2017-2024 Volkswagen Arteon 4 Door Transporting User Manual
MyCarUserManual.com
USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

Transporting for Your Volkswagen Arteon 4 Door First Generation (2017-2024)

Transporting  
Stowing luggage and cargo  
Stowing luggage securely in the vehicle  
Distribute luggage as evenly as possible in the vehicle. Do not cover any vent openings.  
Always stow luggage and heavy objects in the luggage compartment and place them as far forward in the compartment as possible  
Adhere to the Gross Axle Weight Rating and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ⇒ Technical data.  
Secure objects in the luggage compartment using suitable securing cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps on the tie-downs.  
Also store small objects securely.  
⇒
.
If necessary, fold the rear seat backrest down and lock it securely.  
If necessary, adjust the headlight range. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control will adjust automatically.  
Adjust the tire pressure based on the load. Follow the tire pressure label ⇒ Tire pressure.  
If necessary, calibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to the new load ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.  
WARNING  
Objects or animals that are not secured or are secured incorrectly can cause serious injuries in the event of sudden driving and braking maneuvers or a  
collision. This is especially true if the airbags deploy and strike objects, causing them to fly through the vehicle interior. To reduce the risk of damage, note the  
following:  
Store all objects securely in the vehicle. Follow the legal regulations whilst doing so.  
Stow objects in the vehicle interior in such a way that they will not enter the airbag deployment zone while you are driving.  
Secure animals in the vehicle restraint systems that are appropriate for their weight and size.  
Always keep the storage compartments closed while driving.  
Never stow objects in a location that requires you to adjust any seats to an incorrect seating position.  
If stowed objects block a seat, then no one should use this seat.  
Do not leave hard, heavy, or sharp objects loose in the open storage compartments in the vehicle, on the surface behind the rear seat backrest, or on the  
instrument panel.  
Remove hard, heavy, or sharp objects from clothing and bags in the vehicle interior and store them securely.  
WARNING  
When transporting heavy objects, the vehicle’s handling performance may change because of the altered center of gravity and the braking distance may  
increase. If not stored or secured correctly, heavy objects can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause serious injuries.  
Never overload the vehicle. Both the load and the distribution of the load in the vehicle affect driving behavior and braking efficiency.  
When transporting heavy objects, the vehicle handling performance may change due to the shift in the center of gravity.  
Always distribute the load evenly and as low down in the vehicle as possible.  
Secure heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far in front of the rear axle as possible.  
Loose objects in the luggage compartment can slide around suddenly and alter the vehicle handling.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.  
Accelerate with extra care and caution.  
Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.  
Apply the brakes earlier than usual.  
NOTICE  
Abrasive objects on the rear windows can cause damage, for example to the heating elements for the rear window defroster.  
NOTICE  
Do not attach a luggage rack or any other kind of carrying system, e.g. bicycle rack, to the vehicle's rear spoiler.  
236  
Luggage compartment cover  
Luggage compartment cover  
When opening and closing the trunk lid, the luggage compartment cover is raised or lowered on the attached retaining straps.  
The luggage compartment cover is not suitable for use as storage for objects, even lightweight items of clothing ⇒  
.
WARNING  
Objects or animals on the luggage compartment cover can damage the luggage compartment cover and cause serious injuries in the event of sudden driving  
and braking maneuvers or an accident.  
Never transport objects on the luggage compartment cover.  
Never allow animals to ride on the luggage compartment cover.  
NOTICE  
Incorrect handling of the luggage compartment cover can cause damage.  
Do not load the luggage compartment so high that the luggage compartment cover presses on the load when the trunk lid is closed.  
Never close the trunk lid while the luggage compartment floor is open or locked.  
Installing and removing the luggage compartment cover  
Fig. 137 In the luggage compartment: Installing and removing the luggage compartment cover.  
Removing the luggage compartment cover  
1. Unhook the top retaining straps from the trunk lid fig. 137 (upper arrows).  
2. Lift the trunk lid.  
3. Press the luggage compartment cover out of the lateral brackets in the luggage compartment fig. 137 (lower arrows).  
Installing the luggage compartment cover  
1. Press the luggage compartment cover into the side holders in the luggage compartment fig. 137 (lower arrows).  
2. Hook the retaining straps onto the trunk lid fig. 137 (upper arrows).  
Luggage compartment floor  
Luggage compartment floor - functions  
237  
Fig. 138 In the luggage compartment: opening the luggage compartment floor.  
Opening the luggage compartment floor  
1. Lift the luggage compartment floor onto the loop fig. 138 (small arrow).  
Closing the luggage compartment floor  
1. Guide the luggage compartment floor downward by the loop fig. 138 (small arrow) and lay it down in the luggage compartment.  
Removing the luggage compartment floor  
1. Hold the loop on the luggage compartment floor fig. 138 (small arrow) and remove the luggage compartment floor from the luggage compartment.  
Store the luggage compartment floor somewhere clean and dry.  
Installing the luggage compartment floor  
1. Place the luggage compartment floor carefully back into the luggage compartment with the loop on the upper sider fig. 138 (small arrow).  
NOTICE  
Improper use may damage the luggage compartment floor or the luggage compartment trim.  
When closing the luggage compartment floor, always carefully guide it downward, and do not drop it.  
Always distribute loads as evenly as possible across the entire luggage compartment floor to avoid concentrating the load in a single place.  
Reversible floor mat  
Fig. 139 In the luggage compartment: Turning over the reversible floor covering.  
The reversible floor covering can be used to ensure that the luggage compartment floor is suitable for whatever is being placed on it.  
Turning over the reversible floor covering  
1. Lift the back edge of the reversible floor covering in the direction of the arrow fig. 139.  
2. Turn over the reversible floor covering and position it on the luggage compartment floor.  
238  
Luggage compartment features  
Storage compartments in the luggage compartment  
Fig. 140 In the luggage compartment: Storage compartment at the side with side panel.  
Fig. 141 In the luggage compartment: Side stowage compartment with cover.  
Removing the storage compartment with side panel  
Storage compartments can be found at the side of the luggage compartment.  
The side panel can be removed so that larger items can be stored in the luggage compartment.  
1. Lift out the side panel in the direction of the arrow fig. 140.  
Installing the storage compartment with side panel  
1. Insert the side panel in the opposite direction to the arrow fig. 140.  
Opening the storage compartment with cover  
In the side of the luggage compartment there may be a stowage compartment with a cover.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the 12 V vehicle battery may be installed in the stowage compartment ⇒ 12 V vehicle battery.  
1. Pull the cover in the direction of the arrow fig. 141.  
Closing the storage compartment with cover  
1. Push the cover in the opposite direction of the arrow fig. 141 until it engages.  
Tie-downs  
239  
Fig. 142 In the luggage compartment: Tie-down (general example).  
Tie-down.  
Tie-downs are located in the luggage compartment to secure loose objects and luggage with the help of lines, fixation belts or securing straps fig. 142.  
WARNING  
Unsuitable or damaged tie-down straps or tensioning straps could break during braking maneuvers or an accident. This could result in objects being thrown  
through the vehicle interior and causing serious or fatal injuries.  
Use only suitable and undamaged tie-downs, fixing and tensioning straps.  
Secure cords, fixation belts and tensioning straps diagonally and tightly across the items placed on the luggage compartment floor, and fasten the cords,  
fixation belts and tensioning straps securely to the tie-downs.  
Make sure that the upper edge of the load is above the tie-downs, especially on flat objects.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, follow any signs about storing cargo in the luggage compartment.  
Never secure a child restraint to the tie-downs.  
WARNING  
Elastic tensioning straps must be stretched for securing to the tie-downs. The hooks attached to them can cause serious injuries.  
When securing elastic tensioning straps, always protect your eyes and face from injury.  
When securing, always hold the elastic tensioning straps securely so that they cannot slip off and rebound.  
Always secure elastic tensioning straps to the tie-downs in the front part of the luggage compartment first, then pull them to the loading edge and secure  
them to the tie-downs there. If the tensioning straps slip they will spring away from your body.  
Suitable straps and cargo securing systems are available from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen  
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Shopping bag hooks  
240  
Fig. 143 In the luggage compartment: fold-out shopping bag hooks.  
You may have shopping bag hooks in your luggage compartment for hanging light shopping bags.  
WARNING  
Loose objects can be thrown around the inside of the vehicleduring sudden driving or braking maneuvers. This can cause serious injuries and loss of vehicle  
control.  
Never use the shopping bag hooks to tie down pieces of luggage or objects. The shopping bag hooks could break during sudden braking maneuvers or in  
the event of an accident.  
Only hang lightweight items, up to a maximum of 2.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lbs), from the shopping bag hooks in the vehicle.  
Load-through hatch  
Fig. 144 Pass-through in the rear seat backrest.  
241  
Fig. 145 Pass-through in the luggage compartment.  
Depending on the vehicle equipment, there may be a load-through hatch behind the center armrest in the rear seat backrest for transporting long objects, such as  
skis, inside the vehicle.  
Opening the pass-through from the vehicle interior  
1. Fold the center armrest forward ⇒ Center armrest.  
2. Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow fig. 144 and fold the luggage compartment pass-through cover all the way forward ⇒  
.
3. Open the trunk lid.  
Opening the pass-through from the luggage compartment  
1. Press the release lever down in the direction of the arrow fig. 145 and fold the cover forward.  
2. Insert long objects from the luggage compartment side and slide them forward through the load-through hatch.  
3. Secure objects with a seat belt if necessary.  
4. Close the trunk lid.  
Closing the load-through hatch  
1. Fold the flap for load-through hatch backward until it audibly engages.  
There may be a red mark on the luggage compartment side. This should not be visible  
2. Close the trunk lid.  
⇒
.
3. If necessary, fold the center armrest backward.  
WARNING  
Folding and unfolding the load-through hatch in an uncontrolled or careless manner may cause severe injury.  
Never fold the luggage compartment pass-through forward or back while driving.  
When folding up the pass-through, make sure that the safety belt does not become trapped or damaged.  
Keep hands, fingers, feet and other body parts away from the pivot range of the pass-through when folding it forward or back.  
If a red mark is visible on the locking display, the luggage compartment pass-through may not be engaged. Always check that the red mark is not visible  
when the pass-through is in the upright position.  
If the load-through hatch is folded down or not properly engaged, no passengers, especially children, are to be transported on this seat.  
Trailer towing  
Introduction  
If equipped correctly, the vehicle can be used to tow a trailer. The increased weight from towing affects vehicle wear, fuel consumption, and vehicle performance  
and may shorten the service intervals.  
Driving a trailer not only increases the vehicle load, but requires more concentration from the driver.  
Vehicles with a start/stop system  
242  
Before trailer towing using towing brackets which have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen, the start/stop system must be manually deactivated and remain  
deactivated during the entire trailer towing process ⇒ Start-stop system.  
Trailer with function check for the lighting  
No trailer with tail lights and brake lights that require a function check for the tail light or brake light in order to be approved may be operated on this vehicle. Please  
consult the trailer manufacturer to find out what approval applies to your trailer.  
Unused ball mount  
Swivel the ball mount or remove it if there is no trailer, bicycle rack or similar attached to the ball mount. This is especially applicable if the vehicle's license plate or  
lighting is obscured by the unused ball mount. Note the country-specific regulations for using a ball mount ⇒  
.
Special conditions  
Before driving with a trailer, please note that the functions of the assistance and parking systems may be limited.  
DANGER  
Transporting persons in a trailer can cause life-threatening injuries and may be against the law.  
Never transport anyone in a trailer.  
WARNING  
Using the trailer hitch incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle, accidents, and serious injuries.  
Install and use the trailer in accordance with the instructions provided by the corresponding manufacturer.  
Only use the ball mount if it is undamaged and secured correctly.  
Do not modify or repair the ball mount.  
To reduce the risk of injury during a rear collision and to pedestrians and cyclists near parked vehicles, always swivel in or remove the ball mount when  
you are not towing a trailer.  
Never install “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” ball mounts. The vehicle was not designed for these types of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch could  
malfunction and the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle.  
WARNING  
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance, increase the braking distance, and cause accidents.  
Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving  
downhill.  
Trailers with a high center of gravity may tip sooner than trailers with a low center of gravity.  
Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead. Accelerate with extra care and caution. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking  
maneuvers.  
Be very careful when passing. Reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.  
Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h), or 60 mph (100 km/h) if absolutely necessary, when towing a trailer. This also applies in countries where  
higher speeds are permitted. Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles  
that are not towing a trailer.  
Never try to “straighten out” a swaying trailer by accelerating.  
WARNING  
When towing with towing brackets which have not been retrofitted by Volkswagen the start/stop system must always be manually deactivated. Otherwise this  
can lead to a failure in the brake system and can cause accidents and severe injury.  
If you have integrated a trailer into the anti-theft alarm system, breaking the connection to the trailer may trigger the anti-theft alarm system ⇒ Anti-theft alar  
system.  
Do not tow a trailer during the first 1000 km (600 miles) driven with a new engine ⇒ Breaking in the engine.  
Some retrofitted trailer hitches cover the mount for the towing eye. If this is the case, it will not be possible to use the towing eye to tow other vehicles. Because  
of this, you should always keep the ball mount from a retrofitted trailer hitch inside the vehicle when it is removed.  
243  
Hitching a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
Trailer socket  
If the trailer has a 7-pin connector, a suitable adapter must be used.  
1. Lift the socket cap and insert the plug.  
2. Rotate the plug clockwise by a quarter of a rotation until it fully engages into the socket.  
3. Release the cap to lock the plug in place.  
4. Check that the entire lighting system is working properly before starting the journey.  
If you are not sure how to connect the trailer with the towing vehicle’s electrical system correctly, consult an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswage  
Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Safety chains  
Always make sure that the safety chains are correctly secured on the vehicle. The safety chains require sufficient play and can sag, but should not touch the ground  
Integrating into the anti-theft alarm system  
The trailer is integrated into the anti-theft alarm system if the following requirements are met:  
If the vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed anti-theft alarm system and trailer hitch.  
If the trailer is connected to the electrical system in the towing vehicle.  
If the vehicle and trailer electrical systems are functioning correctly and are not damaged.  
If the vehicle was locked using the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is active.  
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer is disconnected.  
Trailers with LED taillights cannot be integrated into the anti-theft alarm system due to the technology involved.  
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm will not be triggered if the electrical connection to the trailer with LED taillights is disconnected.  
WARNING  
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can electrify the trailer and lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electrical system as well as accidents  
and serious injuries.  
Have all work on the electrical system performed only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen  
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other power sources on the towing vehicle.  
WARNING  
Contact between the pins on the trailer socket can cause short circuits, overloading of he electrical system, or malfunction of the lighting system, which can  
result in accidents and serious injuries.  
Never connect the pins in the trailer socket to one another.  
Have bent pins repaired only by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTICE  
A trailer that is resting on a supporting wheel or on the trailer support should not remain hitched to the vehicle. Changes to the load or tire damage may raise or  
lower the vehicle. This would put great stress on the trailer hitch and the trailer, which could lead to damage to the vehicle and trailer.  
If the engine is stopped and accessories on the trailer are on while there is an electrical connection through the trailer socket, then the 12 V vehicle battery will  
drain.  
The electrical connection to the trailer will be automatically disconnected if the charge level of the 12 V vehicle battery becomes too low.  
Loading a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
General information  
244  
Always ensure that the vehicle and trailer are well balanced. Do not load the trailer unevenly by putting more weight at either the front or the back. Always store hea  
objects as close as possible to or above the axle. Always secure the load on the trailer properly ⇒  
.
Trailer load and tongue weight  
The trailer load is the weight that the vehicle can tow.  
The trailer tongue weight rating is the load that presses down vertically from above onto the ball mount of the trailer hitch.  
Volkswagen recommends always using the maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating ⇒ Technical data. Tongue weight that is too low affects the trailer's  
handling. The maximum permissible trailer tongue weight rating of the trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must not be exceeded ⇒  
.
The actual trailer tongue weight rating increases the weight on the rear axle and reduces the possible load in the vehicle.  
In some countries, under certain conditions, a higher trailer tongue weight rating can be used. Follow the local specifications and regulations.  
Towing weight  
The towing weight consists of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle and the loaded trailer.  
In some countries, trailers are divided into classes. Volkswagen recommends consulting with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility about suitable trailers. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Tire pressure  
The tire pressure for the tires on the trailer is based on the recommendation of the trailer manufacturer.  
When towing a trailer, inflate the tires on the towing vehicle to the maximum permissible tire pressure ⇒ Tire pressure.  
WARNING  
Sliding loads can considerably impair driving stability and trailer safety and increase the risk of accidents and serious injuries.  
Always load trailers correctly.  
Always secure cargo with suitable and undamaged cords or tensioning straps.  
WARNING  
If the Gross Axle Weight Rating, tongue weight, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or towing weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded, accidents and serious  
injuries can result.  
Never exceed the specified values ⇒ Technical data.  
Never exceed the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating on the front or rear axle. Never exceed the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the front and  
rear weight of the vehicle.  
Driving with a trailer  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and  
Introduction.  
Headlight adjustment  
When a trailer is attached, the front part of the vehicle may be lifted, and the dipped beam headlights may dazzle other road users. Lower the beam correspondingl  
using the headlight range control. Vehicles with dynamic headlight range control adjust automatically and do not need to be manually adjusted.  
Characteristics when driving with a trailer  
When driving with a trailer with an overrun brake, first brake gently then rapidly. This avoids braking jolts due to the trailer wheels locking.  
The braking distance increases due to the gross combination weight (of the trailer and vehicle).  
Use the engine as an additional brake on slopes. Otherwise the brake system may overheat and possibly fail.  
Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Select a lower gear when driving in Tiptronic mode.  
The vehicle's center of gravity, and thereby also its driving characteristics, are changed by the towing weight and the increased total weight of the vehicle and  
trailer.  
An empty towing vehicle and loaded trailer create a very unfavorable weight distribution. Drive very carefully and slowly with this combination.  
Driving on hills with a trailer  
Depending on the angle of the hill and the total weight of the trailer, a parked trailer may roll back slightly when you start driving.  
When towing a trailer, start on a hill as follows:  
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.  
2. Press the  
button once to switch off the electronic parking brake.  
3. Vehicles with an automatic transmission: Engage the gear to drive forward.  
245  
4. Pull and hold the  
button to hold the vehicle and trailer with the electronic parking brake.  
5. Release the brake pedal.  
6. Start driving slowly.  
7. Only release the  
switch once the engine has created enough drive power to start driving.  
WARNING  
Towing a trailer incorrectly can result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injuries.  
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or large objects can change the vehicle handling performance and increase the braking distance.  
Ensure sufficient visibility behind you. Attach additional rearview mirrors if rear visibility is impaired due to the trailer. 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.  
Always drive carefully and try to anticipate what may be ahead. Brake earlier than usual.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions. Reduce the vehicle speed, especially when driving  
downhill.  
Accelerate with extra care and caution. Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.  
Take particular care when overtaking. Reduce vehicle speed as soon as you detect the slightest swaying movement in the trailer.  
Never try to “straighten out” a swaying vehicle and trailer by accelerating.  
Adhere to the applicable local maximum speed limit, which may be lower for vehicles towing a trailer than it is for vehicles that are not towing a trailer.  
Trailer hitch  
Ball mount holder  
Fig. 146 Dimensions of the ball mount holder and receptacle.  
Suspended height of the ball mount.  
Distance between socket pin and ball mount.  
To pull a trailer you must have installed the necessary cabling, including a socket, and the corresponding trailer hitch. Since pulling a trailer represents a heavy stra  
for the vehicle towing it, connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle and correct dimensions for the receptacle and the ball mount holder are extremely important in  
order for the towing vehicle to cope with the strain to be placed on it.  
The mount requires a special shape and size of ball mount holder and ball mount. This affects both the suspended height of the ball coupling fig. 146  
distance between the socket pin and the ball coupling fig. 146  
and the  
.
These dimensions determine the distribution of strain on the receptacle and the connections to the vehicle during towing. When purchasing a ball mount holder and  
a ball mount, always ensure that these will cope with the requirements.  
Dimensions of the ball mount holder  
The drop height fig. 146  
from the top edge of the ball mount to the top edge of the neck must not exceed 40.6 mm (1 39/64 inches).  
The distance between the socket pin and the ball mount fig. 146  
must not exceed 157.5 mm (6 13/64 inches) from the middle of the ball mount to the  
middle of the eye of the pin.  
The diameter of the ball mount may not exceed 50.8 mm (2 inches).  
Ball mounts and holders which do not meet these specifications could damage your car or could fail completely  
⇒
.
246  
Securing cables  
In some countries, unbraked and braked trailers must be secured by means of securing or breakaway cables.  
Follow the country-specific regulations for using a securing cable.  
1. Secure the securing or breakaway cable to the provided ball mount eyelet.  
2. Guide the cable through the eyelet and hook it in the karabiner  
⇒
.
WARNING  
Incorrect mounting or the use of an incorrect trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially  
causing serious accidents and injuries.  
Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service  
facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
An improperly secured trailer can cause accidents and injuries.  
Never drape the securing or breakaway cable of the trailer loosely over the ball mount.  
CAUTION  
Always remove the ball mount holder when you do not require it, in order to reduce the risk of injuries in a rear-end collision.  
NOTICE  
Fitting an unsuitable ball mount can cause vehicle damage and invalidation of the operating license.  
Use the ball mount supplied by the factory or a ball mount approved for your vehicle model and its model year.  
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.  
NOTICE  
Your vehicle was not designed to tow trailers requiring larger ball heads than those specified. Never use ball mounts with a diameter that exceeds  
50.8 mm (2 inches).  
Never use an adapter in order to use a larger ball mount.  
If necessary, you may use an adapter to enable you to mount a bicycle carrier or similar. Always observe the weight specifications when doing so. These  
should never cover your tail lights.  
Retrofitting a trailer hitch  
Volkswagen recommends having a trailer hitch retrofitted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. For example,  
modifications to the cooling system or installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Mount the trailer hitch in accordance with the instructions supplied.  
A retrofitted, non-removable trailer hitch must not cover the label or the lighting system on the rear of the vehicle. Note the country-specific regulations for using a b  
mount ⇒  
.
WARNING  
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electrical system as well as accidents and serious injuries.  
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources. Only use suitable  
connectors to connect the trailer.  
If retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
A trailer hitch that is installed incorrectly or that is not suitable for the vehicle can lead to the trailer separating from the vehicle that is towing it. This can cause  
247  
accidents and fatal injuries.  
Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer. 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.  
Roof rack  
Introduction  
Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.  
Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.  
If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.  
Do not use or retrofit a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.  
WARNING  
When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof rack, your vehicle's driving characteristics could change because of the different center of gravity or  
increased wind resistance.  
Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.  
Large, heavy, long, or flat objects can have a negative effect on the vehicle’s aerodynamics, center of gravity, and handling.  
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.  
WARNING  
If a roof rack that is not approved for the vehicle is installed or a roof rack is installed on a vehicle that is not designed for using a roof rack, accidents and  
serious injuries can occur.  
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.  
Never install a roof rack on a vehicle that is not approved for using a roof rack.  
If a roof rack is not approved but is installed anyway, the rack could come loose while driving and fall off the roof.  
NOTICE  
Installing any type of roof rack on a vehicle where this is not approved can cause serious vehicle damage.  
Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the fuel consumption. This reduces the potential range of the vehicle. This  
applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and skis.  
Mounting a roof rack  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and Introduction.  
248  
Fig. 147 Mounting points for base supports.  
Marks for base supports.  
Mounting points for base supports.  
For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely.  
Only use roof racks that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer.  
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.  
Mounting a roof rack (vehicles without roof rail)  
Mount the roof rack in accordance with the instructions supplied.  
The holes or markings for securing the roof rack can only be seen when the doors are open. If necessary, unscrew the plastic screw from the hole opening.  
The front holes or markings are located on the undersides of the roof pillars near the door seal.  
The rear holes or markings are located on the undersides of the roof pillars near the door seal or, depending on the vehicle equipment, at the top of the rear side  
windows.  
After the roof rack has been mounted, the rack base can now be secured to it  
⇒
.
Remove the roof rack in the following scenarios  
If the roof rack is no longer needed.  
Before driving through an automatic car wash  
If the height of the vehicle exceeds the maximum height limit, for example in a garage  
NOTICE  
The height of the vehicle changes when a roof rack is installed and when there is cargo secured on it. Compare the height of the vehicle with height  
clearances, for example for underpasses and garage doors.  
Parts on the roof of your particular vehicle (depending on the vehicle equipment), e.g. the roof antenna, and the trunk lid's range of movement must not  
be impaired by the roof rack and the luggage.  
WARNING  
Securing the roof rack and base incorrectly or using them incorrectly can cause the cargo or the entire assembly to come loose from the vehicle roof, which can  
cause accidents and injuries.  
Only use the roof rack and base if they are undamaged and secured correctly.  
Always mount the roof rack and base correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer.  
Secure the roof rack only at the locations intended for this.  
Always mount special rack assemblies for bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly. Always observe the assembly instructions provided by the  
manufacturer.  
Check the roof rack mounts before starting a journey and, if necessary, retighten them after a short distance. On long trips, check the threaded  
connections and fasteners each time you take a break.  
Do not make any modifications or repairs to the roof rack or base.  
A fitted roof rack increases air resistance and therefore may reduce the vehicle's range.  
Loading the roof rack  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and Introduction.  
Maximum permissible roof weight  
The maximum permissible roof load is 100 kg (220 lbs).  
The roof load consists of the weight of the roof rack and the items carried on the roof rack →  
.
Always check the weight of the roof rack and the items that will be transported on it. Weigh the items if necessary.  
When using a roof rack with a low load limit, do not load the rack with the maximum permissible roof load. In this case, only load the roof rack to the weight limit liste  
in the installation guide.  
Distributing the load  
249  
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly →  
.
Checking that everything is secure  
Once you have fitted the roof rack, drive a short distance and then check all the fasteners. Keep checking them regularly.  
WARNING  
Accidents and serious injuries can result if the maximum permissible roof weight is exceeded.  
Never exceed the specified roof load, the Gross Axle Weight Rating, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicle.  
Do not exceed the load limit of the roof rack, even if the roof load is below the limit.  
WARNING  
Items that are secured loosely or incorrectly could fall off the roof rack and cause accidents and injuries.  
Use only suitable and undamaged tie-downs, fixing and tensioning straps.  
NOTICE  
Make sure the trunk lid does not run into the roof load when opening the lid.  
250  

Related Topics

Stowing luggage and cargo Luggage compartment cover Luggage compartment floor Luggage compartment features Trailer towing Trailer hitch Roof rack

Popular Owner Manuals

Audi
Audi
BMW
BMW
Citroen
Citroen
Ford
Ford
Honda
Honda
Peugeot
Peugeot