Driving tips -> Driving a loaded vehicle for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

WARNING  
Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can cause poi-  
sonous carbon monoxide in the engine exhaust to get into the  
passenger compartment.  
Carbon monoxide causes drowsiness, inattentiveness, poi-  
soning, and loss of consciousness. It can lead to accidents and  
severe personal injuries.  
Always keep the luggage compartment lid closed while driv-  
ing to help keep poisonous exhaust fumes from being drawn  
into the vehicle.  
Never transport objects that are too large to fit completely  
into the luggage area, because then the luggage compartment  
lid cannot be fully closed.  
If you absolutely must drive with an open luggage compart-  
ment lid, do the following to reduce the risk of carbon monox-  
ide poisoning:  
– Close all windows and the power sunroof.  
– Switch off the climate control system's air recirculation fea-  
ture.  
– Open all air vents in the instrument panel.  
– Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed.  
NOTICE  
The open luggage compartment lid changes the vehicle height.  
Driving a loaded vehicle  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
For good handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the  
following:  
Securely stow all luggage Stowing luggage.  
Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently.  
Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.  
Brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a loaded vehi-  
cle.  
If applicable, observe information about driving with a trailer ꢀ  
Trailer towing.  
If applicable, observe information about driving with a roof rack ꢀ  
Roof rack.  
WARNING  
Heavy loads can change the way your vehicle handles and in-  
crease stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly  
stowed or secured can shift suddenly, causing loss of control  
and serious injury.  
Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.  
Always remember when transporting heavy objects that they  
change the vehicle's center of gravity and also the way it han-  
dles.  
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.  
– Secure heavy objects as far forward in the luggage com-  
partment as possible.  
– Secure luggage in the luggage compartment using suitable  
straps and the tie downs Tie-downs. Also see Luggage  
compartment.  
Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps.  
Securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright position.  
Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Ve-  
hicle Weight Rating on the safety compliance sticker on the left  
door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight can cause the vehicle  
to skid and handle differently.  
Always adapt speed and driving to the heavier load and the  
weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic,  
and visibility conditions into account as well.  
Always accelerate gently and avoid sudden braking and driv-  
ing maneuvers.  
Always brake earlier than you would if you were not driving a  
loaded vehicle.