Get Braking and parking Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

Braking and parking

ꢀIntroduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Parking brake

Parking

About the brakes

Braking assistance systems

Brake fluid

The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System

(BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control

(ESC).

More information:

ꢀ

Trailer towing

Driver assistance systems

Tires and wheels

Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a collision and serious personal

injury.

ꢀ

If the symbol _{BRAKE WERR}or _ilights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,

replaced.

WARNING

Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.

ꢀ

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.

Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

ꢀ

Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.

Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.

Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.

Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

ꢀ

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move as soon as

the engine speed increases even if the parking brake is on.

ꢀ

Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They

could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could

cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

ꢀ

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and

vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal

injury.

ꢀ

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in

the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in

the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

ꢀ

Heat build-up in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly

in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and

death, particularly to small children.

NOTICE

ꢀ

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a

barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help

prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

ꢀ

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as

bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

Warning and indicator lights

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

page 227.

on

Lights

up

Proper response

Possible cause or meaning ⇒ꢀ

Parking brake engaged.

ꢀ

Lights

up

Proper response

Possible cause or meaning ⇒ꢀ

ꢁꢂꢃꢄ

ꢀ Stop!

Get professional assistance immediately

Brake system malfunction.

Brake fluid level too low.

ꢀ Stop!

Check brake fluid level

ꢅ ꢆ

ꢇꢃꢂꢄꢈ

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The

vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Together with ABS indicator light ꢉ or

ꢂꢇꢊ:ABS failure.

If you believe that it is safe to do so,

immediately take the vehicle to an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen

Service Facility. Check, and if necessary

replace, all brake pads.

ꢇꢃꢂꢄꢈ

ꢋꢈꢂꢃ

Front brake pads worn.

ꢌ

Switch ignition off and on again. You may

have to drive a short distance.

ESC switched off by the system.

ESC malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. The

vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Together with ABS indicator light ꢉ or

ꢂꢇꢊ:ABS malfunction.

ꢀ ꢆ

ꢈꢊꢍ

Drive a short distance at a speed of 10–

12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator light

stays on, see an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility, Vehicle battery.

Vehicle battery has been reconnected.

Together with ESC indicator light ꢀ or

ꢈꢊꢍ:ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

ꢉ ꢆ

ꢂꢇꢊ

Together with warning light ꢅ or ꢇꢃꢂꢄE:

ABS failure.

Depress the brake pedal to select a gear or

drive position.

Brake pedal not depressed.

ꢎ

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

ꢀ ꢆ

ꢈꢊꢍ

Take foot off accelerator pedal. Adapt driving

to road conditions.

ESC or ASR is operating.

The lock button in the selector lever is not

engaged.

Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

ꢎ

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.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to

break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

ꢀ

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.

ꢀ If the brake warning light ꢇꢃꢂꢄꢈ or ꢅdoes not go out, or comes on when driving, either the

brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the

vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance, Brake fluid.

ꢀ

If the brake warning light ꢇꢃꢂꢄꢈ or ꢅcomes on at the same time as the ABS warning

light _ABSor _j, the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock

up relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle

control.

ꢀ

If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified

workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.

ꢀ

If the ABS indicator light ꢂꢇꢊ or ꢉdoes not go out, or if it comes on while driving, the ABS

system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard

brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as

possible.

ꢀ

If the symbol ꢇꢃꢂꢄꢈ ꢋꢈꢂꢃ or ꢌlights up in the instrument cluster display, whether alone or

together with a text message, immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary,

replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Parking brake

Fig. 159 Between the front seats: Parking brake.

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Setting the parking brake

Pull the parking brake lever up firmly.

ꢀ

ꢀꢁꢁꢁWhen the ignition is on, the indicator light ꢀ or

ꢁꢂꢃꢄappears in the instrument cluster display to show that the parking brake is engaged, Warning and

indicator lights.

Releasing the parking brake

ꢀ

Pull the lever up slightly and press the release button ⇒ꢀfig. 159 (arrow).

While holding the release button down, move the lever all the way down.

WARNING

Improper use of the parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.

ꢀ

Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Always

use the foot brake.

ꢀ

Never drive with the parking brake partially engaged. This can cause the brake to overheat

and negatively affect the brake system. It will also cause the rear brake pads to wear

prematurely.

ꢀ Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is

running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move even if the

parking brake is engaged.

NOTICE

Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few

centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the

vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.

A warning signal sounds if you drive faster than about 4 mph (6 km/h) with the parking brake

engaged.

Parking

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please note legal regulations when stopping and parking your vehicle.

Parking the vehicle

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

ꢀ

Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ꢀ

.

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving, Parking brake.

For automatic transmissions: Shift the transmission into Park (P).

Switch off the engine and then take your foot off the brake.

Remove the vehicle key from the ignition.

If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering column lock.

ꢀ Shift manual transmission into 1st gear (on level ground or if pointed uphill) or reverse (if pointed

downhill) and let the clutch out.

ꢀ

Make sure all passengers and especially children leave the vehicle.

Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.

Lock the vehicle.

On hills

Before stopping the engine, turn the steering wheel so that, if the vehicle starts to roll, its front wheels

will roll into the curb:

ꢀ

Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.

Facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.

They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

ꢀ Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as

brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

ꢀ

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in

height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a

barrier or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help

prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.

ꢀ

Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over

curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as

bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).

About the brakes

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

New brake pads do not provide full performance during the first 100 to 200 miles (200 to 300 km) and

must first be “broken” in ⇒ꢀ . To some extent, you can make up for the somewhat reduced

performance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the

stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully

broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other

vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.

Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a

lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads

checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often

than the regular service intervals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will

not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy.

Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times

while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not

endanger yourself or others ⇒ꢀ

.

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on

the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any

salt coating from the brake discs and pads ⇒ꢀ

.

Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt build-up on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle

is not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been

used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully

braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others ⇒ꢀ

.

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in

stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light _hor _BRAKEwill come on

and a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,

immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready

to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.

Brake booster

The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above

and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake

pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance

⇒ꢀ

.

WARNING

New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.

ꢀ

New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 200 miles (320 km) and

must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting

more pressure on the brake pedal.

ꢀ

Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk

of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.

Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might

ꢀ

require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING

Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances

considerably.

ꢀ

When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed

and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use

engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could

overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down

more or to stop.

ꢀ A damaged front spoiler or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and

make them overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping

distances.

ꢀ

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.

Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake

applications when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.

WARNING

Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause

accidents and serious personal injuries.

ꢀ

Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.

If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more

pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.

NOTICE

ꢀ

Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to

brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes

will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause

complete brake system failure.

ꢀ

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and

shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine

braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and

possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to

stop.

When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same

time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake

pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If

necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.

Braking assistance systems

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is

running. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding

and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult

driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps

you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine

power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will

not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may

not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of

friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water,

slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle

“hydroplanes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help

you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot

be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as

effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds. When towing a trailer, ESC is not

able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC

cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the

road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping

the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering

inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that

causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the

benefits of ESC.

ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below).

ESC is switched on all the time and cannot be switched off.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and

control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:

ꢀ Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the

force on the pedal!

ꢀ

Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!

Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.

ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.

When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a

noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may

even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or

slippery surface.

Brake Assist (BAS)

The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very

quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure,

maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more

quickly and efficiently.

Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or

let up on the brake.

Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions.

Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.

ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get

stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC

and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front

wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you

keep moving or get moving again.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)

EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost

traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL

automatically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down,

EDL automatically switches on again.

XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel

slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during

fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This

improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.

WARNING

Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious

personal injury for you and your passengers.

ꢀ

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide

tempt you into taking extra risks.

ꢀ

Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent

loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the

other systems!

ꢀ

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and

“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for

conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many

ꢀ

difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire

traction.

ꢀ When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the

accelerator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss

of vehicle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that

affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems

mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

ꢀ

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.

Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire / wheel combination can

ꢀ

change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their

effectiveness.

ꢀ The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted ⇒ꢀpage 156, Tires and

wheels.

All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly.

Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power

when it is not expected.

If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.

You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Brake fluid

Fig. 160 In engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap.

ꢀPlease first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air over time. Too much water in the brake fluid will damage the

brake system. Water also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Too much water in the brake fluid

can cause vapor lock during heavy brake use or hard braking. Vapor lock reduces braking

performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and

the safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times ⇒ꢀ

.

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your

Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly conforms to quality

standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information

on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your

vehicle.

Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may - under these circumstances - use another high

quality brake fluid that complies with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4

⇒ꢀ

.

Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can

contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle's brake

system.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW

Standard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.

Brake fluid level

The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX

marking ⇒ꢀ

.

On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it

impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid

reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the

brakes are automatically adjusted.

Changing brake fluid

Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your ⇒ꢀBooklet Warranty and

Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.

WARNING

Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by not having enough brake

fluid in the reservoir or by old or incorrect brake fluid.

ꢀ

Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.

Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your

⇒ꢀbooklet Warranty and Maintenance.

Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking

performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.

Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that

ꢀ

expressly conforms to VW standard 501 14 or if it is not available, only use a high-quality

brake fluid that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 requirements.

ꢀ Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality, can impair the function of the

brake system and reduce its effectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid

complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.

ꢀ

The brake fluid must be new.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous.

ꢀ

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or other non-original containers

to store brake fluid. Someone might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the

shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could occur even if you relabel the

container as “brake fluid.”

ꢀ Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and keep it out of the reach of

children.

NOTICE

Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts and tires. Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle

paint and other vehicle parts immediately.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has leaked out must be collected and

disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

Braking and parking for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

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