Wheels VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 2016 Owner's Manual

Setting the parking brake
x Pull the parking brake lever up firmly.
x When the ignition is on, the indicator light G or 0!2+ appears in the instrument cluster display to
show that the parking brake is engaged ⇒  Warning and indicator lights.
Releasing the parking brake
x Pull the lever up slightly and press the release button ⇒ fig. 133 (arrow).
x While holding the release button down, move the lever all the way down.
WARNING
Improper use of the parking brake can cause accidents and severe injuries.
x Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an emergency. Braking distance is much longer, since only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake.
x Never drive with the parking brake partially engaged. This can cause the brake to overheat and negatively affect the brake system. It will also cause the rear brake pads to wear prema-turely.
x Never activate the throttle manually from the engine compartment when the engine is running and the automatic transmission is in gear. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is engaged.
NOTICE
Even though the transmission is in Park (P), the vehicle may move a couple of inches (a few centimeters) forwards or backwards if you take your foot off the brake pedal after stopping the vehicle without first firmly setting the parking brake.
A warning signal sounds if you drive faster than about 4 mph (6 km/h) with the parking brake engaged.
Parking

x Make sure all passengers and especially children leave the vehicle.
x Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
x Lock the vehicle.
On hills
Before stopping the engine, turn the steering wheel so that, if the vehicle starts to roll, its front wheels will roll into the curb:
x Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
x Facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they point away from the curb.
WARNING
The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot. They can cause fires and serious personal injury.
x Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
WARNING
Leaving the vehicle when the selector lever is not in Park (P) (automatic transmissions) can cause the vehicle to roll away. This can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
x When leaving the vehicle, always move the selector lever to Park (P), engage the parking brake, and pay attention to the warning messages on the instrument cluster display at all times.
NOTICE
x Always be careful when you park in areas with parking barriers or high curbs. These vary in height and could damage your bumper and related parts if the front of your vehicle hits a barri-er or curb that is too high while you are getting into or out of a parking spot. To help prevent damage, stop before the tires of your vehicle touch a parking barrier or curb.
x Always be careful when you enter a driveway or drive up or down steep ramps or over curbs or other obstacles. Parts of the vehicle close to the ground may be damaged (such as bumper covers, spoilers, and parts of the engine, suspension, and exhaust systems).
About the brakes

WARNING
Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping dis-tances.
x Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
x Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake applica-tions when visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving when the brake booster is not working increases stopping distances and can cause accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
x If the brake booster is not working (such as when the vehicle is being towed), a lot more pedal force is needed to slow down and stop.
NOTICE
x Never “ride” the brakes by keeping your foot on the brake pedal when you do not want to brake. Constant pressure on the brake pedal can make the brakes overheat. Riding the brakes will substantially reduce braking performance, increase stopping distance, and can cause complete brake system failure.
x Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, always reduce speed and shift into lower gear (manual or automatic transmission). This will let the vehicle use engine braking and reduce the load on the brakes. Otherwise, the brake system could overheat and possibly fail. Only use the brakes when you need them to slow the vehicle down more or to stop.
When the front brakes are serviced, you should have the rear brake pads inspected at the same time. The wear of all brake pads should be visually checked regularly. The best way to check for brake pad wear is to have your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility visually inspect the pads through the openings in the wheel rims or from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, the wheels can be taken off for a more thorough inspection.
Braking assistance systems

not always be able to help you master situations where there is a sudden change in the coefficient of friction of the road surface. When there is a section of dry road that is suddenly covered with water, slush or snow, ESC cannot perform the same way it would on a dry surface. If the vehicle “hydro-planes” (rides on a cushion of water instead of the road surface), ESC will not be able to help you steer the vehicle because contact with the pavement has been interrupted and the vehicle cannot be braked or steered. During fast cornering, particularly on winding roads, ESC cannot always deal as effectively with difficult driving situations as it can at lower speeds. When towing a trailer, ESC is not able to help you regain control as it would if you were not towing a trailer.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic, and weather conditions. ESC cannot override the vehicle's physical limits, increase the available traction, or keep a vehicle on the road if road departure is a result of driver inattention. Instead, ESC improves the possibility of keeping the vehicle under control and on the road during extreme maneuvers by using the driver's steering inputs to help keep the vehicle going in the intended direction. If you are traveling at a speed that causes you to run off the road before ESC can provide any assistance, you may not experience the benefits of ESC.
ESC includes and/or works together with the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and XDL systems (see below). ESC is switched on all the time and cannot be switched off.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS helps to keep the wheels from locking up and helps to maintain the driver's ability to steer and control the vehicle. This means the vehicle is less likely to skid, even during hard braking:
x Push the brake pedal down hard and hold it there. Don't take your foot off the pedal or reduce the force on the pedal!
x Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
x Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
x ABS stops working if you release or let up on the brake.
When ABS is doing its job, you will notice a slight vibration through the brake pedal and hear a noise. ABS cannot shorten the stopping distance under all conditions. The stopping distance may even be longer, for instance, when driving on gravel or on newly fallen snow covering an icy or slip-pery surface.
Brake Assist (BAS)
The Brake Assist System can help to reduce stopping distances. If you press the brake pedal very quickly, BAS detects an emergency situation. It then very quickly builds up full brake system pressure, maximizing braking power and reducing the stopping distance. This way, ABS can be activated more quickly and efficiently.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal! BAS switches off automatically as soon as you release or let up on the brake.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces engine power directed to spinning wheels and adjusts power to the road conditions. Even under poor road conditions, ASR can make it easier to get moving, accelerate, and climb hills.
ESC and ASR can help when driving on loose surfaces (such as gravel) and in deep snow. If you get stuck in deep snow, you may be able to get going again by “rocking” the vehicle back and forth. ESC and ASR recognize this special driving situation and automatically increase the speed of the front wheels. Keep pressing the accelerator and let ESC increase the speed of the front wheels to help you keep moving or get moving again.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)
EDL is applied during regular straight-line acceleration. EDL gently brakes a drive wheel that has lost traction (spinning) and redirects the drive force to other drive wheels. In extreme cases, EDL automat-ically switches off to keep the brake from overheating. As soon as the brake has cooled down, EDL automatically switches on again.

XDL is an extension of the Electronic Differential Lock system. XDL does not react to drive wheel slippage when driving straight ahead. Instead, XDL detects slippage of the inside front wheel during fast cornering. XDL applies enough brake pressure to this wheel in order to stop the slippage. This improves traction, which helps the vehicle stay on track.
WARNING
Driving fast on icy, slippery, or wet roads can lead to a loss of control and result in serious personal injury for you and your passengers.
x Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility condi-tions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide tempt you into taking extra risks.
x Braking assistance systems cannot overcome the laws of physics and always prevent loss of vehicle control. Slippery and wet roads are still dangerous even with ESC and the other systems!
x Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and “hy-droplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.
x These systems cannot reduce the risk of accident, for example if you drive too fast for conditions or if you do not keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
x Although these systems are very effective and can help you control the vehicle in many difficult situations, always remember that your vehicle handling control is limited by tire trac-tion.
x When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the accel-erator carefully. Even with these systems, the wheels may start to spin, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of ESC can be significantly reduced if other components and systems that affect vehicle dynamics, including but not limited to brakes, tires, and other systems men-tioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.
x Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.
x Changing the vehicle suspension or using an unapproved tire/wheel combination can change the way the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems work and reduce their effective-ness.
x The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted ⇒  Tires and wheels.
All 4 wheels must be equipped with identical tires in order for ESC and ASR to work properly. Differences in the tread circumference of the tires can cause the system to reduce the engine power when it is not expected.
If ABS is not working, ESC, ASR, and EDL will also not work.
You may hear noises when these systems are active.

Clean the wheels and under the door sills last. Use a different sponge or wash mitt.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the wet brakes or, in winter, brake discs or pads coated with ice, react slower and need longer stopping distances.
x Always dry the brakes and clean off any ice coatings with a few careful applications of the brake. Make sure not to endanger other motorists or cyclists or disobey legal requirements.
CAUTION
Sharp edges under the vehicle can cut exposed skin.
x Always protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings, etc.
NOTICE
x The water temperature must not be more than +140 °F (+60 °C).
x To help prevent damage to the paint, do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
x Do not use insect sponges, abrasive kitchen sponges or similar things to clean the vehicle. These can damage the paint finish.
x Never clean headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. For best results use soapy water.
x When washing or rinsing the vehicle in cold weather, do not let water get into the lock cylinders or point the hose at gaps around the doors, hood, or luggage compartment lid. The water could freeze on the locks and seals and make it difficult to open the vehicle!
x When outside temperatures are low, wipe the rubber seals and their contact surfaces dry to help prevent freezing.
NOTICE
To help prevent vehicle damage in a car wash:
x Compare the vehicle track width with the dimensions of the guide rails in the car wash to help prevent damage to wheel rims and tires!
x Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle through a car wash ⇒  Rain sensor.
x Make sure there is enough clearance for the height and width of the vehicle.
x To help prevent paint damage to the engine hood, place wiper blades against the windshield after they have dried. Do not let them snap back into place.
x Fold the outside mirrors toward the vehicle body.
x Lock the luggage compartment lid to help prevent unintentional opening in the car wash.
Washing with a power washer

Cleaning steel wheels
Stubborn brake dust can be removed with an industrial cleaner. Clean steel wheels regularly with a separate sponge.
Repair any paint damage on steel wheels before rust begins to form.
Cleaning alloy wheels
Every 2 weeks: Wash road salt and brake dust off alloy wheels, and clean the wheels with an acid-free detergent. Every 3 months: Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the wheels.
If road salt and brake dust are not removed regularly, they can corrode the metal.
Use an acid-free detergent specifically designed for light alloy wheels. Do not use car polish or other abrasive products.
If the protective coating is damaged, for example by stone impact, repair the damaged area right away.
Caring for rubber door and window seals

Removing the wheel
x Review the checklist ⇒  Preparations for changing a wheel.
x Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒  Wheel bolts.
x Lift the vehicle ⇒  Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.
x Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket
in the screwdriver handle ⇒ fig. 193. Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.
x Remove the wheel.
Mounting a compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction ⇒  Tires and wheels.
x Place the compact spare wheel on the axle.
x Screw in the wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any ⇒  Wheel trim.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehi-cle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.
After changing a wheel

x If the vehicle battery is dead (because the electronic steering column lock engages and cannot be released).
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
WARNING
It is not safe for children or other persons to ride in a vehicle that is being towed.
x Never let children or anyone else remain in the vehicle while it is being towed.
NOTICE
The drive axle rotates while the vehicle is being towed with its rear wheels off the ground. This can damage the automatic transmission.
x Never tow automatic transmission vehicle with the rear wheels off the ground.
x Tow manual transmission vehicles with the rear wheels off the ground only if it is certain that no transmission fluid can leak out.
Tips on towing

When not to tow your vehicle
In the following situations, the vehicle cannot be towed and must be transported on a flatbed truck or trailer:
x If transmission fluid has leaked out of the transmission.
x If there is little or no oil in the transmission because of damage to your vehicle, it must be moved with the drive wheels off the ground.
x If the front and rear wheels cannot turn.
x When the vehicle battery is dead, because the steering may remain disabled and it may not be possible to release the electronic steering column lock.
x If you have to tow an automatic transmission vehicle more than 30 miles (50 km).
x If the steering or the wheel clearance might be impaired, for example, after an accident.
Towing other vehicles
x Obey all legal requirements
x Read and heed all towing information in the owner's manual for the other vehicle.
A vehicle can be towed only if the electronic steering column lock is released. In case of a power loss or malfunctions of the electrical system, the engine may have to be jump-started in order to re-lease the electronic steering column lock.
Installing the front towing eye

Fig. 200 In the right front bumper: Removing the cover.