Cleaning VOLKSWAGEN UP! 2021 Owner´s Manual

Cleaning wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning steel wheels
An industrial cleaner is needed to remove accumulated brake dust. Steel wheels should therefore
be cleaned regularly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Wash grit and brake dust from alloy wheels approximately every 2 weeks. Then use an acid-free
detergent to clean the wheels. Volkswagen recommends applying a hard wax compound to the
wheels approximately every 3 months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regular intervals,
otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not
be used on the wheels.
If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the damaged area should be repaired
immediately.
Care of rubber seals
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The rubber seals on the doors, windows etc. will seal better, remain flexible and last longer if they
are treated at regular intervals with a suitable care product.
Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
De-icing the door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Volkswagen recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive
properties to de-ice the lock cylinders.
Underseal
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective
coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Volkswagen therefore
To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:
•Do not clean or polish in direct sunlight.
•Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty environments.
•Do not use any abrasive care products (e.g. cream cleaners).
•Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products.
•Do not polish any dirty surfaces.
•Do not use solvent-based cleaning products.
•Do not use hard wax.
NOTICE
Chrome rims or wheel covers may also have an additional varnish finish and should not be
treated using chrome or aluminium cleaning agents or chrome or aluminium polish. A normal
commercially available paint cleaning product should be used instead.
NOTICE
Do not use lock de-icers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the
door lock cylinder to rust.
NOTICE

recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the
engine compartment.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components.
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Cleaning and caring for the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat covers
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts
⇒ Cleaning seat belts
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft
materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the
garments.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Underseal and anti-corrosion coatings can ignite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot
engine parts.
•Never apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic converter,
heat shields or other vehicle components that become hot.
CAUTION
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
•Before carrying out any work ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures
and general safety regulations ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine compartment.
•Volkswagen recommends having the work carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure
cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
NOTICE

Before getting into the vehicle, close all Velcro fasteners that could touch the cloth seat
covers and fabric trims. Open Velcro fasteners can cause damage to cloth seat covers and
fabric trims.
Avoid the direct contact of sharp-edged items and accessories to the upholstery and fabric
trims in order to prevent damage. Accessories include zips, studs, rhinestones on clothing
or belts.
Dust and grit in upholstery pores, folds and seams should be removed regularly so that no
permanent damage is caused to the surface of the seats by scratching.
Always check whether garments are colourfast to prevent damage to the upholstery. This
is especially important for light-coloured upholstery.
•Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs
and renewal of parts
Suitable care products are available from a Volkswagen dealership.
Seat covers
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
Please note the following for the cleaning and maintenance of the seat covers ⇒:
Volkswagen recommends that stained upholstery is cleaned by a specialist company.
Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
•The care product must be kept in its original sealed container.
•Read the manufacturer's instructions.
•Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original
containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care
products.
•Keep children away from care products.
•The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used
outside or in well-ventilated spaces.
•Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash,
clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly inflammable.
WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can impair the safety features of the vehicle and
cause serious injury.
•Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.
•Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
WARNING
•Cleaning products that contain solvents attack the material and may cause irreparable
damage.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based ingredients attack
the material and may cause irreparable damage, even if only left for a short time.
•Stains, dirt and other deposits should be removed as quickly as possible and not allowed
to dry in.
•To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning company.
NOTICE
Ignoring any of the items on this important checklist for maintaining the seat covers can lead
to damage or discolouration of the seat covers and fabric trims.
•Follow the instructions on the checklist.
NOTICE
®

Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically
adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag components
Airbag-related components and electrical connectors may be installed in the driver seat, passenger
seat and sometimes also in the rear outer seats. Seat cushions or backrests that are damaged,
incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that become wet, may cause damage to the vehicle electrics or
trigger a fault in the airbag system ⇒.
Electrical components and connectors are installed in electrically adjustable seats and seat
cushions with seat heating. These can be damaged if cleaned or treated incorrectly ⇒. This can
also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrics.
For this reason, please follow these cleaning guidelines:
•Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.
•Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.
•Avoid getting the seat wet.
•Only use detergents that have been approved by Volkswagen.
•If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.
Cleaning upholstery on seat cushions without seat heating, seats that are
not electrically adjustable, and seats that do not contain airbag components
•Please read and follow the instructions, notes and warnings on the package before using
cleaning products.
•Upholstery, fabric trims, Alcantara seat covers and carpeting should be cleaned regularly with
a vacuum cleaner (brush).
•Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.
•We recommend that you use a soft sponge or commercially available lint-free microfibre cloth
for cleaning jobs ⇒.
•Clean Alcantara surfaces with a slightly damp cotton or woollen cloth or a commercially
available lint-free microfibre cloth ⇒.
General surface soiling of the upholstery and fabric trim can be cleaned with a commercially
available foam cleaner.
If the upholstery and fabric trims are generally heavily soiled, consult a Volkswagen dealership for
information on suitable cleaning methods before attempting any cleaning. If required, take the
vehicle to a specialist cleaning company.
Treating stains
When treating stains, it may be necessary to clean the entire surface and not just the stain itself.
This particularly applies if the surface shows general signs of wear. The cleaned area could
otherwise be lighter than the surrounding area. If in doubt, consult a specialist cleaning company.
Type of stainRecommended cleaning method for seat cushions
and upholstery
Water-based stains, e.g.
coffee, fruit juice.
– Moisten a sponge using a spray bottle and treat the stain by
rubbing it in a circular motion.
– Wipe with a dry absorbent cloth.
Stubborn stains, e.g.
chocolate, foundation.
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the
upholstery cleaned.
Oily stains, e.g. oil,
lipstick.
– Only use detergents approved by Volkswagen.
– If required, take the vehicle to a specialist cleaning firm to have the
upholstery cleaned.
®
®
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not function properly, or not function at
all or function unexpectedly. This could cause accidents and fatal injuries.
•The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the upholstery on electrically adjustable seats or on seat cushions containing airbag
components gets wet, electric components and the vehicle electrics could be damaged.
•A wet seat cushion should always be dried out, and system components checked, by a
qualified workshop.
•Do not use steam cleaners as the steam pushes the soiling into the fabric and sets it.
•High-pressure cleaners and coolant sprays can damage the upholstery.
NOTICE

Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please contact a Volkswagen dealership or other qualified workshop if you have any questions on
cleaning and caring for the leather equipment in your vehicle.
Care and use
Natural leather is sensitive as it does not have a uniform coating of dye.
•Use a leather cream with sunlight protection and impregnation properties on a regular basis and
always after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, keeps it breathable and supple and
replaces lost moisture. It also protects the surface.
•Leather should be cleaned every two to three months and fresh stains removed.
•Treat the leather with a special leather care product every six months ⇒.
•Always apply cleaning and care products extremely sparingly and always use a dry cotton or
woollen cloth that is free from fluff. Do not apply cleaning and care products directly to the
leather.
•Remove fresh stains such as ink, ball-point pen ink, lipstick, shoe cream etc. as quickly as
possible.
•Look after the pigment. Use a special coloured leather cream to refresh the colour where
necessary.
•Wipe it off with a soft cloth.
Cleaning
Volkswagen recommends that you use a damp cotton or wool cloth for general cleaning purposes.
Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams.
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leather upholstery ⇒ Cleaning upholstery
on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing airbag
components.
Type of stainCleaning
Stubborn stains– Use a wrung-out cloth to apply a mild soap solution.
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.
Water-based stains, e.g.
coffee, tea, juice, blood
etc.
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth,
– If the stain has already dried, use a suitable cleaning agent ⇒.
Oily stains, e.g. oil, lipstick
etc.
– Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
– If the stain has not yet penetrated the surface, use a suitable
cleaning agent ⇒.
Difficult stains, e.g. biro,
felt tip pen, nail varnish,
emulsion paint, shoe
polish etc.
– Dry with an absorbent, dry cloth.
– Clean with a suitable leather stain remover.
•Brushes should be used on carpets and mats only. Other surfaces could be damaged by
brushes.
•When washing paste or fine detergent solutions are applied with a damp cloth or sponge,
visible edges may appear on the upholstery once it has dried. This can be due to
substances such as surfactants. These edges are usually difficult or even impossible to
remove.
NOTICE
•Do not soak Alcantara under any circumstances.
•Do not use leather care products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers or
similar products on Alcantara.
•Do not use brushes if cleaning with liquids. This could damage the surface of the material.
NOTICE
®
®
a)

However, slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
Mild soap solution: two tablespoons neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Cleaning leatherette upholstery
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please observe the following notes prior to cleaning the leatherette upholstery ⇒ Cleaning
upholstery on seat cushions with seat heating, electrically adjustable seats, or seats containing
airbag components.
Only use water and neutral detergents to clean the leatherette upholstery.
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
Fig. 128 In the centre console: stowage compartment with drink holder
Fig. 129 Ashtray with snuffer, removed and opened
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning stowage compartments and drink holders
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
Cleaning the ashtray
•Remove and empty the ashtray.
•Wipe the ashtray with a cloth to clean it.
To clean the snuffer ⇒ Fig. 129, use a toothpick or similar object to pick out the ashes.
•Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on leather.
•Stains cannot be removed if they has been left on the leather for a long time and have
penetrated the surface.
•Spilt liquids should be cleaned immediately using an absorbent cloth as the leather surface
and the stitching absorb liquids quickly.
•If the car is left standing outdoors for long periods, the leather should be protected against
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading.
NOTICE
a)
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar products on the
leatherette upholstery. These may cause the material to become hard and brittle prematurely.
NOTICE

Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic
parts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth with water and clean the parts.
•Treat plastic parts (inside and outside the vehicle) and the dash panel with a special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care product that has been approved by Volkswagen ⇒.
•Treat wooden trims with a mild soap solution.
•Clean the mount for the portable navigation device using a dry cloth only.
Cleaning seat belts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Large particles of dirt on the automatic belt prevent it from rolling back properly and thus from
working effectively.
The seat belts must never be removed for cleaning purposes.
•Remove dirt with a soft brush ⇒.
•Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.
•Clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution.
•Allow the seat belt fabric to dry completely.
•Do not allow the seat belt to roll up until it has dried completely.
Wheels and tyres
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Rims
⇒ New wheels and tyres
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
Volkswagen recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop.
They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become
porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose plastic parts can cause serious injury.
•Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING
When cleaning the dash panel, ensure that the contacts for the portable navigation device do
not become wet as this could cause damage to the electrical system.
NOTICE
Check the condition of all seat belts regularly. If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat
belt becomes damaged have it removed and replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts or their components. Furthermore
the seat belts may not come into contact with corrosive fluids, solvents or sharp objects.
These could considerably weaken the webbing.
•After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up. Otherwise the
automatic belt retractors could become damaged and thus impair their function.
•Never let any foreign bodies or liquids enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This could
prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself.
•Damaged seat belts must be replaced immediately with seat belts approved by
Volkswagen for your vehicle type. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched during an
accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if
there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
WARNING

proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Transporting ⇒ Driving notes
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This
can also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type. Refer to the vehicle documentation and ask a
Volkswagen dealership if necessary.
Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 130 Diagram showing how to swap wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style handling and fitting.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of vehicle
control and braking power.
•Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injuries.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread.
•New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking effect.
Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and serious
injury.
•Check tyre pressures regularly and always keep to the specified tyre pressure value. If the
tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such an
extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries. Worn
or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
•The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake assist systems depends on the
tyre grip.
•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the car
immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
•In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on rims with bolted on rim rings.
•Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres could
be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
•Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially
at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries. Avoid using tyres that are
more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
WARNING

Snow chains are available in a range of sizes for a vehicle type.
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Running-in
⇒ Accessories and parts
⇒ Service fluids and consumables
⇒ Repairs and technical modifications
⇒ Repairs and faults in the airbag system
⇒ Retrofitting two-way radios
⇒ Information stored in the control units
⇒ Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial
⇒ Portable navigation device
⇒ Vehicle lifting points
Additional information and warnings:
•Seat belts ⇒ Seat belts
•Airbag system ⇒ Airbag system
•Roof carrier ⇒ Roof carrier
•Ashtray and cigarette lighter ⇒ Ashtray and cigarette lighter
•Electrical socket ⇒ Socket
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Pull-away assist systems ⇒ Pull-away assist systems
•ParkPilot ⇒ ParkPilot
•Cruise Control System (CCS) ⇒ Cruise control system (CCS)
•Preparation for working in the engine compartment ⇒ Preparation for working in the engine
compartment
•Engine oil ⇒ Engine oil
•Engine coolant ⇒ Coolant
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Cleaning and caring for the interior ⇒ Cleaning and caring for the interior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•⇒BookletRadio,
•User's manual for the portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagen)
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of
snow chains can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the correct snow chains.
•Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
•Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for the snow chains that are fitted.
WARNING
•Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains will
otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
•Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it.
Volkswagen recommends using non-scratch snow chains.
NOTICE

Vehicle jack. Before you return the vehicle jack to the toolbox, fully wind in the claw. To
stow the vehicle jack securely the crank lever must be braced against the side of the jack.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Vehicles with a natural gas engine
In vehicles with natural gas engines delivered with a second wheel set, the toolkit is kept in a
seperate bag. Volkswagen recommends not keeping the bag in the vehicle all the time but only
when it is necessary for changing to winter or summer tyres.
Hubcaps
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Centre cover
⇒ Wheel cover
⇒ Wheel bolt caps
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
Centre cover
Fig. 148 Pulling off the centre cover on an alloy wheel
Fig. 149 Pulling off the centre cover on a steel wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and endanger
other road users.
•Do not use damaged hubcaps.
•Always ensure that the airflow to cool the brakes is not restricted or reduced. This also
applies if hubcaps are retrofitted. If the airflow is not sufficient, the braking distance could
increase significantly.
WARNING
Remove the hubcaps carefully and fit them again properly so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
NOTICE