Volkswagen Taos: Maintenance

Volkswagen Taos (Type CL) 2022-2025 Owner's Manual / Maintenance

Vehicle care
Accessories, replacement parts, repairs, and modifications

Vehicle care

Vehicle care information

Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehicle.

The longer dirt remains on the surfaces of vehicle components, the more difficult it may be to clean and care for them. Longterm exposure can make it impossible for dirt to be removed.

For questions regarding care products or for vehicle components that are not listed, consult a suitably qualified professional.

Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Suitably qualified professionals can provide you with suitable accessories. Volkswagen recommends the use of Genuine Volkswagen Accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Read and follow the usage instructions on the packaging.

WARNING

Cleaning and caring for vehicle components incorrectly can irreparably damage and impair the vehicle's safety equipment, such as the airbag modules. This may cause serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Clean and maintain vehicle components only according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Always use approved or recommended cleaning solution.
Never use cleaning solutions that contain solvents.

WARNING

Cleaning the vehicle incorrectly may result in serious injuries.

Protect your hands and arms against components with sharp edges, for example when cleaning the inside of the wheel housings.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using cleaning agents.

WARNING

Dirty, foggy, or icy door windows reduce visibility and can impair the vehicle's safety equipment. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Only drive when there is clear visibility through all windows.
Do not use water-repellent window solutions on the windshield. This can cause intense glare under poor visual conditions.

WARNING

Care products may be poisonous, highly flammable and corrosive. Using care products incorrectly or using unsuitable care products can cause burns and poisoning and may lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Note the package insert.
Only store care products in their sealed original containers.
Keep children away from all care products.
Only use care products outside or in well-ventilated areas so that no harmful vapors are inhaled.
Never use turpentine, engine oil, fuel, nail polish remover, or other highly volatile fluids for vehicle care.

NOTICE

Cleaning dirt with aggressive and solvent-based products can cause permanent damage to vehicle equipment, for example even with only brief exposure on seat cushions or decorative parts.

Do not allow dirt to dry.
Have stubborn spots removed by a suitably qualified, authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Washing the vehicle

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and Vehicle care information.

Washing your vehicle regularly prevents exposure to contamination, which may damage the paint.

Matte-finish vehicles require special care due to the particular properties of the paint.

To ensure that your vehicle is washed correctly and appropriately, note the following information ⇒ , ⇒ .

WARNING

After the vehicle has been washed, the braking efficiency may be delayed due to damp or (in the winter) icy brake discs and brake pads. This will increase the braking distance. This can cause a loss of vehicle control, accidents, and serious or fatal injuries.

Press the brake pedal carefully several times to dry the brakes and clear the ice from them, as long as the visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.

NOTICE

Improper car washes can increase the risk of severe vehicle damage.

Always follow the steps described for vehicle care and cleaning.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

NOTICE

Wet vehicle components may freeze in cold weather, which will stop them from working properly.

In cold weather, never direct a jet of water at locks, doors, or the trunk lid.

Removing stubborn dirt on matte paint

Soak insects or bird excrement that have adhered to the surface immediately with water and spray with a special cleaner for matte paint.
Remove tar splashes on the paint surface with commercially available tar removers. Residue must not be removed by intensive rubbing.
Remove tree resin and rust particles with special cleaner for matte paint and a cleaning clay bar. Slide the cleaning clay bar over the affected areas without pressing down on it.
Spray grease and fingerprints with matte paint finish spray and rub with a soft microfiber cloth.
Rinse gasoline residue immediately with plenty of water.

Automatic car washes

If your vehicle has matte paint, never select a wash program with wax or drying aids.
If your vehicle has matte paint, only use textile car washes, never brush car washes.
For vehicle with decorative and protective decals, never use a wash package with hot wax.
Choose car washes without brushes.
Also ensure that the underside of the vehicle is washed regularly and thoroughly to remove any residue.
Observe the information provided by the car wash operator, particularly with regard to attachments on the vehicle, e.g. spoilers ⇒ .

The windows are closed and the outside mirrors are folded in.

The electronic parking brake is switched off.

Vehicles with steering lock: If the vehicle is mechanically towed in the car wash, the steering must not be locked ⇒ Steering information.

The windshield wiper ⇒ Window wipers and the rain/light sensor ⇒ Rain/light sensor are switched off.

If applicable: the roof antenna has been removed.

NOTICE

Car washes which mechanically scan contours may damage the vehicle and attachments, e.g. spoiler.

Follow the information provided by the car wash operator, especially if there are attachments on the vehicle.

Pressure washers

Vehicle care
Fig. 191 Warning sign: Do not use pressure washers in the marked area.

Never use rotating nozzles. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Only use water up to maximum +60 ºC (+140 ºF).
Move the water jet evenly with a distance of at least 50 cm (20 inches) between the spray nozzle and all parts of the vehicle.
Do not direct the water at the same spot for a long period of time.
If possible, do not direct the water straight at sensitive vehicle components, e.g. rubber seals, side windows, glossy trims, tires, sensors, camera lenses, decorative and protective decals.
Never clean icy or snow-covered door windows with a pressure washer.

Hand washing

Individual contaminations on the paint can be removed with a cleaning clay bar.

1. Clean dust and large dirt deposits from the vehicle with plenty of water.

2. If your vehicle has matte paint, remove insects, grease spots and fingerprints with a special cleaner for matte paint. Apply the product using a microfiber cloth with gentle pressure.

3. Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove, or a washing brush with light pressure. Start at the roof, and continue to work from the top down. Only use a cleansing shampoo on stubborn dirt.

If your vehicle has matte paint, clean from top to bottom with a neutral cleansing shampoo and a microfiber cloth. Wash the microfiber cloth thoroughly at frequent intervals.

4. Clean the wheels and side members with a clean sponge.

5. Rinse with plenty of water.

6. Let the vehicle air dry. Remove water residue with a leather cloth.

NOTICE

Washing the vehicle incorrectly can damage the paint surface and destroy the matte paint finish.

Never use washing programs with wax treatment.
Only use cleaning agents free of solids and abrasives, such as cleansing shampoos or insect removers, for cleaning purposes.
Do not use insect sponges or rough sponges.

NOTICE

The plenum chamber drain can be blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that cannot drain may leak into the vehicle interior and cause damage.

Remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum or by hand.
Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned at regular intervals by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Ensure that large amounts of water do not collect in the plenum chamber, for example if you use a pressure washer.

Only wash the vehicle in facilities specifically designed for that purpose. This will reduce the risk of water contaminated with oil from entering the sewer system.

Exterior care and cleaning

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and Vehicle care information.

The following overview gives recommendations for cleaning and caring for individual vehicle components.

NOTICE

Incorrect cleaning and care can cause vehicle damage.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Never use cleaning objects that are too hard or abrasive.

Door windows, glass surfaces

Remove wax residue, for example from care products, with a suitable glass cleaner or the Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth.
Remove snow with a hand brush.
Remove ice with a plastic scraper. When doing so, scrape in one direction only.
Defrost the ice with a suitable deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.
Clean the wiper blades or, if necessary, replace them.

Paint

Always treat surfaces with extreme care to prevent paint damage.

Immediately clean any slight contamination, e.g. deposits, insect residues, cosmetics with a clean, soft cloth and mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap to one liter of water or with cleaning clay.
Clean spilled fuel or operating materials immediately.
Dampen rust spots with soap solution. Then remove with a cleaning clay bar.
Have corrosion removed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

In the event of paint damage, consult suitably qualified professionals and have the paint damage repaired. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

A preservation treatment protects the vehicle paint. When water no longer clearly beads up and drips off clean vehicle paint, the vehicle should be retreated with a wax protectant if not earlier.

For matte paint, apply a special wax for matte paint with a soft sponge to the cleaned vehicle. Remove excess wax with a microfiber cloth.

Polishing is only needed if the appearance of the vehicle paint is poor and a shiny finish can no longer be achieved using protectants.

NOTICE

For matte finishes, the surface will be irreparably damaged if you polish the paint.

Never polish matte-finish surfaces.

Even if a wax protectant is applied regularly in an automatic car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the vehicle paint at least twice a year with a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax.

Plenum chamber, engine compartment

Vehicle care
Fig. 192 Between the engine compartment and windshield: plenum chamber (general example).

Perforated cover of the water box.

WARNING

Working on the engine or in the engine compartment carries a risk of accidents and fire. Serious injuries may occur.

Always note the necessary handling guidelines and the safety precautions every time before working in the engine compartment → page, Safety precautions for working in the engine compartment.
If you are not familiar with this type of work, arrange for it to be done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

The plenum chamber drain can be blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that cannot drain may leak into the vehicle interior and cause damage.

Have the area under the perforated cover regularly cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility qualified in this respect fig. 192. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Water introduced manually into the plenum chamber, for example with a pressure washer, can cause considerable vehicle damage.

Remove leaves or other loose objects with a vacuum or by hand fig. 192.
Always have the engine compartment cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility qualified in this respect. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Sensors, camera lenses

Vehicle care
Fig. 193 In the rear of the vehicle: Rear View Camera system on the handle (general example).

Clean the area in front of the sensors or the camera with a soft cloth and solvent-free cleaning solution.
Clean the sensor areas of the rain/light sensor, the camera window on the windshield and the glass surfaces (depending on the vehicle equipment).
Remove snow with a hand brush.
Never use warm or hot water.
Defrost the ice with a suitable deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.

Decorative and protective decals

Remove contaminants as described for paint. For matte decorative decals, use a suitable plastic cleaner or a Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner.
Treat the vehicle every three months with liquid hard wax. The vehicle must be free of dirt and dust before treating. Apply using only clean, soft microfiber cloths. Do not use hot wax, even in a car wash.
Hard contaminants: remove gently with ethyl alcohol and then wash with warm water.

For decorative and protective decals, the durability and coloring are influenced by environmental factors, such as solar radiation. Decorative decals may show signs of wear and aging after approximately one to three years, and protective decals after approximately two to three years. In very hot climates, the decorative decals may fade slightly within one year and the protective decals within two years.

Trims made out of chrome-plated plastic, aluminum or stainless steel

Clean surfaces with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum products.
Chrome-plated trims can be protected with a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax.

Headlights, taillights

Remove contamination with a soft, damp sponge with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap to one liter of water. Do not use cleaning solutions containing alcohol and/or solvents.
Remove stubborn dirt with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum products.

Wheels

Remove contaminants and road salt with plenty of water.
Clean dirty alloy wheels with a suitable rim cleaner or with Volkswagen Genuine rim cleaner. Volkswagen recommends applying a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax to the rims every three months.
Repair damaged protective paint layers immediately with a paint pen. If necessary, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Remove brake dust with a suitable rim cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine rim cleaner.

Door lock cylinder

1. Defrost the door lock cylinder with a suitable door lock deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.

Do not use any door lock deicers with degreasing substances.

Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒ and Vehicle care information.

The following overview gives recommendations for cleaning and caring for individual vehicle components.

NOTICE

Incorrect cleaning and care can cause vehicle damage.

Always follow the steps described for vehicle care and cleaning.
Do not use steam cleaners, brushes, hard sponges, etc.
Have tough spots removed by a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Door windows

Clean the door window with a glass cleaner.
Wipe the door windows dry with a clean chamois or a lint-free cloth.

Textiles, microfiber, leatherette

Regularly remove dirt particles that adhere to the surface with a vacuum cleaner so that the material is not permanently damaged by scrubbing.
Remove contaminants with a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner.
For grease-based contaminants such as oil, use a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner. Blot away the dissolved grease or dye with an absorbent towel. If necessary, treat afterwards with water.
For contaminants, for example from pens or nail polish, use a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner. If necessary, treat afterward with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water.
Never use leather cleaners, solvents, floor polish, shoe polish, paint remover, or other similar substances.
Never use pressure washers, steam cleaners or cooling sprays.

Natural leather

Remove fresh dirt with a cotton cloth and a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water. Do not let any fluids seep into the cracks.
For contaminants, for example from pens or nail polish, use a suitable leather cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner.
Treat dried spots with a suitable leather cleaner or with Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner.
Remove any fresh spots of grease such as oil with an absorbent cloth.
Apply leather care to seats regularly and each time you clean. If leaving the vehicle parked for long periods of time, you should cover the leather to protect it from direct sunlight.

Never treat leather with solvents, floor polish, shoe polish, paint remover, or other similar substances.

Plastic parts

Clean with a soft, damp cloth.
If a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water cannot remove stubborn stains, use a solvent-free plastic cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner, if necessary.

Trims, decorative trims made out of chrome, aluminum or stainless steel

Clean using a clean, soft cloth and mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water, in a dust-free area.
Treat anodized surfaces with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum products.

Controls

1. Use a soft brush to remove large dirt deposits as well as any dirt that is difficult to reach.

2. Use a clean, soft cloth and a fairly mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water. Fluids must not enter into the controls.

Displays and screens

Do not clean the instrument cluster display and the Infotainment system screen when they are dry.

1. Turn off the Infotainment system temporarily to clean it.

2. Use a suitable cleaning cloth or a Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth with a little water, a suitable glass cleaner or with an LCD cleaner.

Rubber seals

Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and plenty of water.
Treat regularly with a suitable rubber care product or Volkswagen Genuine rubber care product.

Safety belts

1. Unreel the safety belt completely and leave the belt unreeled.

2. Remove large spots of dirt with a soft brush.

3. Clean the safety belt with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water.

4. Let the belt webbing dry completely, then allow the belt to retract.

WARNING

Improper cleaning of the safety belts, their anchors and the automatic safety belt retractors can cause damage and impair their function. This can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of accidents.

Never alter the safety belts for cleaning purposes.
Never use chemical products to clean the safety belts and their components.
Do no use any corrosive fluids, solvents, or sharp objects.
Do not allow fluids and objects to enter the safety belt buckle.
Let the safety belt dry after cleaning before allowing it to retract completely.

Wood trims

Clean with a soft cloth and fairly mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water.

Cleaning the seat covers

If dye from clothing such as denim stains the seat covers, this is not considered a defect in the vehicle upholstery. If you want to clean the seat covers yourself, be aware that airbag system components and electrical connectors are installed in the seat covers. Incorrect cleaning or moisture may damage these components or cause them to malfunction. This may then cause damage elsewhere in the vehicle's electrical system ⇒ .

Depending on the equipment, electrical components and connectors may be installed in the seat surface with seat heating, which can be damaged by incorrect cleaning or handling. This can also result in damage to other areas of the vehicle electrical system.

Never use pressure washers, steam cleaners or cooling sprays.
Never soak seat covers.
Never switch on seat heating to dry the seats.
Do not use detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions.
If there is uncertainty, contact suitably qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Always use approved or recommended cleaning solution.
Never use cleaning solutions that contain solvents.
Clean and maintain vehicle components only according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Needless to say, it is easier to see signs of wear and dirt caused by normal usage on bright materials in the vehicle interior. These signs of use are unavoidable and also indicate the unavoidable deterioration caused by normal usage. Please follow the corresponding care instructions.

Accessories, replacement parts, repairs, and modifications

Accessories and replacement parts

Consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before purchasing Genuine Volkswagen Accessories, replacement parts, or operating equipment, for example if you would like to retrofit the vehicle with Genuine Volkswagen Accessories or if parts need to be replaced. The authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility is aware of legal regulations and factory recommendations for Genuine Volkswagen Accessories, replacement parts, and operating equipment. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

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. Volkswagen has verified their reliability, safety, and suitability. A suitably qualified authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility also specializes in correct installation. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Products that are not approved by Volkswagen may not have been evaluated by Volkswagen regarding the reliability, safety, and suitability for the vehicle, despite ongoing market observation. Therefore, Volkswagen can also not be responsible in individual cases if approval is given by an officially-recognized technical inspection and control authority or clearance is given by a government agency.

You must consult a suitably qualified authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to replace rim/tire combinations. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Retrofitted devices that have a direct effect on vehicle control, must have an symbol (the approval symbol for the European Union) and be approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Such devices could include a cruise control system or an electronically-controlled damping system.

Additional electrical devices that do not have a direct effect on vehicle control must have a symbol (manufacturer's Declaration of Compliance for the European Union). Such devices could include refrigerators, computers, or ventilators.

WARNING

Using unsuitable replacement parts and accessories may lead to malfunctions in the vehicle. These problems may also occur if work, modifications and repairs are done incorrectly. This could lead to damage to the vehicle and accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic devices, repair information, and qualified personnel. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only install parts on the vehicle whose design and function are identical to the parts installed at the factory.
Only use rim/tire combinations that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle model.

WARNING

Objects in the airbag deployment zone may be thrown around the vehicle interior if the airbags deploy. This can cause serious or fatal injuries.

Never attach or position objects in the airbag deployment zone.

NOTICE

Retrofitting an engine preheating system may cause malfunctions and vehicle damage with certain engines.

Consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about retrofitting an engine preheating system. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Sensors and Cameras

The sensors or cameras could shift or become damaged as a result of incorrect repairs, structural changes to the vehicle (such as "lowering"), installation of after-market equipment, or changes to the trim panels. This may impair important functions in the driver assistance systems ⇒ .

When carrying out repairs or modifications, please note the positions of sensors and cameras on the vehicle in the vehicle overview.

Attachments or Modifications around Sensors and Cameras

WARNING

If the area in front of and around sensors and cameras is covered, for example by license plates, license plate holders with decorative frames, any additional films or paintwork on the sensors or similar, this may impair the functions of the driver assistance systems. The failure of driver assistance systems can result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Do not stick additional films over or around sensors.
Only install a license plate or decorative frame for license plate holders in the position specified. Always consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if you want to install a license plate or decorative frame for a license plate holder on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Incorrect attachment of license plate or license plate holders with decorative frames may damage vehicle components, e.g. wires or sensors.

Only install a license plate or decorative frame for license plate holders in the position specified.
Always consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if you want to install a license plate or decorative frame for a license plate holder on the vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Decorative frames for license plate holders are designed for holding the license plate.

The Volkswagen emblem can impede the view of the radar sensors to the front on some vehicle versions. Therefore only operate the vehicle with the original Volkswagen emblem or an emblem approved by Volkswagen.

Damage around Sensors and Cameras

WARNING

If the area around sensors and cameras is damaged, for example due to stone chips or collisions when parking, this may impair the functions of the driver assistance systems. Failure of the driver assistance systems may result in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

If there is damage in the area of the sensors and cameras, have the component replaced by a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

After components have been replaced, it may be necessary for sensors and cameras to be set and calibrated by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If the windshield is damaged within the sensors' and camera's range, for example by a stone chip, then the windshield must be replaced. Stone chip repairs can cause malfunctions in the driver assistance system. After the windshield has been replaced, the cameras and sensors must be set and calibrated by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Repairs and technical modifications

Volkswagen guidelines must be followed when performing repairs and technical modifications ⇒ .

Interference with electronic components and their software can cause malfunctions. Because of the way electronic components are interconnected, such malfunctions can also impair systems that are not directly involved. This means that you risk both a substantial reduction in the operational safety of your vehicle and increased wear of vehicle components.

An authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility cannot assume any liability for damage resulting from repairs and technical modifications that were performed incorrectly.

An authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility is not responsible for damage resulting from repairs and technical modifications that were performed incorrectly. Such damages are also not covered by the Volkswagen warranty.

Have all repairs and technical modifications performed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for Volkswagen Genuine Parts.

Volkswagen repair information

Volkswagen service information and official Volkswagen repair information can be purchased.

Customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Central and South America:

Contact suitably qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Or register with the erWin (electronic repair and service information) web portal: https://erwin.volkswagen.de

Customers in North America and Canada:

If you wish to order the printed service information, please contact: Volkswagen Technical Literature Ordering Centerliterature.vw.com

You can also register for the erWin web portal: https://erwin.vw.com

Diagnostic connection (on-board diagnosis)

In the vehicle interior, there is a diagnostic connection (OBD ) to read event memories. Event memories document faults that have occurred and deviations from specified values from the control module ⇒ .

The diagnostic connection (OBD) is located in the footwell on the driver's side on the underside of the instrument panel or next to the hood release lever behind a cover.

Only have the event memory read out and reset by suitably qualified professionals. Additional information about the saved data can be obtained from suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

After a malfunction is fixed, the information about it will be deleted from the event memory. Other memory content is overwritten continuously.

Vehicles with special modifications and mountings

The attachment and mounting manufacturer should make sure that the applicable environmental laws and regulations are met for the attachments and mountings, especially the EU directive 2000/53/EG about old vehicle and EU directive 2003/11/EG about market introduction restrictions and the use of certain hazardous materials and compounds.

The installation instructions for any retrofitted equipment should be saved by the vehicle owner and provided to the removal facility if the vehicle is scrapped. This ensures that even vehicles with retrofitted equipment will be disposed of in a way that will not harm the environment.

Engine/motor protection

Engine/motor protection can reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle underbody and the oil pan, for example if driving over curbs, entering driveways, or on unpaved roads.

Have the retrofitting work performed by suitable qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Engine/motor protection may not be available in all countries.

WARNING

Repairs and modifications to the vehicle that are performed incorrectly can impair the effectiveness of the driver assistance systems and deploying airbags. This can cause malfunctions and accidents and serious injuries or death.

Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Repairs and modifications to the vehicle that are performed incorrectly, for example due to the use of unsuitable parts, may cause vehicle damage, accidents, and serious or fatal injuries.

Only install parts on the vehicle whose design and function are identical to the parts installed at the factory.
Only use rim/tire combinations that are approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle model.
Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories. Volkswagen has verified their reliability, safety, and suitability.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the diagnostic connection may cause malfunctions, resulting in accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never read out the event memory yourself using the diagnostic connection.
Never load data yourself using the diagnostic connection in the vehicle.
Only have the event memory read out with the diagnostic connection by suitably qualified professionals.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Airbag system repairs and situations that can affect the system function

Volkswagen guidelines must be followed when performing repairs and technical modifications ⇒ .

Only have modifications and repairs on the front bumper, doors, front seats, headliner, or vehicle body performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Airbag system components and sensors may be located on these vehicle components.

Airbag system components can be damaged during all procedures on the airbag system and when removing and installing system components while performing other repair procedures. This may prevent the airbags from deploying or cause them to deploy incorrectly in the event of an accident.

The instructions must be followed so that the effectiveness of the airbags is not impaired and removed components do not cause injuries and environmental pollution. An authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility will be familiar with these provisions. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

A modification to the vehicle suspension can impair the functionality of the airbag system during a collision. For example, using a rim/tire combination that is not approved by Volkswagen, lowering the vehicle, or changing the suspension stiffness including the springs, suspensions struts, shock absorbers, etc., can change the force that is measured by the airbag sensors and transmitted to the electronic control module. For example, some changes to the suspension can increase the force measured by the systems and trigger the airbag system in accidents where the airbags would normally not be deployed if the modifications had not been made. Other modifications can reduce the force measured by the sensors and prevent the airbag from deploying when it should have deployed.

WARNING

Using unsuitable replacement parts and accessories may cause damage and malfunctions in the vehicle and impair the effectiveness of the airbag system. These problems may also occur if work, modifications and repairs are done incorrectly.

This could lead to damage to the vehicle and accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

Only have suitably qualified professionals make repairs or modifications to a vehicle. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic devices, repair information, and qualified personnel. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Note that the airbag module cannot be repaired but must instead be replaced.
Never install airbag components removed from old vehicles or from recycling.
Only install parts on the vehicle whose design and function are identical to the parts installed at the factory.

WARNING

Modifications to the vehicle suspension including using a rim/tire combination that is not permitted may change the system function of the airbag. This can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of an accident.

Never install suspension components that do not have the same properties as the original parts installed in the vehicle.
Never use rim/tire combinations that are not approved by Volkswagen.

Mobile phone usage in the vehicle

Electromagnetic waves

When using a mobile phone or radio equipment without connecting to the exterior antenna, the electromagnetic waves will not be deflected outward in an optimum way. Increased waves in the vehicle interior can occur, especially when reception is poor, for example in rural areas. This could be a potential health risk ⇒ .

Depending on the equipment, it may be possible to use a suitable telephone interface to connect the mobile phone to the exterior antenna. This will improve the connection quality and increase the range.

Using a phone

In many countries, using a phone in the vehicle is only permitted if there is a hands-free connection, for example using a Bluetooth connection. Before using the phone, secure it in a suitable holder ⇒ or store it in a storage compartment, such as in the center console, to prevent it from sliding around.

Radio

If operating radio devices, follow the legal regulations and the user guide from the manufacturer. The aftermarket installation of radio devices is subject to approval.

Contact qualified professionals for more information about installing radio equipment. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Mobile devices that are loose or not secured correctly can be thrown through the vehicle interior during sudden driving or braking maneuvers or in the event of a collision and cause severe injuries.

Secure or store the mobile phone and accessories safely and outside of the deployment range of the airbags.

WARNING

Using a cell phone or radio equipment without a connection to an external aerial may create electromagnetic energy inside the vehicle that exceeds permissible limits. This also applies if the exterior antenna is not installed correctly. This may be dangerous to your health and that of the other vehicle occupants.

Maintain a minimum distance of approx. 20 cm (approx. 8 inches) between the device antennae and any active medical implants, such as pacemakers.
Do not carry a mobile device that is turned on directly above or in the immediate vicinity of any active medical implants, for example by keeping a phone in a shirt pocket.
Switch off the mobile device immediately if you suspect there is interference with an active medical implant or other medical device.