Driving tips -> Stowing luggage for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

WARNING  
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles and  
increase stopping distances. Heavy loads that are not properly  
stowed or secured can cause loss of control and serious injury.  
Secure the load properly to keep it from shifting.  
Always remember when transporting heavy objects that a  
change in the center of gravity also changes the way your vehi-  
cle handles:  
– Always distribute the load as evenly as possible.  
– Secure heavy objects properly as far forward in the lug-  
gage compartment as possible.  
– Always tie down heavy items securely with suitable straps  
using the tie-downs in the luggage compartment.  
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 your speed and driving to the heavier load and  
the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traf-  
fic, 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.  
Stowing luggage  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
Always stow all luggage securely in the vehicle  
Distribute the load in the vehicle and, if applicable, on the roof and  
in the trailer as evenly as possible.  
Put heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage com-  
partment and securely latch the rear seat backrest in the upright posi-  
tion.  
Secure luggage in the luggage compartment using suitable straps  
and the tie downs Tie-downs. Also see Luggage compartment.  
Adjust the headlight range, if necessary Lights.  
Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never  
reduce air pressure in warm tires to match cold tire inflation pressure.  
Heed the information on the tire pressure label Tires and wheels.  
Pay especially close attention to your vehicle's Tire Pressure Moni-  
toring System when driving with a heavy load Tire Pressure Moni-  
toring System (TPMS).  
NOTICE  
Wires in the rear windows such as for heating or for an antenna  
can be damaged by objects that rub against them.  
Please review the information on loading a trailerTrailer towing  
and a roof rack Roof rack.  
Driving with an open luggage compartment lid  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
Driving with an open luggage compartment lid can lead to serious  
personal injury. If you have to drive with an open luggage compart-  
ment lid, make sure that all objects and the lid itself are properly se-  
cured and take appropriate measures to keep toxic exhaust fumes  
from entering the vehicle.