Mirrors
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
For your driving safety, it is important that you properly adjust the outside mirrors and the inside mirror before you start driving .
The outside mirrors and the inside mirror help you see and adapt your driving to traffic behind you. Remember that the inside and outside rearview mirrors will not show everything behind you. There can be blind spots. Blind spots can be significantly larger if the mirrors are not properly adjusted.
More information:
- Exterior views
- Volkswagen Information System
- Adjusting the seating position
- Shifting
- Braking and parking
WARNING
Adjusting mirrors when the vehicle is moving can cause driver distraction, accidents, and serious personal injury.
- Always adjust the rearview mirrors when the vehicle is not moving.
- Always be aware of what is happening around the vehicle when changing lanes, passing, turning, or parking. Another vehicle, pedestrian, or object could be in your blind spot.
- Always make sure mirrors are properly adjusted and the view to the rear is not reduced by moisture, ice, snow, or other things.
WARNING
Self-dimming rearview mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is broken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
- Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte fluid can irritate the respiratory system, especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Get fresh air immediately by leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible, open windows and doors all the way.
- If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.
- If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recommended. Thoroughly wash affected clothing and shoes before reuse.
- If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
NOTE
Broken glass in the self-dimming rearview mirrors can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid electrolyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage any plastic surfaces it comes in contact with. Clean up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear water and a sponge.
Inside mirror
Fig. 85 Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped).
Fig. 86 Manually adjustable inside mirror.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Adjust the inside mirror to make sure that there is good visibility through the rear window.
For example, visibility through the rear window could be impaired if there is a sunshade on the rear window or clothing on the luggage compartment cover, or if the rear window is covered with ice, snow, or dirt.
Manually adjustable inside mirror
- Home position: Lever on the bottom edge of the mirror points forward.
- To adjust to non-glare visibility, move the lever so that it points backward .
Self-dimming rearview mirror (if equipped)
Key to :
Indicator light
Switch
Sensor for recognizing the entry of light from the rear
Sensor for registering light from the front
The self-dimming feature can be switched on and off with the switch on the inside mirror A or B. When self-dimming is activated, the indicator light ① is on.
There are two sensors in the interior mirror housing:
- One sensor on the side facing the interior to measure light from the rear of the vehicle A ③ or B ③.
- One sensor on the side facing the windshield to measure light from the front of the vehicle C ④.
If the ignition is switched on, the mirror automatically darkens depending on the amount of light shining into the vehicle from the rear.
The self-dimming feature is deactivated when you shift the transmission into reverse or switch on the interior lights or the reading light.
Do not attach external navigation devices to the windshield or in the vicinity of the self-dimming inside mirror .
WARNING
The illuminated display on an external navigation device can cause the self-dimming inside mirror to malfunction, which can result in crashes and serious injuries.
- Malfunctions in the self-dimming function can result in the inside mirror being unable to evaluate the exact distance of vehicles in the rear or other objects.
If the light striking the sensor is filtered or blocked (such as by a sunshade), the self-dimming inside mirror will not work properly or may not work at all.
Outside mirrors
Fig. 87 In the driver door: Adjusting knob for the outside mirrors.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
When the ignition is switched on, turn the knob in the driver door to adjust the outside mirrors.
| Turn the rotary knob to the desired position: | |
|---|---|
| Switch on outside mirror heating. Heats only at outside air temperatures below +68 °F (+20 °C). | |
| Adjust the left outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down. | |
| Adjust the right outside mirror by pressing the knob to left/right and up/down. | |
| Neutral position. Outside mirror folded out, no heating or adjustment possible. | |
WARNING
Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.
- Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
- Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base when moving the mirrors.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and serious injury.
- The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision. But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are.
- If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
- Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
- Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTE
Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
When first switched on, outside mirror heating works with maximum heat for about 2 minutes.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.
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