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Before the journey -> Preparing for a journey and driving safely for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Fourth Generation (2001-2009)

12/29/2015  
Bedienungsanleitung < Service & Zubehör < Volkswagen Deutschland  
Before the journey  
Before setting off  
Driving tips  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:  
→ Preparing for a journey and driving safely ꢀ  
→ Driving abroad ꢀ  
→ Driving through water on roadsꢀ  
An engine and transmission guard may prove useful, depending on the conditions in which the vehicle is to be driven. An engine and  
transmission guard can reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle's underbody and engine oil sump, for example when driving over kerbs,  
driveways or unsurfaced roads. If you wish to have one fitted, Volkswagen recommends contacting your Volkswagen dealership.  
Additional information and warnings:  
Sitting correctly and safely → Sitting correctly and safelyꢀ  
Transporting → Transporting items ꢀ  
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking the vehicle → Starting the engine, changing gear and parkingꢀ  
Driving with respect for the environment → Driving with respect for the environment ꢀ  
Consumer information → Consumer information ꢀ  
WARNING  
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.  
Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can severely impair perception, reaction times and driving safety. This could cause you to lose  
control of the vehicle.  
Preparing for a journey and driving safely  
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →  
Introduction  
Checklist  
Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own safety, and the safety of all passengers and other  
road users ꢀ:  
Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly.  
Check the tyre pressure Wheels and tyres Wheels and tyres Tyres see Wheels and tyres_3 and fuel level Filling the tank Filling the tank  
.
Make sure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows.  
Air intake to the engine must not be obstructed, and the engine must not be covered with any kind of insulating materials .  
Secure any objects and luggage in the stowage compartments, the luggage compartment or on the roof Transporting items Transporting  
items .  
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12/29/2015  
Bedienungsanleitung < Service & Zubehör < Volkswagen Deutschland  
Make sure that you are able to operate the pedals freely at all times.  
Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight and size Child seats Child seat ISOFIX see  
Child seat Top tether see Child seat .  
Adjust the front seats, head restraints and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of the occupants Adjusting the seat position  
Sitting .  
Wear shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals.  
The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must leave the pedal area free and must be securely fastened.  
Assume a correct sitting position before setting off and maintain this position while driving. This also applies to all passengers Adjusting  
the seat position Sitting .  
Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout the journey. This also applies to all  
passengers Seat belts Seat belts .  
Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt.  
Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g. by medication, alcohol or drugs.  
Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, e.g. by passengers, telephone calls, opening menus and making adjustments to  
settings.  
Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.  
Observe traffic regulations and speed limits.  
When travelling long distances, stop and take a break regularly – at least every 2 hours.  
Secure animals in the vehicle using a system that is suitable for their weight and size.  
WARNING  
Always observe current traffic regulations and speed limits, and think ahead when driving. Correct interpretation of a driving situation can make  
the difference between reaching your destination safely and having an accident with serious injuries.  
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only maintains its value, it also ensures that your vehicle remains roadworthy and in working order.  
Servicing work should therefore be carried out in accordance with the service schedule. Some work may have to be carried out before the due  
date of the next service if the vehicle is subjected to severe operating conditions. Severe operating conditions are, for example, frequent stop and  
go driving, frequent driving with a trailer and driving in areas with high levels of dust. Further information can be obtained from your Volkswagen  
dealership or qualified workshop.  
Driving abroad  
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →  
Introduction  
Checklist  
In some countries, special safety standards and emissions-related legislation apply that may differ form the construction of the vehicle,  
Volkswagen recommends that you visit your Volkswagen dealership before travelling abroad to find out about any legal requirements and the  
following issues at your destination:  
Does the vehicle need any technical modifications for driving abroad, e.g. masking or switching the headlights over?  
Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equipment and spare parts available for service and repair work?  
Are there any Volkswagen dealerships in the destination country?  
For petrol engines: is unleaded petrol with the correct octane number available?  
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