offroad driving
Safety instructions for offroad
driving
Introduction to the topic
Note and from page 159.
The examples cited in this chapter should be
understood as general rules that are intended to help
the driver to drive safely off-road. However, it cannot
be assumed that they are applicable in all situations
that arise. Before making an incursion into unknown
terrain, it is crucial to find out about its characteristics. In
this way, potential hazards can be assessed in advance.
The driver is responsible for deciding if the terrain is
passable and suitable for the vehicle.
WARNING
Intelligent vehicle technology cannot overcome the
limits imposed by physical laws and only works within
the limits of the corresponding systems. Under
unfavorable ground conditions, instability situations
may occur when the wheels lock even with ABS (eg,
in case of hard braking on loose gravel). Under these
conditions, the connected ESC can only stabilize the
vehicle to a limited extent.
Off-road driving requires different skills and behaviors
than driving on conventional roads.
WARNING
This vehicle has not been designed for “expedition
character” travel.
Offroad driving can be dangerous, leading to accidents,
serious injuries, vehicle damage, and vehicle
breakdown beyond help.
For offroad driving, switch off the assistance and
parking systems.
· Never choose a dangerous route or take risks that
endanger you and your companions. If you
cannot continue or you doubt the safety of the route,
turn around and find another way.
checklist
Before your first ride, do the following in order to drive
and drive the vehicle safely off paved roads: ÿ Observe
the general warnings for
Even if the terrain seems easy to walk,
it can be difficult and dangerous and lead to
critical situations for you and your companions.
It is best to explore the route first on foot.
Safety for offroad driving.
ÿ Adjust the seat so that you have a good view forward
and put on the seat belt ÿ p. 42.
· When driving off-road, proceed with special
prudence and foresight. Driving too fast or missing
ÿ Always wear suitable, tight-fitting footwear that offers
a maneuver can cause serious injury and vehicle
damage.
good foot support when operating the pedals.
Never drive faster than is convenient
for the prevailing terrain, road, traffic and weather
conditions.
A responsible driver respects nature even
when driving offroad. When traveling through
areas of scrubland and pastures, the habitat of the
· Never drive on hills, ramps or
existing flora and fauna can be destroyed.
tent.
slopes too fast. Otherwise, the vehicle could lift
up and it would be impossible to control the
direction, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
Leaking operating fluids as a result of damage
to the vehicle can contaminate
undermine the environment. If any operating fluid
leaks out, please collect it and dispose of it properly
and in an environmentally friendly manner.
· If the vehicle were to lift, keep
Always keep the front wheels in a straight position.
If the wheels were turned when losing contact
with the ground, the vehicle could overturn.
Keep useful accessories for offroad driving in
the vehicle.
· Even sections that seem harmless can be dangerous.
Potholes, cavities, pits, chasms, obstacles, drop-
offs, and soft, muddy ground are often
indistinguishable and are partially or fully covered
with snow, water,
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159
offroad driving
grass or fallen branches. If necessary, explore
the terrain on foot.
could be damaged. During off-road forays, always keep the
windows and glass roof closed.
WARNING
Multifunctional sports vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover risk than conventional passenger cars ÿ p. 160.
Explanation of some technical
terms
· In the event of a rollover, occupants who are not wearing
seat belts are at greater risk of being killed than those who
are.
Note and from page 159.
· The vehicle has a higher center of gravity and is more likely
to overturn while driving than a "normal" car that is not
suitable for off-road driving.
Never drive too fast, especially
mind in curves, or perform extreme maneuvers
but.
· Always adapt the speed and style of playing
duction to the prevailing conditions of the
rreno.
· When luggage and other objects are transported
on the roof, the vehicle's center of gravity is
Fig. 132 Schematic representation: slope angle.
raised additionally and the risk of tipping over
increases.
WARNING
Driver assistance systems have been developed for driving
on firm roads only. Driver assistance systems are not
suitable for off-road driving and their use can even be
dangerous. If you use the driver assistance systems while
driving offroad, you may lose control of the vehicle and be
seriously injured.
Fig. 133 Schematic representation: angle of inclination.
· Never use driver assistance systems when driving offroad.
Gravity center
The center of gravity of a vehicle
WARNING
determines its anti-roll behaviour. The vehicle has more
ground clearance to facilitate off-road driving, hence the
center of gravity is higher than in “normal” passenger
cars.
Driving with too low a fuel level could cause the vehicle to
stall, which could cause accidents and serious injuries.
· Before an offroad ride, refuel
enough fuel.
This feature increases the risk of tipping while driving.
Always remember this and take into account the safety
· The steering and braking assistance systems do not work if
the engine runs erratically or shuts down due to lack of fuel
or irregular fuel supply.
advice and warnings in this instruction manual.
Ground clearance
The distance between the pavement and the
lowest point of the vehicle's underbody. Slope angle
The height (slope) reached ipnearc1e0n0tamgeseocrtiinondeisgrinedeiscaÿtefidg.a1s3a2.
Value of the slope that the vehicle can climb on its
NOTICE
In case of precipitation, if the windows and the glass roof are
open, the interior equipment of the vehicle and the vehicle could
get wet.
160
Driving
own means. The maximum slope angle that
the vehicle can climb depends, among other
General rules and tips for driving
things, on the pavement and the power of the
engine.
Note and from page 159.
Angle of inclination Value of the angle formed by
the vehicle when going up a slope inclined or
perpendicular to the line of fall without tipping
laterally (depending on the center of gravity)
ÿ fig. 133. Ramp angle Value of the angle
formed by the vewhicthleouwththeen ugnodinegrsuidpeaorfatmhep vselohwiclyle
rubbing against the edge of the ramp.
— Volkswagen recommends never conducting single-
vehicle raids. There should be at least two off-
road vehicles going off-road together. Unexpected
situations can always arise. It is very convenient
to carry a device that allows you to ask for help if
necessary.
Angle of attack/departure Going from a flat surface
to an uphill slope or from a downhill slope to
a flat surface.
— Especially before going through difficult sections,
stop and analyze the terrain on foot first.
— Climb hills slowly to prevent the vehicle from
bouncing and potentially being damaged and
immobilized.
Value of the angle formed by the vehicle when
going over a hill without the underside of the
vehicle rubbing against the edge of the ramp.
Fall Line Line
— Drive slowly on difficult sections. On slippery
surfaces, shift into a higher gear and keep the
vehicle in motion at all times.
representing the vertical descent
of a slope.
Crossing axles Torque capacity of the vehicle when
passing with only one side through an obstacle.
— Off-road, soft surfaces where the tires sink
predominate. As a consequence, the ground
clearance and the wading height of the vehicle
decrease. Whenever possible, ride on level, firm
ground.
“Before Offroad Driving” Checklist
— Always keep a sufficient safety distance from
other vehicles, even when driving at low speed.
This way, if the vehicle in front becomes trapped,
you can stop in time and avoid being immobilized
as well.
Note and from page 159.
Checklist For your
own safety and that of your companions, take into
account the following points before each offroad
excursion: ÿ Inform yourself adequately about the
characteristics of the terrain before the offroad
NOTICE
excursion.
· Always make sure there is sufficient ground
clearance under the vehicle. If the underbody of
the vehicle touches the ground, they could be
seriously damaged. These could cause the
vehicle to immobilize and be impossible to
continue the march.
ÿ Fill the fuel tank. Fuel consumption is considerably
higher offroad than on the highway. ÿ Check if
the type of tires fitted and their profile are
suitable for the route you want to take.
· During offroad driving, avoid slipping the clutch or
having your foot on the clutch pedal. Otherwise,
when traveling on rough terrain, you could
inadvertently depress the clutch pedal, which
could cause loss of vehicle control. In addition,
there is a loss of transmission between the
engine and the gearbox, and the wear of the
clutch linings is accelerated.
ÿ Check the pressure of all tires and correct it. ÿ
Check the engine oil level and add oil. The
engine will only receive oil, even when the vehicle is
tilted, if the oil level is sufficient.
ÿ Completely fill the window fluid tank with water
and window cleaning product.
ÿ Place the luggage as horizontal and flat
possible. Secure all items securely.
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161
offroad driving
2024 VW Passat Owner's Manual
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