This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
→ Technical requirements
→ Fitting the removable ball coupling
→ Removing the ball coupling
→ Hitching and connecting the trailer
→ Loading the trailer
→ Towing a trailer
→ Retrofitting a towing bracket
→ Maximum permitted trailer weights
→ Maximum permitted gross combination weight
Observe any country-specific regulations when towing a trailer and using a towing bracket.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage. However, it can also be used to tow a trailer or caravan, provided that it is fitted with the necessary equipment. This additional load will affect the durability, fuel consumption and performance of the vehicle and, in certain circumstances, can shorten the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer not only places an extra load on the vehicle, but also requires increased concentration on the part of the driver.
In low temperatures, fit winter tyres to both the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball coupling of the towing bracket must not exceed 50 kg.
Vehicles with start/stop system
When using a factory-fitted towing bracket or a towing bracket retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system is automatically switched on as soon as a trailer is attached.
If the trailer is not recognised or if towing brackets are used which have
not been retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must
be switched off manually before towing a trailer by pressing the
button in the upper section of the
centre console. The start/stop system must remain switched off for the whole period
that a trailer is being towed .
Additional information and warnings:
WARNING
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
WARNING
WARNING
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm when a trailer is being hitched or unhitched . The tilt sensor could otherwise trigger an alarm unnecessarily.
In new vehicles, do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km .
Volkswagen recommends removing the ball coupling before driving without a trailer. The level of damage sustained during a rear-end collision could be greater for vehicles with a fitted ball coupling than for those without.
In some models, the towing bracket is required for towing vehicles. For this reason, the towing bracket ball coupling should be stored in the vehicle at all times.
Cracking
Cracking is the term for shallow cracks in the sidewall of
the tire.
They run starting from the bulge in the direction of the
tire shoulder. See Illustration for the mentioned components.
Refer to
→ Fig. „“Components ...
Masking or switching over headlights for driving abroad (travel mode)
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country,
or vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights may dazzle oncoming traffic.
Therefore, the headlights must be masked or switched over if ...
Locking the front passenger door and rear doors manually
Fig. 156 In the end face of the
right-hand door: manual lock covered by a rubber seal
Fig. 157 Manually locking the
vehicle with the vehicle key
First read and observe the introductory
information and safety warnings
If the vehicle has a lock cylinder in the door handle of the front passe ...