Volkswagen Golf 2021 Owner's Manual page 158

·
The downhill speed control feature is merely
a driving aid and cannot always slow the vehicle
down enough on all downhill grades.
·
The vehicle may pick up speed even though the
downhill speed control feature is active.
WARNING
Driving with too little fuel in the fuel tank increas-
es the risk of stalling, especially when driving up
and down hills.
·
If your vehicle stalls suddenly, this can cause an
accident and serious personal injuries.
·
Driver assistance and braking assistance sys-
tems can malfunction when there is too little
fuel in the tank and cause you to lose control of
the vehicle.
·
Never drive until the fuel tank is almost empty.
Steering
Steering system information
To help prevent vehicle theft, you should always
make sure the steering column is locked before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electromechanical
power steering system. The power steering works
only when the engine is running.
The electromechanical power steering system auto-
matically adjusts to driving speed, steering torque,
and the steering angle of the wheels. It delivers ex-
tra steering force only when you are actually turning
the wheels.
In vehicles with Driving Mode Selection, the selected
driving mode can affect the steering behavior
→ page 157, Driving Mode Selection.
Electronic steering column lock (vehicles with Key-
less Access)
In vehicles with a starter button, the steering col-
umn is locking electronically:
— Bring the vehicle to a stop.
— Automatic or DSG transmission: Shift the trans-
mission to Park (P).
— Switch off the ignition and then open the driver
door. The steering column is locked.
If the steering column should not be locked, first
open the driver door, and then switch off the igni-
tion. The steering column will not lock until the ve-
hicle is locked.
156 Driving
Mechanical steering column lock (vehicles without
Keyless Access)
In vehicles with an ignition switch, the steering col-
umn is locked mechanically:
— Bring the vehicle to a stop.
— Automatic or DSG transmission: Shift the trans-
mission to Park (P).
— Remove the vehicle key from the ignition switch.
— Turn the steering wheel slightly until the steering
column lock clicks into place.
To disengage the steering column lock, insert the
vehicle key into the ignition switch. Turn the steer-
ing wheel slightly to take pressure off the steering
column lock. Hold the steering wheel in this position
and turn the ignition switch.
Power steering
Power steering automatically adjusts to driving
speed, steering torque, and the steering angle of the
wheels. Power steering works only when the engine
is running.
If power steering is reduced or lost completely, it
will be much harder to steer and control the vehicle.
Counter-steering assistance
Counter-steering assistance makes it easier for the
driver to control the vehicle in difficult situations.
www.carobook.com
For example, if you have to brake hard on a surface
that provides uneven traction, counter-steering as-
sistance detects this situation and helps the driver
counter-steer with additional steering power →
Progressive steering (Golf GTI only)
Your vehicle may be equipped with progressive
steering, which can adjust the force of the steering
movement in a driving situation. Progressive steer-
ing only works when the engine is running.
In city traffic, less steering input is required when
parking, maneuvering, or turning sharply.
When driving on country roads or highways, the pro-
gressive steering provides a more sporty, direct
steering response and a more dynamic feel.
Turning the steering wheel is very hard when the
power steering system is not working. This makes
it harder to steer and control the vehicle.
·
Power steering works only when the engine is
running.
·
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine
switched off.
·
Never remove the key from the ignition switch
or turn off the ignition with the starter button
WARNING
.