fuel consumption VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 2013 3.G Owners Manual

▪ Odometer -- mi (km)
▪ Average speed --- mph (km/h)
▪ --- mph (km/h) (digital speed display)
▪ Oil temperature -- °F (°C)
▪ Coolant temperature -- °F (°C)
▪ Speed warning at --- mph (km/h)
Audio ⇒ Booklet Radio or ⇒ Booklet Navigation system
Navigation ⇒ Booklet Navigation system
Vehicle status
Settings
▪ Language
▪ MFI data
– Travel time
– Curr. consump. (current fuel consumption)
– Avg. consump. (average fuel consumption)
– Route
– Odometer
– Average speed
– Digital speed (digital speed display)
– Oil temp.
– Coolant temp.
– Speed warning
– Back
▪ Time
– Hours
– Minutes
– 24 hr. mode
– Daylight save
– Back
▪ Units
– Temperature
– Consum./distance
– Back
▪ Service
– Info
– Reset
– Back
▪ Factory setting

x If you smell an odor, immediately shut off seat heating and have it checked by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Never install leather upholstery on a vehicle with seat heating that originally had cloth
upholstery. The seat heating elements for seats with cloth seats will overheat if the cloth up-
holstery is replaced with leather upholstery.
Switch off seat heating when it is not needed to help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.

WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and
serious injury.
x The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision.
But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than
they really are.
x If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when
changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
x Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of
vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
x Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by
pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

x If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you
must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let
the transmission cool down.
x To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the
acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start
driving and avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).
Applicable only in the United States
Gear recommendation
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
If your vehicle has a manual transmission, it may also be equipped with a gear recommendation
feature. The gear recommendation displays a gear in the instrument cluster display that can help
reduce fuel consumption.

Display Meaning

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 (examples):
x 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. After that, switch on the air conditioner with the windows closed. Keep the windows closed when
driving at high speeds. Open windows increase fuel consumption.
x Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
x Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.
Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):
x Malfunctioning engine control.
x Driving in the mountains.
NOTICE
Never let the vehicle coast or roll down a hill in Neutral (N), especially when the engine is not
running. The transmission will not be lubricated and will be damaged.
Fuel-efficient driving

Fig. 108 Fuel consumption in mpg at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Fig. 109 Fuel consumption in l/100 km at 2 different outside air temperatures.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Driving defensively and economically can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15%.
The vehicle consumes the most fuel when accelerating. Defensive driving requires less braking and
therefore less acceleration. If possible, coast the vehicle to a stop, for example, when you can see that
the next traffic light is red or about to turn red.
Avoid traveling short distances
A cold engine consumes significantly more fuel immediately after starting. It takes a few miles (km)
before the engine is warmed up and fuel consumption is stabilized.
To reduce fuel consumption and the emission of pollutants effectively, the engine and catalytic
converter must reach their optimal operating temperature. Critical in this context is also the outside
air temperature.
fig. 109 and display the varying fuel consumption rates for the same distance driven, once at +68 °F
(+20 °C) and once at +14 °F (-10 °C).
Therefore, avoid driving short distances unnecessarily and consolidate routes.
Under the same conditions, the vehicle consumes more fuel in winter than in summer.
“Letting the engine run to warm up” is not only illegal in some places, but also technically not
necessary and wastes fuel.
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).

WARNING
Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury or even death.
x When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop and inspect the tires.
x Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect
the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability.
x Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure,
including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.
x The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The
recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door .
x The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct
cold tire inflation pressure.
x Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Always inflate
the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.
x Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.
x Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
x Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,
resulting in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.
x Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure and loss of
control.
x If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle
will not handle well.
x If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel immediately, drive carefully
and at reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.
x When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed
the information and all WARNINGS regarding , Tires and wheels.
x The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever
you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire
pressure does not change
WARNING
Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no
warning despite dangerously low tire pressure.
Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.
Do not rely solely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check your tires regularly to make
sure they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and
blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have not penetrated into the
body of tire itself.
When you take delivery of the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is calibrated for the
factory-recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the tires on your vehicle, as shown on the label
inside the driver door

WARNING
Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were
designed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of
control, crashes and serious personal injuries.
x Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that may be lower than your vehicle's maximum
speed.
x Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires installed on your
vehicle are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.
x Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.
Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer better handling characteristics for
temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel
consumption.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever you
remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement
wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not
change
If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
about permissible winter tire dimensions.
Snow chains
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Obey local regulations as well as the applicable speed limits when driving with snow chains.
Snow chains improve forward motion, traction and braking characteristics under wintry conditions.
Snow chains may be used only on the front wheels and only in tire and wheel combinations that
have been approved by Volkswagen.
Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about
appropriate wheel, tire and snow chain dimensions.
If possible, use only chains with low profile links that are not thicker than 37/64 in. (15 mm) including
the tensioner.
Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing snow chains ⇒ . However, for
safety reasons, caps must be installed on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
Compact spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare 256.
If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare
wheel to the rear axle if a front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be
used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tires so that they will run in the
proper direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chains before mounting the wheel to
the vehicle.

Lights
up Possible cause Proper response
%0# Engine control malfunction (Electronic
Power Control).
Have engine checked immediately by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine
start-up.
B
Engine control/monitoring system
malfunction (engine Malfunction Indicator
Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.
÷ Diesel particulate filter clogged with soot.
Drive about 15 minutes in 4th gear (manual
transmission) or in Drive (D) (automatic
transmission) and at a speed of about
45 mph (70 km/h). There may be a noticeable
smell.
Obey speed limits ⇒ .
See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility if the
indicator light is still on.


Flashes Possible cause Proper response
D Engine control malfunction (diesel
engine).
Have engine checked immediately by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility.
B Misfire, which can damage the catalytic
converter.
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the
nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have
engine checked.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.
WARNING
Obey all applicable legal requirements when cleaning the diesel particulate filter.
x Clean the diesel particulate filter as recommended only when visibility, weather, road, and
traffic conditions permit.
x Do not put others at risk.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
As long as the indicator lights ÷, x or EPC are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel
consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.

Frequently asked questions
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index.

Description Possible causes, among
others Possible remedy
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start .
– Charge vehicle battery
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key
Fuel level too low. Refuel
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked using vehicle
key.
– Battery in the remote control
vehicle key is dead.
– Too far away from the
vehicle (out of range).
– Buttons have been pressed
too many times.
– Replace the battery in the remote
control vehicle key
– Move closer to vehicle.
– Synchronize vehicle key
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, braking assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock.
Check the “Noises” entry in the index.
Odd driving behavior.
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry
in the index.
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too
hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely
do so.
Features do not work as
described in this manual.
Settings were adjusted in the
Volkswagen Information
System.
Check and reset to factory settings if
necessary
Headlights do not light up
the road as they should.
– Headlights incorrectly
adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned out.
– Low beams not switched on.
– Have the headlight range adjusted by
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
– Change light bulbs
– Switch on low beams
Electrical consumers do
not work.
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery
Remaining fuel level too low. Refuel
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if necessary
The convertible top will
not move. Convertible top malfunction.
Check whether any preliminary
requirement for opening and closing
the convertible top is not met. See an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility, if necessary.
Fuel consumption higher
than indicated.
– Short hauls.
– “Jumpy” accelerator pedal.
– Avoid short distance driving.
– Drive defensively.
– Accelerate smoothly.
Electrical loads switched on. Switch off unnecessary loads.
Engine control malfunction. Have the malfunction corrected 281.