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Vehicle care and maintenance for Your Volkswagen Up 4 Door First Generation (2011-2019)

How the vehicle battery discharges:  
Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is  
switched on.  
The use of electrical consumers when the engine is switched off.  
WARNING  
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using incorrect vehicle batteries can cause short circuits,  
fire and serious injuries.  
Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties,  
specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.  
WARNING  
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.  
Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.  
Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can  
even freeze at temperatures of around 0°C (+32°F).  
A vehicle battery must be replaced if it has been frozen.  
Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and  
then the negative cable.  
NOTICE  
Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or  
the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the  
vehicle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be  
damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example in the start/stop system.  
Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery  
charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This  
can damage the vehicle electrical system.  
Dispose of the vehicle battery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic  
substances such as sulphuric acid and lead.  
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dispose of  
them properly.  
Vehicle care and maintenance  
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:  
⇒ Washing the vehicle  
⇒ Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner  
⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors  
⇒ Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades  
⇒ Waxing and polishing the vehicle  
⇒ Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts  
⇒ Cleaning wheels  
⇒ Care of rubber seals  
⇒ De-icing the door lock cylinders  
⇒ Underseal  
⇒ Cleaning the engine compartment  
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also  
be one of the requirements for the approval of warranty claims in the event of corrosion or paint  
defects.  
Suitable care products are available from Volkswagen dealers.  
Additional information and warnings:  
Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine  
compartment  
Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior  
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs  
and renewal of parts  
WARNING  
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect  
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.  
The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.  
Read the manufacturer's instructions.  
Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original  
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care  
products.  
Keep children away from care products.  
The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used  
outside or in well-ventilated spaces.  
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash,  
clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.  
WARNING  
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and  
thus cause serious injury.  
Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.  
Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.  
NOTICE  
Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.  
In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially  
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering  
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.  
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.  
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read  
the manufacturer's instructions.  
Washing the vehicle  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial  
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more  
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlight) further  
intensify the corrosive effect. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and  
regularly.  
Car washes  
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take  
the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to  
avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on  
your vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒  
.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash.  
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash.  
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.  
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the  
following ⇒ Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.  
Washing the car by hand  
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.  
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with  
the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.  
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thoroughly at regular intervals.  
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.  
WARNING  
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause injury.  
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the  
underbody or the inside of the wheel housings.  
WARNING  
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend  
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.  
You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that  
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.  
NOTICE  
The water should be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).  
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle  
paintwork.  
Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can  
damage the surface.  
Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. It  
is best to use soapy water.  
Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the  
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and  
seals could freeze.  
NOTICE  
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order  
to avoid damage to the vehicle:  
Ensure that the gap between the guide rails in the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle  
track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.  
Switch off the city emergency brake function before driving the vehicle into an automatic  
car wash.  
Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.  
Fold in the exterior mirrors.  
In order to prevent damage to the paintwork on the bonnet, fold the windscreen wipers  
back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the  
glass.  
Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally in the car wash.  
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your vehicle using a high-  
pressure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pressure and the spraying distance⇒  
.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot  
sensors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the rear bumper ⇒  
.
Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blasters⇒  
.
WARNING  
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term  
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.  
Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur  
visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.  
WARNING  
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and extend  
the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in winter.  
You can dry and de-ice the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Ensure that  
you do not endanger any other road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.  
NOTICE  
The water may be no warmer than +60°C (+140°F).  
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle  
paintwork.  
The ParkPilot sensors in the bumpers must be kept clean and free of ice to guarantee  
correct function. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors  
should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm  
away.  
Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered in snow with a high-pressure cleaner.  
Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the  
water into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and  
seals could freeze.  
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors  
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.  
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have  
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with  
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.  
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒  
.
Removing wax  
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can  
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the  
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning  
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the  
vehicle is washed.  
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the  
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove  
wax deposits ⇒  
.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen  
dealerships.  
Removing snow  
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.  
Removing ice  
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move  
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to  
scratch the window.  
WARNING  
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and severe  
injuries.  
Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.  
Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.  
NOTICE  
Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the  
windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the ingredients to separate and block the washer  
jets.  
Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors. This can  
cause the glass to crack.  
The heating elements for the rear window heater are located on the inside of the rear  
window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the  
rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals.  
Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades  
Fig. 126 Changing the windscreen wiper blades  
Fig. 127 Changing the rear window wiper blade  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
The factory-fitted windscreen wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures  
that the windscreen wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is  
damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder.  
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regular basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be  
changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty ⇒  
.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Windscreen wiper blades can be bought  
from a qualified workshop.  
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades  
Note for the front windscreen wiper: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting  
them ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.  
When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.  
Clean the windscreen wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth ⇒  
Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.  
.
Changing the windscreen wiper blades  
Move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting ⇒ Windscreen wiper and washer.  
When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.  
Press and hold the release button ⇒ Fig. 126① and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in  
the direction of the arrow.  
Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it  
engages.  
Place the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.  
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window  
When lifting a wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.  
Lift the wiper blade arm and fold away at an angle of 60°.  
Press and hold the release button ①.  
Tilt the wiper blade in the direction of the wiper arm ⇒ Fig. 127 (arrow Ⓐ) and pull it off in the  
direction of the arrow Ⓑ at the same time. You may need to use some force to do this.  
Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm against the  
direction of the arrow. Push it on until it engages ⇒ Fig. 127. The wiper blade must be in the  
tilted position (arrow Ⓐ).  
Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.  
WARNING  
Worn or dirty windscreen wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and  
severe injuries.  
Therefore, always change windscreen wiper blades if they are damaged or worn and no  
longer clean the windscreen properly.  
NOTICE  
Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers can scratch the windscreen.  
Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the  
graphite coating.  
Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the  
windows.  
Wax deposits on the windscreen and rear window could cause the wiper blades to rub.  
Remove wax residue using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths.  
Waxing and polishing the vehicle  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Waxing  
Waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water  
no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.  
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen recommends protecting the  
paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.  
Polishing  
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by  
applying wax.  
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal  
the paint.  
NOTICE  
In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses  
and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.  
Do not polish the paint if the vehicle is in a sandy or dusty environment or if it is dirty.  
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.  
For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.  
Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts using a soft, dry cloth.  
NOTICE  
To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:  
Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.  
Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty environments.  
Do not use any abrasive care products (e.g. cream cleaners).  
Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products.  
Do not polish any dirty surfaces.  
Do not use solvent-based cleaning products.  
Do not use hard wax.  
NOTICE  
Chrome rims or wheel covers may also have an additional varnish finish and should not be  
treated using chrome or aluminium cleaning agents or chrome or aluminium polish. A normal  
commercially available paint cleaning product should be used instead.  
Cleaning wheels  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Cleaning steel wheels  
An industrial cleaner is needed to remove accumulated brake dust. Steel wheels should therefore  
be cleaned regularly with a separate sponge.  
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the metal starts to rust.  
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels  
Wash grit and brake dust from alloy wheels approximately every 2 weeks. Then use an acid-free  
detergent to clean the wheels. Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the  
wheels approximately every 3 months.  
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regular intervals,  
otherwise the finish will be impaired.  
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not  
be used on the wheels.  
If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be repaired  
immediately.  
Care of rubber seals  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
The rubber seals on the doors, windows etc. will seal better, remain flexible and last longer if they  
are treated at regular intervals with a suitable care product.  
Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.  
De-icing the door lock cylinders  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Volkswagen recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive  
properties to de-ice the lock cylinders.  
NOTICE  
Do not use lock de-icers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the  
door lock cylinder to rust.  
Underseal  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective  
coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore  
recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear  
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.  
CAUTION  
Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot  
engine parts.  
Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter,  
heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.  
Cleaning the engine compartment  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the  
engine compartment.  
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning  
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components.  
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒  
.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified  
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a  
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.  
Plenum chamber  
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine  
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed  
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.  
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular  
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.  
WARNING  
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.  
Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures  
and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.  
Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.  
NOTICE  
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure  
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.  
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only  
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel  
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere  
else may be prohibited.  
Cleaning and caring for the interior  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:  
⇒ Seat covers  
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery  
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers  
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery  
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays  
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts  
⇒ Cleaning seat belts  
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft  
materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are  
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the  
garments.  
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers  
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become  
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.  
Additional information and warnings:  
Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior  
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs  
and renewal of parts  
WARNING  
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect  
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.  
The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.  
Read the manufacturer's instructions.  
Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original  
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care  
products.  
Keep children away from care products.  
The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used  
outside or in well-ventilated spaces.  
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash,  
clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.  
WARNING  
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and  
cause serious injury.  
Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.  
Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.  
NOTICE  
Cleaning products that contain solvents attack the material and may cause irreparable  
damage.  
Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack  
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.  
Stains, dirt and other deposits should be removed as quickly as possible and not allowed  
to dry in.  
To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning company.  
Suitable care products are available from a Volkswagen dealership.  
Seat covers  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Checklist  
Please note the following for the cleaning and maintenance of the seat covers ⇒  
:
Before getting into the vehicle, close all Velcro fasteners that could touch the cloth seat  
covers and fabric trims. Open Velcro fasteners can cause damage to cloth seat covers and  
fabric trims.  
Avoid the direct contact of sharp-edged items and accessories to the upholstery and fabric  
trims in order to prevent damage. Accessories include zips, studs, rhinestones on clothing  
or belts.  
Dust and grit in upholstery pores, folds and seams should be removed regularly so that no  
permanent damage is caused to the surface of the seats by scratching.  
Always check whether garments are colourfast to prevent damage to the upholstery. This  
is especially important for light-coloured upholstery.  
NOTICE  
Ignoring any of the items on this important checklist for maintaining the seat covers can lead  
to damage or discolouration of the seat covers and fabric trims.  
Follow the instructions on the checklist.  
Volkswagen recommends that stained upholstery is cleaned by a specialist company.  
Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara® upholstery  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically  
adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag components  
Airbag-related components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, passenger  
seat and sometimes also in the rear outer seats. Seat cushions or backrests that are damaged,  
incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that become wet, may cause damage to the vehicle electrics or  
trigger a fault in the airbag system ⇒  
.
Electrical components and connectors are installed in electrically adjustable seats and seat  
cushions with seat heating. These can be damaged if cleaned or treated incorrectly ⇒  
also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrics.  
. This can  
For this reason, please follow these cleaning guidelines:  
Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.  
Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.  
Avoid getting the seat wet.  
Only use detergents that have been approved by Volkswagen.  
If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.  
Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions without seat heating, seats that are  
not electrically adjustable, and seats that do not contain airbag components  
Please read and follow the instructions, notes and warnings on the package before using  
cleaning products.  
Upholstery, fabric trims, Alcantara® seat covers and carpeting should be cleaned regularly with  
a vacuum cleaner (brush).  
Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.  
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or commercially available lint-free microfibre cloth  
for cleaning jobs ⇒  
.
Clean Alcantara® surfaces with a slightly damp cotton or woollen cloth or a commercially  
available lint-free microfibre cloth ⇒  
.
General surface soiling of the upholstery and fabric trim can be cleaned with a commercially  
available foam cleaner.  
If the upholstery and fabric trims are generally heavily soiled, consult a Volkswagen dealership for  
information on suitable cleaning methods before attempting any cleaning. If required, take the  
vehicle to a specialist cleaning company.  
Treating stains  
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself.  
This particularly applies if the surface shows general signs of wear. The cleaned area could  
otherwise be lighter than the surrounding area. If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.  
Type of stain  
Recommended cleaning method for seat cushions  
and upholstery  
– Moisten a sponge using a spray bottle and treat the stain by  
rubbing it in a circular motion.  
– Wipe with a dry absorbent cloth.  
Water-based stains, e.g.  
coffee, fruit juice.  
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.  
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the  
upholstery cleaned.  
Stubborn stains, e.g.  
chocolate, foundation.  
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.  
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the  
upholstery cleaned.  
Oily stains, e.g. oil,  
lipstick.  
WARNING  
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not function properly, or not function at  
all or function unexpectedly. This could cause accidents and fatal injuries.  
The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.  
NOTICE  
If the upholstery on electrically adjustable seats or on seat cushions containing airbag  
components gets wet, electric components and the vehicle electrics could be damaged.  
A wet seat cushion should always be dried out, and system components checked, by a  
qualified workshop.  
Do not use steam cleaners as the steam pushes the soiling into the fabric and sets it.  
High-pressure cleaners and coolant sprays can damage the upholstery.  
NOTICE  
Brushes should be used on carpets and mats only. Other surfaces could be damaged by  
brushes.  
When washing paste or fine detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge,  
visible edges may appear on the upholstery once it has dried. This can be due to  
substances such as surfactants. These edges are usually difficult or even impossible to  
remove.  
NOTICE  
Do not soak Alcantara® under any circumstances.  
Do not use leather care products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or  
similar products on Alcantara®.  
Do not use brushes if cleaning with liquids. This could damage the surface of the material.  
Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Please contact a Volkswagen dealership or other qualified workshop if you have any questions on  
cleaning and caring for the leather equipment in your vehicle.  
Care and use  
Natural leather is sensitive as it does not have a uniform coating of dye.  
Use a leather cream with sunlight protection and impregnation properties on a regular basis and  
always after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, keeps it breathable and supple and  
replaces lost moisture. It also protects the surface.  
Leather should be cleaned every two to three months and fresh stains removed.  
Treat the leather with a special leather care product every six months ⇒  
.
Always apply cleaning and care products extremely sparingly and always use a dry cotton or  
woollen cloth that is free from fluff. Do not apply cleaning and care products directly to the  
leather.  
Remove fresh stains such as ink, ball-point pen ink, lipstick, shoe cream etc. as quickly as  
possible.  
Look after the pigment. Use a special coloured leather cream to refresh the colour where  
necessary.  
Wipe it off with a soft cloth.  
Cleaning  
Volkswagen recommends that you use a damp cotton or wool cloth for general cleaning purposes.  
Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams.  
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leather upholstery ⇒ Cleaning upholstery  
on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag  
components.  
Type of stain  
Stubborn stains  
Cleaning  
– Use a wrung-out cloth to apply a mild soap solutiona)  
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.  
.
Water-based stains, e.g.  
coffee, tea, juice, blood  
etc.  
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth,  
– If the stain has already dried, use a suitable cleaning agent ⇒  
.
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.  
– If the stain has not yet penetrated the surface, use a suitable  
Oily stains, e.g. oil, lipstick  
etc.  
cleaning agent ⇒  
.
Difficult stains, e.g. biro,  
felt tip pen, nail varnish,  
emulsion paint, shoe  
polish etc.  
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.  
– Clean with a suitable leather stain remover.  
NOTICE  
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on leather.  
Stains cannot be removed if they has been left on the leather for a long time and have  
penetrated the surface.  
Spilt liquids should be cleaned immediately using an absorbent cloth as the leather surface  
and the stitching absorb liquids quickly.  
If the car is left standing outdoors for long periods, the leather should be protected against  
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.  
However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.  
a) Mild soap solution: two tablespoons neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.  
Cleaning leatherette upholstery  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leatherette upholstery ⇒ Cleaning  
upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing  
airbag components.  
Only use water and neutral detergents to clean the leatherette upholstery.  
NOTICE  
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on the  
leatherette upholstery. These may cause the material to become hard and brittle prematurely.  
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays  
Fig. 128 In the centre console: stowage compartment with drink holder  
Fig. 129 Ashtray with snuffer, removed and opened  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Cleaning stowage compartments and drink holders  
Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.  
If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.  
Cleaning the ashtray  
Remove and empty the ashtray.  
Wipe the ashtray with a cloth to clean it.  
To clean the snuffer ⇒ Fig. 129, use a toothpick or similar object to pick out the ashes.  
Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic  
parts  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.  
Treat plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel with a special solvent-  
free plastic cleaning and care product that has been approved by Volkswagen ⇒  
.
Treat wooden trims with a mild soap solution.  
Clean the mount for the portable navigation device using a dry cloth only.  
WARNING  
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become  
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.  
Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.  
NOTICE  
When cleaning the dash panel, ensure that the contacts for the portable navigation device do  
not become wet as this could cause damage to the electrical system.  
Cleaning seat belts  
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒  
Introduction  
Large particles of dirt on the automatic belt prevent it from rolling back properly and thus from  
working effectively.  
The seat belts must never be removed for cleaning purposes.  
Remove dirt with a soft brush ⇒  
.
Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.  
Clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution.  
Allow the seat belt fabric to dry completely.  
Do not allow the seat belt to roll up until it has dried completely.  
WARNING  
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat  
belt becomes damaged have it removed and replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.  
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.  
Never use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts or their components. Furthermore  
the seat belts may not come into contact with corrosive fluids, solvents or sharp objects.  
These could considerably weaken the webbing.  
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up. Otherwise the  
automatic belt retractors could become damaged and thus impair their function.  
Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could  
prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.  
Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself.  
Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with seat belts approved by  
Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an  
accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if  
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.  
Wheels and tyres  
Introduction  
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:  
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres  
⇒ Rims  
⇒ New wheels and tyres  
⇒ Tyre pressure  
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators  
⇒ Tyre damage  
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel  
⇒ Tyre lettering  
⇒ Winter tyres  
⇒ Snow chains  
Volkswagen recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop.  
They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the