Roof rack -> Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

Make sure that the luggage compartment lid does not touch items on the roof rack when  
opened.  
If a roof rack is installed, fuel consumption increases due to increased air resistance.  
Attaching the roof rack base carrier and roof rack  
Fig. 85 Attachment points for the base carrier and roof rack.  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
The base carrier is the basis of a complete roof rack system. For safety reasons, additional  
attachments are necessary for transporting luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis, and small boats.  
Suitable accessories can be purchased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Mounting the roof rack base carrier and roof rack  
Always attach the base carrier and roof rack correctly.  
Always carefully follow the installation instructions from the base carrier or roof rack manufacturer.  
The front and rear mounting holes for the base carrier are on the underside of the roof frame ⇒ꢀfig. 85  
(left magnified view). The mounting holes are plugged with plastic screws (right magnified view).  
The mounting holes are only visible when the door is open.  
Only mount the roof rack base carrier at the attachment points shown in the illustration.  
Once you have installed the base carrier correctly, you can secure the roof rack on the base carrier  
according to the manufacturer's instructions.  
WARNING  
Installing or using a base carrier or roof rack improperly can cause the entire system to fly off  
the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries.  
Always follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer.  
Use the base carrier and roof rack only if they are undamaged and properly installed.  
Secure the roof rack base carrier only at the attachment points shown in the illustration .  
Always install the base carrier and roof rack properly.  
Make sure that all bolts and fasteners are properly installed and properly tightened before  
every trip and retighten them as needed after driving a short distance. During a long trip,  
check all bolts and fasteners at each stop.  
Always properly install special fixtures for items such as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.  
Do not modify or repair the base carrier or roof rack.  
Follow the installation instructions provided for installing the roof rack system. Always carry them  
in the vehicle.  
Securing a load on the roof rack  
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS  
It is not possible to secure a load unless the roof rack system has been properly installed ⇒ꢀ  
Maximum permissible roof load  
.
The maximum permissible roof load is 165 lbs. (75 kg). The roof load is the combined weight of the  
roof rack and the items being carried on the roof ⇒ꢀ  
.
Be sure you know the weight of the roof rack and the items you want to transport on the roof. Weigh  
them if necessary. Never carry a total of more than the maximum permissible roof load.  
When using a roof rack with a lower load limit, do not load the rack to the maximum weight mentioned  
above. In this case, you may only load the roof rack to the weight limit specified in the system's  
installation instructions.  
Distributing the load  
Distribute the load evenly and secure it properly ⇒ꢀ  
.
Checking the mountings  
After the base carrier and rook rack have been installed, check all bolts and fasteners after driving a  
short time and at regular intervals thereafter.  
WARNING  
If the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded, accidents and substantial vehicle damage  
may occur.  
Never exceed the specified roof load, the maximum Gross Axle Weight Rating, or the  
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.  
Do not exceed the loading capacity of the roof rack, even if the permissible roof load is  
not fully utilized.  
Always make sure that loads are evenly distributed and that heavier items are, as far as  
possible, toward the front.