Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Introduction

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:

• Exterior views

• Central locking system

• Lights

• Driving with respect for the environment

• Pull-away assist systems (start/stop system)

• Wheels and tyres

• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts

WARNING

It is dangerous to transport people in a trailer and it may also be illegal.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.

• Only use the towing bracket if it is fitted properly and is not damaged.

• Do not carry out any alterations or repairs to the towing bracket.

• To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and to pedestrians and cyclists when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball coupling when a trailer is not being used.

• Never install a weight-distributing or load-balancing towing bracket to the vehicle. The vehicle is not constructed for these kinds of towing brackets. The towing bracket can fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.

WARNING

Towing a trailer and transporting heavy or bulky items can change the way the vehicle's handling. This can lead to accidents.

• Always secure loads properly using suitable and undamaged securing straps.

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Trailers with a high centre of gravity are more likely to tip over than trailers with a low centre of gravity.

• Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking manoeuvres.

• Take special care when overtaking.

• Reduce your speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of snaking.

• Never drive faster than approx. 80 km/h (50 mph) when towing a trailer (approx. 100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional cases). This also applies to countries where higher speeds are permitted. Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.

• Never try to stop a trailer from snaking by increasing your speed.

WARNING

The start/stop system must always be switched off manually when towing a trailer using towing brackets that have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen. Otherwise faults can occur in the brake system, possibly resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

• Always switch off the start/stop system manually if a trailer is attached to a towing bracket that has not been retrofitted by Volkswagen.

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.