fuel VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2008 Owner's Manual

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.

Refueling

WARNING
Even if empty, portable fuel containers can leak and cause a fire and serious personal injuries, especially in a crash.
x For your safety, we strongly recommend that you do not travel with a portable fuel container in your vehicle.
x If, under exceptional circumstances, you must transport a portable fuel container, please observe the following:
– Never fill a portable fuel container while it is anywhere in or on the vehicle (for example, in the luggage compartment or on top of the luggage compartment lid). Static electricity can build up while filling and can ignite fuel vapors, causing a fire.
– Always place a portable fuel container on the ground before filling. Never spill fuel inside the vehicle or luggage compartment. Fuel vapors are highly flammable.
– Always keep the filler nozzle completely inside the portable container before and during filling.
– If filling a portable container made of metal, the filler nozzle must always be in contact with the container. This will help prevent static electricity from discharging and causing a fire.
– Always observe local and state or provincial laws about the use, storage, and transportation of portable fuel containers.
– Make certain that the portable fuel container meets industry standards, such as ANSI/ASTM F852-86.
NOTICE
x Remove fuel spills from the vehicle immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires, and wheel housings.
x Refueling with gasoline when your vehicle has a diesel engine or refueling with diesel fuel when your vehicle has a gasoline engine can cause very serious and expensive engine and fuel system damage that is not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. These fuels contain substances that can severely damage the fuel system and the engine if the engine is started.
Fuels can pollute the environment. Spilled fuel must be collected and disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

Indicator lights and fuel gauge

Fig. 147 In the instrument cluster: Fuel gauge.

NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge shows the side of the vehicle with the fuel filler flap.
Refueling

Fig. 148 In driver door: Release switch for fuel filler flap.

Fig. 149 Fuel cap placed on the open fuel filler flap.

x The fuel filler flap is on the right rear side of the vehicle.
x Open the fuel filler flap.
x Unscrew the fuel cap counterclockwise and remove. Use the slot on the filler flap hinge to hold the
cap while refueling ⇒ fig. 149.
Refueling
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle Fuel is listed on a sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap (arrow).
x The fuel tank is full when the automatic filler nozzle pump switches off the first time ⇒ .
x Do not try to add fuel after the pump stops! Topping off the tank in this way may fill the expansion space that the tank needs and cause fuel to overflow, for example, if it gets warmer outside.
Closing the fuel filler cap
x Screw the fuel cap clockwise onto the fuel filler neck until you hear it click into place.
x Close the fuel filler flap until you hear it latch shut. The fuel filler flap must be flush with the vehicle body.
WARNING
Spilled fuel can cause fires, explosions, burns, and other severe injuries.
x Always stop refueling once the pump nozzle switches off so that the tank does not overflow.
NOTICE
Remove fuel spills from all vehicle surfaces immediately to help prevent damage to the paint, tires, and wheel housings.
Fuel spills may pollute the environment.
Fuel capacities

Fuel

Octane rating
Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine-damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition. Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of engine performance.
The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.
If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more information on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site, http://www.toptiergas.com.
The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:
x Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
x Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI
Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.
Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE
You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:
Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
x Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.
Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 10% ethanol.
Blends of gasoline and MTBE:
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.
Seasonally adjusted gasoline
Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change, Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely to be made earlier.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI/91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may cause expensive engine damage.
x Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic converter.

x Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.
x Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can damage the engine.
x Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be identified.
x If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.
x Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine and fuel system and cause performance problems.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and degrade its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.
If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered for gasoline engines.
Gasoline additives

x If you must fuel your vehicle with gasoline whose octane rating is too low, only drive with the engine speed in the middle of the rpm range and with low engine load. Avoid high rpm and heavy engine load. Otherwise, the engine could be damaged. Refuel your vehicle with gasoline with the required octane rating as soon as possible.
x Do not use fuel that is labeled at the pump as containing metal. Lead replacement fuel contains high concentrations of metallic additives. Engine damage could result.
x Fueling your vehicle just one time with leaded fuel or fuel that contains other metallic additives can affect the performance of the catalytic converter and cause extensive damage to it.