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

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 -> Brake fluid for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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