Get Offroad driving Guide for Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

Introduction

You can also drive all-wheel drive vehicles offroad in addition to on normal roads. It is very important to read the

contents of this section before driving offroad.

The examples stated in this chapter must be understood as general guidelines that are intended to help the driver to

drive safely when driving off-road. However, it is not possible to predict whether these guidelines will be valid for all

situations that could occur. Before driving in unknown terrain, it is crucial to obtain knowledge about the

characteristics of the terrain ahead. This will enable you to assess potential danger in advance. The driver is

responsible for deciding whether the vehicle is suitable for the terrain in question and whether it is possible to drive

through the terrain.

Driving off-road demands different skills and driving styles in comparison to driving on roads.

The vehicle is not built for “expeditions”.

Switch off the driver assist and parking systems when driving off-road.

Checklist

Prior to driving off-road for the first time, please follow these steps to be able to operate and drive the vehicle off-

road:

✓ Observe the basic safety notes (→ Offroad driving).

✓ Adjust the seat position so that you have a good view to the front. Fasten seat belts (→ Sitting position).

✓ Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.

A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving offroad. Remember that driving through

undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.

Leaking service fluids due to vehicle damage can pollute the environment. Collect any service fluids that

escape or are spilled and dispose of them correctly and with respect for the environment.

Take suitable accessories and equipment with you when driving

offroad.

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Safety notes for offroad driving

WARNING

The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within the limits of the

system. Despite input from the ABS

, adverse terrain can cause instability through locked wheels – for example, if you brake hard when driving on a

loose gravel road. The ESC system will have difficulty stabilising the vehicle in these circumstances.

WARNING

Driving offroad can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to the vehicle and also a vehicle

breakdown far from any assistance.

● Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and the vehicle occupants. If a route

does not go any further, or if you have any doubts about the safety of the route, turn round and choose a

different route.

● Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and can lead to difficult situations for driver and

passengers alike. Explore the terrain ahead of you on foot.

● Think ahead and take extra care when driving offroad. If you drive too fast or if a driving manoeuvre is

unsuccessful this could result in serious injuries and vehicle damage.

● Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and offroad, visibility, traffic and weather

conditions.

● Never drive too fast over embankments, ramps or slopes. The vehicle may lose contact with the ground, which

means you will no longer be able to steer it. This may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

● Keep the front wheels pointing ahead if the vehicle should lose contact with the ground. The vehicle may roll

over if the wheels are turned when they make contact with the ground.

● Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, ditches, precipices, obstacles,

shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not recognisable as such and can be covered either fully or partly by

snow, water, grass or branches lying on the ground. Explore the terrain ahead of you on foot.

WARNING

Sports utility vehicles are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal road passenger vehicles

(→ Offroad driving).

● In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a considerably higher risk

of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.

● The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a normal on-road vehicle which is

unsuited for offroad driving.

● Never drive too fast, particularly around bends, and never perform extreme driving manoeuvres.

● Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit the terrain conditions.

● Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of gravity and will make the

vehicle more likely to roll over.

WARNING

● Always avoid traversing a slope.

● Never exit the vehicle via the doors that are facing downhill when parked sideways on a steep hill. The combined

centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle occupants and payload)can shift and cause the vehicle to

roll over and roll down the incline. Always leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline.

WARNING

The driver assist systems were designed for use on surfaced roads only. The driver assist systems are not suited to

driving offroad and therefore may even be dangerous. Using the driver assist systems when driving offroad could

cause you to lose control over the vehicle and sustain severe injuries.

● Never use the driver assist systems when driving offroad.

WARNING

Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad, accidents and

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serious injuries.

The steering and brake support systems will not function if the engine sputters or stops completely due to a lack of

fuel or irregular fuel supply.

● Fill up with sufficient fuel before driving offroad.

NOTICE

During sudden rain showers, water can enter the vehicle interior via open windows and cause damage to the vehicle.

● Always keep the windows closed when driving the vehicle offroad.

Explanation of technical terms

Fig. 1 Diagram: Angle of gradient.

Fig. 2 Diagram: Tilt angle.

Centre of gravity

The centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle has greater ground clearance

for offroad driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a “normal” vehicle. The high centre of gravity

means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving. Always remember this fact when driving and

follow the safety tips and warnings given in this owner's manual.

Ground clearance

This is the vertical distance between the level ground and the lowest item on the vehicle.

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Gradient angle

The number of metres in height gained over a distance of 100 m(gradient) will be given as a percentage or

degree → Fig. 1. Indication of gradient that the vehicle can drive up under its own power. The maximum

gradient angle that the vehicle can overcome depends among other things on the road surface and engine

power.

Inclination angle

Maximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope without the vehicle tipping ove(rdependent

on the centre of gravity) → Fig. 1.

Breakover angle

Maximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a ramp without the

underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.

Ramp angle

Crossover from the horizontal level surface to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level

surface. Maximum permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle can clear a ramp without the underbody of

the vehicle scraping the ramp.

Fall line

This is the vertical drop route.

Axle articulation

The vehicle's torsional flexibility when driving over objects with just one side of the vehicle.

Checklist “Before driving offroad”

Checklist

To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following points before driving offroad:

✓ Inform yourself sufficiently about the nature of the terrain ahead before you drive into the terrain.

✓ Fill the tank up to the maximum capacity. Fuel consumption is considerably higher offroad.

✓ Check that the tyre tread of all tyres and the tyre type are suitable for the planned offroad trip.

✓ Check the tyre pressure of all tyres and adjust as required.

✓ Check engine oil level and refill engine oil as necessary. Engine oil will be supplied to the engine when driving at an

incline only if the engine oil level is high enough.

✓ Completely refill the washer fluid reservoir with water and washer fluid.

✓ Pack the load in the vehicle as evenly and as low as possible. Secure all loose items.

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General rules and driving tips

—Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends never driving offroad alone. You should only drive offroad with at

least two offroad vehicles driving as a team. Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you

carry equipment you can use for calling for help.

—Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections and check the route ahead on foot.

—Drive slowly over the crests of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground as this could cause

damage, possibly leaving you unable to manoeuvre.

—Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always keep the vehicle in

motion.

—The ground is predominantly soft when driving offroad meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will

reduce ground clearance and the wading depth. If possible, always drive on flat and firm ground.

—Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first vehicle suddenly gets

stuck, the following vehicle can stop without getting stuck.

NOTICE

● Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious damage to the underbody

could occur if the vehicle is scraped. This damage could cause the vehicle to break down and thus make it

impossible to drive on.

● When driving off-road, never let the clutch slip and never leave your foot on the clutch pedal. When travelling

over uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake, and lose control of the vehicle. A slipped clutch also

prevents power being transferred from the engine to the gearbox. Driving with the clutch partially engaged

causes premature wear to the clutch lining.

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Differential lock

Fig. 1 In the dash panel: button for the differential lock

(illustration).

The differential lock ensures a mechanically rigid connection between the wheels on the rear axle so that it is not

possible for there to be a difference in the rotational speeds of the wheels. When driving off-road, the differential

lock improves traction in difficult terrain conditions, e.g. holes or surfaces with poor grip and when the vehicle is

driving uphill →

Engaging the differential lock

1. When travelling at a speed of less than around 45 km/h(around 28 mph), press the → Fig. 1 button →

The symbol in the button lights up continuously→ Fig. 1 as soon as the differential lock is engaged. Depending on

the equipment, the yellow indicator lamp flashes or lights up in the instrument cluster.

If the engine is switched off with the differential lock engaged, the differential lock remains engaged for around

another 30 seconds.

Switching off the differential lock

1. Press the → Fig. 1 button again.

The illuminated yellow symbol in the button→ Fig. 1 and the yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster go

out.

Do not engage the differential lock

—If you are driving on surfaced roads, e.g. asphalt→

—If the vehicle is being towed.

—When the drive wheels are spinning.

—If the brakes are being tested on a rolling road test bed.

—When the spare wheel is not the same as the other tyres mounted on the vehicle .

Differential lock cannot be engaged

The differential lock cannot be engaged in the following situations:

—When travelling at a vehicle speed of more than around 45 km/h(around 28 mph).

—If there is a large difference in the rotational speed of the rear wheels.

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Offroad driving for Your Volkswagen California Van Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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