Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Instruction

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes can cause a collision and serious personal injury.

If the brake warning light

or does not go out, or lights up when driving, either the

brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault in the brake system. Stop the

vehicle as soon as you can do so safely and get expert assistance

⇒ Brake fluid.

If the brake warning light

or lights up at the same time as the ABS warning light

, the ABS may not be working properly. This could cause the rear wheels to lock up

relatively quickly during braking. Rear wheel brake lock-up can cause loss of vehicle control.

If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive, drive slowly and very carefully to the nearest

authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified
workshop and have the brake system inspected. Avoid sudden hard braking and steering.

If the ABS indicator light

or does not go out, or if it lights up while driving, the ABS

system is not working properly. The vehicle can then be stopped only with the standard
brakes (without ABS). You will not have the protection ABS provides. Contact your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility as soon as
possible.

If the brake pads are worn or you notice changes in the way the vehicle brakes,

immediately contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility to have the brake pads checked and, if necessary, replaced.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

Parking brake

Fig. 125 Between the front seats: Parking brake.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Setting the parking brake

Pull the parking brake lever up firmly.
When the ignition is on, the indicator light or

appears in the instrument cluster display to

show that the parking brake is engaged

⇒ Warning and indicator lights.

Releasing the parking brake

Pull the lever up slightly and press the release button

⇒

fig. 125

(arrow).

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.

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.

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
prematurely.

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

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Please note legal regulations when stopping and parking your vehicle.

Parking the vehicle

Please perform these steps only in the order listed.

Stop the vehicle on a suitable surface

⇒ .

Hold the brake pedal down until the engine is switched off.

Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Parking brake.

  For automatic transmissions: Shift the transmission into Park (P).
  Switch off the engine and then take your foot off the brake.
  Remove the vehicle key from the ignition.
  If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering column lock.
  Shift manual transmission into 1st gear (on level ground or if pointed uphill) or reverse (if pointed

downhill) and let the clutch out.

  Make sure all passengers and especially children leave the vehicle.
  Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
  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:

Facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they point toward the curb.
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.

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.

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

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
barrier 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.

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).

Always close the convertible top before leaving the vehicle and when it may rain or snow. If

the convertible top is open, rain or snow can damage the vehicle interior and can cause
extensive damage to the electrical system.

About the brakes

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

New brake pads do not provide full performance during the first 100 to 200 miles (200 to 300 km) and

must first be “broken” in

⇒ . To some extent, you can make up for the somewhat reduced

performance by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. But, during the break-in period, the
stopping distance for hard braking and emergency braking will be longer until the brakes are fully
broken in. Avoid hard braking and situations that might require hard braking (such as following other
vehicles too closely) – especially during the break-in period.

Brake pad wear depends mostly on operating conditions and the way the vehicle is driven. If you do a
lot of city and short-distance driving and/or have a sporty driving style, you should have the brake pads

checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility more often
than the regular service intervals.

Wet brakes (for example, after driving through water or washing the vehicle or after heavy rainfall) will
not brake as well. Stopping distances will be longer when brake discs are wet or, in winter, even icy.
Wet or icy brakes must be dried as soon as possible by carefully applying the brakes a couple of times
while traveling at a relatively high speed. Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not

endanger yourself or others

⇒ .

Brakes coated with road salt also react slower and need longer stopping distances. If there is salt on
the roads and you are not braking regularly, brake carefully and gently from time to time to remove any

salt coating from the brake discs and pads

⇒ .

Brake disc corrosion (rust) and dirt buildup on the brake pads are more likely to occur if the vehicle is
not driven much or is driven only for short distances with little braking. If the brakes have not been
used and there is some rust on the discs, clean the brake discs and pads once in a while by carefully
braking a couple of times while driving at relatively high speed to help clean the brake discs and pads.

Make sure nobody is behind you and that you do not endanger yourself or others

⇒ .

Brake system malfunction

If you brake and find that the vehicle doesn't brake nearly as well as it used to (sudden increase in
stopping distance), a brake circuit may have failed. The brake warning light

will light up and

a message may appear in the instrument cluster display. If you believe the vehicle is safe to drive,
immediately take it to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility for repair. Drive slowly and very carefully, allow for the longer stopping distance, and be ready
to push longer and harder on the brake pedal to slow the vehicle down.

Brake booster

The brake booster works only when the engine is running. It increases the force on the brakes above
and beyond the pressure put on the brake pedal by the driver.

If the brake booster is not working, or if the vehicle has to be towed, you will have to push the brake
pedal harder to make up for the lack of booster assistance and the resulting longer stopping distance
⇒ .

WARNING

New brake pads do not provide maximum braking performance.

New brake pads do not have the best stopping power for the first 185 miles (300 km) and

must be “broken in.” You can compensate for the slightly reduced braking force by putting
more pressure on the brake pedal.

Drive with extra care while the new brake pads are being broken in. This reduces the risk

of collisions and serious personal injuries due to a loss of control over the vehicle.

Never follow other vehicles too closely or put yourself into other situations that might

require sudden, hard braking, especially when the brake pads have not been broken in.

WARNING

Overheated brakes will reduce the vehicle's stopping power and increase stopping distances
considerably.

When driving downhill, the brakes have to work especially hard and heat up quickly.
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.

A damaged front bumper or a non-standard spoiler can reduce airflow to the brakes and

make them overheat.

WARNING

Wet brakes or brakes coated with ice or road salt react slower and need longer stopping
distances.

Carefully apply the brakes to test them.
Always dry brakes and clean off ice and salt coatings with a few cautious brake

applications 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.

Never let the vehicle coast when the engine is switched off.
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

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.

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

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL braking assistance systems work only when the engine is
running. These systems can significantly improve active driving safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to improve road holding and vehicle dynamics to help reduce the probability of skidding
and loss of vehicle control. It works only when the engine is running. ESC detects certain difficult
driving situations, including when the vehicle is beginning to spin (yaw) out of control. ESC then helps
you to get the vehicle back under control by selectively braking the wheels and/or reducing engine
power and by providing steering assistance to help hold the vehicle on the driver's intended course.

ESC has limitations. It is important to remember that ESC cannot overcome the laws of physics. It will
not always be able to help out under all conditions you may come up against. For example, ESC may
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
“hydroplanes” (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.

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:

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!

  Do not “pump” the brake pedal or let up on it!
  Steer the vehicle while pushing down hard on the brake pedal.
  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
slippery 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
automatically 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.

Always adjust your speed and driving style to road, traffic, weather, and visibility

conditions. Never let the additional safety that ESC, ABS, BAS, ASR, and EDL can provide
tempt you into taking extra risks.

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!

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road and

“hydroplane.” A vehicle that has lost road contact cannot be braked, steered, or controlled.

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.

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
traction.

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, depress the

accelerator 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
mentioned above, are not properly maintained or functioning.

Always remember that vehicle alterations or modifications can affect the functioning of

the ABS, BAS, ASR, EDL, and ESC systems.

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
effectiveness.

The effectiveness of ESC is also determined by the tires fitted

⇒ page 152, 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.

Brake fluid

Fig. 126 In the engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir cap.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Brake fluid absorbs water from the air over time. Too much water in the brake fluid will damage the
brake system. Water also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Too much water in the brake fluid
can cause vapor lock during heavy brake use or hard braking. Vapor lock reduces braking
performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure. Your safety and

the safety of others depends on brakes that are working properly at all times

⇒ .

Brake fluid specifications

Volkswagen has developed a special brake fluid that is optimized for the brake system in your
Volkswagen. Volkswagen recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly conforms to quality
standard VW Standard 501 14 for optimum performance of the brake system. Check the information
on the container for the brake fluid you want to use to make sure it meets the requirements for your
vehicle.

Brake fluid that complies with VW Standard 501 14 can be purchased from your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If this special brake fluid is not available you may – under these circumstances – use another high
quality brake fluid that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4
⇒ .
Please note, however, that not all brake fluids that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4 have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids can
contain chemicals that could, over time, degrade or damage internal parts of the vehicle’s brake
system.

Volkswagen therefore recommends that you use brake fluid that expressly complies with VW
Standard 501 14 for optimum brake system performance over the long term.

Brake fluid level

The fluid level in the transparent brake fluid reservoir must always be between the MIN and MAX

marking

⇒ .

On some vehicles, engine components block the view of the brake fluid reservoir and make it
impossible to see the brake fluid level. If you cannot clearly see the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir, please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the brake pads wear and the
brakes are automatically adjusted.

Changing brake fluid

Brake fluid must be changed according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and

Maintenance. Have the brake fluid checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Refill only with new brake fluid that meets the standards listed above.

WARNING

Brake failure and reduced brake performance can be caused by not having enough brake
fluid in the reservoir or by old or incorrect brake fluid.

Check the brake system and brake fluid level regularly.
Always change the brake fluid according to the service schedule in your

⇒ Booklet

Warranty and Maintenance.

Hard braking with old brake fluid may cause vapor lock. Vapor lock reduces braking

performance, increases stopping distances and can even cause total brake failure.

Always make sure that only the correct brake fluid is used. Only use brake fluid that

expressly conforms to VW Standard 501 14 or, if it is not available, only use a high-quality
brake fluid that conforms to U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 requirements.

Using another brake fluid, or one that is not of high quality, can impair the function of the

brake system and reduce its effectiveness. If the container does not say that the brake fluid
complies with VW Standard 501 14, or U.S. Standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4, do not use it.

The brake fluid must be new.

WARNING

Brake fluid is poisonous.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, never use food, beverage or other non-original containers

to store brake fluid. Someone might be misled by the original label on the container, or by the
shape of the container, and drink the brake fluid. This could occur even if you relabel the
container as “brake fluid.”

Only store brake fluid in the closed, original container and keep it out of the reach of

children.

NOTICE

Brake fluid will damage vehicle paint, plastic parts, and tires. Wipe any brake fluid off vehicle
paint and other vehicle parts immediately.

Brake fluid can pollute the environment. Brake fluid that has leaked out must be collected and

disposed of properly, following all applicable environmental regulations.

Saving fuel and helping the environment

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Efficient driving style

Fuel-efficient driving

Fuel consumption, environmental impact, and wear and tear on engine, brakes and tires depend
mainly on the following 3 factors:

  Your personal driving style.
  External conditions (weather, road conditions).
  Technical requirements.

You can reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% by using a few simple techniques and adjusting your
driving style.

WARNING

Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead of
you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

Efficient driving style

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Shifting faster

As a rule, the following applies: The higher gear is always the most efficient gear. The rule of thumb
for most vehicles is to drive in 3rd gear at 20 mph (30 km/h), 4th gear at 25 mph (40 km/h), 5th gear at
30 mph (50 km/h), and 6th gear at 36 mph (60 km/h).

If traffic and driving conditions permit, “skipping” gears when upshifting also saves fuel.

Do not run the gears up to their limit. Use 1st gear only to start moving and then smoothly shift into
2nd gear. Avoid kick-downs in vehicles with automatic transmissions.

Vehicles equipped with the gear recommendation feature aid in fuel efficient driving by indicating the

optimum time to shift gears

⇒ Gear recommendation.

Coasting

If you take your foot off the accelerator, fuel delivery to the engine is interrupted, which lowers fuel
consumption.

Therefore, when nearing a red stop light, for instance, allow the vehicle to coast without using the
accelerator. Press the clutch pedal and release it only if the vehicle moving too slowly or the coasting
distance is too long. The engine will then continue to run at idle.

In situations where the vehicle will be stopped for a longer period of time, such as at a railroad
crossing, physically switch off the engine.

Defensive driving and “flowing” with traffic

Frequent braking and acceleration increase fuel consumption significantly. Just by driving defensively
and keeping a sufficiently large distance away from the vehicle in front of you can make up for the

speed fluctuations caused by taking your foot off the accelerator. Active braking and accelerating is
then not necessarily required.

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 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):

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.

Switch off seat heating once it has served its purpose.
Switch off the rear window defroster as soon as the windows are free of fog and ice.

Additional factors that increase fuel consumption (examples):

Malfunctioning engine control.
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. 127 Fuel consumption in miles per gallon (mpg) at 2 different outside air temperatures.

Fig. 128 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. 128

and

⇒

fig. 128

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).

Starting assistance systems

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Hill Hold

More information:

  Volkswagen Information System
  Tires and wheels
  Braking and parking
  Vehicle battery
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications
  Jump-starting

WARNING

The intelligent technology of the dynamic starting assistance features cannot overcome the
laws of physics. Never let the increased convenience provided by the dynamic starting
assistance features tempt you into taking risks.

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.
The dynamic starting assistance features are no substitute for careful and attentive

driving.

Always adapt your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic

conditions.

The dynamic starting assistance features cannot keep the vehicle from moving in all hill-

start situations (for example, if the ground is slippery or icy).

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 as soon as
the engine speed increases, even if the parking brake is set.

WARNING

Driving with too little fuel in the fuel tank increases the risk of stalling, especially when
driving up and down hills.

If your vehicle stalls suddenly, this can cause an accident and serious personal injuries.
Driver assistance and braking assistance systems can malfunction when there is too little

fuel in the tank and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Never drive until the fuel tank is almost empty.

Hill Hold

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Some vehicles are equipped with Hill Hold, a feature that helps keep the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting out on a hill, for example after stopping at a traffic light. You don't have to

apply and release the parking brake while depressing the accelerator. For Hill Hold to work, the engine
must be running and the vehicle must be in First Gear or Reverse (manual transmission) or in
Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) (automatic transmission) and you must use the foot brake to
hold the vehicle before starting to move.

Hill Hold keeps the brake applied for not quite 2 seconds with the same force you used to prevent the
vehicle from moving. This gives you time to take your foot off the brake, let the clutch out on a manual
transmission vehicle, and gently depress the accelerator to get the vehicle moving again. If you do not
depress the accelerator pedal and get the vehicle moving again within this time, the brakes will release
and the vehicle will roll downhill. Furthermore, if any requirement for engaging Hill Hold is no longer
met while the vehicle is stopped, Hill Hold disengages and the brakes are automatically released and
will no longer hold the vehicle.

Hill Hold is activated automatically when points 1 to 3 are met at the same time:

Step

Manual transmission

Automatic transmission

Hold the stopped vehicle on an incline with the foot or parking brake.

The engine must be running “smoothly.”

A manual transmission vehicle must be in 1st

gear (1) if headed up a hill or in Reverse (R) if

backing up a hill; you must hold the clutch

down and the foot brake must be depressed

to keep the vehicle from moving.

An automatic transmission vehicle must be in

Reverse (R), Drive (D), or Sport Drive (S) and

the foot brake must be depressed to keep the

vehicle from moving.

To drive off, take your foot off the brake pedal

as you let the clutch out and gently depress

the accelerator within 2 seconds. If the

accelerator is not depressed, the brakes will

release automatically.

To drive off, take your foot off the brake pedal

and gently depress the accelerator within

2 seconds.

Hill Hold is immediately deactivated:

  If any requirement listed in the table above is no longer met.
  If the engine is not running smoothly or the engine malfunctions.
  If the engine stalls or is switched off.
  If the driver door is opened.
  Automatic transmission vehicles: If the transmission is in Neutral (N).

Automatic transmission vehicles: If a tire does not have enough road contact (such as when the

vehicle is tipped or at an angle).

WARNING

The intelligent technology of Hill Hold cannot overcome the laws of physics. Never let the
increased convenience provided by Hill Hold tempt you into taking risks.

The Hill Hold feature cannot hold the vehicle in all hill start situations (for example, if the

surface is icy or slippery).

Hill Hold can only help keep the vehicle from moving for less than 2 seconds. After that,

the brakes will be released and the vehicle can roll down the hill.

Cruise control

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator lights

Cruise control operation

Your vehicle may be equipped with cruise control, which helps maintain an individually stored constant
speed when driving above about 15 mph (20 km/h).

Cruise control slows down the vehicle only by reducing the flow of fuel to the engine, not by braking

⇒

More information:

Shifting
Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Using the cruise control when it is not possible to drive safely at a constant speed can be
dangerous and can lead to an accident and serious personal injuries.

Never use cruise control when driving in heavy or varying traffic or when you cannot keep

a safe distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you.

Never use cruise control on steep, winding, or slippery roads (such gravel roads, wet

roads, or snowy or icy roads) or on roads with standing water.

Never use cruise control when driving off-road or on unpaved roads.
Always adjust your speed and the distance you keep between you and the vehicles ahead

of you to the road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.

To help prevent unintended operation of cruise control, switch the system off when it is

not being used.

It is dangerous to use the Resume feature when the previously set speed is too high for

the existing road, traffic, or weather conditions.

When going downhill, the cruise control may not be able to maintain a constant speed.

The vehicle will speed up because of its own weight. Downshift and/or use the foot brake to
slow the vehicle.

Indicator lights

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause

Cruise control is regulating the speed.

Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Instruction - part 15