How To Activate your Cruise Control
That cruise control is best used on the open highway and can even improve fuel economy in certain conditions.

1. Locate the Cruise Control switch on your stalk and toggle it to the ON position.
2. Accelerate or decelerate until you receive your desired speed, then toggle the Cruise Control switch to the SET/- position.
3. Press briefly and release. The green cruise light on your instrument cluster will illuminate and you may release your foot from the gas.
4. To set Cruise Control to a faster speed, toggle and hold the button at the end of the stalk at the RES/+ position. You will feel the vehicle accelerate. Hold until you reach your desired speed.
5. To reduce your speed, simply toggle and hold the button at the SET/- position. The vehicle will slow down. Release the toggle when you reach your desired speed.
6. To deactivate Cruise Control, depress the brake pedal. When you do this, the little green cruise light shuts off.

TIP! When travelling downhill, the cruise control may not be able to maintain a constant speed. The vehicle will speed up because of its own weight. Downshift and/or use the foot brake to slow the vehicle

New Car Run-in Tips
When you purchase a brand-new vehicle, the first 1,000 km or so are a “run-in” period, during which gentle practices help your engine perform best in the long run.

• Make a smooth start, do not slam your foot down on the pedal too hard, and do not rev the engine too high.
• Warm up the car for a little longer than usual (30 seconds to a minute).
• Drive your vehicle at various speeds to help expose internal components to a variety of conditions.
• Choose roads in good condition to avoid excessive vibration, collisions or emergency braking.
• Choose high-quality fuel and oil, and it’s not recommended to use engine anti-wear additives.
• Avoid overloading. Load under 70% of the carrying capacity during run-in period (no more than 290 kg for an automatic, and no more than 320 kg for a manual).
• Strictly control speed. Do NOT exceed 100 km/h during the run-in period.
• New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in. To reduce the risk of losing control, a collision and serious personal injuries, drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km).

Tire Pressure

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System helps maintain optimal safety, performance and fuel economy because it continuously monitors tire pressure and alerts you when it’s too low.

There’s a handy sticker in your door jamb (1) that displays the correct tire pressure-always inflate your tires to those specifications. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is calibrated to measure that tire pressure on the sticker as THE tire pressure.

So, when you see this symbol (2), or see the text “Tire Pressure Too Low” on your Multi-Function Display, inflate the low tire to THE specified pressure as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure regularly. Only when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct pressure can the TPMS can work correctly.

On cool mornings, the light may appear at first and then disappear as you drive and the tire gets warmer. That is why you inflate to what the sticker says. Volkswagen engineers have calibrated the one, best pressure for your tires. Trust the Tire Pressure Monitoring System-it will not let your tires down.

Did You Know?
Temperature changes can affect tire pressure. A 10-degree difference in temperature can change tire pressure by approximately one pound! When your tires are properly inflated to the specifications listed on the sticker, it helps increase fuel economy and tread life.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or under-inflation cause increased tire wear and can affect the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability. It can also lead to sudden tire failure, including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

Smart Key
Key questions and anti-theft information

• Replacement keys
  Replacing a transponder key can be costly. Coding a replacement key for your vehicle requires specialized equipment available only to your VW Dealer and to certain independent repair facilities and qualified locksmiths. This equipment can also be used to disable a lost or stolen key by reprogramming the remaining keys to the vehicle. In addition, because all key programming accesses a single secure database, a permanent record is generated whenever a replacement key is coded to your vehicle. Features may not be available on all models. See your Dealer for details.
• Code security
  No security system can provide 100% protection against theft, and thieves may be able to overcome the electronic immobilizer. However, objective data has demonstrated a dramatic reduction in theft rates in vehicles equipped with immobilizer and “smart key” technology.
• Your smart key is yours and yours alone
  An exact physical duplicate of a key cannot start your vehicle unless your key’s transponder and your vehicle’s immobilizer have been coded to each other. Securely encrypted and constantly changing electronic codes match your specific key with the onboard computer on your vehicle – and your vehicle alone.
• Immobilizer anti-theft technology
  All VW vehicles are now equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic “immobilizer” anti-theft system. The critical component in this system is a sophisticated electronic anti-theft device – the “immobilizer.” The immobilizer activates when the ignition key is removed and, together with the engine control unit, prevents unauthorized starting of the engine.

Using your Windshield Wipers
Keep your windshield wipers in top shape

Did you know?
When you turn off the wipers, they never rest on the same edge twice in a row – the edges take turns. That helps reduce wiper wear and increases wiper life.

Please remember:

• Worn or dirty wiper blades will reduce visibility and increase the risk of collisions and serious injury.
• Never use the windshield wipers/washers in freezing weather without first defrosting the windshield. The washer solution may freeze on the window and reduce visibility.
• Always clean the windshield wiper blades and all windows regularly.
• Always replace wiper blades that are worn, damaged or do not keep the windshield clear.

Activating your rear wiper
To activate, push the lever away from you one click (7) to the ON position. From the ON position, if you push the lever away from you and hold (8), washer fluid will spray the rear window for as long as you hold the stalk in this position.

Any time you put the vehicle in reverse, the rear wiper activates automatically, if the front wipers are also activated. The rear wiper does not have to be on. After all, if it’s raining at the front of the vehicle, it’s probably raining at the back as well.

Setting your windshield wipers
You often drive in the rain, but it might not always be a steady rain. That’s why the windshield wipers in your Volkswagen have four settings. First you have an intermittent setting, which is easy to activate. Just move the stalk from the OFF position (0) one click up (1). Then, rotate the switch at the top of the stalk (6) to adjust the duration of the wipe interval – left for a longer duration, right for a shorter one. Think “Left, Less; Right Rain.”

If you wish to take control, two clicks up (2) gives you slow, continuous wiping and three clicks up (3) gives you fast, continuous wiping. It must be raining hard now. From the OFF position, you can push the stalk down once (4) for a single wipe. Or you can hold the lever down for two seconds for a faster wipe. The wipers will actuate until you release the stalk.

To wash the windshield, pull the stalk toward you (5) and washer fluid will spray for as long as you pull the stalk.

Increase your Fuel Efficiency
Here are some ways you can get your Volkswagen to go a little farther.

You have chosen a fuel-efficient vehicle to meet your everyday needs. Follow these helpful tips to achieve additional savings and reduce your impact on the environment.

• Follow your Volkswagen model’s recommended maintenance schedule. A poorly maintained vehicle can consume up to 50 percent more fuel and significantly increase emissions.
• Measure your tire pressure at least once a month when they are cold. Inflate tires to the recommended pressure, usually indicated on a sticker found on the car door or in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual. For every 14 kPa (2 psi) of under-inflation, fuel use increases by about 1 percent. Properly inflated tires will last longer, can save fuel and make your vehicle safer to drive.
• Use a block heater in winter to warm your engine before starting. A cold engine is at its worst for fuel consumption, engine wear and exhaust emissions. Block heaters can improve overall winter fuel economy by as much as 10 percent by pre-warming the engine, coolant and oil. Use a timer to automatically turn on the block heater two hours before you plan to start your vehicle.
• Use your air conditioning sparingly. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 20 percent in city driving because of the extra load on the engine. Use your car’s flow-through ventilation or open a window. If you use your vehicle’s air conditioning, set the controls to a comfort level that allows the system to shut off the air conditioning once the interior of the vehicle is cooled.
• Drive at or below the posted maximum speed. Increasing your highway speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h can increase fuel consumption by about 20 percent.
• Reduce unnecessary idling. Idling for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel than it takes to restart the engine. The best way to warm up your vehicle is to drive it. In most cases, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days; of course, make sure that you can see clearly out your windows before driving away.
• Don’t overuse your remote car starter. People with remote car starters tend to start their cars long before they are ready to drive. Remote starts result in unnecessary idling and wasted fuel. If you use a remote car starter, start your car shortly before you are ready to drive away.
• Take off the roof rack. A loaded or empty roof rack increases fuel consumption through aerodynamic drag. A removable roof rack, installed only when needed, is your best option.
• Check fluid levels once a month. Check engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid as indicated in the owner’s manual, and change fluids according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual. Also check around and under the car for fluid leaks.
• Check for wheel alignment and brake drag that can increase fuel consumption. Check for uneven tire wear. Have your vehicle serviced regularly, and don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal when you are driving.
• Remove unnecessary weight. If you add weight to your vehicle for extra traction in the winter months, remember to remove it when the snow melts. Unnecessary weight results in wasted fuel and unnecessary emissions.
• Make one long trip instead of several short trips. Taking short trips (less than 5 km) burns more fuel, regardless of the season, because the engine and drivetrain don’t reach their most efficient operating temperature.
• Adopt fuel-efficient driving habits. Plan your driving by looking ahead of traffic. Anticipate problems: keep a sufficient space between your vehicle and the one ahead to avoid sudden braking. Accelerate smoothly. Abrupt starts and stops waste fuel.
• Leave the car at home or somewhere partway to your destination. Walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit whenever you can.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Get your Volkswagen road-trip ready
A multi-point inspection from your Volkswagen Certified Technician will ensure a smooth trip from start to finish.

Your one-stop Volkswagen shop is all about convenience. We’re here to make your life easier. So, before you take off on your next road trip, stop by your nearest Volkswagen Dealer for a multi-point inspection. Our factory-trained experts know your Volkswagen inside and out. They’re dedicated pros with hands-on experience, the latest diagnostic tools and Genuine Volkswagen Parts.

During your Volkswagen multi-point inspection, our technicians will go over your car from top to bottom and let you know if anything needs attention. Our experts will visually inspect and report on:

• Exhaust system
• Brake pads and rotors
• Engine drive belts
• Shocks and struts
• Headlights
• Tire wear and air pressure
• Cooling system and hoses
• Windshield condition
• And a lot more

Road Trip Tips for VW Drivers.

Everyone wants their road trip to be hassle-free and fun. Here are a few more ideas before you leave home for the open road:

• Be sure you have the proper tools to change a tire and make sure your spare tire is useable.
• Put your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and auto and medical cards in a safe and secure place.
• Bring an extra set of car keys.
• Plan your route and leave a copy of your itinerary with a relative or neighbour.
• Take any special medications or prescription information as well as your doctor’s phone number.
• Bring a cell phone and check it for its range.

Get a grip on snow and ice.

With winter on its way, colder temperatures and more challenging driving conditions are sure to follow. Make this winter a breeze by getting your winter tires ready as soon as the season starts to change.

Summer and all-season tires become hard and less effective as temperatures drop below 7 °C. Winter tires are designed to perform well in the cold and maintain their effectiveness on ice, snow, and slush—making them perfect for whatever Canadian winters throw at you.