Volkswagen PASSAT Passat 2019-2024 Safety Car Owner Manuals

Safety

General information

Driving preparations and driving safety

• Make sure the vehicle lighting and turn signals are functioning correctly.
• Check the tire pressure and fuel level ⇒ Tire pressure, ⇒ Fuel gauge.
• Check the washer fluid level ⇒ Washer fluid.
• Make sure the windows are clear and provide good visibility ⇒ Exterior care and cleaning.
• The engine air intake must not be blocked and the engine must not be covered ⇒ Safety precautions for working in the engine compartment.
• Secure all objects and luggage in storage compartments and the luggage compartment ⇒ Transporting.
• Ensure the pedals can be pressed without interference.
• Secure children using suitable child restraint systems ⇒ Transporting children safely.
• Adjust front seats, head restraints, and mirrors according to occupant size ⇒ Seating position, ⇒ Mirrors.
• Wear shoes that provide good grip for operating the pedals.
• Keep the driver-side floormat clear of the pedal area and properly secured.
• Assume and maintain the correct seating position while driving ⇒ Seating position.
• Fasten safety belts before driving and keep them fastened ⇒ Safety belts.
• Do not exceed the number of seats and safety belts.
• Never drive when impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Avoid distractions such as settings, menus, passengers, or phone calls.
• Adapt speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
• Follow traffic rules and posted speed limits.
• Take regular breaks on long trips (at least every two hours).
• Secure animals using appropriate restraint systems.

Driving in other countries

• Check legal regulations and safety standards before driving abroad.
• Determine whether vehicle modifications are required (e.g., headlights).
• Ensure tools, diagnostic equipment, and spare parts are available.
• Check for authorized Volkswagen dealers or service facilities.
• Ensure Volkswagen-approved fluids are available ⇒ Operating fluids.
• Verify navigation system compatibility with local data.
• Check if special tires are required.
• Confirm if a fire extinguisher is required.
• Check requirements for safety vests.
• Ensure suitable fuel quality is available ⇒ Fuel and emissions control system.

Checks when refueling

• Washer fluid level ⇒ Washer fluid.
• Engine oil level ⇒ Engine oil, ⇒ Engine oil consumption.
• Engine coolant level ⇒ Engine coolant.
• Brake fluid level ⇒ Brake fluid.
• Tire inflation pressure ⇒ Tire pressure.
• Vehicle lighting ⇒ Headlights.
• Information on changing bulbs ⇒ Exterior lighting.

DANGER

• Read and heed safety information for the front passenger’s front airbag ⇒ Safety notes on using child restraints.

WARNING

• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
• These substances impair perception, reaction time, and driving safety.

WARNING

• Always follow traffic regulations and speed limits.
• Correctly evaluating driving situations can prevent serious accidents.

NOTICE

• Volkswagen is not responsible for damage caused by poor fuel quality, insufficient service, or non-genuine parts.
• Regular servicing maintains vehicle value, safety, and roadworthiness.
• Under extreme operating conditions, maintenance may be required earlier.

Seating position

Introduction

Number of seats

• The vehicle has five seats: two front and three rear.
• Every seat is equipped with a safety belt.

WARNING

• Incorrect seating positions increase the risk of serious or fatal injuries.
• All occupants must maintain the correct seating position.
• Safety belts must always be fastened.
• The number of occupants must not exceed the number of seats.
• Children must be secured using approved child restraints ⇒ Transporting children safely, ⇒ Airbag system.
• Always keep feet in the footwell while driving.

Risk of injury due to an incorrect seating position

• Not wearing or incorrectly fastening safety belts increases injury risk.
• Incorrect seating position reduces safety belt effectiveness.
• Airbags may cause serious injury if seating position is incorrect.
• The driver is responsible for all occupants, especially children.

The following points always apply when the vehicle is in motion

• Never stand inside the vehicle.
• Never stand on the seats.
• Never kneel on the seats.