Volkswagen e-Golf (2015 year). Instruction — part 15

Selector lever

Fig. 127 Selector lever with shift lever release button (arrow).

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

The selector lever is equipped with an Automatic Shift Lock (ASL). With ASL, you must switch on the
ignition, depress the brake pedal and hold it down while pressing the release button on the selector

lever handle in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 127

to move the selector lever out of Park (P) and into

a drive gear. When the selector lever is in Neutral (N), you also have to depress the brake pedal
before you can move the selector lever to position (D/B), or Reverse (R).

If the ignition is switched on, either the current selector lever setting or the current gear is shown in the
instrument cluster display.

Selector

lever

position

Designation

Meaning

⇒

Park

The drive wheels are mechanically locked.

Select only when the vehicle is not moving. To

change the selector lever position, switch on
the ignition (if it is off) and then press the se-

lector lever release button while holding down

the brake pedal.

Reverse

The Reverse gear is engaged.

Shift into Reverse only when the vehicle is not

moving.

Neutral

Transmission is in Neutral position. No power

is transmitted to the wheels and no electric

motor braking is available.

Drive (stand-

Standard driving position D:

Selector

lever

position

Designation

Meaning

⇒

ard driving

position)

The electric drive is in the normal program

(brake energy recuperation levels 0 - 3).

Very high

brake energy

recuperation

Very strong brake energy recuperation in over-

run mode (brake energy recuperation level 4).

Changing

gear selection

Switch between (D) and (B) by pulling the

selector lever once to the rear from gear posi-

tion D/B

⇒

fig. 127

. The selector lever always

returns to gear position D/B.

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

The Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) in Park (P) and Neutral (N) prevents drive positions from being en-
gaged inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.

To release the ASL, depress and hold the brake pedal with the ignition switched on. Press the release
button on the selector lever at the same time.

The ASL is not engaged if the selector lever is moved quickly through Neutral (N) (e.g., when shifting
from Reverse (R) to Drive (D/B)). This makes it possible to “rock” the vehicle backwards and forwards
if it is stuck in snow or mud. The ASL engages automatically if the brake pedal is not depressed and
the lever is in Neutral (N) for more than about 1 second and the vehicle is traveling no faster than
about 3 mph (5 km/h).

In rare cases, the ASL may not engage. If this happens, power to the drive wheels will be interrupted
to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly. The green indicator light

will blink and a text

message will be displayed. To engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL):

Depress and then release the brake pedal. Try to engage the ASL again.

WARNING

Moving the selector lever to the wrong position can cause loss of vehicle control, a collision,
and serious personal injury.

Never accelerate when moving the selector lever.
When the electric motor is activated and a drive position is engaged, the vehicle will start

to move as soon as the brake pedal is released.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

Never get out of the driver's seat while the electric motor is activated, especially when the

transmission is in a drive gear. If you must leave your vehicle while the electric motor is acti-
vated, always set the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).

Never leave the vehicle in Neutral (N). It will roll down hills, whether the electric motor is

activated or not.

When the electric motor is activated and a drive gear -(D/B) or Reverse (R) - has been

selected, press and hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The vehicle may
“crawl” and move forward or backward even if the electric motor is not accelerated.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

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 setting the parking brake.

If the selector lever is moved into Neutral (N) by mistake when the vehicle is moving, take your

foot off the accelerator pedal. Wait until the electric motor speed has dropped to idle speed before
moving the selector lever into a drive gear.

Brake energy recuperation

Fig. 128 Selector lever for driving mode: Selecting the recuperation level.

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

When the vehicle is braked, and when the vehicle is coasting, electrical energy is generated via the
electric motor and stored in the high-voltage battery. This feature is called brake energy recuperation.

The recuperation status is displayed on the power display in the instrument cluster

⇒

fig. 9

. When

recuperation is active, the needle will move into the green area of the display. The current brake
energy recuperation level appears in the instrument cluster display. A statistic showing the energy
recuperated in the last 30 minutes may be shown in the instrument cluster.

There is no brake energy recuperation when the high-voltage battery is completely charged. In this
case, you may notice slightly greater brake pedal travel and less initial braking power by the electric
motor. This is normal and no cause for concern.

Above a battery charge level of 85%, the braking power by the electric motor decreases regardless of
the selector level position and/or the brake energy recuperation stage. This is also normal and no
cause for concern.

Selecting a brake energy recuperation level

There are a total of 4 brake energy recuperation levels. It is possible to move up and down through

brake energy recuperation levels 1 to 3 by tapping the selector lever to the side

⇒

fig. 128

(+)

and

(-)

:

Tap to the left, to switch up 1 recuperation level.
Tap to the right, to switch down 1 recuperation level.
Press to the right for a few seconds to switch off recuperation.

To change up to brake energy recuperation level 4: Pull the selector lever to position B. Pulling again
in the direction of the arrow will switch back to driving mode D and the last selected recuperation
level will be activated.

Recuperation levels

Meaning

The vehicle is coasting. Energy is only recuper-

ated during braking.

Light brake energy

recuperation.

For levels 1 - 4:

Energy is recuperated

during braking, coast-

ing, and driving down-

hill.

Medium brake energy

recuperation.

High brake energy

recuperation.

Very high brake energy

recuperation.

The electric drive acts as a generator when braking, rolling away and driving downhill. It converts
kinetic energy into electrical energy that is used to charge the high-voltage battery. In recuperation
level energy is recuperated solely by activating the vehicle brake.

WARNING

Medium, high and very high recuperation can lead to loss of traction and skidding, particular-
ly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to
accidents, collisions and serious injuries.

When charging at high elevations (such as at the top of a pass) never charge the vehicle

fully, in order to facilitate a braking effect by means of recuperation when descending.

Only use medium, high or very high recuperation if visibility, weather, road and traffic

conditions permit, and other road users are not put at risk due to the vehicle's acceleration
and your driving style.

WARNING

The higher the charge level of the high-voltage battery, the lower the electric motor braking
effect, to the point where no electric motor braking effect may be generated at all. This puts
more strain on the vehicle brake.

Reduce your speed before driving down a long, steep gradient.
When driving down a long, steep gradient, slow the vehicle using the vehicle brake.

Notes on selecting a driving mode

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

Emergency shift program

The steeper the grade, the more recuperation takes place. Never coast downhill in Neutral (N):

Reduce speed.

Increase the recuperation level with the selector lever

⇒

fig. 128

.

Kick-down acceleration

In selector lever position D/B the kick-down feature permits maximum acceleration when the accelera-
tor is fully depressed. In the Eco and Eco+ driving profiles, the restriction of the maximum speed is

cancelled if you use the kick-down feature

⇒

.

The vehicle does not move forward or in reverse even though a drive position is selected
with the selector lever

If the vehicle does not move in the desired direction, the system may not have engaged the drive
position correctly. Press the brake pedal and select the drive position again.

If the vehicle still does not move in the desired direction, there is a system malfunction. See your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance to have the
system checked.

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

Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.

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 electric drive to be dam-
aged.

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

motor is not activated.

Braking and parking

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Warning messages when leaving the vehicle

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).

Braking an electric vehicle

In electric drive vehicles, brake energy regeneration (recuperation) can have a braking effect. This
braking effect may vary depending on the selected driving mode and the charge level of the high-
voltage battery. Under certain circumstances, such as a strong braking effect in a high recuperation
level, the vehicle brake lights may also be activated.

More information:

Tires and wheels
Starting assistance systems
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

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

If the brake pads are worn or you notice changes in the way the vehicle brakes, immedi-

ately 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 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 electric motor can be start-

ed and vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious per-
sonal 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 barri-
er 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 electric drive).

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Parking brake engaged.

Stop!

Release the parking brake

Lights

up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Brake system malfunction.

Stop!

Get professional assistance im-

mediately

Brake fluid level too low.

Stop!

Check brake fluid level

Together with ABS indicator

light or

: ABS failure.

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work

without ABS.

ESC switched off by the sys-

tem.

Switch ignition off and on again.

You may have to drive a short

distance.

ESC malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Together with ABS indicator
light or

: ABS malfunc-

tion.

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work

without ABS.

Vehicle battery has been re-

connected.

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 manually deactivated.

Switch on ASR. ASR automati-

cally turns on when you turn the

ignition off and back on again.

Lights

up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

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 warning light

or

: ABS failure.

Together with indicator light

as well as text message in

instrument cluster display

Error: Recuperation

Owner's manual!: Recu-

peration malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. The

battery range may be limited.

Together with indicator light

as well as text message in

instrument cluster display

Restriction: Braking:

Recuperation / Motor braking

malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. The

motor braking effect in recupera-

tion mode does not work. The
vehicle can only be braked by

applying the vehicle brakes.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Depress the brake pedal to se-

lect a gear or drive position.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

ESC or ASR is operating.

Take foot off accelerator pedal.

Adapt driving to road conditions.

The release button in the

selector lever is not engaged.

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 rela-

tively 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, 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 author-
ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible.

If the brake pads are worn or you notice changes in the way the vehicle brakes, immedi-

ately 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.

Warning messages when leaving the vehicle

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

Introduction

Text messages may appear and acoustic signals may sound, to warn the driver that the electric drive
is still activated, or that the vehicle could roll away if left. In addition the ignition can be switched off
and the electronic parking brake activated.

How the system works

If the vehicle is standing still and the selector lever is in position N, D/B or R, an acoustic signal may
sound and the text message Engage gearshift lever P! will appear in the instrument cluster
display when the driver door is opened.

If the vehicle is standing still and the selector lever is in position N, D/B or R and the driver door is
opened, the electronic parking will also be activated

Ignition warning

Under certain circumstances, messages in the instrument cluster display and acoustic signals may
warn that the ignition is still on. The ignition warning is triggered if all these conditions are fulfilled:

The ignition is switched on.
The vehicle is not drive-ready.
The driver door is open.

Vehicles with Keyless Access

The crawling function is deactivated if the vehicle has been driven faster than 6 mph (10 km/h) and
then comes to a stop. The electric drive is deactivated when the driver safety belt is unlocked and the
driver door is opened. If no pedal is pressed, the ignition switches off automatically after about 30
seconds. To avoid unintentional discharge of the 12-volt vehicle battery the ignition is deactivated if
the following conditions remain unchanged for about 2 minutes:

The vehicle is standing still.
No pedal is pressed.
The driver safety belt is unlocked.
The charge level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is low.

Once the ignition has been switched off automatically, the exterior lights remain lit when the light
switch is set to AUTO and the charge level is sufficient.

WARNING

A vehicle that is left unattended when ready to drive can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.

Never leave the vehicle unattended when it is ready to drive.
Always switch the ignition off and move the selector lever for driving mode to position P,

before leaving the vehicle.

When parking or leaving the vehicle, always ensure that selector lever for driving mode is

in position P and that the electric parking brake is switched on.

When leaving the vehicle always ensure that all doors, windows, the tailgate and bonnet

are completely closed and locked.

Electronic parking brake

Fig. 129 In the lower section of the center console: Electronic parking brake button.

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 button

⇒

fig. 129

.

The parking brake is engaged when the indicator light (arrow) in the button and in the instru-

ment cluster

⇒ Warning and indicator lights lights up.

Releasing the electronic parking brake

Switch the ignition on.

Press the button

⇒

fig. 129

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

pedal lightly if the electric motor is drive ready.

The parking brake is released when the indicator light (arrow) in the button and in the instru-

ment 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.

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 button

⇒

fig. 129

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

the same time.

To stop the braking maneuver, release the button 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 electric motor is drive ready. The vehicle could begin moving, even if the electronic park-
ing brake is set.

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.

If the 12-volt vehicle battery is dead, the electronic parking brake cannot be released.

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 occasional-

ly 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 electric motor is switched off.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒Electronic parking brake.

Shift the transmission into Park (P).

Switch off the electric motor 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.
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 electric motor, 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

Leaving the vehicle when the selector lever is not in Park (P) (automatic transmissions) can
cause the vehicle to roll away. This can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.

When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever to Park (P), engage the parking

brake, and pay attention to the warning messages on the instrument cluster display at all
times.

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 barri-
er 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 electric motor, 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 perfor-

mance 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 endan-

ger 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 discs 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 the 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 light up 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.

Electro-mechanical brake booster

The electro-mechanical brake booster works only when the electric motor is activated. It increases the
force on the brakes above and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working, 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 185 miles (300 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 use the recuperation mode. This will let the vehicle use electric motor braking and re-
duce 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 bumper or a non-standard 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 dis-
tances.

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

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

WARNING

Driving when the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working increases stopping dis-
tances and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.

Never let the vehicle coast when the electric motor is switched off.
If the electro-mechanical brake booster is not working, 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

use the recuperation mode. This will let the vehicle use electric motor 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