Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
–
–
Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a cloth and carefully unscrew it to the left
However, if the brake fluid level goes down
noticeably in a short time, or drops below
the mark, there may be a leak in the brake
system. Seek specialist assistance. A warning
light on the instrument panel display moni-
If you run out of coolant in the expansion
tank, park the car in a safe place and do not
continue driving. Obtain technical assis-
tance.
.
›››
Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the expansion tank, otherwise you
could damage the engine. If there is no
coolant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professio-
tors the brake fluid level page 82 .
›››
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
reservoir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.
Brake fluid
nal assistance
.
›››
–
–
–
If there is still some coolant in the expan-
sion tank, top up to the upper mark.
Changing brake fluid
Check and refill the brake fluid
We recommend that you have the brake fluid
changed by a Technical Service.
Top up with coolant until the level be-
comes stable.
WARNING
Screw the cap back on correctly.
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
ble/old brake fluid is used, the brake sys-
tem may fail or braking power may be re-
duced.
If there is a coolant leak, take the vehicle
specialised workshop to have the cooling
system examined.
●
Check the brake system and the brake
WARNING
fluid level regularly!
●
The cooling system is under pressure. Do
●
When the brake fluid is used and brakes
not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns!
Fig. 215 Engine compartment: brake fluid
reservoir cap.
are subjected to extreme braking forces,
bubbles of vapour form in the brake system.
These bubbles can significantly reduce
braking power, notably increasing braking
distance, and could result in the total fail-
ure of the brake system.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
●
Store the antifreeze in its original con-
gine compartment page 325 .
›››
tainer and keep it out of reach of children.
●
If working inside the engine compart-
Checking the brake fluid level
ment, remember that, even when the igni-
tion is switched off, the radiator fan may
start up automatically, and therefore there
is a risk of injury.
●
Be sure to always use the correct brake
The brake fluid level must be between the
and markings.
fluid. Only use brake fluid that expressly
meets the VW 501 14 standard.
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English 
