Maintenance for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Seventh Generation (2019-2025)

Maintenance  
Service  
Information About Service  
You can find more information about maintaining your vehicle and the nature and extent of the maintenance on the website:  
Vehicle care  
Vehicle care information  
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehicle.  
The longer dirt remains on the surfaces of vehicle components, the more difficult it may be to clean and care for them. Long-  
term exposure can make it impossible for dirt to be removed.  
For questions regarding care products or for vehicle components that are not listed, consult a suitably qualified professional.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Suitably qualified professionals can provide you with suitable accessories. Volkswagen recommends the use of Genuine  
Volkswagen Accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service  
Facility. Read and follow the usage instructions on the packaging.  
WARNING  
Cleaning, impregnating and caring for vehicle components incorrectly can irreparably damage and impair the vehicle's  
safety equipment, such as the airbag modules. This may cause serious injuries in the event of an accident.  
Always use suitable cleaning agents. More information can be obtained from suitably qualified professionals.  
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Never use cleaning solutions that contain solvents.  
Clean and maintain vehicle components only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  
WARNING  
Cleaning the vehicle incorrectly may result in serious injuries.  
Protect your hands and arms against components with sharp edges, for example when cleaning the inside of the  
wheel housings.  
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using cleaning agents.  
WARNING  
Dirty, foggy, or icy door windows reduce visibility and can impair the vehicle's safety equipment. This can cause accidents  
and serious or fatal injuries.  
Only drive when there is clear visibility through all windows.  
Do not use water-repellent window solutions on the windshield. This can cause intense glare under poor visual  
conditions.  
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WARNING  
Care products may be poisonous, highly flammable and corrosive. Using care products incorrectly or using unsuitable  
care products can cause burns and poisoning and may lead to accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Note the package insert.  
Only store care products in their sealed original containers.  
Keep children away from all care products.  
Only use care products outside or in well-ventilated areas so that no harmful vapors are inhaled.  
Never use turpentine, engine oil, fuel, nail polish remover, or other highly volatile fluids for vehicle care.  
NOTICE  
Cleaning dirt with aggressive and solvent-based products can cause permanent damage to vehicle equipment, for  
example even with only brief exposure on seat cushions or decorative parts.  
Do not allow dirt to dry.  
Have stubborn spots removed by a suitably qualified, authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen  
Service Facility.  
Washing the vehicle  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice   
and Vehicle care information.  
Washing your vehicle regularly prevents exposure to contamination, which may damage the paint.  
Matte-finish vehicles require special care due to the particular properties of the paint.  
To ensure that your vehicle is washed correctly and appropriately, note the following information   
, ⇒  
.
WARNING  
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking efficiency may be delayed due to damp or (in the winter) icy brake discs  
and brake pads. This will increase the braking distance. This can cause a loss of vehicle control, accidents, and serious or  
fatal injuries.  
Press the brake pedal carefully several times to dry the brakes and clear the ice from them, as long as the visibility,  
weather, road, and traffic conditions permit.  
NOTICE  
Improper car washes can increase the risk of severe vehicle damage.  
Always follow the steps described for vehicle care and cleaning.  
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.  
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.  
NOTICE  
Wet vehicle components may freeze in cold weather, which will stop them from working properly.  
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In cold weather, never direct a jet of water at locks, doors, or the trunk lid.  
Removing stubborn dirt on matte paint  
Soak insects or bird excrement that have adhered to the surface immediately with water and spray with a special cleaner  
for matte paint.  
Remove tar splashes on the paint surface with commercially available tar removers. Residue must not be removed by  
intensive rubbing.  
Remove tree resin and rust particles with special cleaner for matte paint and a cleaning clay bar. Slide the cleaning clay  
bar over the affected areas without pressing down on it.  
Spray grease and fingerprints with matte paint finish spray and rub with a soft microfiber cloth.  
Rinse gasoline residue immediately with plenty of water.  
Automatic car washes  
If your vehicle has matte paint, never select a wash program with wax or drying aids.  
If your vehicle has matte paint, only use textile car washes, never brush car washes.  
For vehicle with decorative and protective decals, never use a wash package with hot wax.  
Choose car washes without brushes.  
Also ensure that the underside of the vehicle is washed regularly and thoroughly to remove any residue.  
Observe the information provided by the car wash operator, particularly with regard to attachments on the vehicle, e.g.  
spoilers ⇒  
.
The windows are closed and the outside mirrors are folded in.  
The electronic parking brake is switched off.  
Vehicles with steering lock: If the vehicle is mechanically towed in the car wash, the steering must not be locked  
Steering information.  
Vehicles with an automatic transmission: If the vehicle is mechanically towed toward the car wash, the transmission  
must be in the neutral position  
.
The parking brake is released.  
Vehicles with manual transmission: If the vehicle is mechanically towed toward the car wash, the gear must be  
disengaged.  
The windshield wiper Window wipers and the rain/light sensor Rain/light sensor are switched off.  
If applicable: the roof antenna has been removed.  
NOTICE  
Car washes which mechanically scan contours may damage the vehicle and attachments, e.g. spoiler.  
Follow the information provided by the car wash operator, especially if there are attachments on the vehicle.  
Pressure washers  
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Fig. 194 In the hood space: do not use a pressure washer.  
Never use rotating nozzles. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.  
Only use water up to maximum +60 °C (+140 °F).  
Move the water jet evenly with a distance of at least 50 cm (20 inches) between the spray nozzle and all parts of the  
vehicle.  
Do not direct the water at the same spot for a long period of time.  
If possible, do not direct the water straight at sensitive vehicle components, e.g. rubber seals, side windows, glossy trims  
tires, sensors, camera lenses, decorative and protective decals.  
Never clean icy or snow-covered door windows with a pressure washer.  
Hand washing  
Individual contaminations on the paint can be removed with a cleaning clay bar.  
1. Clean dust and large dirt deposits from the vehicle with plenty of water.  
2. If your vehicle has matte paint, remove insects, grease spots and fingerprints with a special cleaner for matte paint. Apply  
the product using a microfiber cloth with gentle pressure.  
3. Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove, or a washing brush with light pressure. Start at the roof, and  
continue to work from the top down. Only use a cleansing shampoo on stubborn dirt.  
If your vehicle has matte paint, clean from top to bottom with a neutral cleansing shampoo and a microfiber cloth. Wash  
the microfiber cloth thoroughly at frequent intervals.  
4. Clean the wheels and side members with a clean sponge.  
5. Rinse with plenty of water.  
6. Let the vehicle air dry. Remove water residue with a leather cloth.  
NOTICE  
Washing the vehicle incorrectly can damage the paint surface and destroy the matte paint finish.  
Never use washing programs with wax treatment.  
Only use cleaning agents free of solids and abrasives, such as cleansing shampoos or insect removers, for  
cleaning purposes.  
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Do not use insect sponges or rough sponges.  
NOTICE  
The plenum chamber drain can be blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that cannot drain may leak into the vehicle interior  
and cause damage.  
Remove leaves and other loose objects with a vacuum or by hand.  
Have the area under the perforated cover cleaned at regular intervals by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Ensure that large amounts of water do not collect in the plenum chamber, for example if you use a pressure  
washer.  
Only wash the vehicle in facilities specifically designed for that purpose. This will reduce the risk of water contaminated  
with oil from entering the sewer system.  
NOTICE  
Strong streams of water or vapor could activate the sensors in the door handles if a valid vehicle key is located near the  
vehicle. This may cause the windows to open and moisture may enter the vehicle interior. This could lead to damage to  
the vehicle interior.  
Never direct the jet of a high pressure cleaner or a steam jet directly towards the sensors in the door handles.  
If the jet of a pressure washer or a steam jet is directed towards the sensors in the door handles, the vehicle can be  
unlocked.  
Exterior care and cleaning  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and Vehicle care information.  
The following overview gives recommendations for cleaning and caring for individual vehicle components.  
NOTICE  
Incorrect cleaning and care can cause vehicle damage.  
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.  
Never use cleaning objects that are too hard or abrasive.  
Door windows, glass surfaces  
Remove wax residue, for example from care products, with a suitable glass cleaner or the Volkswagen Genuine cleaning  
cloth.  
Remove snow with a hand brush.  
Remove ice with a plastic scraper. When doing so, scrape in one direction only.  
Defrost the ice with a suitable deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.  
Clean the wiper blades or, if necessary, replace them.  
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Paint  
Always treat surfaces with extreme care to prevent paint damage.  
Immediately clean any slight contamination, e.g. deposits, insect residues, cosmetics with a clean, soft cloth and mild  
soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap to one liter of water or with cleaning clay.  
Clean spilled fuel or operating materials immediately.  
Dampen rust spots with soap solution. Then remove with a cleaning clay bar.  
Have corrosion removed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
In the event of paint damage, consult suitably qualified professionals and have the paint damage repaired. Volkswagen  
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
A preservation treatment protects the vehicle paint. When water no longer clearly beads up and drips off clean vehicle paint,  
the vehicle should be retreated with a wax protectant if not earlier.  
For matte paint, apply a special wax for matte paint with a soft sponge to the cleaned vehicle. Remove excess wax with a  
microfiber cloth.  
Polishing is only needed if the appearance of the vehicle paint is poor and a shiny finish can no longer be achieved using  
protectants.  
NOTICE  
For matte finishes, the surface will be irreparably damaged if you polish the paint.  
Never polish matte-finish surfaces.  
Even if a wax protectant is applied regularly in an automatic car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the vehicle  
paint at least twice a year with a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax.  
Plenum chamber, hood space  
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Fig. 195 Between the hood space and windshield: Plenum chamber (general example).  
Perforated cover of the water box.  
WARNING  
Working on the engine or in the hood space carries a risk of accidents and fire. Serious injuries may occur.  
Always note the necessary actions and the safety precautions every time before working in the hood space  
page , Safety precautions for working in the hood space .  
If you are not familiar with this type of work, arrange for it to be done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or  
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTICE  
The plenum chamber drain can be blocked by leaves and dirt. Water that cannot drain may leak into the vehicle interior  
and cause damage.  
Have the area under the perforated cover regularly cleaned by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility qualified in this respect fig. 195. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
NOTICE  
Water introduced manually into the plenum chamber, for example with a pressure washer, can cause considerable vehicle  
damage.  
Remove leaves or other loose objects on the perforated cover with a vacuum or by hand fig. 195.  
Always have the hood space cleaned by a qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
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authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Sensors, camera lenses  
Fig. 196 In the rear of the vehicle: Rear View Camera system on the handle (general example).  
Clean the area in front of the sensors or the camera with a soft cloth and solvent-free cleaning solution.  
Clean the sensor areas of the rain/light sensor, the camera window on the windshield and the glass surfaces (depending  
on the vehicle equipment).  
Remove snow with a hand brush.  
Never use warm or hot water.  
Defrost the ice with a suitable deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.  
Decorative and protective decals  
Remove contaminants as described for paint. For matte decorative decals, use a suitable plastic cleaner or a  
Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner.  
Treat the vehicle every three months with liquid hard wax. The vehicle must be free of dirt and dust before treating. Apply  
using only clean, soft microfiber cloths. Do not use hot wax, even in a car wash.  
Remove hard contaminants gently with ethyl alcohol and then wash with warm water.  
For decorative and protective decals, the durability and coloring are influenced by environmental factors, such as solar  
radiation. Decorative decals may show signs of wear and aging after approximately one to three years, and protective  
decals after approximately two to three years. In very hot climates, the decorative decals may fade slightly within one year  
and the protective decals within two years.  
Trims made out of chrome-plated plastic, aluminum or stainless steel  
Clean surfaces with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum products.  
Chrome-plated trims can be protected with a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax.  
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Headlights, taillights  
Remove contamination with a soft, damp sponge with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap  
to one liter of water. Do not use cleaning solutions containing alcohol and/or solvents.  
Remove stubborn dirt with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum  
products.  
Wheels  
Remove contaminants and road salt with plenty of water.  
Clean dirty alloy wheels with a suitable rim cleaner or with Volkswagen Genuine rim cleaner. Volkswagen recommends  
applying a suitable hard wax or Volkswagen Genuine hard wax to the rims every three months.  
Repair damaged protective paint layers immediately with a paint pen. If necessary, contact an authorized Volkswagen  
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer  
or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Remove brake dust with a suitable rim cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine rim cleaner.  
Door lock cylinder  
1. Defrost the door lock cylinder with a suitable door lock deicer or Volkswagen Genuine deicer.  
Do not use any door lock deicers with degreasing substances.  
Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior  
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒  
and Vehicle care information.  
The following overview gives recommendations for cleaning and caring for individual vehicle components.  
NOTICE  
Incorrect cleaning and care can cause vehicle damage.  
Always follow the steps described for vehicle care and cleaning.  
Do not use steam cleaners, brushes, hard sponges, etc.  
Have tough spots removed by a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized  
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
Door windows  
Clean the door window with a glass cleaner.  
Wipe the door windows dry with a clean chamois or a lint-free cloth.  
Textiles, microfiber, leatherette  
Regularly remove dirt particles that adhere to the surface with a vacuum cleaner so that the material is not permanently  
damaged by scrubbing.  
Remove contaminants with a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner.  
For grease-based contaminants such as oil, use a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior cleaner. Blot  
away the dissolved grease or dye with an absorbent towel. If necessary, treat afterwards with water.  
For contaminants, for example from pens or nail polish, use a suitable interior cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine interior  
cleaner. If necessary, treat afterward with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of  
water.  
Never use leather cleaners, solvents, floor polish, shoe polish, paint remover, or other similar substances.  
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Never use pressure washers, steam cleaners or cooling sprays.  
Natural leather  
Remove fresh dirt with a cotton cloth and a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of  
water. Do not let any fluids seep into the cracks.  
For contaminants, for example from pens or nail polish, use a suitable leather cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine leather  
cleaner.  
Treat dried spots with a suitable leather cleaner or with Volkswagen Genuine leather cleaner.  
Remove any fresh spots of grease such as oil with an absorbent cloth.  
Apply leather care to seats regularly and each time you clean. If leaving the vehicle parked for long periods of time, you  
should cover the leather to protect it from direct sunlight.  
Never treat leather with solvents, floor polish, shoe polish, paint remover, or other similar substances.  
Plastic parts  
Clean with a soft, damp cloth.  
If a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water cannot remove stubborn stains, use  
a solvent-free plastic cleaner or Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner, if necessary.  
Trims, decorative trims made out of chrome, aluminum or stainless steel  
Clean using a clean, soft cloth and mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water, in a  
dust-free area.  
Treat anodized surfaces with a suitable chrome and aluminum product or Volkswagen Genuine chrome and aluminum  
products.  
Controls  
1. Use a soft brush to remove large dirt deposits as well as any dirt that is difficult to reach.  
2. Use a clean, soft cloth and a fairly mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water. Fluid  
must not enter into the controls.  
Displays and screens  
Do not clean the instrument cluster display and the Infotainment system screen when they are dry.  
1. Switch the Infotainment system off to clean it.  
2. Use a suitable clean and soft cleaning cloth or Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth with some water, suitable glass  
cleaner, or an LCD cleaner ⇒  
.
For stubborn dirt:  
1. Wet and soak dirt with just a little water ⇒  
.
2. Carefully remove dirt using a soft, clean cloth.  
NOTICE  
If the screen is cleaned with incorrect cleaning agents or when dry, it may be darkened, damaged or scratched.  
Only apply gentle pressure.  
Do not use any aggressive cleaners or products which contain solvents.  
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NOTICE  
If the cloth used to clean the screen is too moist, the screen can no longer be operated or switched off.  
Dry the screen and then leave the vehicle locked from the outside for at least two minutes.  
Rubber seals  
Clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and plenty of water.  
Treat regularly with a suitable rubber care product or Volkswagen Genuine rubber care product.  
Safety belts  
1. Unreel the safety belt completely and leave the belt unreeled.  
2. Remove large spots of dirt with a soft brush.  
3. Clean the safety belt with a mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water.  
4. Let the belt webbing dry completely, then allow the belt to retract.  
WARNING  
Improper cleaning of the safety belts, their anchors and the automatic safety belt retractors can cause damage and impair  
their function. This can cause serious or fatal injuries in the event of accidents.  
Never alter the safety belts for cleaning purposes.  
Never use chemical products to clean the safety belts and their components.  
Do no use any corrosive fluids, solvents, or sharp objects.  
Do not allow fluids and objects to enter the safety belt buckle.  
Let the safety belt dry after cleaning before allowing it to retract completely.  
Wood trims  
Clean with a soft cloth and fairly mild soap solution of maximum two tablespoons of neutral soap in a liter of water.  
Cleaning the seat covers  
If dye from clothing such as denim stains the seat covers, this is not considered a defect in the vehicle upholstery. If you want  
to clean the seat covers yourself, be aware that airbag system components and electrical connectors are installed in the seat  
covers. Incorrect cleaning, impregnation or moisture may damage these components or cause them to malfunction. This may  
then cause damage elsewhere in the vehicle's electrical system ⇒  
.
Depending on the equipment, electrical components and connectors may be installed in the seat surface with seat heating,  
which can be damaged by incorrect cleaning or handling. This can also result in damage to other areas of the vehicle  
electrical system.  
Never use pressure washers, steam cleaners or cooling sprays.  
Never soak seat covers.  
Never switch on seat heating to dry the seats.  
Never use impregnation agents.  
Do not use detergent pastes or mild detergent solutions.  
If there is uncertainty, contact suitably qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
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