Get Driving -> Driving a loaded vehicle Guide for Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

the brake pedal.

If the brake servo is not functioning or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have to be depressed more

forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system →

WARNING

Driving with worn brake pads or with a faulty brake system can cause accidents and serious injuries.

● If the warning lamp lights up either individually or together with a text message in the instrument cluster

display, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop immediately. Have the brake pads checked and any worn

brake pads replaced.

WARNING

New brake pads will not have the optimum braking effect when first fitted.

● New brake pads cannot generate the full braking effect during the first 300 km and must first be “run in”. A

reduced braking effect can be increased by applying more pressure to the brake pedal.

● Drive with particular care when driving with new brake pads in order to reduce the risk of accidents, serious

injuries and loss of control of the vehicle.

● Never drive too close to other vehicles when running in new brake pads, and never create a driving situation that

will place a heavy load on the brakes.

WARNING

Overheated brakes reduce the braking effect and considerably increase the braking distance.

● When driving downhill the brakes are placed under particular strain and become hot very quickly.

● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, reduce the vehicle speed or change to a lower gear(with manual

gearboxes or in Tiptronic mode with the automatic gearbox). This will make use of the engine braking effect and

relieve the load on the brakes.

● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the brakes and cause them to overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react more slowly and require longer braking distances.

● Test the brake carefully.

● Always dry the brakes and clean off any coating of ice and salt with a few cautious applications of the brake when

visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause accidents and serious

injuries.

● Never switch the engine or ignition off while the vehicle is in motion.

● If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, you must depress the brake pedal more

forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of assistance for the brake system.

● Keep the footwell under the pedals clear so that the brake pedal can move freely.

If the front brake pads are tested, the rear brake pads should be tested at the same time. Regularly check the

thickness of the brake pads through the openings in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If

necessary, remove the wheels to carry out a comprehensive check. Please contact a correspondingly qualified

workshop.

Driving a loaded vehicle

For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following points:

—Securely stow all baggage and loads .

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—Accelerate particularly cautiously and carefully.

—Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.

—Brake earlier than in normal driving.

—If necessary, refer to information about the roof load carrier .

—If applicable, observe the information about driving with a trailer(country-dependent) .

WARNING

Moving loads can severely impair the vehicle’s stability and driving safety which could cause accidents and severe

injuries.

● Secure loads properly to prevent them from sliding.

● Use suitable straps when securing heavy objects.

● Engage the rear seat backrests securely.

Driving with an open boot lid

Driving with an open boot lid is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open boot lid and any objects are secured

properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the amount of toxic exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.

Make sure you observe any legal requirements when driving with an open boot lid.

WARNING

Driving with an unlocked or open boot lid can cause serious injuries.

● Always drive with the boot lid closed.

● Make sure that all objects in the load compartment are stowed securely. Loose objects can fall out of the load

compartment and injure road users who are driving behind.

● Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.

● Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this can cause the open boot lid to move

unpredictably.

● Any objects protruding from the load compartment must be marked to ensure that they are visible to other road

users. Comply with legal requirements.

● Any objects protruding from the load compartment must never be held or clamped in position by the boot lid.

● If it is necessary to drive with the boot lid open, any luggage carrier fitted and its load must always be removed

from the boot lid.

WARNING

Poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior when the boot lid is open. This can result in loss of

consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.

● You should always drive with the boot lid closed in order to prevent toxic gases from entering the vehicle.

● If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open boot lid, you must do the following to reduce the

quantity of toxic exhaust fumes that could enter the vehicle:

● Close all the windows.

● Switch off the air recirculation mode of the heating and fresh air system or air conditioning system.

● Open all vents in the dash panel.

● Switch the blower for the heating and fresh air system or air conditioning system to the highest setting.

NOTICE

The vehicle length and height are different when the boot lid is open.

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Driving -> Driving a loaded vehicle for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

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