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Driver assist systems -> Driving a loaded vehicle for Your Volkswagen Touran 4 Door Third Generation (2022-2025)

than average → fig. 1. Plan trips economically and combine short trips.  
Have maintenance performed regularly  
Regular maintenance is required for fuel-efficient driving and increases the service life of the vehicle.  
Removing unnecessary weight  
Clearing out the luggage compartment, for example by removing empty crates or unneeded child restraints, can  
reduce consumption.  
To keep the vehicle's air resistance as low as possible, remove attachments after use.  
Saving energy  
The alternator, which is powered by the engine, generates power for the electrical equipment, such as the air  
conditioner, window heating, or ventilation. Saving energy is simple, for example:  
When temperatures are high, air out the vehicle before driving and drive short distances with the windows open.  
Then turn on the climate control system.  
Switch off comfort consumers that are not required.  
NOTICE  
If the vehicle rolls down mountains or hills in neutral , the transmission is not lubricated. This can cause the  
automatic transmission to overheat and can damage it.  
Never leave the vehicle in neutral gear, especially when the engine is stopped.  
An authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility can provide you with more  
information about correct maintenance and replacement parts that are particularly energy efficient, such  
as new tires.  
In driving situations when less power is required, the engine cylinders can deactivate automatically on  
vehicles with Active Cylinder Management (ACT  
), depending on the vehicle equipment. When the engine is switched off, no fuel is injected into the relevant  
cylinders, meaning that overall fuel consumption is reduced.  
Driving a loaded vehicle  
Heed the following for good vehicle handling when the vehicle is loaded:  
Stow all cargo securely .  
Accelerate with extra care and caution.  
Avoid sudden braking and driving maneuvers.  
Brake earlier than usual.  
If necessary, read and heed the information about roof racks (→ Roof rack).  
If necessary, note the information about driving with a trailer .  
WARNING  
Sliding loads can considerably impair the driving stability and safety of your vehicle, and increase the braking  
distance when you brake hard or perform emergency braking. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Correctly secure the load to prevent it from sliding.  
Use suitable tie-downs or securing straps on heavy objects.  
Engage the rear seat backrests and, if necessary, the adjustable rear seats securely.  
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Driving with an open trunk lid  
Driving with an open trunk lid can be especially dangerous. Secure all objects and the open trunk lid correctly.  
Sufficient precautions must be taken to reduce the amount of poisonous exhaust that enters the vehicle.  
WARNING  
If driving with the trunk lid unlocked or open, loose objects can fall out of the vehicle and injure other road users.  
This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Always drive with the trunk lid closed.  
Store all objects in the luggage compartment securely.  
Always drive carefully and anticipate upcoming traffic situations.  
Avoid abrupt or sudden driving and braking maneuvers because the open trunk lid can move in an uncontrolled  
manner.  
If there is a roof rack with cargo on the trunk lid, always remove it before driving with an open trunk lid.  
WARNING  
Objects protruding from the luggage compartment change the vehicle length and may possibly endanger other road  
users. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Follow the legal regulations.  
Mark objects sticking out of the luggage compartment so they will be visible to others on the road.  
Never use the trunk lid to secure or wedge objects.  
WARNING  
Among other substances, engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless poisonous gas.  
If driving with the trunk lid open, poisonous exhaust may enter the vehicle interior, leading to a loss of  
consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
To prevent poisonous exhaust from entering the vehicle, always drive with the trunk lid closed.  
Close all windows.  
Close the power sunroof.  
Switch off recirculation mode.  
Open all the air vents in the instrument panel.  
Switch the blower to the highest blower level.  
Always drive with the trunk lid closed if the load can be transported with the trunk lid closed.  
NOTICE  
Opening the trunk lid changes the height and possibly the length of the vehicle. This can cause damage to the  
vehicle if driving carelessly.  
Be aware of the changed outer dimensions, such as when driving through underpasses.  
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Driving through water on roads  
Note the following to reduce the risk of vehicle damage when driving through water, for example on flooded roads:  
The water must not be any higher than the bottom of the vehicle body→  
Do not driver faster than walking speeds.  
.
Never stop the vehicle, drive in reverse, or stop the engine in water.  
Oncoming vehicles create waves that can raise the water level for your vehicle enough that it is not safe to drive  
through.  
Always manually deactivate the start-stop system when driving through water .  
WARNING  
When driving through water, mud, slush, etc., the braking effect may be delayed due to damp or icy brake rotors  
and brake pads in the winter, and this can extend the braking distance. This could cause a loss of vehicle control,  
accidents and serious or fatal injuries.  
Perform careful braking maneuvers to dry and remove ice from the brakes.  
Do not endanger road users or disregard legal regulations during braking maneuvers.  
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking maneuvers directly after driving through water.  
NOTICE  
Driving through water can greatly damage or corrode parts of the vehicle, e.g. electronics.  
Never drive through salty water.  
Using fresh water, immediately rinse any parts of the vehicle that may have come into contact with salty water.  
Protect electronic components against contact with water.  
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Operating the vehicle in different countries and continents  
Approval regulations  
The vehicle was manufactured by the factory for a specific country and meets those requirements and approval  
regulations that were valid at the time of vehicle manufacture →  
.
If the vehicle will be used temporarily or for a brief period in another country, then read and observe the  
following information.  
Safety standards and regulations  
Some countries have special safety standards and regulations that differ from the vehicle configuration. Volkswagen  
recommends obtaining information about legal regulations from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility before driving in other countries.  
Selling in other countries  
If the vehicle is sold in another country or will be used for an extended period in another country, then the applicable  
legal regulations in that country must be observed.  
Certain equipment may need to be installed or removed and functions may need to be deactivated. The scope and  
types of service may also be affected. This particularly applies if the vehicle is being operated for an extended period  
in a different climate region.  
Functions of the Infotainment system  
Due to the many different frequency bands around the world, the Infotainment system installed at the factory may  
not function in other countries.  
Volkswagen is not responsible for damage to the vehicle caused by substandard fuel, insufficient service, or  
not using Volkswagen Genuine parts.  
Volkswagen is not responsible if the vehicle does not meet all of the applicable legal requirements in other  
countries and continents.  
WARNING  
At high altitudes, the air density is lower. Due to the reduced air density, engine power may be reduced and when in  
operation for extended periods at high altitudes, vehicle components may be damaged. Lower engine power can  
result in accidents, e.g. when overtaking, and may result in serious or fatal injuries.  
Before driving abroad, obtain information from a suitably qualified professional, particularly for altitudes above  
3000 m (around 9843 ft) above sea level. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer  
or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
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