warning VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 2020 Owners Manual

Fig. 111 In the lower section of the centre console: control for the 4MOTION Active Control in
vehicles with all-wheel drive.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Key to Fig. 111
MODE button: select onroad driving profiles and open menu in the Infotainment system.
Snow driving profile.
Onroad driving profile.
Offroad driving profile.
Offroad Individual driving profile.
Selecting a driving profile
Switch on the ignition.
Front-wheel drive: press the driving profile selection button Fig. 110
All-wheel drive: turn the control for 4MOTION Active Control until the LED next to the desired
driving profile lights up Fig. 111
Front-wheel drive: to change driving profiles, press the driving profile selection button
Fig. 110again or touch the function button of the desired driving profile in the Infotainment
system.
All-wheel drive: to switch the onroad driving profiles, press the MODE button or touch an
onroad driving profile in the Infotainment system.
Touch the function button in the Infotainment system to display additional information about the
active driving profile.
Vehicles with front-wheel drive: if the Normal driving profile is selected, the LED in the driving
profile selection button will remain switched off.

Individually
adapting a driving profile

WARNING
The vehicle handling may change as a result of the different driving profiles. Never allow driving
profile selection to tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic
conditions.

In vehicles with a DSG

whether these guidelines will be valid for all situations that could occur.
The many different types of terrain and the associated risks and dangers make it impossible to
describe all possible driving situations. The examples are only general guidelines which are intended
to help you to drive offroad safely. It is crucial that you know what to expect when you drive into
offroad terrain you are unfamiliar with. This will enable you to assess potential dangers in advance.
The driver can use 4MOTION Active Control to activate a variety of vehicle settings in an all-wheel
drive vehicle as required Setting a driving profile
Checklist
Before driving offroad for the first time, take the following steps so you can operate and drive the
vehicle safely offroad:
Observe the basic safety notes Safety instructions for offroad driving.
Familiarise yourself with the vehicle controls.
Check and adjust the seat position Sitting position and fasten the seat belts Seat belts.
Check distance to steering wheel and adjust Steering wheel.
Always wear suitable, well-fitting shoes that provide good grip for your feet when operating the
pedals.
Safety instructions for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings

WARNING
The intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the laws of physics, and functions only within
the limits of the system. Despite ABS, instability through locked wheels can occur on adverse terrain
e.g. if you brake hard when driving on a loose gravel road. The Electronic Stability Control will be
able to stabilise the vehicle only to a limited extent in these circumstances.

WARNING
Driving offroad can be dangerous and could cause accidents, serious injury, damage to the vehicle
and also a vehicle breakdown far from any assistance.
Never select a dangerous route and never take risks that could endanger you and your passengers. If
you cannot drive on or if you are in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose
another route.
Even terrain that looks harmless can be difficult and dangerous, and could get you and your
passengers into difficulties. We recommend inspecting the terrain on foot beforehand.

n driving offroad. If you drive too fast or
if a driving manoeuvre is unsuccessful, this could result in serious injuries and vehicle damage.
Never drive faster than the current terrain, road conditions, traffic and weather allow.
Never drive too fast over embankments, ramps or slopes. This could cause the vehicle to lose
contact with the ground. If this happens, you will be unable to steer and will lose control of the
vehicle.
If the vehicle does lose contact with the ground, always point the front wheels straight ahead. If the
wheels are not pointing straight ahead when the vehicle lands, it could roll over.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, ditches,
precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not recognisable as such and can
be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or branches lying on the ground. Inspect terrain on
foot if necessary.

WARNING
Sporty multipurpose vehicles are subject to a considerably higher risk of rolling over than normal
road passenger vehicles Explanation of some technical terms
In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants not wearing seat belts are subjected to a considerably
higher risk of fatal injury than those wearing seat belts.
The vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and is more prone to rolling over than a normal passenger
car which is unsuited for offroad driving.
Never drive too fast, especially when driving through bends, or carry out any extreme driving
manoeuvres.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to the terrain.
Luggage and other items transported on the roof of the vehicle raise the centre of gravity and will
make the vehicle more likely to roll over.

WARNING
The terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. Potholes, hollows, ditches,
precipices, obstacles, shallows, soft and boggy surfaces are often not recognisable as such and can
be covered either fully or partly by water or grass or branches lying on the ground. Driving offroad
over such terrain could cause accidents, serious injury and also a vehicle breakdown.
Carefully inspect any unknown sections of the terrain on foot before driving through them.
Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your passengers. If you are
in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose another way.
Always adjust your speed and driving to match vehicle load levels and visibility, terrain and weather
conditions.

WARNING
Always avoid traversing a slope Traversing a slope
Vehicle occupants should never leave the vehicle via the doors facing down the hill when stopped
sideways on a steep hill. The combined centre of gravity of the vehicle and its payload (vehicle
occupants and payload) can shift and cause the vehicle to roll over and roll down the incline. Always
leave the vehicle slowly via the doors which open up the incline Traversing a slope

WARNING
The cruise control system has been designed for use on surfaced roads only. The cruise control
system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the cruise control
system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious injuries.
Never use the cruise control system when driving offroad.

WARNING
The area monitoring system (Front Assist) was developed for use on surfaced roads only. The area
monitoring system is not suitable for use offroad and may even be hazardous. If you use the area
monitoring system while driving offroad, you may lose control over the vehicle and sustain serious
injuries.
Never use the area monitoring system when driving offroad.

WARNING
Driving the vehicle when the fuel level is too low could lead to your vehicle breaking down offroad,
accidents and serious injuries.
When the fuel level is too low, the fuel supply to the engine could be irregular, especially when
driving up or down hills and inclines.
The steering, all driver assist systems and brake support systems will not function if the engine
sputters or stops completely due to a lack of fuel or irregular fuel supply.
Always fill the tank when it is still 1/4 full. This reduces the risk of running out of fuel and breaking
down.

NOTICE

equipment and cause damage to the vehicle. Always keep the windows and glass roof closed when
driving offroad.
Explanation of some technical terms

Fig. 113 Illustration: angle of gradient.

Fig. 114 Illustration: tilt angle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Centre of gravityThe centre of gravity of a vehicle influences its propensity to roll over. The vehicle
has greater ground clearance for offroad driving, and thus a higher centre of gravity than a normal
vehicle. The high centre of gravity means that there is a greater danger of roll-over when driving.
Always remember this fact when driving and follow the safety tips and warnings given in this
owner's manual.Ground clearanceThis is the vertical distance between the ground and the lowest
item on the vehicle underbody.Angle of gradientThe number of metres in height gained over a
distance of 100 m is given as a percentage or degree Fig. 113
vehicle can drive up under its own power. This depends on aspects such as the road surface and
engine power.Tilt angleMaximum angle at which the vehicle may be driven across a slope without
the vehicle tipping over (determined by centre of gravity) Fig. 114
permitted angle given in degrees that a vehicle driven at low speed can clear a ramp without the
underbody of the vehicle scraping the ramp.Ramp angleCrossover from the horizontal level surface
to an uphill gradient, or from a downhill gradient back to the level surface. Angle up to which the
vehicle bottoms with the underbody on the ramp edge.Fall lineThis is the vertical drop
route.ArticulationThe articulation capability of the vehicle when driving over objects with just one
side of the vehicle.
Checklist before driving offroad
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings

how to drive safely in difficult terrain. Driving offroad demands different skills and driving styles in
comparison to driving on roads. The safety of the driver and the vehicle occupants depends on the
driver.
General rules and driving tips
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Code of conduct for offroad driving
A responsible driver should respect the environment when driving offroad. Remember that driving
through undergrowth and on meadows can destroy animal and plant habitats.
Always stay on designated routes and paths.
Do not create any unnecessary noise or dust.
Leave nature as you found it.
Avoid sensitive natural habitats.
Give way to drivers coming uphill or who are overtaking.
Driving tips
Special rules apply when driving offroad:
Never drive offroad alone. Always drive offroad in a team of at least two offroad vehicles.
Unexpected situations can always occur. We recommend that you carry equipment you can use for
calling for help.
Stop your vehicle when you reach difficult sections, and walk along the route ahead to inspect it.
Drive slowly over the crests of hills so the vehicle does not lose contact with the ground. This could
cause damage, leaving you unable to manoeuvre.
Drive slowly when the route is difficult. Shift up a gear when on slippery ground and always keep the
vehicle in motion.
Always look for flat and firm surfaces. The ground is predominantly soft when driving offroad,
meaning the tyres could sink into the ground. This will reduce ground clearance and the fording
depth.
Even when driving at low speeds, always keep your distance from other vehicles. If the first vehicle
suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle then can stop without getting stuck itself.

NOTICE
Always ensure that there is enough ground clearance underneath the vehicle. Serious damage to the
underbody could occur if the vehicle bottoms on the ground. This damage could cause the vehicle to
break down and thus make it impossible to drive on.

ot on the clutch when driving offroad. When travelling over
uneven ground, you could press the clutch by mistake and lose control of the vehicle. This also
prevents power being transferred between the engine and the gearbox. In addition, driving with the
clutch partially engaged causes premature wear to the clutch lining.
Useful accessories for offroad driving
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The checklist contains just a few items of equipment that can be very useful for offroad driving. If
you have an instruction manual or fitting instructions for these accessories, you should always take
them with you and observe them as necessary when driving offroad.
Checklist
Useful items when driving offroad:

Water, compass, maps and torch with spare batteries.

Winch, tow bar or rope with sufficient strength.

Mobile telephone, shovel, blankets and rubber boots.

Electrical air compressor for connection to the 12-volt sockets in the vehicle to inflate the tyres.

A wooden board approx. 4 cm thick and approx. 1 metre long or an aluminium frame of similar size:
this can be used to free a vehicle stuck in the mud and provide a platform for a vehicle jack.

Snow chains, additional spare wheels, a breakdown set, jack and box spanner.
Changing gear correctly
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The correct choice of gear depends on the offroad terrain.
Before attempting to drive through difficult terrain it can be helpful to stop and consider which gear
you should select. After several trips offroad, you will learn which gear to select in conjunction with
the step-down ratio and differential locks for different types of terrain.
General rules

body, for example puddles or shallow water. Never stop in the water, do not reverse, and never
switch off the engine.
Observe further information on driving through water on roads Driving through w

WARNING
Flowing water can develop enormous power and sweep the vehicle away. This can lead to very
dangerous situations which can cause accidents and serious or even fatal accidents.
Never stop the vehicle when in water.
Water in the engine compartment can cause the vehicle to break down in the water.
Soft ground surfaces, underwater obstacles and shallows can cause accidents and can cause the
vehicle to breakdown in the water. This could lead to critical situations.

NOTICE
If you drive through water, parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, drive train, running gear and
vehicle electrics, could sustain severe damage.
When driving through water, always select a section where the ground is solid and where the depth
of the water does not exceed the maximum permitted fording depth of the vehicle.
Never drive through salt, salty surfaces or salt water as salt can cause corrosion. Rinse off all
components that have been exposed to salt or salt water immediately with fresh water.
Offroad driving in snow
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Fit snow chains to the front wheels only before driving on snow-covered terrain.
Terrain might look harmless, but there could be hidden dangers. This is particularly true of sections
where there are no visible tyre tracks or other tracks.

WARNING
Driving in snow-covered terrain is very dangerous.
Both shallow and deep potholes, hollows, ditches, precipices, frozen surfaces and other obstacles
can be fully or partially covered by snow.
Dangers concealed by snow can cause an accident, serious injuries, or cause the vehicle to break
down in extreme weather conditions.

conditions.
Driving on sand and mud
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Always drive at a steady speed through sand or mud and, do not carry out any manual gear changes
or stop the vehicle.
Check whether ESC is active. The indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster display must not
light up Brake support systems
Keep the vehicle moving constantly.
Use the Offroad driving profile S
Select a suitable gear and remain in this gear until you have reached more solid ground Changing
gear correctly
If the tyres have lost their grip, turn the steering wheel to and fro quickly. This can briefly give the
tyres on the front wheels better grip for these ground conditions.
Driving through sand
Do not under any circumstances reduce the tyre pressure to drive through sand
pressure has been reduced for driving through sand, the correct tyre pressure must always be
restored before driving on. Driving with reduced tyre pressure can lead to a loss of control over the
vehicle and increase the risk of serious and fatal injuries.
Driving through mud
Do not change speed or direction. The tyres can lose their traction when driving through mud. If the
vehicle slides, steer in the direction needed to get the vehicle under control.

WARNING
Driving through mud and sand can be dangerous. The vehicle can slide uncontrollably. This increases
the risk of injury. Always drive carefully through sand and mud.
Never choose an unsafe route or take a risk which could endanger you or your passengers. If you are
in any doubt about the safety of the route, turn round and choose another way.

WARNING
Incorrect tyre pressure can cause severe or even fatal accidents.
Incorrect tyre pressures will increase the levels of wear on the tyres and will negatively affect the
vehicle's handling.