Get Braking and parking Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Braking and parking

¤ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Electronic parking brake

Parking

About the brakes

Braking assistance systems

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

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

Tires and wheels

Starting assistance systems

Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a colli-

sion and serious personal injury.

If the symbol "2!+% 7%!2 or I lights up in the instrument clus-

ter display, whether alone or together with a text message, im-

mediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized 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 vehi-

cle 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 cata-

lytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as brush,

leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

Always apply the electronic parking brake when parking your

vehicle.

Improper use of the electronic 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 com-

partment when the engine is running and the automatic trans-

mission 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 switch off 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 can-

not 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 buildup 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 barri-

ers 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 ex-

haust systems).

Warning and indicator lights

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Lights Possible cause or

Proper response

up

G

meaning ⇒ꢀ

Electronic parking brake

engaged.

0!2+

Stop!

Brake system malfunction. Get professional assistance

immediately

H

"2!+%

Stop!

Brake fluid level too low.

Check brake fluid level

Lights Possible cause or

Proper response

up

meaning ⇒ꢀ

See an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an au-

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work

without ABS.

Together with ABS indica-

tor light J or !"3: ABS fail-

ure.

"2!+%

7%!2

If you believe that it is safe to

do so, immediately take the

vehicle to an authorized

Brake pads worn.

Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized Volkswagen Service Fa-

cility. Check, and if necessary

replace, all brake pads.

I

Switch ignition off and on

again. You may have to drive

a short distance.

ESC switched off by the

system.

See an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an au-

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

ESC malfunction.

¸ %3#

See an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an au-

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work

without ABS.

Together with ABS indica-

tor light J or !"3: ABS mal-

function.

Lights Possible cause or

Proper response

up

meaning ⇒ꢀ

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 au-

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility

Vehicle battery has been

reconnected.

m

Switch on ASR ASR automat-

ically turns on when you turn

the ignition off and back on

again.

ASR manually deactivated.

%3# /&&

Together with ESC indica- See an authorized

tor light ¸ or %3#: ABS mal- Volkswagen dealer or an au-

function.

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

J !"3

Together with warning light

H, "2!+% or ꢀ: ABS failure.

The vehicle brakes will work

without ABS.

Together with flashing

warning light H or "2!+%:

Electronic parking brake

malfunction.

See an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an au-

thorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

ꢀ

Depress the brake pedal to

select a gear or drive position.

Brake pedal not

depressed.

K

Depress the brake pedal to

release electronic parking

brake

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

Flashes Possible cause

Proper response

Contact an authorized

Electronic parking brake

Volkswagen dealer or author-

malfunction. The indicator ized Volkswagen Service Fa-

light ꢀ may light up at the cility because you may not be

H

"2!+%

same time.

able to park the vehicle safe-

ly.

Take foot off accelerator pe-

¸ %3# ESC or ASR is operating. dal. Adapt driving to road

conditions.

The release button in the

Engage the Automatic Shift

K

selector lever is not en-

gaged.

Lock (ASL)

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 mes-

sages 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 per-

sonal injury.

If the brake warning light "2!+% or H does not go out, or

comes on when driving, either the brake fluid level in the reser-

voir 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 assis-

tance ⇒ꢀ Brake fluid.

If the brake warning light "2!+% or H comes on at the same

time as the ABS warning light !"3 or 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, au-

thorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified work-

shop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard

braking and steering.

If the ABS indicator light !"3 or J does not go out, or if it

comes on while driving, the ABS system is not working proper-

ly. 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 au-

thorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as possible.

If the symbol "2!+% 7%!2 or I lights up in the instrument clus-

ter display, whether alone or together with a text message, im-

mediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized 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.

Electronic parking brake

Fig. 144 In the lower section of the center console: Electronic parking

brake button.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Setting the electronic parking brake

You can engage the electronic parking brake any time the vehicle is

not moving - even if the ignition is switched off. Always engage the

parking brake when you leave or park the vehicle.

Pull and hold the button ⇒ꢀfig. 144.

The parking brake is engaged when the indicator light G in the

button and in the instrument cluster ⇒ꢀ Warning and indicator lights

comes on.

Releasing the electronic parking brake

Switch the ignition on.

Press the button ⇒ꢀfig. 144. At the same time, press the brake pe-

dal firmly or press the accelerator pedal lightly if the engine is run-

ning.

The parking brake is released when the indicator light G in the in-

strument cluster ⇒ꢀ Warning and indicator lights goes out.

Releasing the electronic parking brake automatically when you

start driving

The electronic parking brake releases automatically when you start

driving if the driver's door is closed and the driver's safety belt is

buckled. With a manual transmission, you must also press the

clutch pedal all the way down before you start driving so the system

recognizes that the parking brake should be released.

Emergency braking function

Only use the emergency braking function in an emergency, when you

cannot stop the vehicle using the brake pedal ⇒ꢀ

!

Pull and hold the button ⇒ꢀfig. 144 to brake the vehicle hard. An

audio warning signal will sound at the same time.

To stop the braking maneuver, release the button or press the ac-

celerator pedal.

WARNING

Improper use of the electronic parking brake can cause acci-

dents 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 press the accelerator pedal when a selector lever posi-

tion or gear is engaged and the engine is running. The vehicle

could begin moving, even if the electronic parking brake is set.

Never activate the throttle manually from the engine com-

partment when the engine is running and the automatic trans-

mission 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 back-

wards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the

vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.

Vehicles with manual transmission: the electronic parking brake

releases automatically when you release the clutch pedal and press

the accelerator pedal at the same time.

If the vehicle battery is dead, the electronic parking brake cannot

be released. Use a jump-start ⇒ꢀ Jump-starting.

You may hear noises when setting or releasing the electronic

parking brake.

If the electronic parking brake is not used for a while, an automat-

ic system check will occasionally run when the vehicle is parked. This

system check makes audible noises.

Parking

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Please note legal regulations when stopping and parking your vehi-

cle.

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 electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from

moving ⇒ꢀ Electronic 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 point-

ed 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 ve-

hicle 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 get very

hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flam-

mable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel,

etc.

NOTICE

Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barri-

ers 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 ex-

haust 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 perfor-

mance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the

break-in period, the stopping distance for hard braking and emer-

gency 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 inter-

vals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the

vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will not brake as well. Stopping dis-

tances 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 ap-

plying the brakes a couple of times while traveling at a relatively high

speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endan-

ger 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 brak-

ing 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 buildup 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 driv-

ing at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger your-

self or others ⇒ꢀ

.

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that the 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 H or "2!+% will 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 author-

ized 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 increas-

es 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 com-

pensate 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 bro-

ken 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, espe-

cially 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 re-

duce 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 stop-

ping 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 pe-

dal 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 neces-

sary, 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 significant-

ly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help re-

duce 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 in-

stead 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, par-

ticularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as effectively with

difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds.

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 travel-

ing 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. In

certain situations when you need less traction or additional traction

cannot be achieved, you can switch off ASR by pressing the m button

⇒ꢀfig. 145. Be sure to switch ASR on again when you no longer need

less traction.

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 auto-

matically 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.

ASR can be switched on or off manually ⇒ꢀ Switching Anti-Slip Regu-

lation (ASR) on and off.

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 automatical-

ly 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 safe-

ty 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 exam-

ple 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 remem-

ber 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 vehi-

cle control.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other

components and systems that affect vehicle dynamics, includ-

ing but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems men-

tioned 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

⇒ꢀ 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 circumfer-

ence 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.

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Fig. 145 In the center console: Button for switching ASR on and off

manually.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is

running. This system includes ABS, EDL and ASR.

ASR can be switched off by pressing m ⇒ꢀfig. 145 while the engine is

running. Switch off ASR only in situations where there is not enough

traction, such as the following:

When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.

When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.

Afterward, activate ASR again by pressing the button m.

Brake fluid

Fig. 146 In the 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 pur-

chased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these cir-

cumstances – use another high quality brake fluid that complies with

U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 ⇒ꢀ

.

Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S.

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 ex-

pressly complies with VW Standard 501 14 for optimum brake sys-

tem 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 in-

correct 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. Va-

por lock reduces braking performance, increases stopping dis-

tances 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 flu-

id that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 require-

ments.

Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality,

can impair the function of the brake system and reduce its ef-

fectiveness. 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 oc-

cur 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 Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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