Adjust the display areas according to the
— Slopes: steering wheel angle indicator, engine
coolant temperature indicator and altimeter
(country dependent)
driving situation
The displayed instruments can be selected
depending on the driving situation, as well as the
surrounding and ground conditions:
— Mountainous terrain: Steering wheel angle
indicator, altimeter (depending on country) and
compass
— Sandy terrain: Engine oil and coolant
temperature gauges and steering wheel angle
indicator
The habitat of the existing flora and fauna can be
destroyed.
offroad driving
Leaking operating fluids as a result of damage
to the vehicle can contaminate
Introduction to the topic
undermine the environment. If any operating fluid
leaks out, please collect it and dispose of it properly
and in an environmentally friendly manner.
The examples cited in this chapter should be
understood as general rules that are intended to
help the driver to drive safely off-road. However, it
cannot be assumed that they are applicable in all
situations that arise. Before making an incursion into
unknown terrain, it is crucial to find out about its
characteristics. In this way, potential hazards can be
assessed in advance. The driver is responsible for
deciding if the vehicle is suitable for the terrain and
if it is passable.
Keep useful accessories for offroad driving
in the vehicle.
Safety instructions for offroad
driving
Off-road driving requires different skills and
behaviors than driving on conventional roads.
Note and from page 173.
WARNING
This vehicle has not been designed for “expedition
character” travel.
Intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome
the limits imposed by physical laws and only
works within the limits of the corresponding
systems. In unfavorable ground conditions,
instability situations may occur when the wheels
lock even with ABS (eg, in case of hard braking
on loose gravel). Under these conditions, the
connected ESC can only stabilize the vehicle to a
limited extent.
In an all-wheel drive vehicle, with 4MOTION
Active Control it is possible to select different
configurations depending on the driver's preferences
ÿ p. 170.
For offroad driving, switch off the assistance and
parking systems.
checklist
Before your first ride, do the following in order to
drive and drive the vehicle safely off paved roads:
ÿ Observe the general warnings for
WARNING
Offroad driving can be dangerous, leading to
accidents, serious injuries, vehicle damage, and
vehicle breakdown beyond help.
Safety for offroad driving.
· Never choose a dangerous route or take risks
that endanger you and your companions. If
you cannot continue or you doubt the safety of
the route, turn around and find another way.
ÿ Adjust the seat so that you have a good view
forward and put on the seat belt ÿ p. 43.
ÿ Always wear suitable, tight-fitting footwear that
offers good foot support when operating the
pedals.
· Although the terrain seems easy to travel
ble, it can be difficult and dangerous and lead
to critical situations for you and your
A responsible driver respects nature even
when driving offroad. When traveling through
areas of scrubland and
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
companions. Explore the route first on foot.
173
offroad driving
· When driving offroad, proceed with special
prudence and foresight. Driving too fast or
missing a maneuver can cause serious injury
and damage to the vehicle.
· Always adapt your speed and driving style to
the load, visibility, terrain and weather
conditions.
WARNING
· Never drive faster than is convenient for the
prevailing terrain, road, traffic and weather
conditions.
· Always avoid driving on a slope with the vehicle
tilted ÿ p. 180.
Never drive on slopes, ramps
or slopes too fast. This could cause the vehicle to jack
· If the vehicle is stopped leaning to the side on an
incline, never exit the vehicle through the doors
that face down the incline. The combined center
of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (occupants
and cargo) could shift, causing the vehicle to
overturn and roll downhill. The vehicle must
always be left, without making sudden movements,
through the doors on the side that faces the top
ÿ page. 180.
up so that it is impossible for you to steer and control it.
· If the vehicle were to lift, keep
Always keep the front wheels in a straight position.
If the wheels were turned when losing contact with the
ground, the vehicle could overturn.
WARNING
Multifunctional sports vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover risk than conventional passenger cars ÿ p. 175.
WARNING
Driver assistance systems have been developed for driving
on firm roads only. Driver assistance systems are not suitable
for off-road driving and their use can even be dangerous. If
you use the driver assistance systems while driving offroad,
you may lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured.
· In the event of a rollover, occupants who are not
wearing seat belts are at greater risk of being
killed than those who are.
· The vehicle has a higher center of gravity and is
more likely to overturn while driving than a
"normal" car that is not suitable for off-road
driving.
Never drive too fast, especially
mind in curves, or perform extreme maneuvers
· Never use driver assistance systems when
driving offroad.
further.
· Always adapt the speed and style of playing
duction to the prevailing conditions of the
WARNING
Driving with too low a fuel level could cause the vehicle to
stall, which could cause accidents and serious injuries.
rreno.
· When luggage and other objects are transported
on the roof, the vehicle's center of gravity is
raised additionally and the risk of tipping over
increases.
· Before an offroad ride, refuel
enough fuel.
· The steering and braking assistance systems do
not work if the engine runs erratically or shuts
down due to lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
WARNING
Sections that seem harmless can turn out to be very dangerous.
Potholes, cavities, pits, chasms, obstacles, unevenness, and
soft, muddy ground are often indistinguishable and are partially
or fully covered with snow, water, grass, or fallen branches.
WARNING
In case of precipitation, if the windows and the glass roof are
open, the interior equipment of the vehicle could get wet and the
vehicle could be damaged. During off-road forays, always keep
the windows and glass roof closed.
Driving above these land accidents cannot cause accidents,
serious injuries and vehicle breakdown.
· Before embarking on a foray into an unfamiliar
stretch, carefully explore the route on foot.
· Never choose an unsafe route or take any risk
that endangers you and your companions. If you
doubt the safety of the route, turn around and
find another way.
174
Driving
Angle of inclination Value of the angle formed by the vehicle
when going up a slope inclined or perpendicular to the
line of fall without tipping laterally (depending on the
center of gravity) ÿ fig. 139. Ramp angle Value of the
angle formed by the vehicle when going up a ramp
Explanation of some technical
terms
Note and from page 173.
slowly without the uneddegreboodf ythoefrtahme pv.ehicle rubbing against the
Angle of attack/departure Going from a flat surface to an
uphill slope or from a downhill slope to a flat surface.
Value of the angle formed by the vehicle when
going over a hill without the underside of the
vehicle rubbing against the edge of the ramp.
drop line
a slope.
Line representing the vertical descent of
Fig. 138 Schematic representation: slope angle.
Crossing axles Torque capacity of the vehicle when
passing with only one side through an obstacle.
“Before Offroad Driving” Checklist
Note and from page 173.
Checklist For your own
safety and that of your companions, take into account the
following points before each offroad excursion: ÿ Inform yourself
adequately about the characteristics of the terrain before the
Fig. 139 Schematic representation: angle of inclination.
offroad excursion.
Gravity center
The center of gravity of a vehicle
determines its anti-roll behaviour. The vehicle has
more ground clearance to facilitate off-road driving,
hence the center of gravity is higher than in “normal”
passenger cars.
ÿ Fill the fuel tank. Fuel consumption is considerably higher
offroad than on the highway. ÿ Check if the type of tires
fitted and their profile are suitable for the route you want
to take. ÿ Check the pressure of all tires and correct it.
This feature increases the risk of tipping while driving.
Always remember this and take into account the safety
advice and warnings in this instruction manual.
ÿ Check the engine oil level and add oil. The engine will only
receive oil, even when the vehicle is tilted, if the oil level is
sufficient.
ground clearance
The distance between the pavement
and the lowest point of the underbody of the vehicle.
Slope angle Value of the sliotspeowthnapt othweevr.ehicle can climb under
ÿ Completely fill the window fluid tank with water and window
The height (slope) reached in a section of 100 m (330
ft) is indicated in percentage or in degrees ÿ fig. 138.
The maximum slope angle that the vehicle can climb
depends, among other things, on the pavement and
the engine power.
cleaning product.
ÿ Place the luggage as horizontal and flat
possible. Secure all items securely.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
175
offroad driving
change gear correctly
General rules and tips for driving
Note and from page 173.
Note and from page 173.
Choosing the right gear depends on the type of terrain.
— Volkswagen recommends never conducting single-vehicle
raids. There should be at least two off-road vehicles going off-
Before crossing a section that offers difficulties, it may be
convenient to stop the vehicle and think about the ideal gear.
After carrying out a few forays, you will acquire the necessary
experience to select the most suitable gear, in combination with
the reduction gear, for certain
road together. Unexpected situations can always arise. It is
very convenient to carry a device that allows you to ask for
help if necessary.
stretches.
— Especially before going through difficult sections, stop and
analyze the terrain on foot first.
— If the correct gear ratio is selected, there will be less demand
on the brakes on descents, since the engine braking effect
will be sufficient in most cases.
— Climb hills slowly to prevent the vehicle from bouncing and
potentially being damaged and immobilized.
— Accelerate only what is strictly necessary. if you accelerate
— Drive slowly on difficult sections. On slippery surfaces, shift
into a higher gear and keep the vehicle in motion at all times.
suddenly, the wheels may skid and you may lose control of
the vehicle as a result.
— For easy cross-country riding on level ground, use selector
lever position D.
— Off-road, soft surfaces where the tires sink predominate. As
a consequence, the ground clearance and the wading
height of the vehicle decrease. Whenever possible, ride on
level, firm ground.
— When driving on soft or slippery surfaces, adjust your speed
and select the highest possible gear on the Tiptronic.
— Always keep a sufficient safety distance from other vehicles,
even when driving at low speed. This way, if the vehicle in
front becomes trapped, you can stop in time and avoid being
immobilized as well.
— On steep descents or ascents, use the Tiptronic in 1st gear.
— In the event of mud, sand, water or rough sections, drive with
the Tiptronic in 3rd or 2nd gear ÿ p. 161.
— Use the Offroad indicator ÿ p. 172.
WARNING
— Use the Auto-Hold function ÿ p. 207.
· Always make sure there is sufficient ground clearance under
the vehicle. If the underbody of the vehicle touches the
ground, they could be seriously damaged. These could
Driving on rough terrain
cause the vehicle to immobilize and be impossible to continue
the march.
Note and from page 173.
· During offroad driving, avoid slipping the clutch or having your
foot on the clutch pedal. Otherwise, when traveling on rough
1. Select a suitable driving profile ÿ p. 170 and proceed at
terrain, you could inadvertently depress the clutch pedal,
maximum pedestrian speed.
which could cause loss of vehicle control. In addition, there
is a loss of transmission between the engine and the
2. If you can't avoid a rock, climb cautiously
gearbox, and the wear of the clutch linings is accelerated.
support it with one of the front wheels and then go over
it slowly ÿ .
Also obstacles that are smaller than the ground clearance of the
vehicle may come into contact with the underbody, cause damage
and lead to vehicle breakdown. Keep this in mind, especially
when there is a cavity or soft ground of
176
Driving
ahead of or behind the obstacle, as well as when
2. Maintain a constant speed until you reach the
other shore.
you go over the obstacle too fast and the vehicle has
less ground clearance because the damping is
retracting.
By maintaining a constant speed, water can be
prevented from entering the engine and damaging it.
In addition, this way an air bubble can form in front of
the engine that provides it with the necessary oxygen.
Entering or speeding through the water will create a
wave in front of the vehicle. Water could enter the
engine through the air intake holes and cause serious
damage to the engine.
WARNING
Never drive over large obstacles, such as rocks or
logs, with only one side of the vehicle or between
the wheels. Obstacles that exceed the ground
clearance of the vehicle can damage vehicle
components and cause a breakdown.
Fording strong water currents
The speed of the current and the strength and depth
of the water can be unpredictable and dangerous sas
ÿ .
The vehicle can be swept away by the
Fording standing water or running
water
current. Even vehicles with high ground clearance
can be trapped if the wheels sink into the ground.
The water stagnates on one side of the vehicle and
its level rises there.
Note and from page 173.
Don't take any risk. Find a shallower point to
cross the water or turn around.
Traversing stretches of flooded terrain or water may
cause damage to the vehicle.
after a wade
If the water does not exceed the lower edge of the
bodywork, it can be carefully traversed.
1. Check the vehicle for damage.
2. Dry the brakes by applying the brake repeatedly
with caution.
1. Consider the maximum wading height of the
vehicle.
2. Only wade through a point where the ground is
WARNING
firm and the depth does not exceed the
maximum wading height.
Water currents can develop great force and drag
the vehicle away. This can cause very dangerous
situations that can lead to accidents and serious or
3. Observe the information on driving on flooded
roads ÿ p. 150.
fatal injuries.
Before wading
· Never stop the vehicle in water.
Stop the vehicle, get out and analyze the situation ÿ :
The soft terrains, the obstacles under the
Water, hollows or water entering the engine
compartment can cause accidents and the
breakdown of the vehicle in the water. This could
cause critical situations.
1. Measure the depth of the water to the other
end. Check if there are unevenness or
obstacles in the bottom and if the terrain is
consistent enough ÿ .
2. Make sure it is possible to enter and exit the
water safely.
WARNING
Going through water can seriously damage vehicle
components such as the engine, transmission,
undercarriage or electrical system.
3. Check the angle of attack/departure and the
consistency of the terrain at the edge.
4. Select a suitable driving profile ÿ p. 170.
Never ride on salt, saline surfaces
or salt water. Salt can cause corrosion.
Immediately rinse vehicle parts that have come
into contact with salt or salt water with fresh water.
Fording standing water or weak water currents
If the ground consistency is firm, the vehicle can
ford stagnant water and weak water currents ÿ .
WARNING
If the headlamp washer is used, objects in the water
may get into the holes where the headlamp washer
nozzles retract. Then it will not be possible to retract
the ejectors.
1. Slowly enter the water with the current. Never
exceed the vehicle's approach/departure angle
or bank angle.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
177
offroad driving
· Do not use the headlight washer while wading.
· If you have still dropped your tire pressure for
sand driving, always restore the correct
pressure before proceeding. Driving with low
tire pressure can cause loss of vehicle control
and increases the risk of serious injury and
death.
Driving on sandy and muddy
terrain
Note and from page 173.
The ESC and ASR have to be connected ÿ p. 224.
stuck vehicle
1. Select a suitable driving profile ÿ p. 170.
Note and from page 173.
The vehicle is stuck when the wheels are
2. Select a suitable gear and stay in that gear until you reach a
firm surface ÿ p. 176.
so sunk into the ground that it cannot advance or retreat under
its own power.
3. On such terrain, always maintain a constant speed and do not
manually change gear or stop.
Getting your vehicle stuck out of sand or mud using
the push-pull method requires training and skill. If a
mistake is made in doing so, the vehicle will sink
further and you can only get out with the help of
third parties.
In sand or mud the tires can lose grip.
Never let the wheels spin for too long, as this will only sink
the vehicle further ÿ p. 179.
— Do not change either speed or direction.
— If the vehicle skids, turn in the proper direction to regain
control of the vehicle.
— If the tires lose grip, turn the steering wheel quickly from
side to side. In this way it is possible to momentarily
achieve greater grip on the tires of the front wheels on this
type of terrain.
Previous steps
1. Dig up all wheels carefully
and make sure no other vehicle components are buried in
sand or mud.
2. Engage reverse gear.
WARNING
3. Accelerate with caution and retrace your own steps.
Driving through sand and mud can be dangerous. The vehicle
could skid out of control, increasing the risk of injury. Always
If this doesn't work, place brush, mats, or burlap just behind
drive carefully when you have to drive through mud, sand or
the wheels to help grip and improve traction ÿ p. 179.
mud.
· Never choose an unsafe route or take any risk that
endangers you and your companions. If you
Unblock a vehicle with the sway method
doubt the safety of the route, turn around and
find another way.
1. Disconnect the ASR ÿ p. 224.
2. Put the steering wheel straight.
3. Back up until the wheels start to turn.
tinar
WARNING
If the tire pressure is incorrect, it can cause a serious or
fatal accident.
4. Immediately engage first gear
and move forward until the wheels start to spin again.
· If the tire pressure is incorrect, the tires wear more
and the driving behavior of the vehicle deteriorates.
5. Repeat this operation until the impulse is
enough to free the vehicle.
· Incorrect pressure can cause overheating and
sudden damage to the tires, which could even
burst and lose the tread, which could cause loss
of control of the vehicle.
6. After clearing the vehicle, reconnect the
ASR.
178
Driving
— Maintain constant speed with the brake pedal until
you reach safer, level ground.
WARNING
Never allow anyone to get in front of or behind the
vehicle, especially when trying to unclog it.
go down slopes
There is a great danger of tipping over when going down slopes.
On descents, focus above all on controlling the vehicle.
· If the wheels skid, stones, brush, pieces of wood
or other objects under the wheels could be thrown
at high speed and cause fatal injuries.
— Go down steep grades in first gear.
— Use the brake pedal carefully so as not to lose
control of the vehicle.
· If the stuck vehicle suddenly starts moving, it could
run over people in front of or behind it.
— Never exceed the angle of inclination of the ve
hiculus!
— As far as possible and if it is not dangerous, descend
in a straight line following the line of fall (maximum
slope).
Driving on steep terrain two
— On steeper downgrades, use the Offroad indicator
and Descent Assist ÿ p. 172.
Note and from page 173.
driving on slopes
WARNING
Never attempt to go up or down a hill if it is too steep
for the vehicle. It could slip, tip over, or roll over.
Before going up or down a slope it is advisable to stop
the vehicle, get out and analyze the situation:
— Walk the section on foot and check the firmness of
the ground and the presence of obstacles or other
hidden dangers ÿ .
Do not exceed the maximum value of the angle of
grade or incline allowed for the vehicle.
— Check the situation on the other side of the peak.
· On slopes, always ride following only the line of fall.
— If the route is too steep or rough, or if the terrain is
too inconsistent, stop and choose another route.
· Never turn or turn on a slope.
This could cause the vehicle to roll over or skid.
— Go up or down the slope slowly at a speed
constant and in a straight line.
If the engine stalls or cannot continue, otherwise
hold on and step on the brake pedal. Restart the
engine. Engage reverse gear, release the brake
pedal and take advantage of the effect of the
engine brake to carefully back up in a straight line
following the line of fall. Keep a slow and steady
speed.
— Never stop or turn around on the way
tooth.
— On an uphill grade, accelerate only just
to get over it. If you accelerate too much, the wheels
could spin and you could lose control of the vehicle.
If you accelerate too little, the chance of stalling the
engine increases.
If you cannot start the engine, step on the
brake pedal with a steady force and allow the
vehicle to roll back on its own steps. Keep a slow
and steady speed.
— Vehicles with manual transmission Do not change gears
cha or clutch during the climb.
— Vehicles with automatic transmission Do not change gears
· Never back down a hill at idle speed. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
walking during the ascent.
— Use the Offroad indicator ÿ p. 172.
If you cannot continue going up a slope
— Never turn when going uphill.
— If the engine stalls, step on the brake and restart
the engine.
— Engage reverse gear and back up slowly in a
straight line.
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J
179
offroad driving