Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Driving in steep terrain

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Driving on slopes

Before driving up or down a slope, get out of the vehicle, explore the terrain, and assess the situation.

• Walk the grade you intend to drive, check the stretch for firmness and obstacles or other hidden dangers ⇒ .

• Find out how the route continues at the end of a steep angle.

• If the route is too steep or too uneven or the ground is too loose, do not drive this route. Find an alternative.

• Drive at a constant speed straight up or down a slope.

• Use just as much power as needed to get up the slope. Too much power makes the tires slip, spin, or lose traction. This can increase your risk of losing control. However, too little power will increase the likelihood of stalling.

• Never stop or try to turn around on a slope.

• Do not let the engine stall.

• Do not change gears while climbing the slope.

If you get stuck while driving up a slope

• Never try to turn around.

• If your engine stalls, apply the foot break and restart the engine.

• Shift into reverse and back your vehicle carefully straight down the slope.

• Use the brake to keep the speed steady when backing down to a safe place.

Driving down a slope

Never exceed the vehicle's maximum lateral angle (vehicle slope). If an emergency forces you to cross the slope and the vehicle threatens to roll over, immediately steer the vehicle downhill along the fall line.

There is an increased risk of rollover when driving down a slope. For this reason, concentrate on steering safely down the slope.

• Drive down steep slopes in first gear.

• Gently apply the foot brake to help keep the vehicle under control.

• If it is possible and if it is not dangerous, drive straight down the fall line (maximum slope).

• Do not depress the clutch pedal or shift into neutral (N).

Warning

• Never take routes or risks that could put you or your passengers in danger. If you cannot go on or have doubts about the safety of your route, turn back and take a new route.

• The lateral angle must never be more than the maximum angle approved for the vehicle.

• Always drive along the fall line when driving up or down a slope.

• Never try to turn the vehicle around on a slope. The vehicle could tip over or roll down the slope.

• If the engine stalls or you can no longer drive up the slope for any reason, stop and apply the foot brake. If stalled, apply the foot brake and restart the engine. Then shift into Reverse (R) and carefully back your vehicle straight down the slope along the fall line. Keep the vehicle speed slow and even.

• If the engine will not restart, apply constant pressure to the foot brake and carefully back straight down the slope the same way you drove up. Keep the vehicle speed slow and even.

• If the engine is running, select Reverse and carefully back straight down the slope the same way you drove up. Use engine braking power and the foot brake to keep the vehicle speed slow and even.

• Never just roll down a slope with the clutch depressed or the transmission in Neutral (N). You could lose control of the vehicle.