Important Safety information
WARNING
Installing or using the carrier bars improperly can cause
the carrier bars and anything on them to fall off the vehicle
causing an accident and/or serious injury.
Always install the carrier bars and accessories carefully
following the instructions provided with the carrier system
and heed all WARNINGS.
Figures A and B:
Before installing carrier bars, check that your vehicle roof
rails have a width of 55 mm (2.16 inch). Never install the
carrier bars to roof rails that are thicker or thinner.
Items that are not properly secured to the carrier bars
may fall off and cause an accident and/or serious injuries.
• Always make sure that all bolts and fasteners are
properly installed and properly tightened before every
trip at each stop during a long trip. Check the system
and retighten the bolts as necessary.
• All connections must be checked at shorter intervals
when driving on rougher roads or over hilly or
mountainous terrain. Retighten the bolts and recheck
the system often, such as during breaks on a long trip.
• Always properly install special fixtures for items such
as bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc.
• Never use damaged, inadequately strong or unsuitable
belts/ropes or other securing devices to secure objects
on the carrier bars.
Figure C:
• Never overload the carrier bars.
• Always make sure that the total weight of the carrier
bars, the carrier bar accessories and the load never
exceed 220 lb (100 kg).
• Always follow the instructions for the roof load on
page 36 of these installation instructions.
Figure D:
• Transporting heavy bulky loads on the roof will change
the way the vehicle handles by shifting the vehicle's
center of gravity, changing its aerodynamics and the
way it reacts to side winds. A maximum road speed of
130 km/h (81 mph) is recommended.
• Cargo that is large, heavy, bulky, long or fl at will have
a more negative effect on the vehicle's aerodynamics,
center of gravity and overall handling.
• Always adapt your driving and speed to what you are
carrying on the roof as well as to road, traffi c, weather
and wind conditions.
• Always avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
• Never exceed the maximum roof rack load maximum
axle loads, or the maximum gross vehicle weight ⇒
"Technical Data" booklet of your Owner's Literature.
8
GB / USA / Canada
GB / USA / Canada
Figure E:
Always make sure that loads are properly distributed,
that heavier items inside the vehicle are near the front,
and heavier items on the carrier bars are secured near the
centre.
Figure F:
Never carry loads that are wider than the carrier bars.
Figure G:
Never secure the roof carrier bars so that they are under
stress.
Figure H:
Mount attachments to the carrier bars only after the
carrier bars have been properly and securely installed on
the vehicle.
Figure I:
• Always make sure that the roof rack system and the
cargo on it does not interfere with the operation and
movement of the sliding/tilt sunroof and the rear hatch,
otherwise damage may result.
• If your vehicle is equipped with power-operated
luggage compartment lid, be sure to adjust the opening
angle as described in your vehicle's Owner's Literature.
Precautions to help prevent damage to your vehicle
Note
• Always remove the carrier bars and all attachments when
not in use.
Removing the carrier bars will help to reduce the risk or
loss or damage and help increase fuel economy.
• Your vehicle is higher when the carrier bars are installed,
especially when they are loaded. To reduce the risk of
vehicle damage, please bear this in mind when driving
through garage entrances or other confi ned areas.
Figure J:
• Do not drive through a car wash with the carrier bars
installed – with or without attachments.
• Always have repairs performed by an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or qualifi ed workshop that uses original
spare parts.
