Engine compartment -> Brake fluid for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Brake fluid  
Fig. 1 In the engine compartment: brake fluid reservoir  
cap.  
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. The brake system will be damaged if there is too  
much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content.  
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks  
reduce levels of braking power, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail  
completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly  
at all times  
.
Brake fluid specification  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the  
vehicle. To ensure the best possible operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles expressly  
recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.  
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle  
requirements.  
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles  
dealerships.  
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead, brake fluid that is  
compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be used.  
Not all brake fluids that are compliant withDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the same  
chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake system  
components over time.  
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements ofDIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or  
US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.  
Brake fluid level  
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX markings on the brake fluid reservoir→  
.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as the brake fluid reservoir may be partially  
concealed. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop.  
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are  
automatically adjusted.  
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Brake fluid level  
The indicator lamp lights up red.  
Brake fluid level is too low.  
1.  
Do not drive on!  
2. Check the brake fluid level.  
3. Seek expert assistance if the brake fluid level is too low.  
Brake fluid change  
Have the brake fluid changed regularly. Information on the change interval for the brake fluid can be obtained from a  
correspondingly qualified workshop. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required specification should be used.  
WARNING  
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that  
is too old or unsuitable.  
Have the brake system and brake fluid level checked or the brake fluid changed on a regular basis.  
The refilled brake fluid must be new.  
Make sure that the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that is explicitly compliant with VW standard  
501 14. Any other brake fluid or a low-quality one can affect the functioning of the brakes and reduce their  
effectiveness.  
If you do not have any brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14, use a high-quality brake fluid  
compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 6 or the US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, but only in exceptional  
circumstances.  
WARNING  
Brake fluid is toxic.  
In order to reduce the risk of poisoning, never use bottles or other containers to store brake fluid. These  
containers could encourage other people to drink out of them, even if they are labelled otherwise.  
Always store brake fluid in its original sealed container and out of the reach of children.  
NOTICE  
Brake fluid that has leaked or been spilt can damage the vehicle paintwork, plastic parts and tyres.  
Wipe off brake fluid that has leaked or been spilled immediately from all parts of the vehicle.  
Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that escape or are spilled and dispose of  
them correctly and with respect for the environment.  
Introduction  
The 12-volt vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.  
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the  
general safety requirements and only unsuitable tools are available . Otherwise, have all work carried out by a  
correspondingly qualified workshop if necessary. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.  
Information on warning and indicator lamps that light up can be found in the troubleshooting sections at the end of  
the chapter (→ 12-volt vehicle battery).  
Number and location of the 12-volt vehicle battery  
The 12-volt vehicle battery is located in the engine compartment. Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the  
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