Get Driving -> Situations in off-road driving Guide for Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

– With the LOW reduction stage engaged, the

Switch off the LOW reduction stage

maximum speed is approx. 70 km/h (44 mph).

– Reduce speed until the vehicle comes to a stop.

– Move the selector lever to the N position.

– In order to improve traction, EDS partially

over-brakes certain wheels. This can lead to

some locked wheels being dragged.

– Turn the knob to the OFFROAD position and

wait approximately 1 second.

When the LOW reduction stage is switched on,

the start-stop system is additionally deactivated

and the activation of the differential locks is

optimally adapted for cross-country driving.

Select the gear ratio D or S.

–

Checklist

Situations in off-road driving

Introduction to the topic

Before the first journey, do the following to be

able to drive and operate the vehicle safely off

paved roads:

Please observe the general safety instructions

→ p. 1 90.

All-wheel-drive vehicles, in addition to driving on

conventional roads, can also drive off-road on

paved roads. It is very important to have read

this chapter before driving off-road.

Familiarise yourself with the operation of the vehicle.

Check the seat adjustment and, if necessary,

adjust it → p. 54 and fasten the seat belt →

p. 56.

This vehicle is not designed for "expeditionary"

travel.

Check the distance to the front and correct it if

necessary.

The examples given should be understood as

advice for safe off-road driving. However, it

cannot be assumed that they are applicable in all

situations.

→

p. 181.

Always wear appropriate, close-fitting footwear

that provides good support for the feet when

walking.

The existence of numerous types of terrain with

different risks and dangers makes it impossible

to deal with all possible driving situations. The

examples are to be understood as general

guidelines to facilitate safe cross-country

driving. . Before setting off into unfamiliar

terrain, it is important to find out about the

characteristics of the terrain. In this way,

possible dangers can be assessed in advance.

time to operate the pedals.

Safety instructions for off-road

driving

WARNING

The intelligent technology incorporated in the

Please note and on page 190.

vehicle cannot overcome the limits imposed by

the laws of physics and only works within the

limits of the relevant systems. In adverse

terrain conditions, instability may occur due to

wheel locking even with ABS (e.g. during heavy

braking on loose gravel). Under these

conditions, stabilisation of the vehicle by the

connected ESC is only possible to a limited

extent.

If necessary, only use starting assistants in the

field for cross-country driving.

190

Instruction manual

grass or fallen branches. Driving over these

terrain features can lead to accidents, serious

injury and vehicle breakdown.

WARNING

Off-road driving can be dangerous and can

lead to accidents, serious injuries, damage to

the vehicle and breakdown of the vehicle far

from help.

● Before embarking on a foray into an

unfamiliar stretch, explore the route

carefully on foot.

● Never choose a dangerous route or take

any risk that endangers you and your

companions. If it is not possible to

continue or you doubt the safety of the

route, turn around and look for another

way.

● Never choose an unsafe route and never

take any risks that could endanger you and

your companions. If you doubt the safety

of the route, turn around and look for

another way.

● Always adapt speed and driving style to

the load and to visibility, terrain and

weather conditions.

● Even if the terrain seems easy to negotiate,

it can be difficult and dangerous and lead

to critical situations for you and your

companions. It is best to analyse the route

on foot first.

WARNING

● Particular caution and foresight must be

exercised when driving off-road. Driving

too fast or failing to manoeuvre can result

in serious injury and damage to the vehicle.

Multi-purpose sports cars have a

significantly higher rollover risk than

conventional passenger cars → p . 192.

● Never drive faster than is appropriate for

the prevailing terrain, road, traffic and

weather conditions.

● In the event of a rollover, occupants who

are not wearing seat belts are at greater

risk of death than those who are wearing

seat belts.

● Never drive up steep hills, ramps or inclines

at excessive speed. Otherwise the vehicle

could jackknife and it would be impossible to

control the steering and you would lose

control of the vehicle.

● The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity

and is more likely to roll over while driving

than a "normal" passenger car not suitable

for off-road driving.

● If the vehicle should jackknife, always keep

the front wheels in a straight position. If

the wheels are turned when the vehicle

loses contact with the ground, the vehicle

could overturn.

● Never drive too fast, especially when

cornering, and never manoeuvre too fast.

● Always adapt your speed and driving style

to the prevailing terrain conditions.

● When luggage and other objects are

carried on the roof, the vehicle's centre of

gravity is additionally raised and the risk of

rollover increases.

● Even stretches that at first glance appear

to be harmless can be dangerous. Often,

potholes, cavities, pits, ditches, holes,

obstacles, slopes, and soft, muddy ground

are not easy to distinguish because they

are partially or completely covered by

water, grass or fallen branches. If

WARNING

● Always avoid driving on a slope with the

vehicle tilted → p. 201.

necessary, explore the terrain on foot.

● If the vehicle is stopped sideways on a

slope, never allow the vehicle to be driven

out of the vehicle through downhill doors.

The combined centre of gravity of the

vehicle and its payload (occupants and

cargo) could shift and cause the vehicle to

overturn and roll downhill. The vehicle has

always been

WARNING

Sections that appear harmless can turn out to

be very dangerous. Often, potholes, cavities,

pits, chasms, obstacles, slopes, and soft and

muddy ground are not easy to distinguish

because they are partially or completely

covered by water,

Driving

191

to leave, without making any sudden

movements, through the doors on the side

facing the top → p. 201.

● Never use Front Assist off-road.

WARNING

If the fuel level is too low, the vehicle could

stall and serious accidents and injuries could

occur.

The cruise control has been developed solely

for driving on solid roads. The cruise control

is not suitable for off-road driving and can

even be dangerous. If you use the cruise

control when driving off-road, you may lose

control of the vehicle and be seriously

injured.

● If the fuel tank level is too low, fuel may be

delivered unevenly to the engine, especially

when going up or downhill.

● Steering, driver assistance and braking

assistance systems do not function if the

engine is running erratically or is switched

off due to lack of fuel or irregular fuel

supply.

● Never use the cruise control off-road.

WARNING

● Always refuel when there is only a quarter

of fuel left in the tank to prevent the

vehicle from stalling due to lack of fuel.

The Front Assist monitoring system is only

intended for use on solid roads. The Front

Assist system is not suitable for off-road

driving and may even be dangerous to use. If

you use the Front Assist assistance system

when driving off-road, you could lose control

of the vehicle and be seriously injured.

NOTICE

In the event of precipitation, if the windows and

glass roof are open, the interior equipment of the

vehicle could be damaged and the vehicle could

be damaged. When driving off-road, always keep

the windows and glass roof closed

.

Explanation of some technical terms

Please note and on page 190.

Fig. 146 Schematic representation: slope angle. angle of inclination.

192

Instruction manual

Centre of gravity The centre of gravity of a

vehicle determines its rollover behaviour.

The vehicle has a higher ground

The vehicle must be positioned relative to the

fall line without tipping over la- terally

(depending on the centre of gravity) → fig.

146 .

clearance to facilitate off-road driving,

hence the centre of gravity is higher than

in "normal" passenger cars. This feature

increases the risk of a roll-over while

driving. Always remember this fact and

observe the safety tips and warnings in

this instruction manual.

Ventral angle Value of the angle formed by the

vehicle when climbing a ramp slowly

without the underbody of the vehicle

rubbing against the edge of the ramp.

Angle of attack/departure Passing from a flat

surface to a slope or from a slope to a flat

surface. The value of the angle at which

the vehicle would brush against the

Ground clearance The distance between the

pavement and the lowest point of the

vehicle's underbody.

underbody at the edge of the ramp.

Slope angle The height (slope) reached on a 100

m stretch is given in percent or in degrees

→ fig. 146 . Value of the gradient that the

vehicle can climb by its own means. This

depends, among other things, on the

road surface and engine power.

Angle of inclination Value of the angle of the

slope on which the vehicle can travel

inclined or perpendicular with respect to

the slope.

Fall line Line representing the vertical descent of

a slope.

Axle crossing Ability of a vehicle to maintain

wheel-to-surface contact and thus traction

when passing an obstacle unilaterally.

Differential lock Off: compensates for the

difference in wheel rotational speed.

Engaged: creates a rigid link between the

wheels of an axle or between the wheels

of the front axle and the rear axle to

equalise the wheel speed difference.

the speed at which they rotate.

Check and, if necessary, correct the tyre pressure

of all tyres, including the emergency wheel

(if fitted).

Checklist "Before going off-road".

Check the engine oil level and add oil if

necessary. Oil will only reach the engine,

even when the vehicle is tilted, if the

engine oil level is sufficient.

Fill the window washer tank completely with water

and glass cleaner.

Please note and on page 190.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your

companions, please note the following points

before each cross-country excursion:

Please make sure you are well informed before

you set off into the wilderness and cross-

country.

Mount the towing eye at the front or rear. If the

vehicle gets stuck, it may no longer be

possible to fit it.

Check the on-board tools and complete them

according to individual requirements → page

194.

Avoid planning long journeys. Be aware of

increased fuel consumption off-road.

Fill the tank. Off-road fuel consumption is

considerably higher than on the road.

Distribute the load as horizontally and inwards

as possible. Do not leave any loose objects.

Check that the tyres fitted are suitable for the

section of road to be driven.

Before driving off-road for the first time,

Volkswagen recommends a training course,

especially if you have little or no experience of

off-road driving.

Recommendation for difficult terrain:

Always equip the vehicle with special off-

road tyres.

cation.

Driving

193

During good training, you learn how to handle

the vehicle in different off-road driving

situations and how to drive safely in difficult

terrain. Off-road driving requires different skills

and behaviour than driving on conventional

roads. The safety of the driver and the

occupants of the vehicle

– Drive slowly on difficult sections of road. On

slippery surfaces, engage a high gear and

ensure that the vehicle is always in motion.

– Always drive on flat, firm ground. In cross-

country driving, soft surfaces on which the

tyres sink into the ground predominate. As a

result, the ground clearance and fording

height of the vehicle are reduced.

vehicle depends on the first.

– Always keep a safe distance from other

vehicles, even at low speeds. This way, if the

vehicle in front is trapped, you will be able

to stop in time and avoid being trapped

yourself.

General rules and driving tips

Please note and on page 190.

NOTICE

Always ensure that there is sufficient ground

clearance under the vehicle. If the underside of

the vehicle touches the ground, serious damage

could occur. The damage could cause the

vehicle to be immobilised and make it

impossible to continue.

Rules of behaviour during off-road driving

A responsible driver also respects nature when

driving off-road. When driving through

undergrowth and pastureland, the habitat of

existing flora and fauna can be destroyed.

– Always stay on marked roads and footpaths.

– Do not cause unnecessary noise or dust.

the march.

– Leave wilderness areas in the same condition

in which you found them.

Useful off-road accessories

– Avoid wildlife habitats sensitive to external

influences.

Please note and on page 190.

– Yield to vehicles going uphill or

attempting to overtake.

The checklist includes only a few accessories that

can be very useful when driving off-road. If you

have the operating or installation instructions

for the accessories mentioned, please carry

them with you and take them into account

when using the accessories for off-road driving.

Driving tips

Specific rules apply to off-road driving:

– Never make forays with only one vehicle. At

least two off-road vehicles should be driven

together through the countryside.

Checklist

Unexpected situations can always arise. It is

highly advisable to carry a device that allows

you to call for help if necessary.

Useful accessories for off-road driving:

Water, compass, maps and a battery-powered torch

spare parts.

– Especially before driving through difficult

sections, stop and analyse the terrain first

by walking through it on foot.

Winch, tow bar or tow rope of sufficient

strength.

Mobile phone, shovel, blankets and

waterproof boots.

– Climb the mounds slowly to prevent the

vehicle from jumping off and becoming

damaged and immobilised.

Electric air compressor for tyre inflation

with adapter for 12 volt vehicle power

socket.

194

Instruction manual

Checklist (continued)

– For smooth off-road driving on flat terrain,

use position D on the selector lever.

A 4 cm thick, approx. 1 mlong wooden board or

an aluminium support of similar length to

help pull the vehicle out if it is stuck in the

ground or to support the jack.

– When driving on soft or slippery surfaces,

moderate your speed and select the highest

possible speed in the Tiptronic.

Snow chains, additional spare

– In mud, sand or water or on busy roads, drive

with the Tiptronic in 3rd or 2nd gear → page

195. If necessary, engage the LOW reduction

stage → page 196.

t

yres and puncture repair kit as well as jack

and wheel spanner

.

– On steep downhill or uphill gradients, use

Tiptronic in gear 1.

– Engage differential lock and use hill start

assist.

Shifting gears c o r r e c t l y

→

p. 189.

Please note and on page 190.

– If necessary, connect the LOW reduction

stage → page 189.

The choice of the right gear depends on the type

of terrain.

Use Offroad mode → p. 187.

–

Before driving through a difficult stretch of

road, it may be a good idea to stop the vehicle

and think about the best gear to use. After you

have made a few trips, experience will teach you

to choose the most suitable gear in combination

with the derailleur and differential lock for

certain sections.

– If you have selected the correct gear ratio,

the brakes will be required less on descents,

as the engine brake effect will be sufficient in

most cases.

– Accelerate only as much as necessary. If

you accelerate too sharply, the wheels may

slip and you may lose control of the

vehicle as a result.

Driving

195

Differential lock

Please note and on page 190.

Fig. 147 On the instrument panel display: display of the different modes.

4

5

6

LOW gear stage (off-road gear ratio)

Centre differential lock

Rear axle differential lock

With the centre differential lock and rear axle

differential lock engaged, traction is improved

for off-road driving both uphill and on rough

terrain.

The differential locks can be engaged manually.

However, in most situations this is not necessary

because the intelligent all-wheel drive

Fig. 148 On the lower part of the centre console:

adjust the differential lock.

Differentials compensate for speed

automatically locks the differentials.

differences between the wheels.

Differential lock improves traction when

driving off-road over rough terrain and

uphill.

Manually engaging the differential lock

– Move the selector lever to the N position.

2

3

– Turn the ONROAD knob to

or OFFROAD

4

LOW

.

4

5

– Turn the LOW rotary knob

a

o

Legend to fig. 147 :

6

.

OFFROAD mode or LOW reduction stage

Centre differential lock

The manoeuvrability of the vehicle is severely

limited when the differential lock is engaged.

Rear axle differential lock

The differential lock cannot be engaged manually

when:

Legend to fig. 148 :

– driving on asphalt roads

1

2

3

Rotary knob for mode selection

– the vehicle is towed

ONROAD mode (gear ratio for roads)

OFFROAD mode (off-road gear ratio)

– the brakes are tested on the test bench at

rodilos.

196

Instruction manual

If the centre differential lock is

disengaged in a bend, a slight

pull. This is caused by increased stress on the

transmission. This is normal and does not mean

that there is any damage to the vehicle.

This can also be noticed by some noises. As the

tyres "stick" to the surface, their wear increases

firm

considerably, especially on

ground.

With the centre differential lock or the

rear axle lock engaged, the tyres will

"stick" to the road in bends. This can

Conventional manoeuvres

Driving in rough terrain

5

– Use the rotary knob to select the level

3

Field through

.

Please note and on page 190.

– Switch on the Field through level or the

LOW stage → p. 187.

– When crossing rocky sections, reduce speed

as much as possible.

Extraordinary manoeuvres

– If you are unable to negotiate a rock, select

for this manoeuvre only the level Special

4

Terrain for this manoeuvre.

– Carefully climb the rock with one of the front

→

.

wheels and then slowly drive over it

– After overcoming the obstacle, reconnect the

Fig. 149 Close-up of the centre console: rotary

knob for selecting a level.

3

level Cross-country

.

NOTICE

Legend to fig. 1 49 :

● Never attempt to drive over obstacles of

Large obstacles, whether large rocks or logs,

with only one side of the vehicle or by

leaving them between the wheels. Obstacles

that exceed the ground clearance of the

vehicle in size can damage vehicle

1

2

3

4

5

Level Loaded

Normal Level

Level Cross-country

Level Special Terrain

Rotary knob for selecting the level

components and cause a breakdown.

If you cannot avoid a rock, climb carefully onto

the rock with one of the front wheels and then

● Obstacles that are smaller than the ground

clearance of the vehicle can also come into

contact with the underbody and cause

damage and damage to the vehicle. Be aware

of this when there is a cavity or soft ground

in front of or behind the obstacle, or when

driving over the obstacle at high speed and

the vehicle has less ground clearance

because the shock absorber is in its

slowly step over it →

.

In very hilly terrain, select Cross Country level

3

. Before slowly negotiating large obstacles,

4

switch to special terrain level

to gain

another 60 mm of ground clearance → .

contraction phase.

Leaking engine oil and brake fluid can

contaminate the environment. If any operating

fluid leaks out, collect it and

Dispose of it properly and in an environmentally

friendly way.

Driving

197

These guidelines can help prevent water from

entering the engine and damaging it. In

Crossing water

addition, an air bubble can form in front of the

engine to provide it with the necessary oxygen.

Please note and on page 190.

Driving through flooded road sections can cause

damage to the vehicle → page 193.

If you enter or drive through water at high

speed, a wave will form in front of the vehicle.

Water could enter the engine through the air

intake openings and cause severe engine

damage.

If the water does not exceed the lower edge of

the carriage, such as in puddles or shallow

standing water, it is safe to drive through. Never

stop the vehicle in the water, do not reverse

and never switch off the engine.

Wading in strong water currents

Wading in strong water currents is very

dangerous →

.

Decisive factors in deciding whether or not to

wade:

The vehicle can be swept away by the current.

Even vehicles with high ground clearance can

be trapped if the wheels sink into the ground.

The water then pools on the side of the vehicle

and rises in level. The force, speed of the

current and depth of the water can be

– Water depth

– The power of the current

– Consistency of the bottom and the shore

– The shape of the shore

– Objects in the water

unpredictable and therefore dangerous.

– The maximum fording height of the vehicle

If you are unsure about how fast the water is

flowing, look for a safe place where you can

cross the water safely. If you do not find a

suitable place, turn around.

→

p. 388

Before wading

Stop the vehicle, get out and analyse the situation.

→

:

Note concerning the headlamp cleaning system

The headlamp washer system must not be

operated during wading. Objects in the water

could obstruct the holes from which the

headlamp washers emerge and prevent them

from returning to their original position. In this

case, the objects must be removed carefully.

– Measure the depth of water to the other ex-

trem. Check if there are any unevenness or

obstructions at the bottom and if the ground

consistent →

.

is sufficiently

– Ensure that it is possible to enter and exit the

water safely.

After a wade

– Check the angle of attack/departure and

the consistency of the ground on the

shore.

– Dry the brakes by repeatedly and carefully

applying the brake.

– Select the level Special Terrain

– Change from the Special terrain level to the

Field level via → p. 197.

→

p. 197.

– Switch on the OFFROAD mode → p. 187 or

the LOW reduction stage → p. 189.

WARNING

Water currents can develop enormous force

and sweep the vehicle away. This can lead to

very dangerous situations which can result in

accidents and serious and fatal injuries.

Wading in stagnant water or weak

watercourses

can wade

If the ground is firm, the vehicle

through standing water → . Observe

maximum fording height → p. 388.

the

● Never stop the vehicle in water.

● If water enters the engine compartment,

the vehicle could be damaged during

fording.

– Enter the river slowly following the current.

Never exceed the vehicle's angle of

attack/departure or the angle of inclination.

– Maintain a constant speed until you reach

the other bank.

198

Instruction manual

● Soft surfaces, underwater obstacles and

gullies can lead to accidents and vehicle

failure in the water. This could lead to

critical situations.

Driving in sandy and muddy terrain

Please note and on page 190.

NOTICE

In this type of terrain, always maintain a

constant speed and do not change gears

frequently or stop.

Water can severely damage important vehicle

components

such

as

the

engine,

transmission, running gear or electrical

system.

● Only ford at a point where the bottom is firm

and the depth does not exceed the

maximum fording height.

– Check whether ESC is activated. The control

light or should be off on the instrument

panel display.

→

p. 249.

– Keep the vehicle moving at all times.

– Select the "Cross Country" level

● Never drive over salt, saline surfaces or salt

water, as salt can cause corrosion.

Immediately rinse any vehicle parts that

have entered the vehicle with fresh water.

in contact with salt or salt water.

→

p. 197.

– Switch on the LOW reduction stage → page 189.

– Switch on the centre differential lock and

rear axle lock → p age 196.

– Select a suitable gear and stay in this gear

until you reach a firm ground surface → p.

195.

Driving in snowy terrain

Please note and on page 190.

If the tyres lose grip, turn the steering wheel

quickly from side to side. This can temporarily

increase the grip on the front tyres in this type

of terrain.

Fit snow chains to front wheels only before

driving in snowy terrain.

Even sections that at first glance seem harmless

can be dangerous. This applies especially to

sections where no ruts or other tracks are

visible.

Sand driving

tyre

for driving on

has been

Never reduce the

sand → . If

pressure

the tyre pressure

lowered for driving in sand, restore the correct

tyre pressure before continuing. Driving with

low tyre pressure can lead to loss of vehicle

control and increases the risk of serious and

fatal injuries.

WARNING

Driving in snowy terrain is very difficult.

● Often, potholes, cavities, potholes, chasms,

ice sheets or other obstructions are

completely or partially covered by snow.

Driving in mud

● Hazards hidden by snow can lead to an

accident, serious injury or immobilisation of

the vehicle in extreme weather conditions.

Do not change speed or steering. Tyres may

lose their grip in mud. If the vehicle skids, turn

in the appropriate direction to regain control of

the vehicle.

● Always adapt speed and driving style to

the load and to visibility, terrain and

weather conditions.

WARNING

Driving in mud, sand or slush can be

dangerous. The vehicle could skid

uncontrollably, increasing the risk of injury.

Always drive carefully when driving in mud,

sand or slush.

Driving

199

If a slope cannot be climbed any further

● Never choose an unsafe route and never

take any risk that could endanger you and

your companions. If you doubt the safety

of the route, it is preferable to turn around

and look for another way.

– Never turn around when climbing a slope.

– If the engine stalls, apply the brake and

restart the engine.

– Engage reverse gear and back slowly in a

straight line.

WARNING

Incorrect tyre pressure can lead to a serious or

fatal accident.

– Maintain a constant speed with the brake

pedal until you reach a safe place.

● If the tyre pressure is incorrect, the tyres

wear excessively and the driving behaviour

of the vehicle deteriorates.

Lowering slopes

Never exceed the vehicle's angle of inclination! If

you are forced to drive at an angle and the

vehicle threatens to tip over, immediately turn

the steering wheel in the direction of the fall

line (downhill).

● Incorrect tyre pressure can cause

overheating and sudden damage to tyres,

which may even burst or lose tread,

resulting in loss of vehicle control.

There is a high risk of rollover when going

downhill. Especially when going downhill,

concentrate on controlling the vehicle.

On steep descents, use the descent assistant

→ p. 187.

Driving on steep terrain

– Down steep slopes in first gear.

– Use the brakes with caution so as not to lose

control of the vehicle.

Please note and on page 190.

Driving on slopes

– As far as possible and if it is not dangerous,

descend in a straight line following the fall line

(maximum slope).

Before going up or down a slope, it is advisable

to stop the vehicle, get out and analyse the

situation:

– Do not engage the clutch or neutral.

– Walk the section on foot and check the

terrain for firmness and the presence of

WARNING

Never attempt to climb or descend a slope if it

is too steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could

slip, overturn or roll over.

other hidden hazards →

.

obstacles or

– Check the situation on the other side of the

ridge.

● Do not exceed the maximum permitted

slope angle for the vehicle.

– If the route is too steep or rough, or if the

terrain is too loose, do not continue and

choose another route.

● Always ride on slopes following the fall line

only.

– Go down or up the slope slowly at a constant

speed and in a straight line.

● Do not turn around on a pen- dient under

any circumstances. This could cause the

vehicle to overturn or slip.

– Accelerate just enough to negotiate the slope.

If you accelerate too hard, the wheels could

spin and you could lose control of the

vehicle. Too little acceleration increases the

likelihood of the engine stalling.

● If the engine stalls or for any other reason

cannot be continued: stop and depress the

brake pedal. Restart the engine. Engage

reverse gear, release the brake pedal and

use the effect of the engine speed to

– Never stop or turn around in the pen- diente.

– Prevent the engine from shutting down.

– Do not change gear or clutch while climbing.

reverse in a straight line following the fall

line. Maintain a slow and steady speed.

200

Instruction manual

This could result in an uncontrolled skid,

rollover or spin. This could result in serious or

fatal injury to all occupants.

● If the engine cannot be started, press the

brake pedal with steady force and allow the

vehicle to back up on its own steps.

Maintain a slow and steady speed.

Before setting off, always check whether there is

● Never drive downhill in reverse at idling

a safer route.

speed. You could lose control of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is to be driven on an incline, the

ground should be as firm as possible. On

slippery or soft surfaces, the vehicle could skid

sideways or overturn. Ensure that the slope is

not too steep due to unevenness in the terrain.

If this is the case, the vehicle could overturn

and roll over.

Steep driving on a slope

If the vehicle is in a steeply inclined position,

always prevent the wheels on the lowest part of

the vehicle from going into crevices or cavities.

Always avoid driving over rocks, logs or other

obstructions with the wheels at the highest

point.

Please note and on page 190.

If the vehicle threatens to roll over, turn

immediately towards the fall line and accelerate

gently → Fig. 150 . If it is not possible to turn

towards the fall line, then turn uphill and

accelerate gently.

The vehicle's centre of gravity should be as low

as possible. The weight of the occupants

should be distributed as evenly as possible.

Larger or heavier persons should sit on the

higher side of the vehicle with respect to the

slope. Roof loads should be removed and heavy

objects should be secured to prevent the

Fig. 150 Turn towards the fall line.

due to load shifting →

vehicle from overturning

.

WARNING

Never attempt to drive on a slope with the

vehicle on an incline, especially if it is too

steep for the vehicle. The vehicle could slip,

overturn and roll over. To avoid the risk of an

accident or serious injury, be aware of the

following:

● Never underestimate the difficulties and

dangers of driving on a slope with the

vehicle on an incline. Never choose an

unsafe route and never take any risks that

could endanger yourself and your

passengers. If you doubt the safety of the

route, it is best to turn around and look for

another way.

Fig. 151 If the vehicle is tilted, always alight

from the side facing the top.

Driving on a slope with a tilted vehicle is one of

in off-road

the most dangerous situations

driving →

.

It may seem harmless, but never

underestimate the difficulties and dangers of

driving with the vehicle tilted on a slope! When

the vehicle is on a slope, the vehicle can be

tilted.

Driving

201

WARNING

Never drive through ditches when the angle of

attack/departure and pitch are too large for the

vehicle and the ditch is too deep. The vehicle

could overturn, skid and roll over.

● When driving on a slope with the vehicle on

an incline, the vehicle may lose grip, move

sideways, overturn and roll downhill.

● Always prevent the wheels at the lowest

part of the machine from going into hard

cracks or cavities. Always prevent the

wheels at the highest part of the machine

from rolling over rocks, logs or other

obstacles.

NOTICE

Entering at right angles will cause the front

wheels to fall into the ditch. The vehicle may be

trapped with the underbody of the vehicle on

the ground and damaged. In these

circumstances, it is almost impossible to get out

of a ditch, even with the help of the vehicle's

undercarriage.

● Before driving on a slope with the vehicle

on an incline, make sure that it is possible

to turn towards the fall line. If this is not

possible, take another route. If the vehicle

threatens to overturn, turn immediately

towards the fall line and accelerate gently.

→ fig. 150 .

of all-wheel drive.

● If the vehicle is stopped on a steep slope,

avoid sudden or uncontrolled movements

inside the vehicle. The vehicle may lose

grip, slide sideways, overturn and roll

downhill.

Stuck vehicle

Please note and on page 1 90.

Unclogging the vehicle with the back-and-forth

method requires training and skill.

● If the vehicle is stopped very steeply on a

slope, never allow the vehicle to be driven

out of the doors facing downhill. This could

cause the centre of gravity to shift

sideways. The vehicle could overturn or

roll downhill. To avoid this, only carefully

exit the vehicle from the side facing uphill

→ Fig. 151 .

If a mistake is made in doing so, the vehicle will

sink further and can only be pulled out with the

help of third parties.

When no further progress can be made

– Carefully dig up all wheels and ensure that no

vehicle components are buried in the sand.

● When exiting, care must be taken to

ensure that the open door to the top does

not close under its own weight or through

carelessness and cause injury.

– Engage reverse gear.

– Accelerate with caution and retrace your

steps.

If this does not work, place weeds, mats or a

hessian in front of the wheels to improve grip

and thus traction →

.

Unclogging a vehicle with the back-and-forth method

Crossing ditches

Never let the wheels slip for too long, as this will

Please note and on page 190.

bury the vehicle further →

.

only

– Switch off the ASR → p. 249.

– Check whether the angle of attack/departure

and pitch angle are small enough to drive the

– Set the steering wheel straight.

→

.

vehicle through the ditch

– Back up until the wheels start to skid.

acute angle

– If possible, cross trenches at an

– Immediately engage first gear and move

forward until the wheels start to spin again

→

.

– Do not allow the angle of inclination to

increase too much when crossing the

trench.

202

Instruction manual

Remove dirt from the radiator grille andunderbody

– Repeat this operation until the momentum is

sufficient to unclog the vehicle.

→ p. 370.

Check the engine compartment for dirt that could

– After unclogging the vehicle, switch on the

ASR.

impair the function of the engine → p. 313.

→

p. 249.

Turn the rotary control on the centre console

to ONROAD mode and reconnect the ASR

and ESC.

– Switch on the OFFROAD mode → p. 187

and the LOW reduction stage → p. 189.

– Switch on the centre differential lock and

rear axle lock → page 196.

Press the

to deactivate the speed limiter

p. 185.

button on the centre console

–

Switch on the "Special terrain" level → page 197.

→

WARNING

Never allow anyone to stand in front of or

behind the vehicle, especially when attempting

to unclog the vehicle.

WARNING

Objects that may have become trapped in the

underbody of the vehicle represent a danger.

Always check the underbody of the vehicle

after off-road driving to remove any objects

that may have become trapped.

● If the wheels slip, stones, brush, wood

chips or other objects under the wheels

could be thrown out at high speed and

cause fatal injuries.

● Never drive with objects trapped in the

underbody, brake system, wheels,

suspension, exhaust system or engine.

● If the stuck vehicle were to suddenly start

moving, it could run over people in front

of or behind it.

● If the materials are flammable, such as

dry leaves or branches, they could ignite if

they come into contact with hot vehicle

components. A fire can cause serious

injury.

After a cross-country tour

● Objects that may have become trapped can

damage the fuel lines, brake system, seals

and other undercarriage components. This

can lead to an accident and loss of control

of the vehicle.

Please note and on page 190.

Checklist

Clean the turn signals, lighting system, number

plate and windows of the vehicle.

If necessary, remove the re- molque ring and

snow chains.

Check the tyres, telescopic arms and axles for

damage and remove any dirt, stones or

foreign objects that may have become

embedded in the tyre profile.

Problems and solutions

Please note and on page 190.

Check the underbody of the vehicle and remove

any objects caught in the brake system,

wheels, undercarriage, exhaust system and

the engine, e.g. branches, leaves or pieces

of wood → . If you detect any damage or

There is a fault in the differential lock, it

is not active: Contact a specialist workshop

system

immediately and request a

overhaul

→ p. 187.

leaks,

contact a specialist workshop or seek

specialist help.

Driving

203

Driving -> Situations in off-road driving for Your Volkswagen Touareg SUV Third Generation (2018-2025)

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