Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction

WARNING

Unintended vehicle movement can cause serious personal injury.

Never get out of the driver's seat while the engine is running, especially when the

transmission is in a drive gear. If you must leave your vehicle while the engine is running,
always set the parking brake and shift the transmission into Park (P).

Never leave the vehicle in Neutral (N). It will roll down hills, whether the engine is running

or not.

When the engine is running and a drive gear - Drive (D), Sport Drive (S), or Reverse (R) -

has been selected, press and hold the brake pedal to keep the vehicle from moving. The
vehicle may “creep” and move forward or backward even if the engine is idling slowly.

Never shift into Reverse (R) or Park (P) when the vehicle is moving.

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 setting the parking brake.

If the selector lever is moved into Neutral (N) by mistake when the vehicle is moving, take your

foot off the accelerator pedal. Wait until the engine speed has dropped to idle speed before moving
the selector lever into a drive gear.

Shifting with Tiptronic

Fig. 128 Selector lever in Tiptronic position.

Fig. 129 Steering wheel with Tiptronic shift paddles (if equipped).

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

Tiptronic lets you upshift and downshift manually with the automatic transmission. When Tiptronic
mode is used, the transmission stays in the current gear and does not upshift or downshift
automatically unless the transmission senses a situation where upshifting or downshifting is necessary
to keep the engine from over- or under-revving.

Using Tiptronic with the selector lever

Push the selector lever sideways to the right from the D/S position into the Tiptronic position

⇒

in Automatic transmission: Selector lever.

Briefly push the selector lever forward

(+)

to upshift into a higher gear or backward

(–)

to downshift

into a lower gear

⇒

fig. 128

Using Tiptronic with the shift paddles behind the steering wheel (if equipped)

The paddles

⇒

fig. 129

(arrows) work when the selector lever is in the Tiptronic position or when

the selector lever is in Drive or Sport Drive (D/S). You do not have to move the selector lever over to
the right into the Tiptronic position.

To upshift, pull the paddle on the right +

toward you.

To downshift, pull the paddle on the left – toward you.

To switch off Tiptronic mode, pull the paddle on the right +

toward you and hold it there for

about 1 second.

Tiptronic will switch off automatically if the shift paddles have not been used for a while and the
selector lever is not in the Tiptronic position.

NOTICE

During acceleration, the transmission will shift automatically into the next higher gear

before reaching maximum engine speed (rpm).

If you use Tiptronic to shift into a lower gear, the transmission will downshift only when

doing so will not over-rev the engine.

Driving with automatic transmission

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

All forward gears shift up and down automatically.

Driving on hills

The steeper the grade, the lower the gear that must be selected. Lower gears increase the braking
effect of the engine. Never coast downhill in Neutral (N).

Reduce speed.
Switch to Tiptronic mode by moving the selector lever from Drive or Sport Drive (D/S) to the right

into the Tiptronic position

⇒ Shifting with Tiptronic®.

Downshift by pulling the selector lever back briefly (-).

OR: Downshift using the paddles on the steering wheel

⇒ Using Tiptronic with the shift paddles

behind the steering wheel (if equipped).

If you stop and start up again when going uphill, you should use Hill Hold

⇒ Starting assistance

systems as long as the engine is running.

Vehicles without Hill Hold: If you stop on a hill with the vehicle in gear, you must depress the brake
pedal or engage the parking brake to keep the vehicle from rolling. Do not release the brake pedal or

the parking brake until the vehicle has started to move forward

⇒

Kick-down acceleration

The kick-down feature permits maximum acceleration when the selector lever is in the Drive (D), Sport
Drive (S), or Tiptronic mode.

If you push the accelerator all the way down, the vehicle will automatically downshift, depending on
vehicle speed and engine speed (rpm). This feature lets you take advantage of the full acceleration

capacity of the vehicle

⇒

With kick-down actuated, the transmission will stay in the current gear longer and not upshift until the
engine reaches maximum rpm.

Launch control program

The launch control program lets you take advantage of maximum acceleration from a standstill.

Switch off the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

⇒ Braking and parking.

Depress and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
Move the selector lever into Sport Drive (S) or the Tiptronic position, or in vehicles with Driving

Mode Selection, select the Sport driving mode

⇒ Driving Mode Selection.

With your right foot, depress the accelerator pedal until the engine reaches about 3200 rpm.

Remove your left foot from the brake

⇒

. The vehicle will accelerate from a stop at the

maximum rate.

Once you have accelerated, switch ASR back on again!

WARNING

Rapid acceleration can cause skidding and loss of traction, especially on slippery roads,
resulting in a loss of vehicle control, collisions, and serious personal injury.

Only use the kick-down feature, Launch Control Program, or fast acceleration if visibility,

weather, road, and traffic conditions permit and other drivers will not be endangered by your
driving and the vehicle's acceleration.

Always adapt your driving to the traffic flow.
Note that the drive wheels can spin and the vehicle can swerve when ASR is switched off,

especially when the road is slippery.

Once you have accelerated, switch ASR back on again.

NOTICE

When stopping on hills with the transmission in a drive gear, do not use the accelerator to

help prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. This can cause the automatic transmission to
overheat and be damaged.

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.

Launch Control acceleration uses the maximum acceleration capability of the vehicle but

places significant loads on the drive train and related parts. If you do use the Launch Control
feature, do not use it regularly or often to help prevent unnecessary wear on the vehicle and its
systems.

Automatic transmission malfunction

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

Emergency shift program

If all selector lever position indicators in the instrument cluster display are highlighted against a bright
background, there is a system malfunction. The automatic transmission or the DSG

automated

transmission will then operate in the emergency shift program. The emergency shift program lets you
drive the vehicle, but at a reduced speed and without being able to use all of the forward gears.

In some cases, vehicles with a DSG transmission may not be able to shift into reverse. It is then
impossible to drive the vehicle backwards.

In any event, have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Overheating of the DSG

automated transmission

The DSG transmission may overheat, for example, due to frequent starts, extended “creeping,” or
stop-and-go traffic. Overheating is indicated by the warning light and, if applicable, by a text
message in the instrument cluster. An additional warning chime may sound. Stop and let the

transmission cool down

⇒

The vehicle does not move forward or in reverse even though a drive position is selected
with the selector lever

If the vehicle does not move in the desired direction, the system may not have engaged the drive
position correctly. Press the brake pedal and select the drive position again.

If the vehicle still does not move in the desired direction, there is a system malfunction. See your
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance to have the
system checked.

NOTICE

As soon as you get any of these warnings about transmission overheating, you must either

park the vehicle in a safe place or drive faster than 12 mph (20 km/h).

If the text message and acoustic warning repeat themselves every 10 seconds or so, you

must park the vehicle in a safe place as soon as you can safely do so and stop the engine. Let
the transmission cool down.

To help prevent damage to the transmission, do not drive the vehicle again until the

acoustic warning has stopped. As long as the engine is overheated, avoid stop and start
driving and avoid low speeds (“walking pace”).

Gear recommendation

Fig. 130 In the instrument cluster display: Gear recommendation.

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

Your vehicle may be equipped with a gear recommendation feature. The gear recommendation
displays a gear in the instrument cluster display that can help reduce fuel consumption.

For vehicles with an automatic transmission: The selector lever must be in the Tiptronic position
⇒ Shifting with Tiptronic®.
Key to

fig. 130

(A)

Current gear.

(B)

Recommended gear.

If the optimal gear is already selected, another gear is not recommended . Only the current gear is
displayed.

WARNING

The gear recommendation is only intended to assist the driver to select a gear for optimum
fuel economy. The gear recommendation cannot take road and traffic conditions into
account.

The driver is responsible for selecting the correct gear for the current driving conditions,

such as when passing, when driving on hills or when towing a trailer.

Selecting the optimal gear helps to reduce fuel consumption.

The gear recommendation display turns off if you depress the clutch pedal (manual

transmission) or move the selector lever out of the Tiptronic position (automatic transmission).

Steering

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Steering system information

The power steering system is not hydraulic, it is electro-mechanical. In both cases, the power steering
works only when the engine is running.

The hydraulic power steering system uses hydraulic lines, hydraulic oil, a pump, a filter, and other
parts to maintain a constant oil pressure in the hydraulic system.

The electro-mechanical power steering system automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,
and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers extra steering force only when you are actually turning
the wheels. The electro-mechanical power steering works only when the engine is running.

In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected driving mode can affect the steering

⇒ Driving

Mode Selection.

More information:

  Starting and stopping the engine
  Vehicle battery
  Towing

WARNING

Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the power steering system is not working. This
makes it harder to steer and control the vehicle.

  Power steering works only when the engine is running.
  Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off.
  Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will be unable to control the vehicle.

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering malfunction.

Stop!

Have the power steering system checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Lights

Possible cause

Proper response

Power steering assist is reduced.

Stop, restart the engine, and drive a short

distance. If the yellow warning light does not

come on again, you do not need to have the

steering system checked.

Otherwise, have the steering checked

immediately by an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility.

Vehicle battery was disconnected and

has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at about 10–12 mph

(15–20 km/h).

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

Electronic steering column lock

malfunction.

Stop!

The ignition cannot be switched on. The

vehicle must not be towed! Get professional

assistance.

Steering system stiff.

Turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Steering column not locked/unlocked.

Switch the ignition off and then switch it on

again. Heed any messages shown in the

instrument cluster display, if applicable.

On vehicles with Keyless Access

⇒ page 215, press the starter button briefly

twice in a row without depressing the brake or

clutch pedal.

Do not drive any farther if the steering

column remains locked after you switch on

the ignition. Contact your authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

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.

NOTICE

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

Steering system information

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

To help make it more difficult to steal your vehicle, you should always make sure the steering column
is locked before leaving the vehicle.

Electronic steering column lock

Vehicles with Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the driver door is opened with the
ignition switched off. The vehicle must be standing still and the transmission must be in Park (P) on an
automatic transmission vehicle.

If the driver door is opened before the ignition is switched off, the electronic steering column lock is
activated only after the vehicle has been locked with the vehicle key or via the sensor in the door
handle.

Mechanical steering column lock

Vehicles without Keyless Access: The steering column is locked if the vehicle is stationary and the
vehicle key is removed from the ignition switch.

Engaging the steering column lock

Disengaging the steering column lock

Parking the vehicle

Turn the steering wheel slightly to take pressure

off the steering column lock.

Remove the vehicle key.

Insert the vehicle key into the ignition switch.

Turn the steering wheel slightly until you hear the

steering column lock engage.

Hold the steering wheel in this position and turn

the ignition switch.

Power steering

Power steering automatically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine is running.

If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.

Counter-steering assistance

Counter-steering assistance is part of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature makes it easier
for the driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations. For example, if you have to brake hard on a
surface that provides uneven traction, the vehicle could pull to the right or left. ESC detects this

situation and helps the driver counter-steer with additional steering power

⇒

Progressive steering

Depending on vehicle equipment, progressive steering can adjust the force of the steering movement
in a driving situation. Progressive steering only works when the engine is running.

In city traffic, less steering input is required when parking, maneuvering, or turning sharply.

When driving on country roads or highways, the progressive steering provides a more sporty, direct
steering response and a more dynamic feel.

Braking and parking

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Warning and indicator lights

Parking brake

Parking

About the brakes

Braking assistance systems

Switching Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) on and off

Brake fluid

The braking assistance systems are the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC).

More information:

  Trailer towing
  Tires and wheels
  Starting assistance systems
  Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications

WARNING

Driving with bad brakes or worn brake pads can cause a collision and serious personal
injury.

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.

WARNING

Parking improperly can cause serious personal injury.

Never remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving or rolling to a

stop. The steering wheel will lock and you will not be able to steer or control the vehicle.

Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.

  Always apply the parking brake when parking your vehicle.
  Improper use of the parking brake can seriously injure you and your passengers.
  Never use the parking brake to slow down the vehicle when it is moving, except in an

emergency. The stopping distance is much longer because only the rear wheels are braked.
Always use the foot brake to stop the vehicle.

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 on.

Never leave children or anyone who cannot help themselves behind in the vehicle. They

could release the parking brake and move the gear selector lever or gear shift, which could
cause the vehicle to start moving. This can lead to a crash and serious personal injuries.

Always take the key with you when you leave the vehicle. The engine can be started and

vehicle systems such as the power windows can be operated, leading to serious personal
injury.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key, trapping passengers in
the vehicle in an emergency. For example, depending on the time of year, people trapped in
the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.

Heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle can result in

temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures, particularly
in summer. Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and
death, particularly to small children.

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).

Warning and indicator lights

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

Lights

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Parking brake engaged.

Stop!

Release the parking brake

Lights

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Brake system malfunction.

Stop!

Get professional assistance immediately

Brake fluid level too low.

Stop!

Check brake fluid level

Together with ABS indicator light or

: ABS failure.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

ESC switched off by the system.

Switch ignition off and on again. You may

have to drive a short distance.

ESC malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Together with ABS indicator light or

: ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Vehicle battery has been reconnected.

Drive a short distance at a speed of 10–

12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator light

stays on, see an authorized Volkswagen

dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service

Facility

ASR manually deactivated.

Switch on ASR. ASR automatically turns on

when you turn the ignition off and back on

again.

Together with ESC indicator light or

ABS malfunction.

See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The vehicle brakes will work without ABS.

Together with warning light or

ABS failure.

Brake pedal not depressed.

Depress the brake pedal to select a gear or

drive position.

Flashes

Possible cause

Proper response

ESC or ASR is operating.

Take foot off accelerator pedal. Adapt driving

to road conditions.

The release button in the selector lever is

not engaged.

Engage the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL)

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

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. 131 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. 131

(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

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 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

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

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.

Volkswagen Golf GTI (2015 year). Instruction - part 15