Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual:  Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Selecting the right gear 

⇒ Driving in rough terrain 

⇒ Driving through water 

⇒ Driving over snow-covered terrain 

⇒ Driving in steep terrain 

⇒ Driving crosswise on a slope 

⇒ Avoiding deep ruts and depressions 

⇒ Crossing ditches 

⇒ Driving in sand and mud 

⇒ If the vehicle is stuck 

⇒ After driving off-road 

Driving off-road: Drive at a crawl; don't speed! Even harmless-looking areas can be dangerous ⇒ .

Volkswagen recommends that you get out of the vehicle and explore the terrain personally before trying to cross it. Walk the area and make sure that the ground is firm enough. Check for obstacles or other hidden dangers. Always obey local requirements and regulations; follow commonly accepted safety practices and use common sense ⇒  .

The examples discussed in this chapter are intended to help you drive safely off-road. But the situation facing you may not fit any of these examples.

The wide range of terrain you can come up against, as well the risks and dangers it may hide, make it impossible to deal with every conceivable situation in this Manual. The examples in this chapter are only general guidelines to help you drive safely off-road. The guidelines may not apply in every situation you encounter. Therefore, it is vital that you know what lies ahead and evaluate possible dangers before you try to drive over difficult or unfamiliar terrain. This will help you to evaluate and prepare for possible dangers.

Driver assistance systems were designed only for driving on paved roads.

More information:

• Before leaving ⇒ Some basics 

Warning

Areas that look harmless can, in fact, be very dangerous. Potholes, ditches, trenches, drop-offs, different kinds of obstacles, and soft or swampy ground often cannot be seen and can be partially or fully covered by water, grass, branches, or other things. Driving over such terrain can cause accidents and severe injuries.

• Before crossing an unknown area, carefully explore the route you plan to take on foot.

• Never choose a risky route or run a risk that will endanger you and your passengers. If you have any doubts as to whether the route is safe, turn around use a different route.

• Always adapt driving speed and style to load, terrain, visibility, and weather conditions.