Get Transporting children safely Guide for Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

Transporting children safely

Introduction

The physical principles in the event of an accident also apply to children. However, due to their size and other factors, they face a greater risk of injury.

Children and babies must therefore always be transported in child restraint systems that are designed for their age, size, weight and body structure. In the USA and

Canada, the use of tested and certiﬁed child restraint systems is required by law.

In the case of head-on collisions at speeds of between 30 and 55 km/h (approx. 20–35 mph), a small child weighing 6 kg (13 lbs) will be subjected to forces of more

than 20 times their body weight. This means that the child's effective weight will suddenly increase to up to 120 kg (260 lbs). Under such conditions, only a child

restraint used in accordance with regulations can reduce the risk of injury. However, a child restraint which is not used in accordance with regulations may further

increase the risk of injury!

All children (particularly children under 12 years of age) should always be transported on the rear seats in appropriate child restraint systems. However, if you must

use a child restraint on the front passenger seat in exceptional circumstances, always follow all the information and warnings available at ⇒

Introduction.

You can ﬁnd more information on this subject at:

National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Transport Canada Information Centre:

Read and follow the instructions from the child seat manufacturer to ensure that the seat is appropriate for your child. Also be sure to read and follow all the

information and warnings on child restraint systems in this manual!

WARNING

In the event of an accident, people sitting on the front passenger seat (particularly children and small children) may suffer severe or fatal injuries if there is not

sufﬁcient distance between them and the airbag, if it is deployed (even with the Advanced Airbag System)!

The safest place for children is on the rear seats.

A suitable child restraint that is installed on the rear seat in accordance with regulations provides the highest level of protection for children and small

children in most accidents.

Even though the Advanced Airbag System is designed to detect child restraint systems on the front passenger seat and to switch off the front passenger's

front airbag, it is not possible to guarantee that the system will perform correctly under all circumstances and over the vehicle's service life.

In compliance with the “low risk” option for children of 3–6 years of age according to the U.S. Federal Standard, the Advanced Airbag System may be

deployed if the electrical capacity of a typical one-year-old child combined with a child restraint system on the front passenger seat is exceeded and the

criteria for deployment of the Advanced Airbag System are met.

WARNING

Accident statistics have shown that the rear seats offer greater safety than the front seats for children in general.

Always transport children under 12 years of age on the rear seats.

A child who is not secured or is not secured properly can be injured through sliding around in the vehicle interior or through being ejected from the vehicle

during a sudden maneuver or collision. Secure children in the vehicle with a child restraint that is appropriate for their weight and height and with the

safety belt used correctly ⇒ Transporting children safely.

A child who is not secured or not properly secured is exposed to an increased risk of injury or death through collision with an airbag. Make sure that

children are not within the deployment zone of the airbag.

A child restraint system corresponding to body weight and body size that is installed and used on the rear seats offers maximum protection for infants and

small children in most accident situations.

Child restraints – overview

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

All children (particularly small children and infants) must be transported in child restraints suitable for them. These child restraints must always be installed correctly

The information in the following table will help you to ﬁnd the suitable child restraint for your child.

Child restraint type

Use

Birth–12 months old: A child of up to 12 months of age must always be transported in a rear-facing

child restraint. There are different types of these:

Rear-facing child restraint

– Rear-facing child restraints for infants only.

– Convertible and multi-purpose child restraints with greater weight and size restrictions for transporting

your child in the rear-facing position for longer periods of time.

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Child restraint type

Use

1 – 3 years old: Transport your child in a rear-facing child restraint for as long as possible until they

have reached the weight and size restrictions. After your child has reached the weight and size

restrictions, you can transport them in a forward-facing child restraint with the appropriate safety belts.

Rear-facing child restraint before transitioning to the

forward-facing child restraint

4 – 7 years old: Transport your child in a forward-facing child restraint for as long as possible until they

have reached the weight and size restrictions. After your child has reached the weight and size

restrictions, you can transport them in a booster seat but only on the rear seats.

Forward facing child restraints

Booster seat

7 – 12 years old: Transport your child using a booster seat until they have grown enough to sit on the

seats with a safety belt without a booster seat. The safety belt must be routed correctly ⇒ Safety belt

positioning. You should continue to transport your child on the rear seats.

Child restraints can be fastened either with a three-point safety belt or with an ISOFIX/lower LATCH fastening system. Many child restraints also require the use of

top tether systems. Depending on countries and federal states, the use of Top Tether may even be required by law.

How to determine whether a child restraint is installed correctly

The child restraint lies ﬂush against the seat cushion and the backrest unless the child restraint manufacturer allows a gap between the seat and child restraint

The overhang of the child restraint on the seat cushion is not longer than 20% of the child restraint. Always follow the instructions for the permitted child

restraint overhangs.

You should always position the child restraint centrally on the seat.

The clearance of the child restraint forward and sideways is no greater than approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch).

The child restraint must not rest on the belt buckles of the seats. These could be damaged as a result.

When installing multiple child restraints, they must not block each other and must be free-standing and remain accessible.

The child restraint has been secured correctly using the three-point safety belt or ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage point. The top tether system of the child

restraint has also been used correctly as speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

DANGER

Not using the child restraint, using it incorrectly or using the wrong child restraint increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or an

accident.

Children sitting on the front seats may suffer severe or fatal injuries in the event of airbag deployment (even if advanced airbags are used).

Children in a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat may suffer severe or fatal injuries in the event of airbag deployment.

Always install child restraints on the rear seats.

If, in exceptional circumstances, you nevertheless install a child restraint on the front passenger seat and the yellow

PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator light does not come on and stay on, remove the seat immediately and have the airbag system checked by an

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

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

If the airbag is deployed, a child restraint on the front passenger seat may collide with the airbag and the child in the child restraint may suffer severe or even

fatal injuries (even if advanced airbags are used). If, in exceptional circumstances, you nevertheless install a child restraint on the front passenger seat, observe

the following points:

Forward-facing child restraints may be situated in the deployment zone of a front passenger's front airbag and may result in severe or fatal injuries if the

airbag is deployed. Always ensure that the child restraint in use has been approved by the manufacturer for use on the front passenger seat.

Read and always follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Never install a child restraint without a top tether safety belt if this is required by the manufacturer or by law.

Never position a forward-facing child restraint directly on the instrument panel.

Adjust the seat belt adjuster so that the seat can be installed correctly.

Position the front passenger seat as high as possible and move it as far back as possible in order to obtain the largest possible distance to the instrument

panel.

Make sure that the upper anchorage of the safety belt is behind the child restraint to ensure that the safety belt is routed correctly.

Make sue that the backrest is in the upright position.

WARNING

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Any unused safety belts on the rear seats are a danger to your child when transported in a child restraint on the rear seats. By playing with the safety belts, the

child may get tangled up and this could result in severe or fatal injuries.

Always secure unused safety belts to the rear seat. You can do this by putting them around the head restraints which are furthest away from the installed

child restraint and secure the safety belt.

NOTICE

Make sure not to activate the lockable belt system when you secure the safety belts that are not being used.

Make sure that the belt is not damaged when installing the child restraint with the safety belt, particularly if you are using the lockable belt system.

Safety notes on using child restraints

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

Fig. 38 Never allow children or infants to travel on your lap.

The correct use of child restraints signiﬁcantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident or collision!

All children, in particular children under the age of 12, must always travel in suitable child restraints on the rear seat.

Only use child restraints that are suitable for the height and weight of the child.

ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points can be used to secure child restraints on the seats without using the vehicle's safety belts. If you do want to install a child

restraint using the safety belts instead of ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points, please follow all instructions given by the child restraint manufacturer for guiding

the belt around the child restraint and securing the child in the child restraint. Ensure that the child restraint cannot move forward or sideways by more than 2.5 cm

(1 inch) after installation.

When installing a child restraint with the safety belt, you must activate the lockable belt system.

Never activate the lockable belt system when installing a booster seat or if a child is traveling without a child restraint.

Once the child restraint is correctly installed, the settings for that seat must no longer be changed. If the seat settings have been changed, the installation of the

child restraint must be checked and, if necessary, adjusted.

If a child restraint is installed on a seat, functions such as the massage function or seat heating ⇒ Seat heating and seat ventilation must not be used on that seat

Important additional information for installing child restraints on the front passenger seat

If, under exceptional circumstances, you need to install a child restraint on the front passenger seat, read and follow all warnings and instructions here

⇒

Introduction.

You can ﬁnd additional information on the selection and use of child restraints here:

Transport Canada Information CentreTel.: 1-800-333-0371Tel.: 1-613-998-8616 (Ottawa)

National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationTel.: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)

National SAFE KIDS CampaignTel.: 1-202-662-0600

SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.Tel.: 1-800-745-SAFE or 1-800-745-7233 (English)Tel.: 1-800-747-SANO or 1-800-747-7266 (Spanish)

Volkswagen Customer CARETel.: 1-800-822-8987

DANGER

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The use of rear-facing child restraints or infant carriers on the front passenger seat can cause severe or fatal injuries.

Always install rear-facing child restraints or infant carriers on the rear seat.

WARNING

Transporting children without a child restraint or with an unsuitable child restraint, or incorrectly installing a child restraint, increases the risk of severe or fatal

injuries in the event of an accident or collision.

Only use child restraints that are suitable for the child and that comply with the regulations set out by FMVSS 210 (CMVSS 213 in Canada).

Only use child restraints that sit on the seat cushion of the vehicle.

When installing the child restraint, follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the child restraint.

Always observe all legal requirements regarding the installation and use of child restraints.

Children under 145 cm (around 57 inches) may only be secured and transported in the vehicle with an appropriate child restraint.

Only one child must be allowed to travel in a child restraint.

Never drive with children, toddlers or babies on the driver's or a passenger's lap.

WARNING

Forward-facing child restraints on the front passenger seat may collide with the airbag if it is triggered, which can lead to severe or fatal injuries.

Always install child restraints on the rear seat.

Securing systems

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

Different securing systems are used for safe installation of child restraints depending on the country.

Only use the securing systems described here to secure child restraints in the vehicle.

Overview of securing systems

ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points: ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points are attachment systems for quick and secure attachment of child restraints

in the vehicle. Attachment using ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points creates a ﬁxed connection between the child restraint and the vehicle.

The child restraint can have two ﬁxed or ﬂexible attachment arms. The attachment arms snap into the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points that are located

between the seat cushion and the rear seat backrest ⇒ Fastening a Child Restraint with ISOFIX or Lower LATCH Anchorage Point . Reinforce the attachment usin

the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points by attaching with a top tether safety belt or a support bracket, if necessary.

Three-point safety belt: Child restraints can be fastened with a three-point safety belt ⇒ Securing a child restraint with a safety belt .

Additional fasteners:

Top Tether: the upper belt is guided over the rear seat backrest and secured to the anchorage point on the rear side of the rear seats using a hook ⇒ Secur

the child restraint with the upper strap (top tether). Top tether anchorages are labeled with an anchor symbol.

Support base: some child restraints are supported with a support base on the vehicle ﬂoor. The support base reduces the risk of the child restraint tipping

forward in the event of a collision. Only use child restraints with a support foot on the front passenger seat and the outer seats in the second row of seats ⇒

.

WARNING

Incorrect use of the support base can cause severe or fatal injuries.

Make sure the support base is installed correctly and securely.

Fastening a Child Restraint with ISOFIX or Lower LATCH Anchorage Point

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

Installing child restraints with ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage point

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Fig. 39 On the second-row seats: Designation and symbol showing the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points for child restraints.

Fig. 40 General example: fitting a child restraint with attachment arms.

The installation location of the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points is indicated by a symbol ﬁg. 39.

1. Pay attention to and follow the information → page , Safety notes on using child restraints.

2. If necessary, fold down the protective caps of the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points.

3. Push the attachment arms of the child restraint in the direction of the arrow onto the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage points ﬁg. 40. The child restraint must

engage securely and audibly.

4. Pull on both sides of the child restraint to check that the child restraint is securely locked in place.

If the child restraint is equipped with a support foot, this support foot must be positioned securely on the vehicle ﬂoor.

Using insertion guides

If the lower LATCH anchorage points for child restraints are not directly accessible, guidance ﬁxtures can make the installation and removal of child restraints

easier. To do this, ﬁrst position the guidance ﬁxtures at the lower LATCH anchorage points. Then fasten the child restraint according to the installation instructions.

NOTICE

Prevent permanent marks or damage to seat covers and cushions due to insert guides.

Before folding the rear seats forward or when removing the child restraint, always remove the guidance ﬁxtures from the ISOFIX/lower LATCH anchorage

points.

Securing the child restraint with the upper strap (top tether)

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

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Fig. 41 On the back of the second-row seats: Top tether anchorages for the top tether safety belt.

Fig. 42 On the back of the third-row seats: Top tether anchorages for the top tether safety belt.

Fig. 43 On the back of the second or third row of seats: attached top tether safety belt.

Top tether safety belts reduce the forward movement of the child restraint during an accident. This reduces the risk of a head injury to the child.

The anchorages suitable for top tether are labeled with a symbol and may have the label “TOP TETHER” ﬁg. 41, ﬁg. 42. Fasten the top tether safety belt only to

the top tether anchorages designed for this purpose.

Fastening the top tether safety belt

1. Pay attention to and follow the information → page , Safety notes on using child restraints.

2. Prepare the top tether safety belt on the child restraint according to the child restraint manufacturer instructions

3. If necessary, remove the luggage compartment cover and screen separator.

⇒

.

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4. Place the child restraint in the center of the vehicle seat cushion and fasten it securely according to the child restraint manufacturer instructions.

5. If necessary, move the rear seat backrest of the vehicle seat to an upright position and adjust to the backrest of the child restraint.

6. Locate the top tether anchorage for the respective seat ﬁg. 41, ﬁg. 42.

7. If necessary, push the head restraint upwards and guide the top tether safety belt of the child restraint to the rear under the head restraint.

Applies to child restraints with a V-shaped top tether safety belt: Check that the top tether safety belt is taut on the seat and is not redirected by the bars of the

head restraint.

8. Guide the top tether safety belt of the child restraint back over the seat.

9. Hook the top tether safety belt into the appropriate anchorage marked with “top tether” ﬁg. 43.

10. Pull on the top tether safety belt.

11. Check that the hook of the top tether safety belt is closed.

12. Tighten the top tether safety belt according to the child restraint manufacturer instructions

13. If necessary, guide the head restraint back into the starting position.

⇒

.

WARNING

Fastening the child restraint incorrectly increases the risk of serious and fatal injury during an accident.

Always follow the child restraint manufacturer instructions for fastening the child restraint in the vehicle.

Never fasten a child restraint without the top tether safety belt if the use of a top tether safety belt is prescribed by the child restraint manufacturer or

legally required for the child restraint.

For example, the use of a top tether safety belt in conjunction with a forward-facing child restraint is legally required in Canada.

Improper fastening of the top tether safety belt can lead to serious injuries during an accident. The top tether anchorages are only approved for correctly

installed child restraints.

Always only fasten a top tether safety belt of a child restraint to a top tether anchorage.

Never fasten a child restraint top tether safety belt to a tie-down.

Never fasten a safety belt or another belt of the child restraint to a top tether anchorage.

Never fasten luggage or other objects to a top tether anchorage.

Releasing the top tether safety belt

1. Release the top tether safety belt according to the child restraint manufacturer instructions.

2. Release the catch on the hook and release the top tether safety belt from the top tether anchorage.

Securing a child restraint with a safety belt

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

Locking the safety belt

If a child restraint is fastened with a safety belt, the safety belt must be locked. Note the instructions provided by the child restraint manufacturer.

If a safety belt is locked, the belt cannot unwind. A locked safety belt prevents the safety belt being released during the journey, which can mean that the child

restraint is no longer sufﬁciently secured.

1. Pay attention to and follow the information → page , Safety notes on using child restraints.

2. If available, adjust the height of the safety belt so that the belt webbing runs naturally along the child restraint without any sharp bends in the webbing.

3. Install the child restraint according to the guide from the child restraint manufacturer and ensure that the safety belt meant for the seat is used.

4. Insert the buckle tongue into the belt buckle belonging to the corresponding seat, until the buckle tongue latches into place.

5. Check that the safety belt is not twisted.

6. Check that the lap section of the safety belt is taut.

7. Completely pull out the shoulder belt section of the safety belt and then let it gently roll up.

While the safety belt is being rolled up, a clicking sound can be heard. Once the safety belt is locked, it cannot be further pulled out.

8. Press the child restraint into the seat and let the safety belt roll up further. If necessary, return the shoulder belt section of the safety belt to the automatic safety

belt retractor by hand.

9. Pull the belt guide of the child restraint.

Check that the child restraint cannot move further than 2.5 cm (approx. 1 inch).

Releasing the locked safety belt

The lockable safety belt may only be used to fasten certain child restraint systems in the vehicle. An activated locking mechanism must be released when a vehicle

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occupant fastens their safety belt.

1. Release the safety belt from the belt buckle.

2. Remove the child restraint according to the instructions from the child restraint manufacturer.

3. Press the red button in the belt buckle and guide the safety belt back fully by hand.

The safety belt is no longer locked.

Keep any safety belts that are not being used out of the reach of children

Fig. 44 Keep any safety belts that are not being used away from children.

Secure any safety belts not being used to prevent a child from playing with the safety belt and getting caught in it. The procedure for securing a safety belt that is no

being used depends on the seating position.

To secure a safety belt that is not being used for one of the outer seats:

1. Position the safety belt around the head restraint of the center seating position ﬁg. 44.

2. Make sure that the safety belt is out of range of any children so that children cannot touch it or play with it.

3. Make sure that the safety belt is not blocking the lower anchors.

If the anchor points are blocked, this may mean that you cannot install the child restraint properly in the anchor points.

4. Do not activate the lockable safety belt.

Otherwise, it is very difﬁcult to retract the safety belt into its normal position. You should not hear any clicking noises when the safety belt is retracted.

To secure a safety belt that is not being used for the center seating position or a third row seat:

1. Fasten the safety belt ﬁg. 44.

2. Pull the shoulder strap on the safety belt out fully to activate the lockable safety belt. You should hear a clicking noise when the safety belt is rolled up again.

3. Let the safety belt roll up fully. Pull the safety belt to make sure that the lockable safety belt is activated and the safety belt is properly fastened and tightened so

that the child cannot get hold of the belt or play with it.

If a child is secured on a seat in the second or third row, adapt the position in front of the child restraint to give the child enough space. For example, adjust the fron

passenger seat to the size of the child and the child directly behind them. Always pay attention to the correct seating position ⇒ Seating position.

if no child restraints are needed, move all the safety belts back into their normal storage positions so that the safety belts are available for normal use.

WARNING

A child that is in a child restraint that has been secured with the anchor points or with a safety belt may play with any unused safety belts on the rear seat and get

tangled up, which could result in serious or even fatal injuries.

Always keep any safety belts for the rear seats that are not being used out of the reach of children.

Installing three child restraints on the second-row seats

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

With the right combination of child restraints, three child restraints can be installed side by side on the second-row seats. Because there are different types of child

restraints with different measurements, all child restraints must be installed correctly during this type of installation. It is not possible to install three very wide child

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restraints next to each other.

Installing on the center seating position

When installing a child restraint on the center seating position, it is especially important to install correctly because this seating position is narrower than both of the

outer seats. If the child restraint is wider than the seat surface, the belt buckle of the adjacent seating position may be covered and could then be damaged. When

installing child seats, always ensure that all belt buckles are easily accessible.

If nothing else is speciﬁed by the child restraint manufacturer, the child restraint must rest close against the backrest and seat surface and must not overlap se

surfaces.

The child restraint must be installed straight and centered on the seating position, and it must not be able to move more than 2.5 cm (approx. 1 inch).

The child restraint must not rest on the belt buckles.

When installing multiple child restraints, the child restraints must not become caught on one another.

In some cases, even if a child restraint is installed correctly on the center seating position, it may cover the belt buckles and could then damage them and make the

belt buckles unusable. This can occur if the child restraint slides on the seat surface while driving. Therefore, check the position of the child restraint regularly to

ensure that the belt buckles are neither covered nor damaged.

Cap for belt buckles

Fig. 45 Protective cap for belt buckles: Fitted protective cap.

Fig. 46 Protective cap for belt buckles: remove the protective cap.

In addition to using buckles correctly and checking them regularly for damage, a cap can also be installed on unused belt buckles to help protect them from

damage. This cap can be obtained as a Volkswagen accessory at an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

This cap should always be used when child restraints are installed on the center position.

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1. Install the protective cap on the belt buckle before the child restraint is installed.

2. Position the protective cap on the belt buckle and press it down until you hear it click into place ﬁg. 45.

3. Pull on the protective cap to check that it is secure. The cap must not be able to loosen.

The belt buckle is now out of action.

4. To remove the protective cap, push the belt buckle tongue into the oblong slot of the cap.

5. Press the button underneath with the buckle tongue ﬁg. 46.

The cap will pop out.

Securing a booster seat with a safety belt

Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒

Introduction.

Fig. 47 Correctly fastened child on a booster seat.

Children between the ages of around 8 and 12 are best protected when they travel on a booster seat that is suitable for their age and height.

The safety belts of the vehicle generally only ﬁt children 145 cm (approx. 57 inches) tall or taller. Booster seats ensure that children under this height can be

correctly fastened using the safety belt.

Never activate the lockable belt system when securing a child with a booster seat.

The upper area of the belt must always be positioned on the child's shoulder. Ensure that the belt does not rest on the child's face or neck.

The lap belt must always run across the child's lap. It must never run across the child's stomach.

Children over 145 cm (approx. 57 inches) tall can generally be fastened with the safety belt. Pay attention to the information at ⇒ Safety belt positioning.

Your child no longer needs a booster seat if they are taller than 145 cm (approx. 57 inches) and the following conditions are met:

The child can sit with their back fully against the backrest.

The child's knees bend over the edge of the seat.

The child's feet sit fully ﬂat on the vehicle ﬂoor.

The child can comfortably stay in this position for the entire journey.

Children aged 12 or under must always travel on a rear seat.

WARNING

Not using a booster seat or incorrectly using a booster seat or safety belt can cause severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident or collision.

Always observe all instructions regarding the installation and use of child restraints and booster seats.

If, under exceptional circumstances, you need to install a booster seat on the front passenger seat, ensure that the PASSENGER AIR BAG

indicator light turns on and remains on.

In case of an emergency

Securing yourself and the vehicle

Follow all legal regulations regarding securing a vehicle during a breakdown. For example, in many countries you must switch on the emergency ﬂashers and wear

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Transporting children safely for Your Volkswagen Atlas SUV First Generation (2018-2023)

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