Driving checklists and warnings
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
More information:
- Sitting properly and safely
- Transporting
- Starting and stopping the engine
- Saving fuel and helping the environment
- Consumer information
WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics and some medications may cause collisions and other accidents, severe personal injuries and even death.
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics and some medications may severely affect perception, reaction times and safe driving, which may result in the loss of vehicle control.
Getting ready and driving safely
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Checklist
Observe the following points before and during every drive for your own safety, the safety of all passengers and others :
Check proper function of lights and turn signals.
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Check tire pressure (Tires and wheels) and fuel level (Refueling).
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Make sure that all windows are clean.
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Store items and all luggage safely in the storage compartments, in the luggage compartment and, if necessary, on the roof Roof rack.
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Always make sure that nothing keeps the pedals from moving freely.
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Make sure that children are properly secured by a restraint system appropriate for their size and weight Child safety and child restraints.
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Properly adjust front seats, all head restraints and mirrors to the correct height Adjusting the seating position.
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Wear shoes that give your feet a good grip, and that give you a feel for the pedals.
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Make sure that the floormat on the driver side is properly fastened and cannot interfere with the pedals.
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Assume a proper seating position before the vehicle starts to move and keep this position while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same Adjusting the seating position.
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Properly fasten your safety belt before driving the vehicle and wear your safety belt properly at all times while driving. Make sure that all passengers do the same Safety belts.
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Only transport as many passengers as there are seats and safety belts available.
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Never drive if your driving ability has been impaired, for example by medication, alcohol or illegal drugs.
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Never let passengers or phone calls distract you while driving, and never take your attention off the road while using vehicle software or adjusting vehicle equipment or accessories.
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Always adapt your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
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Always obey traffic laws and speed limits.
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On long trips make frequent rest stops – at least once every 2 hours.
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Secure animals in the vehicle with a system that corresponds to weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic rules and posted speed limits and use common sense. Your good judgment can mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and being seriously injured in a crash or other kind of accident.
Regular service and maintenance of your vehicle is important both for operational and driving safety and to help prolong your vehicle's service life. Always follow the scheduled maintenance intervals in the ⇒BookletWarranty and Maintenance,, especially for changing the brake fluid. Hard use, frequent stop-and-go driving, driving in very dusty areas, trailer towing, and other factors may make it necessary to have the vehicle serviced more frequently. Ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for more information.
Driving in other countries
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Checklist
Some countries have special safety standards and emissions requirements that your vehicle may not meet. Before taking your vehicle to another country, Volkswagen therefore recommends that you ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about the following issues with regard to the country to which you would like to travel:
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Should the vehicle be technically prepared for the trip abroad, such as masking or adjusting headlights?
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Are maintenance, repair facilities, necessary tools and testing equipment as well as spare parts readily available for your vehicle?
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Are there authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities in the countries where you will be driving?
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For gasoline engines: Is unleaded fuel with the right octane rating readily available?
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Are engine oil (Engine oil) and other operating fluids that meet Volkswagen quality and performance requirements available where you will be driving? For more information, please see Warranty and Maintenance.
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Does the factory-installed navigation system work in the countries where you will be driving, and is navigation data available?
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Are special or heavy-duty tires necessary for the kind of driving expected?
NOTE
Volkswagen is not responsible for mechanical damage that may result from substandard fuel or service or the unavailability of Genuine Volkswagen parts.
Driving through water on roads
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Note the following to help prevent vehicle damage when driving through water, for example on flooded roads:
- Check the depth of the water before driving through it. The water must not be any higher than the bottom of the vehicle body .
- Do not drive faster than walking speed.
- Never stop the vehicle, and do not drive in reverse or switch the engine off when driving through water.
- Oncoming vehicles may create waves that raise the water level and make it too deep for your vehicle to drive through safely.
WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the brakes react slower and need longer stopping distances.
- Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
- Avoid abrupt or sudden braking maneuvers immediately after driving through water.
NOTE
- Vehicle components such as the engine, transmission, suspension or electrical system may be severely damaged by driving through water.
- Never drive through salt water. Salt causes vehicle corrosion. Thoroughly rinse with fresh water all vehicle parts that were exposed to salt water.
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