Roof rack
Introduction
Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.
Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.
If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.
Do not use or retrofit a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.
WARNING
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof rack, your vehicle's driving characteristics could change because of the different center of gravity or increased wind resistance.
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Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.
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Large, heavy, long, or flat objects can have a negative effect on the vehicle’s aerodynamics, center of gravity, and handling.
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Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
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Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
If a roof rack that is not approved for the vehicle is installed or a roof rack is installed on a vehicle that is not designed for using a roof rack, accidents and serious injuries can occur.
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Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
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Never install a roof rack on a vehicle that is not approved for using a roof rack.
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If a roof rack is not approved but is installed anyway, the rack could come loose while driving and fall off the roof.
NOTICE
Installing any type of roof rack on a vehicle where this is not approved can cause serious vehicle damage.
Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the fuel consumption. This reduces the potential range of the vehicle. This applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and skis.
Mounting a roof rack
Fig. 133 Mounting points for base supports.
Holes or markings.
Attachment point.
Holes or markings.
For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely.
Only use roof racks that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer.
Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Mounting a roof rack (vehicles without roof rail)
Mount the roof rack in accordance with the instructions supplied ⇒ 
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The holes or markings for securing the roof rack can only be seen when the doors are open. If necessary, unscrew the plastic screw from the hole opening.
The front holes or markings are located on the undersides of the roof pillars near the door seal.
The rear holes or markings are located on the undersides of the roof pillars near the door seal or, depending on the vehicle equipment, at the top of the rear side windows.
After the roof rack has been mounted, the rack base can now be secured to it ⇒ .
Remove the roof rack in the following scenarios
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If the roof rack is no longer needed.
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Before driving through an automatic car wash
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If the height of the vehicle exceeds the maximum height limit, for example in a garage
NOTICE
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The height of the vehicle changes when a roof rack is installed and when there is cargo secured on it. Compare the height of the vehicle with height clearances, for example for underpasses and garage doors.
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Parts on the roof of your particular vehicle (depending on the vehicle equipment), e.g. the roof antenna or power sunroof, and the trunk lid's range of movement must not be impaired by the roof rack and the cargo.
WARNING
Securing the roof rack and base incorrectly or using them incorrectly can cause the cargo or the entire assembly to come loose from the vehicle roof, which can cause accidents and injuries.
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Only use the roof rack and base if they are undamaged and secured correctly.
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Always mount the roof rack and base correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Secure the roof rack only at the locations intended for this.
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Always mount special rack assemblies for bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Check the roof rack mounts before starting a journey and, if necessary, retighten them after a short distance. On long trips, check the threaded connections and fasteners each time you take a break.
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Do not make any modifications or repairs to the roof rack or base.
A fitted roof rack increases air resistance and therefore may reduce the vehicle's range.
Loading the roof rack
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and
Introduction.
Maximum permissible roof weight
The maximum permissible roof load is 75 kg (165 lbs).
The roof load consists of the weight of the roof rack and the items carried on the roof rack → .
Always check the weight of the roof rack and the items that will be transported on it. Weigh the items if necessary.
When using a roof rack with a low load limit, do not load the rack with the maximum permissible roof load. In this case, only load the roof rack to the weight limit listed in the installation guide.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly → .
Checking that everything is secure
Once you have fitted the roof rack, drive a short distance and then check all the fasteners. Keep checking them regularly.
WARNING
Accidents and serious injuries can result if the maximum permissible roof weight is exceeded.
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Never exceed the specified roof load, the Gross Axle Weight Rating, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicle.
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Do not exceed the load limit of the roof rack, even if the roof load is below the limit.
WARNING
Items that are secured loosely or incorrectly could fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.
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Use only suitable and undamaged tie-downs, fixing and tensioning straps.
NOTICE
Make sure the trunk lid does not run into the roof load when opening the lid.
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