VOLKSWAGEN CC 2012 Owners Manual

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) only works when the engine is
running. This system includes ABS, EDL and ASR.
ASR can be switched off by pressing m ⇒ fig. 145 while the engine is
running. Switch off ASR only in situations where there is not enough
traction, such as the following:
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
When “rocking” the vehicle back and forth when you are stuck.
Afterward, activate ASR again by pressing the button m.
Brake fluid

Fig. 146 In the engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap.

Check the information on the container for the brake fluid you want to
use to make sure it meets the requirements for your vehicle.
Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be pur-
chased from your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these cir-
cumstances – use another high quality brake fluid that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 ⇒ 
.
Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 have the
same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can contain
chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of
the vehicle’s brake system.
Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that ex-
pressly complies with VW Standard 501 14 for optimum brake sys-
tem performance over the long term.
Brake fluid level
The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be
between the MIN and MAX marking ⇒ .
On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake
fluid reservoir and make it impossible to see the brake fluid level. If
you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir,
please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as
the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing brake fluid
Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in
your ⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance. Have the brake fluid
checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that
meets the standards listed above.

WARNING
Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by
not having enough brake fluid in the reservoir or by old or in-
correct brake fluid.
Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
Always change the brake fluid according to the service
schedule in your ⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Va-
por lock reduces braking performance, increases stopping dis-
tances and can even cause total brake failure.
Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used.
Only use brake fluid that expressly conforms to VW Standard
501 14 or, if it is not available, only use a high-quality brake flu-
id that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 require-
ments.
Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality,
can impair the function of the brake system and reduce its ef-
fectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid
complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.
The brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or
other non-original containers to store brake fluid. Someone
might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the
shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could oc-
cur even if you relabel the container as “brake fluid.”
Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and
keep it out of the reach of children.
NOTICE
Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts, and tires.
Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle paint and other vehicle parts
immediately.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has
leaked out must be collected and disposed of properly, following all
applicable environmental regulations.

Saving fuel and helping the environment

Vehicles with gear recommendation aid in fuel efficient driving by in-
dicating the optimum time to shift gears.
Coasting
If you take your foot off the accelerator, fuel delivery to the engine is
interrupted, which lowers fuel consumption.
Therefore, when nearing a red stop light, for instance, allow the vehi-
cle to coast without using the accelerator. Press the clutch pedal and
release it only if the vehicle moving too slowly or the coasting dis-
tance is too long. The engine will then continue to run at idle.
In situations where the vehicle will be stopped for a longer period of
time, such as at a railroad crossing, physically switch off the engine.
Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic
Frequent braking and acceleration increase fuel consumption signifi-
cantly. Just by driving defensively and keeping a sufficiently large
distance away from the vehicle in front of you can make up for the
speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Ac-
tive braking and accelerating is then not necessarily required.
Calm and smooth driving
Consistency is more important than speed. The more smoothly you
drive, the less fuel the vehicle consumes.
When driving on the highway or freeway, a constant, moderate speed
is more efficient and economical than constantly accelerating and
braking. Usually you can reach your destination just as quickly by
driving at a moderate, but steady speed.
The cruise control system can assist in maintaining a uniform driving
style.
Moderate use of extra electrical loads
Comfort inside the vehicle is nice and important, but it is important to
use them in an environmentally conscious manner.
Some devices can increase fuel consumption when activated (exam-
ples):
Climate control system (air conditioner): If the air conditioner has to
produce starkly contrasting temperatures, it requires a large amount
of energy, which is generated by the engine. The temperature in the
vehicle should therefore not be extremely different from that of the

outside temperature. It may be helpful to ventilate the vehicle before
driving and then to drive a short distance with the windows open. Af-
ter that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep
the windows closed when driving at high speeds. Open windows in-
crease fuel consumption.
Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are
free of fog and ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
Malfunctioning engine control.
Driving in the mountains.
Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), es-
pecially when the engine is not running. The transmission will
not be lubricated and will be damaged.
Fuel-efficient driving

Fig. 147 Fuel consumption in mpg at 2 different outside air tempera-
tures.

Fig. 148 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at 2 different outside air tem-
peratures.

Adjust the tire pressure
The proper tire pressure helps reduce rolling resistance as well as
fuel consumption.
When purchasing new tires, always make sure that the tires are opti-
mized for lower rolling resistance.
Use low viscosity engine oil
Fully “synthetic,” low viscosity engine oils that expressly comply with
Volkswagen oil quality standards reduce fuel consumption. Low vis-
cosity engine oils reduce the frictional resistance on the engine and
are distributed more evenly and quickly, particularly when cold-
starting the engine. The effect is particularly apparent in vehicles that
frequently travel short distances.
Always ensure the right engine oil level is maintained and keep to the
scheduled service intervals (engine oil changes).
Make sure the engine oil that you purchase expressly complies with
Volkswagen oil quality standards and is the oil approved by
Volkswagen for your vehicle.
Avoid unnecessary weight
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and eco-friendly it will
be. For example, an extra 220 lbs (100 kg) of weight increases fuel
consumption by up to 1 pint per 60 miles (0.3 l/100 km).
Remove all unnecessary items and unnecessary dead weight from
the vehicle.
Remove unnecessary aftermarket components
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the less fuel it will consume. Af-
termarket components such as bicycle racks reduce its aerodynamic
performance.
Therefore, remove unnecessary structures and unused rack systems,
particularly if planning to drive at higher speeds.

Starting assistance systems