· Make sure nothing can prevent you from
operating the pedals at all times.
Driving
· Always fix the mats well in the footrest area.
Driving instructions
· Never place other mats or any other type of
covering on the already assembled mat.
pedals
· Prevent objects from falling into the driver's
footrest area while driving.
· With the vehicle parked, remove objects from
the footrest area.
· Wear shoes that offer good foot support when
operating the pedals.
WARNING
Always respect the highway code and current speed limits,
and drive in a proactive manner. A correct assessment of the
situation can make the difference between arriving safely at
your destination and suffering an accident with serious injuries.
Fig. 121 In the footwell area: pedals on vehicles with
manual gearbox.
· On long journeys, stop regularly to rest, at least
every 2 hours.
WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or
narcotics can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
· Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics can
reduce perception, increase reaction time and
worsen driving safety considerably, which can
cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Fig. 122 In the footwell area: pedals in vehicles with
automatic gearbox.
WARNING
1 accelerator pedal
The pedals should always be able to be operated without
2 Brake pedal
impediments. So e.g. For example, when one of the brake
3 Clutch pedal for vehicles with manual transmission
system circuits fails, the brake pedal travel required to stop the
vehicle increases. In this case, you have to press the brake
pedal more fully and with more force than usual.
Never allow any object or mat to hinder the activation and
movement of the pedals.
Only use mats that leave the area of the pedals free and that are
fixed in the footrest area in such a way that they do not shift.
WARNING
The presence of objects in the driver's footrest area may
make it difficult to operate the pedals. This can cause loss of
vehicle control and increases the risk of serious injury.
144
Driving
gear recommendation
Economy driving style
With an appropriate driving style, consumption,
environmental pollution and wear on the engine,
brakes and tires are reduced. Here are some tips
that are good for the environment and for your
wallet.
Fig. 123 On the instrument panel screen: gear
recommendation.
A Gear currently engaged
B Recommended gear that should be engaged
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, a
recommendation may be shown on the instrument
panel display while driving with the number of the gear
that should be selected to save fuel ÿ fig. 123.
Vehicles with automatic gearbox: For this purpose,
the gearbox must be found in the Tiptronic program
ÿ p. 162.
Fig. 124 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at two different
ambient temperatures.
If the optimal gear is engaged, no recommendation
will appear. The gear that is currently engaged will be
displayed.
Driving foresight An irregular
driving style increases consumption. By paying
attention to traffic, you can avoid frequent acceleration
and braking. Maintaining a sufficient distance from
Information regarding the “cleanliness” of the
particulate filter The engine management detects
if the particulate filter is close to being saturated and
contributes to its regeneration by recommending the
optimum gear.
For this, it may be necessary to drive exceptionally
the vehicle in front helps to drive proactively.
Taking advantage of
with a high engine speed ÿ page. 310.
inertia Vehicles with automatic gearbox: When driving
with the selector lever in position D without pressing
the accelerator or the brake, the vehicle rolls (moves
ATTENTION
by inertia) with hardly any energy consumption.
The gear recommendation is only an auxiliary
function and cannot replace the driver's attention.
Energy-saving shifting Upshifting early
when the engine speed has reached 2,000 rpm saves
energy. Do not rush the marches and avoid high
regimes.
· The driver is responsible for choosing the correct
gear depending on the situation at hand, e.g.
e.g., when overtaking or in mountainous sections
you are
— Vehicles with manual gearbox: Immediately after
starting the gear, shift from 1st to 2nd gear.
Selecting the optimal gear can save fuel.
The indication of the recommended gear
— Vehicles with automatic transmission: Accelerate
slowly and avoid fully pressing the accelerator (kick-down).
goes out when the clutch pedal is depressed
in vehicles with manual gearbox or when the selector
— Observe the gear recommendation ÿ p. 145.
lever is moved out of the Tiptronic position in
vehicles with automatic gearbox.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
— Use the Eco driving profile whenever possible ÿ p.
170.
145
driving directions
Avoid full throttle
Remove unnecessary
At excessively high speeds, rolling resistance and
aerodynamics increase, and thus the force required
to move the vehicle. Never drive at the maximum
speed of the vehicle.
weight If the luggage compartment is emptied of
e.g. For example, snow chains or unused child
seats, consumption can be reduced.
To keep the vehicle's aerodynamic drag as low as
possible, remove exterior accessories, such as a
ski rack, bike rack, or roof rack, when you no longer
need them.
reduce idle
Set off immediately and with a low engine speed. In
situations where a long downtime is expected (eg
in a traffic jam or at a level crossing), do not let the
engine idle, but switch it off. On vehicles with the
Start-Stop system activated, the engine can be
switched off automatically during stopping processes
and when the vehicle is stopped ÿ page. 157.
Save energy
The alternator, which is driven by the engine,
generates energy for comfort consumers such as
the air conditioning, ventilation or heated windshield
and rear window. Saving energy is easy, e.g. eg:
— When the outside temperatures are high,
ventilate the passenger compartment before
setting off and drive for a while with the windows open.
Connect the air conditioner then, and not before.
Refuel sparingly A fuel
tank filled to the brim increases the weight of the
vehicle. Half or three quarters of the tank is enough,
especially for urban journeys.
— Switch off the comfort consumers when
have fulfilled their mission.
Avoid short journeys
WARNING
When the engine is cold, it consumes a lot of fuel.
The optimum operating temperature is not reached
until a few kilometers (miles) have been driven.
At very low ambient temperatures, e.g. eg in winter
consumption is higher than normal ÿ fig. 124.
Plan journeys cost-effectively and combine short
journeys.
Always adapt your speed and the following
distance to the vehicle in front depending on the
visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
Never let the vehicle roll down a hill with the neutral
position N selected. The derailleur is not lubricated
and can be damaged.
Performing regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for economical
driving and increases the life of the vehicle.
Learn about other ways to protect the
environment. Think Blue. is the brand of
Volkswagen worldwide to promote sustainability
and environmental compatibility.
Take tire pressure into account Tire
pressure that is too low not only causes tire wear,
but also increases rolling resistance and, with it,
consumption.
Volkswagen dealers can provide you with
further information on proper vehicle
maintenance and spare parts, e.g. For example,
new, particularly energy-efficient tyres.
Use tires with optimized rolling resistance.
Adapt the tire pressure to the load:
Depending on the equipment, on vehicles
with active cylinder management (ACT® ),
certain engine cylinders can be automatically
deactivated if the driving situation does not require
excessive power. While the cylinders are deactivated,
no fuel is injected into the cylinders, thereby reducing
overall fuel consumption.
— Observe the information on the tire pressure
sticker ÿ p. 359.
— Tire monitoring system ÿ p. 351 — Tire pressure
monitoring system ÿ p. 353
Use anti-friction synthetic motor oil
Low-viscosity fully synthetic engine oils reduce
frictional resistance in the engine and distribute better
and faster, especially on cold engine starts.
146
Driving
Think Blue. Trainer.
Fig. 125 In the infotainment system: Think Blue. Trainer.
The ThinkBlue. Trainer. it is available depending on equipment,
but not on all vehicle models.
Economy driving style
5 Consumption:
Average fuel consumption Since departure is displayed
1 “Blue Score”:
in l/100 km or mpg. If the border is blue it means that the
driving style is efficient and constant. If the driving style is
not efficient, the border is shown in grey.
The higher the value displayed on a scale from 0 to 100,
the more efficient the driving style. If the border is blue it
means that the driving style is efficient and constant. If the
driving style is not efficient, the border is shown in grey.
Click on the indication to open a statistic of the last 30
minutes of walking since the start.
Click on the indication to open a statistic of the last 30
minutes of walking since the start.
6 Tips to save energy:
Press the ThinkBlue function button . to display additional
tips.
2 Accelerate and brake:
If the speed is constant, the two arcs remain in the central
zone. When the vehicle is accelerated or braked, the arcs
The ThinkBlue. Trainer. analyzes and displays your driving
move up or down.
style and helps you drive more economically.
3 Indication of development:
The effectiveness of driving behavior is indicated by blue
bars. The white bar memorizes a blue bar every 5 seconds
Open ThinkBlue. Trainer.
1. Depending on the equipment, press the button or the
fotainment function button. of the input system
approx.
either
The larger the bar, the more efficient the driving style will
have been.
2. Press the Vehicle function buttons
Selection
,
4 Driving Tips:
and ThinkBlue. Trainer.
Drive more proactively.
WARNING
If the driver is distracted it can lead to an accident and injury.
Operating the infotainment system can distract attention from
traffic.
gear recommendation
Adapt the speed.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
· Always drive paying attention to traffic and responsibly.
147
driving directions
· If you suspect that the brake pads are worn or
that the brake system has a fault, go immediately
to a duly qualified specialized workshop, request
a review of the brake pads and their replacement
if they are worn. Volkswagen recommends a
Volkswagen dealer.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles) the new brake
pads do not offer their full stopping power and have yet to
“break in” ÿ . This slight reduction in braking force can be
compensated for by pressing the brake pedal harder. While the
brake pads are run in, the braking distance under full braking
or in an emergency is longer than after running in. During
taxiing, hard braking and situations where the brakes are heavily
applied should be avoided, e.g. For example, driving too close to
another vehicle.
WARNING
At first, the braking capacity of the brake pads is not optimal.
· During the first 300 km (200 miles), new brake
pads do not offer their full stopping power
and have yet to “break in”. This can be
counteracted by putting more pressure on the
brake pedal.
The wear of the brake pads depends, to a large extent, on
the conditions in which the vehicle is used and on the driving
style. If the vehicle is frequently used in urban traffic and for short
journeys or is driven sportily, have the pad thickness checked
regularly by a qualified specialist workshop. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
· When the brake pads are new, drive with extra
caution to reduce the risk of accidents, serious
injury, or loss of vehicle control.
· During the break-in of the new brake pads,
never ride too close to other vehicles or create
situations where you have to put a lot of stress
on the brakes.
If you are driving with wet brakes, for example after driving
through water, in heavy rain or after washing the vehicle, braking
performance may be reduced due to wet brake discs or even
freezing in winter. It will be necessary to brake as soon as possible
with care and at a high speed until the brakes dry out. In doing so,
care must be taken not to endanger vehicles behind or other road
users ÿ .
WARNING
Never “file” the brakes too often or too long and never press
the brake pedal too often or too long.
Constant braking causes overheating of the brakes. This
can significantly reduce braking power, considerably increase
stopping distance and, under certain circumstances, lead to
the failure of the entire braking system.
If the brake discs and pads have a layer of salt, the braking
capacity is reduced and the stopping distance increases. When
driving on roads sprinkled with salt without braking for some time,
the layer of salt must be filed down by braking carefully ÿ .
WARNING
When the brakes are overheated, their stopping power is
reduced and the stopping distance is increased.
Corrosion on the brake discs and soiling of the brake pads are
exacerbated if the vehicle is not used for a long time, does not
· When driving downhill, the brakes are
cover many kilometers or is under-utilized .
particularly stressed and heat up very quickly.
· For a long drive downhill, reduce speed by
selecting a lower gear in Tiptronic mode. This
If the brake pads are not applied, if they are not applied enough
or if there is corrosion, Volkswagen recommends cleaning the
is how the engine brake is used and the brakes
are not requested as much.
brake discs and pads by braking hard several times while driving
at high speed. In doing so, care must be taken not to endanger
any other vehicle or road user ÿ .
· Non-standard or damaged front spoilers can
adversely affect brake ventilation and cause
the brakes to overheat.
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system can
cause accidents and serious injuries.
148
Driving
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate open
Wet, frozen or salt covered brakes brake later and
extend the stopping distance.
· Test the brakes carefully.
Driving with the tailgate open is especially
dangerous. Properly secure all objects and the
open tailgate, and take appropriate measures to
reduce the entry of toxic exhaust fumes into the
vehicle.
· Always dry and release the ice brakes and brake
several times with caution if the visibility,
weather, road and traffic conditions allow it.
WARNING
When the front brake pads are checked, the
rear ones should also be checked.
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open can
cause serious injury.
On a regular basis, the thickness of all brake
pads should be visually checked through the holes
in the rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If
necessary, the wheels should be removed for
Always drive with the tailgate closed
wrong
· Place all objects in the trunk of
safe way. Otherwise, loose objects could fall
out of the boot and injure road users behind.
further inspection. Volkswagen recommends going
to a Volkswagen dealer for this.
· Always drive carefully and with special care.
· Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres, as the
open tailgate could move uncontrollably.
Driving with a loaded vehicle
In order to achieve suitable driving characteristics
with a loaded vehicle, please note the following:
· When transporting objects that protrude from the
trunk, mark them accordingly to warn other
road users. Observe the legal provisions.
— Store all luggage securely ÿ p. 285.
· Never use the boot lid to secure or immobilize
objects that protrude from the boot.
— Accelerate with special care and caution.
— Avoid sudden braking and maneuvers.
— Brake earlier than usual.
· If you have a luggage rack mounted on the
tailgate, always remove it together with the load
when you have to drive with the tailgate open.
— If necessary, note the information on the roof rack
ÿ p. 301.
— If necessary, observe the information on driving
with a trailer ÿ p. 293.
WARNING
If the tailgate is open, toxic exhaust gases could
enter the passenger compartment. This can cause
unconsciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning,
accidents and serious injuries.
WARNING
A shifting of the load could seriously threaten
the stability and safety of the vehicle, lengthen
the stopping distance in a hard or emergency
stop and cause accidents and serious injuries.
· To prevent the entry of toxic exhaust gases,
always drive with the tailgate closed.
· Secure the load correctly to prevent it from
shifting.
· If in exceptional cases you have to drive with the
tailgate open, do the following to reduce the
entry of toxic exhaust gases into the passenger
compartment:
· Secure heavy objects with suitable lashing
straps or lashing straps.
· Fit the rear seat backs and adjustable rear seats
securely.
— Close all windows and glass roof
such.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
149
driving directions
— Disconnect the air recirculation system.
Combustion engine running-in
heating and ventilation or air conditioning system.
A new combustion engine must be broken in for the first
— Open all dash air vents
of instruments.
1,500 kilometers (1,000 miles). All moving parts should be
able to synchronize. During the first hours of operation, the
internal friction of the combustion engine is much higher than
later.
— Set the highest level of the heating and ventilation
system or climate control fan.
Up to 1000 kilometers (600 miles): — Do not
WARNING
give full throttle.
With the tailgate open, the height and, if necessary, the length
of the vehicle vary.
— Do not run the combustion engine at more than 2/3 of its
maximum speed.
— Do not drive with a trailer ÿ p. 293.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometers (600 to 1000 miles): —
Gradually increase the speed and engine speed.
Driving on flooded roads
To avoid damaging the vehicle when driving, e.g. For
example, through flooded roads, note the following:
Driving style during the first 1,500 kilometers (1,000
miles) also influences the quality of the combustion engine.
Afterwards, it is also advisable to drive at moderate engine
speeds, especially when it is cold, to reduce wear and increase
mileage.
— The water must in no case exceed the bor
from underbody ÿ .
— Proceed at pedestrian speed.
— Never stop the vehicle in the water, back up, or turn off the
engine.
Do not drive at too low a speed. Always downshift when the
combustion engine does not rotate correctly.
— Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction create waves that
can raise the water level so high for the vehicle itself that it
is not possible to cross the water safely.
The tires ÿ p. 355 and the brake pads ÿ p. 148 new ones have
to undergo careful running-in.
— Whenever you cross water, manually disconnect the Start-
Stop system ÿ p. 157.
If the new combustion engine is subjected to proper
WARNING
running-in, its useful life will be increased and, at the
After going through water, mud, sludge, etc., the braking
ability may be reduced and the braking distance may increase
because the brake discs and pads are wet or even frozen in
winter.
same time, its oil consumption will be reduced.
Use of the vehicle in other
countries and continents
· Brake carefully several times to dry the brakes and free them
of ice. When doing so, do not endanger other road users
and comply with legal provisions.
The vehicle was manufactured for a certain country and
complied with the type approval regulations in force in that
country at the time the vehicle was manufactured.
· Avoid sudden stops immediately after going through
water.
WARNING
If you are going to use the vehicle temporarily or for a short
period of time abroad, please observe the corresponding
information.
Driving through water can seriously damage vehicle components
such as the engine, gearbox, running gear or electrical system.
Some countries apply safety regulations and special provisions
that the vehicle may not comply with. Before making a trip
abroad, Volkswagen recommends inquiring at one of its dealers
about the legal provisions in force in the country of destination.
· Never cross salt water; salt can cause corrosion. Immediately
rinse vehicle parts that have come into contact with salt
water with fresh water.
150
Driving
If you are going to sell the vehicle in another country
If the braking ability of the vehicle changes
or use it in another country for a long period of time,
please take into account the legal provisions in force
in the country in question.
If the brake pads are worn, or if you notice that the
vehicle no longer brakes normally (sudden increase in
stopping distance):
In some cases it will be necessary to subsequently
mount or dismount certain equipment, as well as
deactivate certain functions. The sets and types of
1. Immediately go to a suitably qualified specialist
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen
dealer.
services may also be affected. This can happen
especially when the vehicle is to be used in another
climatic region for a long period of time.
Start and shut down the
engine
Due to the different frequency bands around the world,
the factory-fitted infotainment system may not work in
another country.
ignition lock
WARNING
· Volkswagen is not responsible for damages suffered
by the vehicle due to poor quality fuel, insufficient
work or a scarce availability of original spare parts.
· Volkswagen is not responsible if the vehicle does
not meet the legal requirements in force in other
countries and continents or if it only partially meets them.
Problems and solutions
/
Brake system failure
The warning lamp lights up red.
A message may also be displayed.
Do not continue the march!
Fig. 126 Next to the steering wheel on the right:
positions of the vehicle key in the ignition lock.
1. Inform an appropriately qualified specialist workshop
and have the brake system checked. Volkswagen
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.
When there is no vehicle key in the ignition lock, the
steering column lock may be activated.
/
Brake pad wear indicator
Vehicle key positions ÿ fig. 126:
(depending on equipment)
0
1
2
Ignition off. The key can be removed.
The warning lamp flashes or lights up red or yellow.
Ignition on. The steering lock can be released.
The front brake pads are worn.
1. Immediately go to a suitably qualified specialist
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen
dealer.
Depress the brake pedal if the control
indicator lights up green. Start the engine. When
the engine has started, release the key. When
released, the key returns to the position ÿ fig.
2. Have all brake pads checked and, if necessary,
.
replaced.
126 1
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
151
Start and stop the engine
2024 VW Tiguan Owner's Manual
