In an emergency -> Protecting yourself and the vehicle for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Protecting yourself and the vehicle  
Fig. 175 In the center of the instrument panel: Button for the emer-  
gency flashers.  
¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and  
heed the WARNINGS  
Obey all legal requirements regarding protecting a broken-down vehi-  
cle. For example, turning on the emergency flashers and wearing a  
safety vest are mandatory in many countries.  
Checklist  
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the follow-  
ing steps in the order listed  
1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable  
surface ꢀ  
:
.
2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the button fig. 175.  
3. Apply the electronic parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from  
moving Braking and parking.  
4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual  
only)  
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch  
6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from mov-  
ing traffic, such as behind a guard rail.  
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.  
8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert  
other motorists and cyclists.  
9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.  
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate  
a direction or lane change, for example when the vehicle is being  
towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.  
Switch on the emergency flashers when:  
Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those  
approaching from behind.  
In any emergency situation.  
If the vehicle breaks down.  
When being towed.  
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers  
where you are driving.  
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as  
permitted by law – must be used to alert other motorists and cyclists  
to the breakdown.  
WARNING  
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents  
and serious personal injuries.  
Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safe-  
ty practices and use common sense.  
WARNING  
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter get very  
hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.  
Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic  
converter could ignite flammable materials, such as dry grass,  
brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.  
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are  
on for a long time – even if the ignition is switched off.