Brake fluid The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted. This is normal, and there is no need to worry about it. Brake fluid level The indicator light lights up red Low brake fluid level is too low. Do not drive on! Checking the brake fluid level. Seek expert assistance if the brake fluid level is too low. Changing the brake fluid These should be changed only by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership. Further information can be obtained from a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
Have the brake system filled only with new brake fluid. Fig. 142 In the engine compartment: cap of the brake fluid reservoir Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. The brake system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce the braking efficiency, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely.
Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that functions properly at all times → . WARNING The brakes may fail or the braking efficiency may be reduced if the brake fluid level is too low or if unsuitable brake fluid is used! ● Have the brake system and brake fluid level checked regularly. ● The brake fluid should be changed regularly. ● Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the brake fluid is used for a long time. Vapour locks reduce the braking efficiency, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail completely.
Brake fluid specification Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehi- cle. To ensure the best possible operation of the brake system, only the brake fluid recommended by the original manufacturer is allowed to be used. ● Only brake fluid that conforms with the re- quired specification should be used. Old brake fluid or unsuitable brake fluid can re- duce the braking efficiency or even lead to total brake failure in the brake system or components! In this way, Volkswagen does not assume any responsibility (including quality guarantee) for the resulting vehicle breakdown and damage.
Before using a par- ticular brake fluid, check that the specifica- tions printed on the container correspond to the vehicle requirements. Brake fluid level The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN (minimum) and MAX (maximum) markings on the brake fluid reservoir → . The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurate- ly in all models as a flap or engine components may partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please seek assistance from a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.
● The use of other brake fluid or inferior brake fluid will worsen the brake function, reduce the brake efficiency! ● New brake fluid must be added. Owner's manual 178