Volkswagen Jetta GLI (2014 year). Instruction — part 8

Driving tips

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Stowing luggage

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid

Driving a loaded vehicle

Weights and axle weights

Always stow heavy objects in the luggage compartment and make sure that the rear seat backrests
are securely latched. Always use the tie-downs in the luggage compartment and secure the objects
with suitable straps. Never overload the vehicle. Remember that the vehicle load, as well as how it is

distributed, can affect vehicle handling and braking

⇒

.

More information:

Luggage compartment lid
Folding the passenger seat backrest forward
Lights
Luggage compartment
Roof rack
Trailer towing
Tires and wheels

WARNING

Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal
injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck
and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help
reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle.
Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
Do not stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in open bins in the vehicle or on top of the

instrument panel.

Remove hard, heavy, and sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and

stow securely. Always put heavy items in the luggage compartment.

Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that

they cannot move into the deployment area of a side or front airbag during braking, in a
sudden maneuver, or in a collision.

Always make sure that there is nothing on the front passenger seat when the backrest is

folded forward.

Passengers must never ride in an incorrect seating position because objects are being

transported in the vehicle.

Never let anybody sit in a seat that is blocked by objects being carried in the vehicle.

WARNING

Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious
injury.

Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.

Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a change in the center of gravity

also changes the way your vehicle handles:

– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.

– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.

– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps using the tie-downs in the
luggage compartment.

Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the

safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

Stowing luggage

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

Always stow all luggage securely in the vehicle

Distribute the load in the vehicle, on the roof, and in the trailer as evenly as possible.
Put heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage compartment and securely latch the

rear seat backrest in the upright position.

Secure luggage in the luggage compartment to the tie-downs with suitable straps, Luggage

compartment.

Have the headlight range adjusted, if necessary, Lights.
Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm

tires to match cold tire inflation pressure. Heed the information on the tire pressure label

⇒ page 199,

Tires and wheels.

Pay especially close attention to your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System when driving with

a heavy load, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

NOTICE

The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub
against them.

Please review the information on loading a trailer, Trailer towing and a roof rack, Roof rack.

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid

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

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal injury. If you have to drive
with an open luggage compartment lid, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly
secured and take appropriate measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle.

WARNING

Driving with an unlatched or open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious personal
injury.

Never transport objects larger than those that fit completely in the luggage compartment,

because the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed properly.

After closing the lid, always pull up on it to make sure that it is properly closed and cannot

open suddenly when the vehicle is moving.

Always stow all objects securely in the luggage compartment. Loose objects can fall out

of the luggage compartment and injure others on the road behind you.

Drive carefully; anticipate what other drivers will do.
Avoid abrupt or sudden acceleration, steering, or braking, because the unlatched luggage

compartment lid can move suddenly.

Always mark objects sticking out from the luggage compartment clearly for others to see.

Obey all applicable legal requirements.

Never use the luggage compartment lid to “clamp” or “hold” objects that stick out of the

luggage compartment.

Always remove any luggage rack or other rack mounted on the luggage compartment lid

(along with any luggage on the rack) before driving with an open luggage compartment lid.

WARNING

Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can cause poisonous carbon monoxide in the
engine exhaust to get into the passenger compartment.

Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poisoning, and loss of

consciousness. It can lead to accidents and severe personal injuries.

Always keep the luggage compartment lid closed while driving to help keep poisonous

exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle.

Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely into the luggage area, because

then the luggage compartment lid cannot be fully closed.

If you absolutely must drive with an open luggage compartment lid, do the following to

reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

– Close all windows and the power sunroof.

– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation feature.

– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.

– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.

NOTICE

The open luggage compartment lid changes the vehicle height.

Driving a loaded vehicle

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

For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following:

Securely stow all luggage, Stowing luggage.
Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.
Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.
If applicable, observe information about driving with a trailer, Trailer towing.
If applicable, observe information about driving with a roof rack, Roof rack.

WARNING

Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and increase stopping distances.
Heavy loads that are not properly stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of
control and serious injury.

Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.

Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they change the vehicle's center

of gravity and also the way it handles.

– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.

– Secure heavy objects as far forward in the luggage compartment as possible.

– Use your vehicle's luggage compartment tie-downs with suitable straps.

Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.
Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.
Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the

safety compliance sticker on the left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the
vehicle to skid and handle differently.

Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

Weights and axle weights

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

The actual gross weight of any vehicle depends on the engine, basic equipment, any factory-installed
optional equipment for the given model, and any accessories that have been installed. The Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and Rear Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for a
given vehicle are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door
jamb.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating includes the weight of the vehicle itself with all of its factory-
installed equipment, plus a full tank of gasoline, the engine oil and coolant, all vehicle occupants
(150 lbs/68 kg per seating position) and cargo.

The Gross Axle Weight Ratings specify the maximum allowable load for each axle.

The cargo payload may not be increased by using a roof rack without commensurately reducing the

weight from vehicle occupants

⇒

. Determining the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Tires and wheels.

Vehicle payload consists of the combined weight of the following:

Passengers.
Total luggage and other cargo.
Roof load including the roof rack system.
Factory-installed or retrofitted accessories.
Hitch weight and tongue weight for trailer towing.

Please refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and rear Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR) for your vehicle, which are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver door jamb.

WARNING

Exceeding maximum permissible weight ratings can result in vehicle damage, accidents, and
serious personal injury.

Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the permissible Gross Axle

Weight Rating. Also, never let the total of these actual weights exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.

Always remember that the vehicle's handling and braking will be affected by extra load

and the distribution of this load. Adjust your speed accordingly.

NOTICE

Always distribute the load evenly and as low as possible in the vehicle. The vehicle capacity

weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and
luggage).

When transporting a heavy load in the luggage compartment, carry the load as close to the

rear axle (as far forward) as possible so that the vehicle's handling and braking are affected as
little as possible.

Luggage compartment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Folding the rear seat backrest forward and back into place

Luggage compartment pass-through

Tie-downs

Always stow heavy objects in the luggage compartment and make sure that the rear seat backrests
are securely latched in their upright position. Always secure objects to the tie-downs with suitable
straps. Never overload the vehicle. Remember that the vehicle load, as well as how it is distributed,

can affect vehicle handling and braking

⇒

.

More information:

Safety belts
Airbag system
Lights
Transporting
Trailer towing
Tires and wheels

WARNING

An open or unlocked luggage compartment poses special risks for children.

Close and lock the luggage compartment lid and all doors when the vehicle is not in use.

First, make certain that no one is left inside.

Never leave your vehicle unattended or let children play around the vehicle, especially

with the luggage compartment lid left open. A child could crawl into the vehicle and pull the
lid shut, becoming trapped and unable to get out. This could cause severe or fatal injuries.

A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season.

Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness or death, particularly
to small children.

Never let children play in or around the vehicle.
Never let anyone ride in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Unsecured or incorrectly stowed items can fly through the vehicle, causing serious personal
injury during hard braking or sharp steering or in an accident. Loose items can also be struck
and thrown through the passenger compartment by the front airbags if they inflate. To help
reduce the risk of serious personal injury:

Always stow all objects securely in the vehicle. Always put luggage and heavy items in the

luggage compartment.

Always secure objects in the passenger compartment properly with suitable straps so that

they cannot move into the deployment zone of a side or front airbag during sudden braking,
in a sudden maneuver, or in a collision.

Always keep storage compartments closed while driving.
Never stow hard, heavy, or sharp objects in the vehicle's open storage compartments, on

the shelf behind the rear seat bench, or on the top of the instrument panel.

Always remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle

interior and stow them securely in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

Transporting heavy objects causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change and
increases braking distances. Heavy loads which are not properly stowed or secured in the
vehicle can lead to a loss of vehicle control and cause serious personal injury.

Transporting heavy items causes the handling characteristics of the vehicle to change by

shifting the vehicle's center of gravity.

Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle

capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers
and luggage).

Always stow luggage and heavy items in the luggage compartment as far forward of the

rear axle as possible and secure them with appropriate straps to the tie-downs provided.

Never exceed the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Ratings,

which are printed on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the door jamb of
the driver door. Exceeding the permissible weight can cause the vehicle to skid and behave
differently.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to accommodate your payload and its weight

distribution within your vehicle.

Be especially cautious and gentle when stepping on the accelerator pedal and avoid

sudden braking and other maneuvers.

Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehicle.

NOTICE

The defroster heating wires or antenna in the rear window can be damaged by objects that rub
against them.

Folding the rear seat backrest forward and back into place

Fig. 84 On the left side of the luggage compartment: Release lever for the left-side rear seat backrest. The
release lever for the right-side rear seat backrest is on the right side of the luggage compartment.

Fig. 85 Rear seat backrest folded forward.

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

The rear seat backrest is divided into 2 sections. Each section of the rear seat backrest can be folded
down individually to increase luggage space.

Folding the rear seat backrest forward

Push the head restraint all the way down, Adjusting the seating position.
Open the luggage compartment lid Luggage compartment lid.

Pull the release lever for the folded rear seat backrest

⇒

fig. 84

.

Close the luggage compartment lid if open, Luggage compartment lid.
The rear seat backrest is released and can be folded forward.
If the rear seat backrest is folded down, no one, including children, may ride on the rear seat.

Folding the rear seat backrest back into place

Fold the rear seat backrest back until it engages securely

⇒

.

The rear seat backrest must be securely latched into place for the safety belts on the rear seats to

provide optimal protection.

WARNING

Improper folding and improper latching of the rear seat backrest can cause serious personal
injury.

Always make sure there are no people or animals in the area around the rear seat backrest

when folding it forward.

Never fold the rear seat backrest forward or back while the vehicle is moving.
When folding the rear seat backrest back up, make sure that the safety belt does not get

caught or damaged.

Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts out of the way when folding the rear seat

backrest forward or back.

Each rear seat backrest must be securely latched in the upright position so that the safety

belts on the rear seats can provide protection. This is particularly the case for the middle seat
on the rear seat bench.

If a seat is used with an unsecured backrest, the passenger will move forward together

with the rear seat backrest during sudden braking, driving maneuvers, or in a collision.

No one, including children, may ride on the rear seats if the rear seat backrest is folded

down or not correctly latched.

NOTICE

Before folding the rear seat backrest forward, adjust the front seats so that the rear seat's head
restraint or backrest cushion will not touch the front seats.

There is a separate release lever in the luggage compartment for each rear seat backrest

section.

Luggage compartment pass-through

Fig. 86 In the rear seat backrest: Opening the luggage compartment pass-through.

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

There may be a pass-through for transporting things like skis in the rear seat backrest behind the
center armrest.

To help prevent soiling the vehicle interior, cover dirty items before sliding them into the pass-through.

If the center armrest is folded down, no one can sit on the middle seat of the rear bench.

Opening the pass-through

Fold down the rear center armrest, Adjusting the seating position.

Push down the release button

⇒

fig. 86

(A)

and fold the pass-through cover

(1)

down into the

luggage compartment

(B)

.

Take the cover out of its bracket and bring it forward into the passenger compartment.
Stow the cover securely in the luggage compartment.
Slide long objects from the luggage compartment through the pass-through.
Secure objects with the safety belt.
Close the luggage compartment lid.

Closing the pass-through

Working from the vehicle passenger compartment, guide the pass-through cover

(1)

into the

luggage compartment and push the release button to engage it in its bracket.

Pull the cover shut until it locks into place. Make sure it is securely locked into place.
If necessary, fold the center armrest up.

Tie-downs

Fig. 87 In the luggage compartment: Tie-downs.

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

There are tie-downs in the front and rear of the luggage compartment, which you can use to secure

luggage or other items

⇒

fig. 87

.

Elastic straps can snap back toward you if they are not properly attached

⇒

.

If you use elastic straps to secure items in the luggage compartment, be sure to fist securely attach
them to the tie-downs just behind the rear seat backrest first and then to the tie-downs at the loading
edge of the luggage compartment.

Remove the hooks from the tie-downs in the reverse order described above, first from the tie-downs at
the loading edge and then from the tie-downs behind the rear seat backrest so that if the hooks come
loose suddenly, they will move away from you.

WARNING

Unsuitable, worn, or damaged tie-down straps (elastic or non-elastic) can snap or come loose
during braking or other maneuvers or in a collision. Objects secured with these straps can
then come loose and fly through the passenger compartment, causing severe personal
injuries or death.

To help prevent baggage or other items from coming loose and flying around, always use

suitable undamaged tie-down straps.

Securely fasten the tie-down straps to the tie-downs.
Loose or improperly secured objects in the luggage compartment can slide about

suddenly and change the vehicle's handling.

Secure even small and light objects. Loose objects in the luggage or passenger

compartment can fly about during sudden braking maneuvers or in the event of an accident
and injure occupants.

Never exceed the maximum allowable load on the tie-downs when securing objects.
Never secure a child seat to the tie-downs.

WARNING

Elastic straps have to be stretched when being attached to the tie-downs in the luggage
compartment. Hooks on these straps can cause serious personal injury if not handled
properly and attached securely.

Always protect eyes and face from injury from the hooks when attaching them to the tie-

downs in the luggage compartment.

Always hold the hooks on elastic straps firmly when attaching to the vehicle and do not let

them snap back and hit you.

First attach the hooks on the straps to the tie-downs at the rear seat backrest in the

luggage compartment and then to the tie-downs near the loading edge of the luggage
compartment. This way, if one of the hooks on the elastic straps snaps back, it will move
away from you, decreasing the risk of personal injury.

The maximum load for the tie-downs is about 785 lbs. (356 kg).

For suitable straps and luggage stowage systems, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer

or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Roof rack

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Securing a load on the roof rack

The roof of your vehicle has been designed to optimize aerodynamics and does not have traditional
rain gutters that are used to attach many kinds of roof racks.

Since the rain gutters are molded into the roof to provide efficient aerodynamics, only Volkswagen-
approved base carrier mounts and roof racks can be used.

When should the roof rack be removed?

When it is no longer needed.
Before driving through an automatic car wash.
When the vehicle would otherwise be too high for minimum clearance to enter, for example, a

garage.

More information:

Lights
Transporting
Tires and wheels
Saving fuel and helping the environment
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Transporting heavy or bulky loads on the roof rack will change the way the vehicle handles
by shifting the vehicle's center of gravity and increasing the wind drag.

Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will

not shift.

Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a negative effect on the vehicle's

aerodynamics, center of gravity and overall handling.

Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

NOTICE

Always remove the roof rack before driving through an automatic car wash.
Your vehicle is higher when the roof rack is installed, especially when it is loaded. Compare

the vehicle height with existing clearance heights, such as underpasses and garage doors.

Always make sure that the roof rack system and anything being carried on it does not

interfere with the roof antenna, the power sunroof, or the luggage compartment lid.

Make sure that the luggage compartment lid does not touch items on the roof rack when

opened.

If a roof rack is installed, fuel consumption increases due to increased air resistance.

Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Fig. 88 Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.

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

The base carrier is the basis of a complete roof rack system. For safety reasons, additional
attachments are necessary for transporting luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis, and small boats.
Suitable accessories can be purchased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.

Mounting the roof rack base carrier and roof rack

Always attach the base carrier and roof rack correctly.

Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.

The front and rear mounting holes for the base carrier are on the underside of the roof frame

⇒

fig. 88

(left magnified view). The mounting holes are plugged with plastic screws (right magnified view).

The mounting holes are only visible when the door is open.

Only mount the roof rack base carrier at the attachment points shown in the illustration.

Once you have installed the base carrier correctly, you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier
according to the manufacturer's instructions.

WARNING

Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off
the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.

Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.
Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the attachment points shown in the illustration .
Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before

every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip,
check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.

Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.

Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.

Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them

in the vehicle.

Securing a load on the roof rack

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

It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof rack system has been properly installed

⇒

.

Maximum permissible roof load

The maximum permissible roof load is 165 lbs. (75 kg). The roof load is the combined weight of the

roof rack and the items being carried on the roof

⇒

.

Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh
them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than the maximum permissible roof load.

When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do not load the rack to the maximum weight mentioned
above. In this case, you may only load the roof rack to the weight limit specified in the system's
installation instructions.

Distributing the load

Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly

⇒

.

Checking the mountings

After the base carrier and rook rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a
short time and at regular intervals thereafter.

WARNING

If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage
may occur.

Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is

not fully utilized.

Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as

possible, toward the front.

WARNING

Loose or improperly secured items can fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.

Always use suitable, undamaged tie-down ropes and ratchet straps.
Secure the load properly.

Trailer towing

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Technical requirements

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

Loading the trailer

Driving with a trailer

Ball mount

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Maximum permissible trailer weight

Obey country-specific requirements about trailer towing and trailer hitches.

Volkswagen does not recommend installing a trailer hitch on your vehicle. Your Volkswagen was
mainly designed for carrying passengers. If you plan to tow a trailer, please remember your vehicle will
be performing a job for which it was not primarily intended. The additional load will affect durability,
handling, fuel economy, and performance, and may require the vehicle to be serviced more often.

Trailer towing not only places more stress on the vehicle, it calls for more concentration from the
driver. Always follow the operating and driving instructions given, and use common sense.

Under winter conditions, install winter tires on the vehicle and the trailer.

Tongue weight

The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight exerted on the ball mount must not exceed 165 lbs
(75 kg).

More information:

Power locking and closing system
Anti-theft alarm system
Lights and vision
Tires and wheels
Braking and parking

Saving fuel and helping the environment
Starting assistance systems
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Riding in a trailer is dangerous and may be illegal.