Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Introduction

Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual / Starting the engine, changing gear and parking / Changing gear / Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

→ Warning and indicator lamp
→ Pedals
→ Manual gearbox: selecting a gear
→ Automatic gearbox: selecting a gear
→ Changing gear using Tiptronic
→ Driving with an automatic gearbox
→ Fault in the function of the automatic gearbox
→ Gear-change indicator

Notes in this chapter concerning the automatic gearbox are applicable both for the automatic gearbox and the dual clutch gearbox DSG^®.

The following will occur if reverse gear is selected and the ignition is switched on:

The reverse light comes on.

The Climatronic switches automatically to air recirculation mode when the vehicle is reversing.

The rear window wiper is switched on if the windscreen wipers are switched on.

The ParkPilot may switch on.

Additional information and warnings:

Overview of the centre console

Instruments

Windscreen wiper/washer

Braking, stopping and parking

Pull-away assist systems

ParkPilot

Heating, ventilating, cooling

Engine management system and exhaust purification system

Manual opening and closing

Tow-starting and towing

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause loss of traction and skidding, particularly on slippery roads. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to accidents and serious injuries.

The kickdown function or fast acceleration should only be used if the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Never ride the brake pedal. Do not overuse the brake pedal. Constant braking will cause the brakes to overheat. This can considerably reduce the brake effect, increase the braking distance and, in certain circumstances, cause the brake system to fail completely.

NOTICE

Never let the brakes rub by applying light pressure to the brake when it is not necessary to brake. This will increase levels of wear.

Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce speed and change to a lower gear or move the selector lever to a lower position. This will make use of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. The brakes could otherwise overheat and possibly fail. The brakes should only be used to slow or stop the vehicle.

Changing gear

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Warning and indicator lamp

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Lit up Possible cause Solution Dual clutch gearbox DSG® ov ...

Other materials:

New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warningsNew tyres Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in. Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip and braking effect . All four wheels must be fitted ...

Checklist
The following steps should always be carried out in the specified order before working in the engine compartment : Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface. Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped. Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and p ...

Checklist
Always carry out the following actions for changing a bulb in the given order : Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance from the flow of traffic. Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking Brakes Parking . Turn the light switch to positi ...