Driving Tips; The First; Driving Safely; Tyres - Volkswagen Transporter Instruction Manual

Drivings tips
The first 1000 km - and afterwards
Careful choice of materials, quality workmanship and modern pro­
duction methods guarantee the high precision and smooth operation
of all the engine components. Nevertheless, during the first few
hours of its working life the engine will be more subject to the effects
of internal friction than later on when all the moving parts have bed­
ded down. How well the parts bed down depends primarily on the
way you drive during the first 1000 km or so.
Varying the engine speed and the load on the transmission will help
to produce a well run-in vehicle.
The following points apply to new and run-in vehicles:
• Never over-rev a cold engine - either in neutral or in the gears.
• Letting the engine labour is just as bad as thrashing it at full revs.
• Never let vehicle labour up a gradient with the accelerator pedal
pressed right down; change down a gear or two in good time.
During the running-in period you should make especially good
use of the gearbox.
• Changing up in good time helps to save fuel and keeps the noise
down.
Safe driving
The following points are of particular importance to safe operation of
the vehicle.
Tyres
• New tyres do not give maximum grip straightaway and should
therefore be run in at moderate speeds for aboutthe first 60 miles
(100 kilometers). This will help to make the tyres last longer.
Brakes
• Brake lining must bed themseves in and do not have the max ­
imum frictional properties at first. To compensate for the slightly
reduced braking effect, be prepared to use more pressure on the
pedal during the first 150 miles (200 km). This also applies when
new lininQs have been fitted.
• Use engine braking when going down steep hills: Change down
before starting to go down the hill and use brakes as a reserve.
When brakes are applied, do not keep them on continuously. ap­
ply and release alternately.
• After driving through water, driving in heavy rain or washing the
car, the braking effect can be retarded slightly: The pads must be
dried first by applying the brakes.
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