weight VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2014 3.G User Guide

Vehicle normal load on the tire
The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal occupant weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing by 2.
Wheel size designation
Wheel rim diameter and width.
Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating capacities

Designated seating capacity, number of occupants Vehicle normal load, number of occupants Occupant distribution in a normally loaded vehicle
2, 3, or 4 2 2 in front
Tires and vehicle load limits

WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, serious personal injury, and even death.
x Carrying more weight than your vehicle was designed to carry will prevent the vehicle from handling properly and increase the risk of the loss of vehicle control.
x The brakes on a vehicle that has been overloaded may not be able to stop the vehicle in a safe distance.
x Tires on a vehicle that has been overloaded can fail suddenly, including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of control and a crash.
x Always make sure that the total load being transported – including the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue weight of a loaded trailer – does not make the vehicle heavier than the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Determining the correct load limit

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 optimized 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 viscosity 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. Aftermarket 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.

WARNING
Improperly lifting your vehicle with a workshop hoist or a floor jack can cause the vehicle to fall off and cause serious personal injury.
x Always read and heed the operating instructions from the floor jack manufacturer and legal regulations if necessary before using the floor jack to lift the vehicle.
x Never let anyone stay in the vehicle when it is being lifted or when it is off the ground.
x Always lift your vehicle only at the designated lift points shown in the illustrations
⇒ fig. 145 and ⇒ fig. 146. Not using the designated lift points can cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack when heavy parts such as the engine or transmission are removed.
x Always make sure that the vehicle's lift points lie as flat as possible and centered on the carrier plates of the floor jack.
x Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the floor jack. The engine vibrations and vehicle movements could knock the vehicle off the floor jack.
x If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle.
x Never use the floor jack as a ladder or step ladder.
x Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of the floor jack and safety stands being used.
NOTICE
x To help prevent serious vehicle damage, never lift the vehicle by the engine oil pan, transmission housing, or by the front or rear axles or suspension.
x To help prevent damage to the underbody or chassis, always insert a rubber pad between the hoist and the lifting points. In addition make sure the lifting arms have enough clearance.
x The lifting arms should not touch side sills or other parts of the vehicle.

WARNING
Improper use of your vehicle jack can cause the vehicle to fall off the jack leading to serious personal injury. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
x Use only jacks approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Other jacks might slip, even those approved for other Volkswagen models, but not for your vehicle.
x Always set up the jack on firm and level ground. The vehicle may slip off the jack if the jack is resting on soft or sloping ground. If necessary, place a sturdy board under the jack.
x On a hard, slippery surface (such as a tiled floor), use an anti-skid rubber mat or something similar to help prevent the jack from slipping.
x Position the jack only at the described vehicle lift points. Before you raise your vehicle, always make sure the jack claw properly grips the vertical rib under the sill so that the jack does not slip off when you are raising the vehicle .
x Never have any part of your body (such as your arm or leg) under the vehicle when it is supported by the jack. Never let other persons have any part of their body under the vehicle, either!
x If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle.
x Never lift the vehicle when it is tilted or inclined to one side or the engine is running.
x Never lift the vehicle when more than 1 tire is flat or damaged.
x Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by a jack. Engine vibrations may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
Changing a wheel

Fig. 163 Changing a wheel: Remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.

Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
5S man 5-speed manual transmission
6S auto 6-speed automatic transmission
6S man 6-speed manual transmission
ABS Anti-lock Brake System
AKI Anti-Knock Index
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASR Anti-Slip Regulation
ATA Anti-Theft Alarm system
BAS Brake Assist System
ccm Cubic centimeter – metric unit of measure for engine displacement
CCS Cruise Control System
CID Cubic inch displacement – unit of measure for engine displacement
cm Centimeter – metric unit of measure for length
CO2 Carbon dioxide
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization)
DPF Diesel Particulate Filter
DRL Daytime Running Lights
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission
EDL Electronic Differential Lock
EN European Norm
EPC Engine control (Electronic Power Control)
ESC Electronic Stability Control
g/km Generated carbon monoxide amount in grams per kilometer driven
GAWR Gross Axle Weight Rating

GVWR Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
HID High Intensity Discharge headlights (Xenon)
hp Horsepower – unit of measure for engine power
kg Kilogram – metric unit of measure for weight
kN Kilonewton – a unit of measure for force
kp Kilopond – unit of measure for force
kPa Kilopascal – unit of measure for tire pressure
kW Kilowatt – engine rating
LED Light Emitting Diode
m Meter – metric unit of measure for length
MDI Media Device Interface (MEDIA-IN)
MFI Multi-Function Indicator
Nm Newton meter – unit of measure for engine torque
PDC Park Distance Control
RON Research Octane Number – measurement of anti-knock resistance of gasoline
rpm Engine revolutions per minute (engine speed)
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
TDI® Turbocharged diesel engine with direct fuel injection
TSI® Turbocharged gasoline engine with direct fuel injection
XDL Extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system