Braking, stopping, and parking -> Introduction for Your Volkswagen Beetle 4 Door Third Generation (2012-2019)

Braking, stopping, and parking  
Introduction  
In this section you’ll find information about:  
Warning and indicator lights  
Parking brake  
Parking  
About the brakes  
Braking assistance systems  
Brake fluid  
The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System  
(BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control  
(ESC).  
More information:  
Starting assistance systems.  
Tires and wheels.  
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications.  
WARNING  
Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a collision and serious personal  
injury.  
If the brake pads are worn or you notice changes in the way the vehicle brakes,  
immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.  
WARNING  
Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.  
Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a  
stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.  
Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite  
flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.  
Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.  
Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.  
Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an  
emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.  
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.  
Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is  
running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as  
the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.  
Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They  
could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could  
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.  
Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and  
vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal  
injury.  
Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the  
vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in  
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in  
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.  
Heat build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in  
temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly  
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and  
death, particularly to small children.  
NOTICE  
Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in  
height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a  
barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help  
prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.  
Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over  
curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as  
bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).  
Warning and indicator lights  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
..  
Lights  
up  
Proper response  
Possible cause or meaning ⇒ꢀ  
Parking brake engaged.  
⇒ꢀpage 136.  
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