒ Windshield wipers and washer

Engine oil level

⇒ Engine oil

Engine coolant level

⇒ Engine coolant

Brake fluid level

⇒ Braking and parking

Tires and wheels

⇒ Tires and wheels

Vehicle lighting necessary for driving safety:

– Turn signals
– Parking lights, low beams and high beams
– Taillights
– Brake lights
– License plate light

Information regarding replacing light bulbs

⇒ Replacing light bulbs.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and injuries.

Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.

Fuel

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Gasoline

Gasoline additives

The correct fuel grade for your engine is shown on a sticker located on the inside of the fuel filler flap
⇒

fig. 163

.

Bad or poor quality fuel reduces operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. If you
notice any symptoms like rough engine idle or performance or “bucking”, immediately reduce the
vehicle speed, accelerate slowly and keep the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range. Avoid
high rpm and rapid acceleration. If these symptoms should appear right after refueling, switch off the
engine. In both cases contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility to have the engine checked.

More information:

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance

Refueling
Engine control and exhaust system

WARNING

Improper refueling or handling of fuel can cause fire, explosion, and severe burns.

Fuel is highly explosive and flammable and can cause severe burns and other injuries.
Heed applicable safety warnings and obey local fuel handling regulations.
Always make sure the fuel cap is screwed on all the way. This keeps fuel from spilling out

and from evaporating.

Failure to shut the engine off while refueling and/or to insert the pump nozzle fully into the

vehicle's filler neck could cause fuel overflow and fuel spray. Fuel spray and overflowing fuel
are dangerous because they can cause fire or serious injury.

For safety reasons, the engine must be turned off when refueling.
Never get back into your vehicle while refueling. If in exceptional circumstances you must

get back in your vehicle while refueling, make certain that you close the door and touch metal
to discharge static electricity before touching the filler nozzle again. Static electricity can
cause sparks that can ignite fuel vapors released during refueling.

Gasoline

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

Octane rating

Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition.
Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of
engine performance.

The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler
flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.

If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more
information on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official website
http://www.toptiergas.com.

The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane
ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:

Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI

Unleaded gasoline

Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you
do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.

Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE

You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly
referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:

Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.

Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.

Blends of gasoline and MTBE:

Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.

Seasonally adjusted gasoline

Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change,
Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely
to be made earlier.

WARNING

Starting fluids can explode and cause a “run-away” vehicle condition.

Never use starting assist fluids.

NOTICE

Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may

cause expensive engine damage.

Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic

converter.

Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and

may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.

Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead

replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can
damage the engine.

Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be

identified.

If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service

station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance
problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.

Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine

and fuel system and cause performance problems.

Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels

that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the
responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other
Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and

degrade its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.

If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these

fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered
for gasoline engines.

Gasoline additives

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

Additives are used to improve the quality of the gasoline.

Fuel quality impacts the operating performance, efficiency and service life of the engine. Therefore,
use high quality gasoline that is already blended by the fuel supplier with suitable gasoline additives
that do not contain metal. The additives provide corrosion protection, clean the fuel system, and help
prevent deposits on the engine.

Volkswagen recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. For more information on TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.

If quality gasoline with additives that do not contain metal is not available or engine malfunctions

occur, you should add the required additives while refueling

⇒

.

Not all gasoline additives are effective. Using the wrong additives can cause significant and expensive
damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. Never use additives that contain metal. Please note
that metal can be included in some aftermarket gasoline additives that are available to be added to
gasoline during or after refueling to help improve knock resistance or increase the octane rating.

Volkswagen recommends using only additives approved by Volkswagen. Appropriate additives as well
as instructions on how to use them are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Do not add any other gasoline additives.

NOTICE

You can damage the engine by using incorrect additives.

Using incorrect gasoline additives can cause extensive engine damage as well as damage

to the catalytic converter.

If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with

the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and
heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline
with the required octane rating as soon as possible.

Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel

contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.

Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic

additives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to
it.

Some basics

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Rollover warning

Before driving off-road

General rules and good driving practices

Technical terms explained

Useful off-road driving equipment

Safety and off-road driving

Your vehicle can be driven on and off-road. In this chapter you will find important information on
driving your vehicle. It is very important to review this chapter before taking your vehicle off-road.

Driving off the beaten path is challenging - for the driver, the passengers, and the vehicle itself.

It requires special knowledge and skills different from those needed for highway driving. Successful
off-roading comes from a combination of theory and practice. This includes knowing the right way to

handle the expected and the unexpected

⇒

.

Safety must always have top priority. Never overestimate your own abilities or underestimate the
difficulties that come with driving off-road. Never let determination get the better of your common
sense. If the going gets too difficult, turn back and find a better route to your destination.

The wide range of terrain you can come up against, and the many risks and dangers the terrain may
hide, make it impossible to foresee and deal in this Manual with every conceivable off-road situation
you may face. For this reason, it is vital for you to know what lies ahead and evaluate possible
dangers before trying to drive over difficult or unfamiliar terrain.

The vehicle is not designed for trips with “an expedition-like character”.

More information:

Driving instructions
Adjusting the seating position
Safety belts
Off-road driving situations

WARNING

Inadequate experience and knowledge of the demands of off-road driving can lead to critical
situations and cause serious personal injury.

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 intelligent technology of the vehicle cannot change the laws of physics. Despite the

ABS, adverse terrain can cause instability through blocked wheels – for example, if you brake
hard when driving on a loose gravel road. Difficult terrain may also prevent the ESC from
doing its job.

Never operate the vehicle at the limit of its performance ability. Always leave a good safety

margin.

To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise

control when driving off-road.

Even terrain that looks easy can be difficult and dangerous, putting you and your

passengers in a critical situation. It is often best to check an area out on foot first.

Drive with special care and think ahead in off-road terrain. If you drive too fast, or fail to

maneuver the vehicle properly, you could cause personal injury and damage the vehicle.

Never drive faster than is appropriate for the prevailing terrain and the road, traffic, and

weather conditions.

Never drive too fast across embankments, ramps, or slopes. The vehicle could become

airborne. If that happens, you will not be able to steer and can lose control.

If your vehicle becomes airborne, always keep the front wheels pointing straight ahead. If

the wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.

Never allow people to stand in front of or behind the vehicle if you have put items such as

stones or pieces of wood under the wheels to improve traction on slippery ground. Spinning
wheels can turn these items into dangerous flying objects causing serious personal injury.

Even areas that look harmless can be 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.

WARNING

Never drive off-road if you are low on fuel. Too little fuel in the tank can cause an accident
and serious injuries. You can also run out of fuel in a remote area where getting help is
difficult or impossible.

When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted,

especially when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills. The interruption
in fuel flow could stall the engine during a maneuver in difficult terrain and make you lose
control of the vehicle.

Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the

engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel. This can cause loss of vehicle control,
especially in difficult terrain.

Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel.

NOTICE

If the power sunroof or the windows are open when it rains or snows, the interior of the vehicle
will get wet and the vehicle may be damaged. Always keep the windows and the power sunroof
closed when driving off-road.

Rollover warning

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

A vehicle's center of gravity affects its rollover characteristics. Since vehicle has higher ground
clearance for off-road driving, its center of gravity is also higher than that of “standard” passenger cars.
The higher center of gravity increases the risk of vehicle rollover while driving. Always keep this in
mind when driving. Heed the safety information and warnings in this Manual.

WARNING

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person

wearing a safety belt.

Your vehicle has a higher center of gravity and an increased risk of rollover while driving

than a standard passenger vehicle that is not suitable for occasional off-road use.

Never drive too fast, particularly through curves, and never attempt extreme driving

maneuvers.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather

conditions.

Transporting luggage or other objects on top of your vehicle raises the center of gravity

and can further increase the risk of rollover.

Always avoid driving crosswise on a slope

⇒ Driving crosswise on a slope.

If stopped crosswise on a slope, never get out of the vehicle using the doors that face

downhill. The combined center of gravity of the vehicle and its contents (passengers and
load) can shift, causing the vehicle to tip over and roll down the slope. Always exit the vehicle

calmly using the doors that face uphill

⇒ Driving crosswise on a slope.

Before driving off-road

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

Checklist: Review before every off-road trip!

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out each of the following steps in the order

listed before every off-road trip

⇒

:

Inform yourself thoroughly before exploring nature and the terrain you plan to visit.

Do not plan extensive day trips. Consider the increased fuel consumption during off-road driving.

Fill the fuel tank completely. Off-road driving consumes significantly more fuel than driving on the

road.

Check whether the tires are suitable for the off-road trip you are planning. For difficult terrain,

always use special off-road tires.

Check, and if necessary correct, the cold tire inflation pressure in all tires, including the collapsible

spare tire (if any).

Fill engine oil up to the MAX mark so the engine can be properly lubricated. This is especially

important when driving through potholes and up and down hills.

Completely refill the windshield washer reservoir with water and window washer fluid.

Install a towing eye in the front and back of the vehicle. Once the vehicle gets stuck, it may no

longer be possible to install a towing eye.

Check the vehicle tool kit. Add tools and other gear based on the special requirements of the trip

you will be taking

Stow luggage as low and flat as possible in the vehicle. Safely secure all loose objects.

Before driving off-road the first time

Before you drive your vehicle off-road, we urge you to take an appropriate off-road driving course.
Taking a course is especially important if you have little or no experience driving off-road. Even more
experienced off-roaders can benefit from an off-road driving course.

A good course can show you how to handle the vehicle in a wide range of off-road situations and how
to more safely deal with difficult terrain Driving off-road demands a different attitude and very different
skills compared with highway driving. Your safety and that of your passengers will depend on your

knowledge, skill, and caution as a driver

⇒

.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist above. Follow commonly accepted safety practices

and use common sense.

All occupants must sit properly and wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is moving.

General rules and good driving practices

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

Off-road rules of conduct

Always be responsible and respect the environment when driving off-road. Driving through
undergrowth and over meadows can destroy areas where animals live.

Only drive where it is permitted.
Keep noise and dust to a minimum.
Leave nature as you found it.
Always stay on designated trails and paths.
Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Yield to drivers who are driving uphill or passing.

Good driving practices

Special rules apply to off-road driving

⇒

:

Never drive off-road alone. At least 2 off-road vehicles should travel together. Unexpected

situations can occur. For this reason, take along the equipment you need to call for help in case of an
emergency.

Stop and explore the route on foot wherever necessary and always before traveling over difficult

trails or terrain.

Drive over hill crests slowly. Otherwise, the vehicle can tip and be damaged and disabled.
Drive slowly through difficult terrain segments. On slippery surfaces, upshift and keep the vehicle

moving.

Look for terrain that is firm and stable. Off-road ground is frequently soft, and the tires can sink into

it. This reduces ground clearance and fording depth.

Even at low speeds, always follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If the first vehicle suddenly

gets stuck, the second vehicle can still stop in time without getting stuck as well.

WARNING

Off-road driving can be dangerous, can lead to accidents, vehicle damage, stranding in
remote areas, and serious personal injury.

Never drive too fast or for terrain and weather conditions.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, terrain, traffic, and weather

conditions.

Always avoid sudden, sharp maneuvers that increase the risk of loss of vehicle control or

getting stuck.

When driving off-road look and think ahead, expect the unexpected.
To reduce the risk of loss of control and serious personal injury, never use the cruise

control when driving off-road. Cruise control is designed for highway use. It is completely
unsuitable for off-road situations and can even be dangerous when used off-road.

NOTICE

Always make sure the vehicle has enough ground clearance. Severe damage to the underbody
can occur if the vehicle bottoms out. The damage could disable the vehicle and leave you
stranded.

While driving off-road do not drag the clutch or rest one foot on the clutch pedal. Otherwise,

in bumpy terrain you might press the clutch accidentally, resulting in loss of vehicle control. In
addition, the frictional connection between the engine and transmission is lost. Further, driving
while dragging the clutch causes fast wear of the clutch lining.

“Tread lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land use

regulations and responsibilities in our nation's wilderness areas. Volkswagen supports the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to preserve our national forests and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly”.

Technical terms explained

Fig. 164 Illustration of A: Ascent angle. B: Lateral gradient.

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

The technical date in the table below only apply to ideal conditions. The values were
determined on flat, firm, and non-slippery road surfaces and under dry weather conditions.

Changes in vehicle load and the condition of the ground and the surroundings will affect the stated
maximum values. The maximum values do not apply, for example, to off-road situations and will also

be lower on hard, firm surfaces if ideal conditions do not exist. As the driver, you are always

responsible for deciding whether your vehicle is able to handle a particular situation

⇒

.

Term

Explanation

Technical data

Ground clearance

This is the vertical distance between the

level ground and the lowest part on the

vehicle.

Maximum 7.6 in (195 mm).

Fording depth in

standing water

Distance between the point on the ground

that touches the tire and the engine air

intake duct.

Maximum 6.9 inches (175 mm).

Gradient angle

The number of feet (meters) in altitude

gained when traveling 100 ft (30.48 m) is

given as a percentage or in degrees

⇒

fig. 164

A.

Information on the maximum slope the

vehicle can climb unassisted (depends on

road surface and engine power).

Maximum permissible 31 degrees

(corresponds to 60 %).

Lateral angle

(vehicle slope)

The maximum angle the vehicle may be

driven across terrain without the vehicle

rolling over (depends on height of center of

gravity)

⇒

fig. 164

B.

Maximum permissible

27 degrees.

Breakover angle

Maximum permitted angle given in

degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed
can clear a ramp without the underbody of

the vehicle scraping the ramp.

Maximum 21.3 degrees.

Approach/departure

angle

Transition from horizontal plane to a slope,

or from a slope to flat ground.

Maximum angle in degrees the vehicle can

be driven at low speed along an

embankment without the bumper or

underbody scraping.

Approach angle for off-road front

end:

Maximum 28 degrees.

Departure angle:

Maximum 25 degrees.

Fall line

This is the vertical drop route.

Articulation

Articulation capability of the vehicle while driving on one side over an object.

WARNING

Never exceed the recommended maximum values in the above table. Exceeding these values
will result in serious personal injury and/or damage to your vehicle.

All values listed above are for ideal conditions and assume firm, even surfaces that are

dry and not slippery.

Off-road conditions will always be less than ideal. Always reduce the maximum values

listed in the table above to allow an adequate margin of safety between the ideal maximum
value and your vehicle's actual off-road situation.