Checking and refilling levels
–
–
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 monitors
CAUTION
If you run out of coolant in the expansion
tank, park the car in a safe place and do
not continue driving. Obtain technical as-
sistance.
.
›››
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 professional
the brake fluid level page 87.
›››
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
reservoir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.
Brake fluid
assistance
.
›››
–
–
–
If there is still some coolant in the expansion
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 becomes
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 spe-
cialised 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. 235 Engine compartment: brake fluid res-
ervoir cap.
are subjected to extreme braking forces,
bubbles of vapour form in the brake sys-
tem. These bubbles can significantly re-
duce braking power, notably increasing
braking distance, and could result in the to-
tal failure of the brake system.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
●
Store the antifreeze in its original con-
tainer and keep it out of reach of children.
gine compartment page 329.
›››
●
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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