
Fig. 49 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle .
Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also wear their seat belts properly.
Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident. This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.
Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off.
What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
Using seat beltsClosing the tailgate
Fig. 31 Open tailgate: handle recesses
for closing the tailgate
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Closing the tailgate
Grip one of the recesses in the interior trim of the tailgate .
Pull the tailgate down with some force until it engages in th ...
Tire Wear, Center
This wear pattern is found on drive wheels on high-powered
vehicles that often drive long stretches at high speed.
At high speeds, the centrifugal force increases the tire
diameter at the center of the tread more than at the shoulders
of ...
Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warningsPlease contact a Volkswagen dealership or other qualified
workshop if you have any questions on cleaning and caring for the leather equipment
in your vehicle.
Care and use
Natural leather is sensitive as it does not have ...