Parking and manoeuvring -> Parking for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

Parking the vehicle  
Stopping the vehicle  
1. Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface, →  
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2. Depress and hold the brake pedal until the engine has stopped.  
3. On vehicles with a manual gearbox, eitherfully depress or disengage the clutch.  
4. If the vehicle has an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position .  
5. Apply the handbrake firmly.  
6. On uphill and downhill slopes, turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle will roll against the kerb if it starts to  
move.  
7. Stop the engine and switch off the ignition.  
8. Remove foot from brake pedal.  
9. Turn the steering wheel slightly if necessary to engage the steering lock.  
10. With a manual gearbox, select first gear for flat ground and uphill gradients, or reverse gear for downhill  
gradients, and then release the clutch.  
11. Get out of the vehicle and ensure that all occupants, in particular children, leave the vehicle. Watch out for  
other road users!  
12. Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.  
13. Lock the vehicle.  
WARNING  
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.  
Never park the vehicle where parts of the exhaust system can come into contact with inflammable material  
underneath the vehicle, e.g. undergrowth, leaves, dry grass, spilt fuel, oil etc.  
WARNING  
The vehicle may roll away if you leave and park the vehicle incorrectly. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.  
When parking, observe the specified sequence.  
Make sure that the handbrake is applied securely.  
Never remove the vehicle key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. This could cause the steering lock to  
engage suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle.  
WARNING  
If children, people requiring assistance or animals are left unattended in the vehicle, there is the danger of accidents  
and serious injuries.  
Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals in the vehicle unattended. They could release the  
handbrake, move the selector lever or gearshift lever and thus set the vehicle in motion.  
Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the  
vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. Temperatures inside a locked vehicle  
can reach extremes of heat or cold, according to season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities,  
especially in the case of small children.  
Always take all vehicle keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and electrical  
equipment such as the window controls can be operated. This can cause serious injury.  
NOTICE  
The vehicle may become damaged if you leave and park the vehicle incorrectly.  
In order to prevent unwanted vehicle movements when parking the vehicle, always pull the handbrake up as far  
as it will go and check that it is working properly.  
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Objects that protrude from the ground can damage the bumper and other components when parking the vehicle.  
Always take care when driving into parking spaces with high kerbs or fixed boundaries. Stop before the wheels  
touch the fixed boundaries or kerbs.  
Low-lying vehicle components such as the bumper, spoiler and parts of the running gear, engine or exhaust  
system could be damaged. Take care when driving over dips in the road, driveways, ramps, kerbs and other  
objects.  
NOTICE  
If the ground is uneven, sandy or muddy, this may mean that the vehicle cannot be parked safely and may be  
damaged.  
Always park the vehicle on a firm, level surface.  
Please adhere to relevant legislation when stopping and parking your  
vehicle.  
Using the handbrake  
Fig. 1 Between the front seats: handbrake.  
Applying the handbrake  
Depending on the vehicle load or trailer load, pull up the handbrake lever with force and latch it. The maximum effect  
of the brake is achieved when the handbrake lever is pulled up as far as it will go.  
Always check whether the maximum effect of the handbrake is reached.  
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.  
2. Pull the handbrake lever up firmly with the lock button→ Fig. 1 pressed in.  
3. Remove your foot gradually from the brake pedal and be ready to apply the brake.  
4. If the vehicle still moves, pull up the handbrake more and repeat the procedure.  
When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up red→  
.
Releasing the handbrake  
1. Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button→ Fig. 1.  
2. Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.  
WARNING  
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Always apply the handbrake firmly when you park the vehicle! The red indicator lamp lights up as soon as the  
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