Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken-down vehicle. For example, many countries stipulate that you have to switch
on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility waistcoat (→ Emergency equipment).
Checklist of what to do in the event of a breakdown
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following points in the specified order:
1. Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface. Observe all the important information on
parking → , .
2. Switch on the hazard warning lights (→ Centre console).
3. Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go to a safe place away from moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier. Observe
country-specific regulations on high-visibility waistcoats.
4. Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
5. Observe safety notes (→ In the bonnet space).
6. Seek expert assistance if necessary. Volkswagen recommends using the Volkswagen emergency service.
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still indicate a change in direction or lane
change by operating the turn signal. The hazard warning lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Comply with the important information on towing (→ Tow-starting or towing).
WARNING
Any broken-down vehicle poses a high accident risk for the vehicle occupants and other road users.
● Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
● Park the car at a safe distance from moving traffic.
● Switch on the hazard warning lights.
● Never leave other persons alone in the vehicle, particularly children or people requiring assistance. This applies in particular when
the doors are locked. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires and serious injuries.
● Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any inflammable material underneath the
vehicle, e.g. dry grass or fuel.
NOTICE
Pushing the vehicle by hand can cause damage to the vehicle, e.g. deformation or detachment of add-on parts.
● When pushing the vehicle by hand, do not press on the tail light clusters, large panels and side or rear spoilers.
Checklist of what to do after an accident
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers in an accident, observe the following actions in the specified order:
1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Switch on the hazard warning lights (→ Centre console).
3. Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
4. Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go to a safe place away from moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
Administer first aid and observe country-specific regulations on high-visibility waistcoats.
5. Report the accident to the fire service.
6. Wait for the emergency services at the scene of the accident.
Switch on the hazard warning lights, e.g. in the following situations:
—When traffic ahead suddenly slows down or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam to warn vehicles behind you.
—When there is an emergency.
—If the vehicle breaks down.
—When tow-starting or towing.
English 