2017-2020 Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Vehicle care User Manual
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Vehicle care for Your Volkswagen Golf 4 Door Seventh Generation (2017-2020)

Lights up  
Possible cause and response  
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility. Have engine checked.  
Flashes  
Possible cause and response  
Misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter.  
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Have the engine checked.  
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.  
NOTE  
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.  
As long as the indicator lights  
or  
are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.  
a) Displayed in color on an instrument cluster with color display.  
Catalytic converter  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and  
gasoline engine catalytic converter:  
Only use unleaded fuel ⇒ Fuel typesꢀ.  
Never completely empty the fuel tank.  
Do not exceed the correct oil level ⇒ Engine oilꢀ.  
Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead ⇒ Jump-startingꢀ.  
If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the atmosphere. The  
catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!  
Vehicle care  
Tips on vehicle care  
Regular and expert care helps to preserve the value of your vehicle. Such expert care may also be one of the requirements of your New Vehicle Limited Warranty  
if corrosion repair or repainting is necessary.  
The longer insect splatter, bird droppings, tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot, road salt, and other aggressive materials stay on your vehicle, the more  
damage they do to the paint finish. High temperatures (including strong sunlight) increase the corrosive effects. The vehicle underbody should also be washed  
regularly and thoroughly.  
Vehicle care products are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
Improper care and cleaning of vehicle components can impact the safety features of the vehicle and cause severe injuries.  
Always clean and maintain vehicle components according to manufacturer's instructions.  
Only use approved or recommended cleaners.  
Never use vehicle care products containing solvents. Solvents can damage the airbag housing.  
Protect arms and hands from sharp vehicle parts, for example, while cleaning the underside of the vehicle.  
WARNING  
259  
Vehicle care products can be dangerous. Improper use can cause accidents, burns, poisoning, or other serious personal injuries.  
Always store vehicle care products only in original containers that are securely closed.  
Always read and heed all the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.  
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.  
Always keep vehicle care products out of the reach of children.  
Always use such products outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, because harmful vapors may be released when these products are used.  
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail polish remover or other volatile fluids for vehicle care. They are poisonous and highly flammable.  
CAUTION  
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.  
Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.  
NOTE  
Vehicle care products containing solvents can cause irreparable damage to plastics and other vehicle materials.  
Wash the vehicle only at specifically designated wash locations to help prevent water contaminated with oil, grease and fuel from entering the storm drain  
sewer system. In some areas it is against the law to wash motor vehicles anywhere than other than at specified designated car washing locations.  
When buying vehicle care products, try to choose those that are not harmful to the environment.  
Never throw out vehicle care products with ordinary household waste. Always read and heed all the instructions and all WARNINGS on the package.  
Washing the vehicle  
Car wash  
Pay close attention to the information provided by the car wash operator. Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions to help  
prevent damage, such as closing the windows, folding back the outside mirrors, etc. If you have installed additional accessories on the vehicle, such as a spoiler, a  
roof rack, or an antenna, always ask the car wash operator if this poses a problem ⇒ ꢀ.  
The paint finish is tough enough that the vehicle can normally be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a  
large extent on the type of car wash. Volkswagen recommends using brushless car wash facilities.  
To remove wax residue from the windows and avoid jerky windshield wiper movement, heed the following tips ⇒ Cleaning windows and outside mirrorsꢀ.  
Washing with a power washer  
Always follow the instructions for the power washer. This especially applies to the pressure and spraying distance⇒ ꢀ.  
Make sure there is enough distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulating material as well as any sensors that can be located on the front and rear of  
the vehicle, for example, the Park Distance Control system sensors (if equipped) ⇒ ꢀ.  
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called dirt blasters⇒ ꢀ.  
Never use a power washer to clean the engine compartment ⇒ Cleaning the engine compartmentꢀ.  
Washing by hand  
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and then rinse off as much dirt as possible.  
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing mitt or brush using only light pressure. Start on the roof and work down. Use special shampoo only on  
hard-to-remove dirt or grime.  
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.  
Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.  
Waxing  
A good coat of wax helps to protect the vehicle paint. When water no longer forms small drops and runs off when the paint is clean, apply a new coat of good ha  
wax to protect the vehicle again.  
Even if a wax solution is used regularly at the car wash, Volkswagen recommends applying a coat of hard wax at least twice a year to protect the paint.  
Polishing  
Polish your vehicle if the paint has lost its shine and the gloss cannot be brought back with wax.  
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The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal the paint.  
WARNING  
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.  
Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or  
disobey legal requirements.  
WARNING  
Improper use of power washers can cause serious invisible permanent damage leading to tire failure and loss of vehicle control. This can cause accidents and  
severe personal injury.  
Keep sufficient distance between water jet and tires. Never wash tires with a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream regardless of the distance to  
the tire and even for a very short time.  
Never use dirt blasters to clean tires. Even spraying from a relatively long distance for a very short time can do visible or invisible damage to tires.  
NOTE  
The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).  
To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.  
Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.  
Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.  
When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or trunk  
lid. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!  
When outside temperatures are low, wipe the rubber seals and their contact surfaces dry to help prevent freezing.  
In order for any sensors located on the outside of the vehicle to work correctly, they must be kept clean and clear of snow and ice.  
When using a power washer or steam cleaner, only spray the sensors directly for a short period of time and always keep the nozzle at least 4 inches  
(10 cm) from the sensor.  
Do not clean icy or snow-covered windows with a power washer.  
NOTE  
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:  
Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!  
Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle through a car wash ⇒ Rain sensorꢀ.  
Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.  
To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.  
Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body.  
Lock the trunk lid to help prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.  
NOTE  
To help prevent damage, do not use hard wax or polish on matte-finished parts, plastic parts, headlights or rear lights.  
Do not wax or polish your vehicle if it is dirty, or in a sandy or dusty place.  
Exterior care and cleaning  
Cleaning windows and outside mirrors  
Cleaning windows and outside mirrors  
Spray windows and outside mirrors with a commercially available alcohol-based window cleaner.  
Dry windows and mirrors with a clean chamois or a lint-free cloth. Do not use a chamois that has been used to wipe painted surfaces because it will have absorbed  
an oily residue that will smear the glass surfaces.  
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to remove rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Removing wax residue  
Automatic car washes and vehicle care products can leave a wax residue on all glass surfaces. These wax residues can only be removed with special cleaners or  
cleaning cloths. Wax residue left on the windshield can cause the windshield wipers to grab and squeak instead of gliding smoothly. We recommend that after every  
261  
car wash you remove any wax residue left on the windshield with a window cleaning cloth/chamois - G 052 522 A1 - or equivalent.  
Windshield wiper squeak and grab can be reduced by filling the windshield washer fluid tank with a wiper fluid containing wax-removing agents. Make sure to  
maintain the proper mixing ratio when refilling the washer fluid tank. Grease-removing cleaning agents cannot remove wax residue ⇒ ꢀ.  
Windshield cleaners, special cleaners, and cleaning cloths are available from your authorized Volkswagen dealer and authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Removing snow  
Remove snow from all windows and outside mirrors with an appropriate brush.  
Removing ice  
The best way to remove ice is with a deicer spray. When using an ice scraper always scrape in one direction, never back and forth. Dirt can scratch the glass whe  
moving the scraper backward.  
WARNING  
Dirty or fogged up windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe injuries.  
Don't drive until you have clear visibility through all windows.  
Remove ice, snow and condensation from all inside and outside window surfaces.  
NOTE  
Never mix recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents in the windshield washer reservoir. If you do, this could cause sediments or other by-  
products that can clog the windshield washer nozzles.  
Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!  
The heating elements for the rear defroster are on the inside of the rear window. Do not put stickers over the heating elements on the inside of the rear  
window and never clean the inside of the windows with corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals that could damage the heating elements.  
Antennas installed on the insides of windows can be damaged by abrasive objects or by corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals. Do not  
place any stickers on the windshield-integrated antenna and never clean the antenna with corrosive or acidic cleaning agents or other chemicals.  
Caring for and cleaning chrome and aluminum parts  
Clean the surface using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water.  
If the surface is especially dirty, use a special solvent-free cleaning material.  
Then polish chrome and aluminum parts with a soft, dry cloth.  
NOTE  
To help prevent damage to chrome and aluminum parts:  
Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.  
Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty places.  
Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive sponges.  
Do not polish dirty surfaces.  
Do not use cleaning materials that contain solvents.  
Do not use hard wax.  
NOTE  
Chrome wheel covers and hubcaps can have an extra coating. Do not treat them with chrome care or polishing products. Use regular paint care and polishing  
products.  
Cleaning wheel rims  
Cleaning steel wheels  
Stubborn brake dust can be removed with an industrial cleaner. Clean steel wheels regularly with a separate sponge.  
Repair any paint damage on steel wheels before rust begins to form.  
Cleaning alloy wheels  
Every 2 weeks: Wash road salt and brake dust off alloy wheels, and clean the wheels with an acid-free detergent. Every 3 months: Volkswagen recommends  
applying a hard wax compound to the wheels.  
262  
If road salt and brake dust are not removed regularly, they can corrode the metal.  
Use an acid-free detergent specifically designed for light alloy wheels. Do not use car polish or other abrasive products.  
If the protective coating is damaged, for example by stone impact, repair the damaged area right away.  
Caring for rubber door and window seals  
The rubber seals around the doors and windows will stay soft and flexible, seal better and last longer if the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care  
product.  
Before applying the treatment, use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.  
Do not apply any rubber care products to the rubber seals on the body in the areas around the windows in the driver and front passenger doors. The product  
could run down onto the windows and smudge them.  
Deicing door lock cylinders  
Volkswagen recommends using only genuine Volkswagen deicer spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties to deice door lock cylinders.  
NOTE  
Lock deicers that contain grease solvents can cause the lock cylinder to rust.  
Cleaning the power sunroof  
Dirt and debris can impair the function of the power sunroof.  
Remove leaves and other objects from the sunroof guide rails regularly either by hand or using a vacuum cleaner.  
The power sunroof only works when the ignition is on. You can still open or close the power sunroof for several minutes after you switch off the ignition, as long as  
the driver or front passenger door has not been opened.  
NOTE  
Do not attempt to clean the drain tubes for the power sunroof. This could result in vehicle damage caused by punctured or damaged drain tubes.  
Undercoating  
The vehicle underbody is coated to help protect it from corrosion and damage. The undercoating could be damaged during normal use. We therefore recommend  
that you have the protective coatings on the underbody and suspension inspected regularly, and repaired if necessary.  
WARNING  
Undercoating and rustproofing products can catch fire on the hot exhaust system or any other hot engine component.  
Never apply additional undercoating or rustproofing on or near the exhaust manifold, the exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter, the heat shields, or any  
other hot vehicle component.  
Cleaning the engine compartment  
The engine compartment of a vehicle is a dangerous area ⇒ In the engine compartmentꢀ.  
If necessary, the engine compartment should be cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Incorrect cleaning  
procedures could remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components, among other things. In addition, water could enter directly into the vehicle interio  
through the plenum chamber ⇒ ꢀ.  
Never use a power washer to clean the engine compartment ⇒ ꢀ.  
If the engine compartment is extremely dirty, have it cleaned professionally by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Plenum chamber  
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between windshield and engine, under a perforated cover. Outside air is taken into the vehicle interior  
from the plenum chamber via the climate control system.  
Regularly remove leaves and other loose objects from the plenum chamber cover by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.  
Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
263  
WARNING  
Injuries, scalding, electric shock, accidents, and fire hazards can occur while working on the engine or in the engine compartment!  
Before working in the engine compartment, be sure to familiarize yourself with the necessary procedures and generally accepted safety precautions ⇒ In  
the engine compartmentꢀ.  
Volkswagen recommends having the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTE  
Spraying or pouring water (for example, with a power washer) into the plenum chamber can cause severe damage to the vehicle.  
Wash the engine compartment only in special wash bays so that the oily dirt and fuel residue that are washed off the vehicle will not enter the sewage  
system. In some areas it illegal to wash the engine compartment anywhere other than at such specified locations.  
Interior care and cleaning  
Introduction to the subject  
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:  
⇒ Caring for upholsteryꢀ  
⇒ Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim, and microfiber fabricꢀ  
⇒ Care and cleaning of leather upholstery ꢀ  
⇒ Cleaning leatheretteꢀ  
⇒ Cleaning storage compartments and cup holdersꢀ  
⇒ Care and cleaning of plastic components, wood trim, and instrument panel ꢀ  
⇒ Cleaning the safety beltsꢀ  
Modern clothing fabrics such as dark denim may not be completely colorfast. Even with normal use, dye from these and other fabrics can rub off on seat upholstery  
and leave visible discolorations (especially on light-colored seat upholstery). This is caused by a lack of colorfastness in the clothing fabric, not by any fault in the  
seat upholstery fabric. To help prevent damage to the seat upholstery, always make sure your clothing is colorfast. Volkswagen recommends having a qualified  
specialist remove any discolorations from the seat upholstery.  
The longer stains, dirt and other deposits remain on the surfaces of vehicle components and upholstery, the more difficult it may be to clean them. If stains, dirt and  
deposits are left untreated for a long time, they may become impossible to remove.  
NOTE  
Vehicle care products containing solvents can cause irreparable damage to plastics and other vehicle materials.  
Stains, dirt and other deposits that contain aggressive substances or solvents can corrode vehicle materials and cause permanent damage, even after brief  
contact with the surface.  
Remove stains, dirt, and other deposits as quickly as possible and do not allow them to dry.  
To help prevent damage, have stubborn stains removed by a professional who has the necessary expertise and experience.  
Caring for upholstery  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Checklist  
Please note the following when it comes to the care and preservation of the upholstery  
⇒
ꢀ:  
Open Velcro® fasteners can damage upholstery, fabric, and trim. Before you get into the vehicle, close all Velcro® fasteners that could come into contact  
with upholstery fabrics and cloth trim.  
Sharp-edged objects and items on clothing and belts (such as belt clips, mobile phone cases, zippers, rivets, and rhinestones) can damage upholstery  
material and fabric trim. To help prevent damage, do not let such items come into direct contact with the upholstery and fabric trim.  
Dust and dirt particles in pores, folds, and seams can have a scouring effect on material and damage the surface. Remove dust and dirt regularly to help  
prevent permanent surface damage.  
Check clothing for color-fastness to help prevent upholstery discoloration, especially to light-colored upholstery.  
264  
NOTE  
Disregarding the upholstery-related checklist may lead to damage or discoloration of upholstery and fabric trim.  
Please note and follow the points listed in the checklist.  
Volkswagen recommends having any discoloration removed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim, and microfiber fabric  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Cleaning upholstery on heated seats and power seats or seats with airbag components  
Airbag components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, the front passenger seat, and in the outer rear seats. Damaging, cleaning and  
handling incorrectly, or wetting or soaking these seat surfaces and backrests can damage the vehicle electrical system and prevent the airbag system from working  
properly ⇒ ꢀ.  
Electrical components and connectors that could be damaged by incorrect cleaning or handling are installed in power seats and heated seats  
result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrical system.  
⇒
ꢀ. This can also  
For this reason, read and follow these cleaning instructions:  
Do not use power washers, steam cleaners, or cooling spray.  
Do not use detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions.  
Do not wet the surface completely.  
Only use cleaning products approved by Volkswagen.  
If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional cleaner.  
Before using any cleaning agent, familiarize yourself with instructions and warnings on the packaging.  
Vacuum upholstery, fabric trim, microfiber fabric, and carpeting regularly with a suitable brush attachment.  
A soft sponge or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth may be used for general cleaning  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Clean microfiber fabric surfaces with a damp cotton or wool cloth or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth  
Upholstery and fabric trim with light generalized soiling can be cleaned with a commercially available dry-foam cleaner.  
⇒
ꢀ.  
If the upholstery and fabric trim pieces are heavily soiled, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before you begin  
cleaning to learn about suitable cleaning options. If necessary, have the cleaning done by a professional.  
Cleaning upholstery on non-heated seats, manual seats, or seats without airbag components  
Before using any cleaning agent, familiarize yourself with instructions and warnings on the packaging.  
Vacuum upholstery, fabric trim, microfiber fabric, and carpeting regularly with a suitable brush attachment.  
Do not use power washers, steam cleaners, or cooling spray.  
A soft sponge or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth may be used for general cleaning  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Clean microfiber fabric surfaces with a damp cotton or wool cloth or a commercially available lint-free microfiber cloth  
Upholstery and fabric trim with light generalized soiling can be cleaned with a commercially available dry-foam cleaner.  
⇒
ꢀ.  
If the upholstery and fabric trim pieces are heavily soiled, see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility before you begin  
cleaning to learn about suitable cleaning options. If necessary, have the cleaning done by a professional.  
Treating stains  
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself. This is especially true if the entire surface has become dirty from  
normal use. Otherwise, the area that is treated may become lighter than the untreated area. If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional cleaner.  
Type of stain  
Recommended cleaning for fabric and upholstery  
– Moisten a sponge with water and rub the stain gently with a circular motion.  
Water-based stains, such as coffee or fruit juice.  
– Wipe dry with an absorbent cloth.  
265  
Type of stain  
Recommended cleaning for fabric and upholstery  
– Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products.  
Persistent stains, such as chocolate or make-up.  
– If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.  
– Use only Volkswagen-approved cleaning products.  
Grease-based stains, such as oil, lipstick, etc.  
– If necessary, have the fabric or upholstery professionally cleaned.  
WARNING  
If there is a malfunction in the airbag system, the airbag may not deploy correctly or at all, or it may deploy unexpectedly. This could cause fatal injuries.  
Have the airbag system inspected immediately by your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTE  
If the upholstery on power seats, heated seats, or seats with airbag components is wet, electrical components and the vehicle electrical system could be  
damaged.  
If the seating surface becomes soaked, have it dried and the system components checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Do not use steam cleaners because the steam could cause the dirt to penetrate deeper into the fabric and make it impossible to remove.  
Power washers and cooling sprays can damage the upholstery.  
NOTE  
Clean only the carpet and floor mats with brushes. Other textile surfaces can be damaged by brushes.  
If detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge, the surfactants in the detergent may cause visible lines to form at  
the edges of the area where the detergent was applied. These lines are generally difficult or impossible to remove.  
NOTE  
Do not soak microfiber fabric.  
Do not treat microfiber fabric with leather care products, solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover or similar products.  
Do not use brushes for damp cleaning, because they can damage upholstery surfaces.  
Do not use a steam cleaner, because dirt will penetrate deeper into the fabric.  
Care and cleaning of leather upholstery  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
If you have questions regarding the care and cleaning of the leather upholstery in the vehicle, please contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Care and treatment  
Natural leather requires special attention and care. Napa leather has a smooth surface. The intensity of the color application determines the leather's appearance  
and texture. If you can see the leather grain and other natural characteristics, this is an untreated napa leather that will provide very comfortable seating. Delicate  
veins, closed scars, insect bites, folds, and a slightly clouded color remain visible and represent authentic characteristics of the natural material. Untreated napa  
leather has no protective coating. It is therefore more susceptible to damage. You should keep this in mind if the leather is going to be exposed to severe wear from  
children, animals, or other factors. By contrast, leather that has a protective coating is more robust. This has a positive effect on the leather's durability in daily use.  
The typical natural characteristics are hardly visible or no longer visible at all, but that has no impact on the quality of the leather itself. The typical characteristics of  
untreated leather are much more distinctive than those of a surface-treated leather.  
After each cleaning, apply cream that waterproofs the leather and protects it against the sun. Such creams also nourish the leather, let it breathe, keep it  
flexible and moisturized. At the same time it protects the surface.  
Clean leather every 2 to 3 months and remove any new stains.  
Treat leather with a suitable leather-care product twice a year ⇒ ꢀ.  
Apply cleaning and conditioning materials sparingly and always with a dry, lint-free cotton or wool cloth. Do not apply cleaning and conditioning materials  
266  
directly to the leather.  
Remove fresh stains such as ballpoint pen, lipstick, ink, shoe polish, etc. as soon as possible.  
Preserve the leather's color. If necessary, refresh fading spots with a specially-colored leather cream.  
Wipe the leather with a soft cloth.  
Cleaning  
Volkswagen recommends using a slightly moistened cotton or wool cloth for general cleaning.  
It is important not to let water soak through the leather or penetrate into seams.  
Before cleaning leather surfaces, read and heed the information ⇒ Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim, and microfiber fabricꢀ.  
Type of stain  
Cleaning  
a)  
– Apply a mild soapy solution with a cloth that has been wrung nearly dry  
.
Heavy stains  
– Dab dry with an absorbent cloth.  
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.  
Water-based stains, such as coffee, tea, juice, or blood.  
– If the stains are already dry, use an appropriate cleaning agent ⇒ ꢀ.  
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.  
Grease-based stains, such as oil, lipstick, etc.  
– Use an appropriate cleaning agent on stains that have not yet penetrated the surface  
– Dab dry with an absorbent cloth.  
⇒
ꢀ.  
Special stains, such as ballpoint pen, marker, nail polish, latex  
paint, or shoe polish.  
– Clean with a special stain remover designed for leather.  
NOTE  
Stains that have been left in place too long will penetrate the surface of the leather and cannot be removed.  
Never treat leather with solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover or similar products.  
Wipe up spilled liquids immediately with an absorbent cloth. Liquid can penetrate leather surfaces and seams within a few seconds.  
If the vehicle is left in the sun for a long time, cover the upholstery to protect the leather from direct sunlight and to help prevent fading and discoloration.  
Slight discoloration caused by wear and tear is normal.  
a) Mild soap solution: 2 tablespoons of liquid soap in 1 quart (liter) of water.  
Cleaning leatherette  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Clean leatherette upholstery only with water and a mild soap solution.  
Before cleaning leatherette surfaces, read and heed the information ⇒ Cleaning upholstery, fabric trim, and microfiber fabricꢀ.  
NOTE  
Do not clean leatherette with solvents, floor wax, shoe polish, stain remover, or similar products. These can cause the material to become brittle and break.  
Sharp-edged objects and items on clothing and belts (such as belt clips, mobile phone cases, zippers, rivets, and rhinestones) can damage upholstery  
material and fabric trim.  
If the vehicle is left in the sun for a long time, cover the upholstery to protect the leatherette from direct sunlight and to help prevent fading or discoloration.  
267  
Cleaning storage compartments and cup holders  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Some storage compartments and cup holders may have a removable rubber or felt insert at the bottom.  
Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean plastic or rubber parts.  
If this is not sufficient, then use a special solvent-free care and cleaning product designed for plastics.  
Clean felt inserts with a vacuum cleaner.  
Care and cleaning of plastic components, wood trim, and instrument panel  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.  
Clean plastic components (inside and outside of the vehicle) and the instrument panel only with a solvent-free care and cleaning product that is specifically  
designed for plastics and approved by Volkswagen ⇒ ꢀ.  
Clean wood trim with a mild soap solution.  
WARNING  
Using solvents or other improper cleaning products on surfaces where airbags are located can change the way airbags deploy in a crash.  
Products containing solvents will change the properties of the plastics and may cause plastic parts to break and fly around when the airbag deploys in a  
crash, causing injury.  
Never use solvents or cleaners on the steering wheel horn pad or on the instrument panel because they can damage the airbag cover or change the  
stiffness or strength of the material so that the airbag cannot deploy and protect properly.  
When cleaning the horn pad and instrument panel, use only a soft, dry cloth or a cloth moistened with plain water.  
Cleaning the safety belts  
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first ⇒ Introduction to the subjectꢀ  
If a safety belt is dirty, this can prevent the belt from working properly. Keep safety belts clean and regularly check all safety belts for damage.  
Safety belts must never be taken apart for cleaning.  
Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush ⇒ ꢀ.  
Carefully pull the dirty safety belt out of the retractor and keep it out.  
Clean the safety belt with a mild soap solution.  
After cleaning, always give the safety belts time to dry thoroughly before letting them retract. This helps prevent damage to the retractor.  
Do not let the safety belts retract until they are completely dry.  
WARNING  
Damage to safety belts reduces their overall effectiveness and increases the risk of serious personal injury and death whenever the vehicle is being used.  
Check the condition of all safety belts regularly. If you notice that the safety belt webbing, hardware, retractor, buckle, or any other part of the safety belts is  
damaged, immediately have an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility replace the safety belt with the correct  
replacement belt for your vehicle model and model year.  
Never use chemical cleaning agents, solvents, or any substance that may damage or weaken the safety belt webbing or any other parts of the safety belt.  
Never let the belts come into contact with corrosive fluids or sharp objects. Otherwise, the safety belt webbing will be significantly weakened.  
After cleaning, always give the safety belts time to dry completely before letting them retract. The moisture can damage the retractor and keep it from  
working properly.  
Never let foreign objects or liquids get into the safety belt latch. This could prevent the belt buckles and safety belts from working properly.  
Damaged safety belts must be replaced; they cannot be repaired.  
Never try to repair a damaged safety belt yourself. Never remove or modify the safety belts in any way.  
Safety belts that were subject to stress in an accident and stretched must be replaced with a correct, new safety belt, preferably by an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Replacement after a crash may be necessary even if a safety belt shows no visible damage. Anchorages that have been loaded must also be inspected.  
268  

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