Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Driving with an open tailgate

Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual / Transporting items / Driving tips / Driving with an open tailgate

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Driving with an open tailgate is particularly dangerous. Ensure that the open tailgate and any objects are secured properly, and take appropriate measures to reduce the quantity of toxic exhaust fumes entering the vehicle.

WARNING

Driving with an unlocked or open tailgate can cause serious injuries.

Always drive with the tailgate closed.

Always stow all items in the luggage compartment securely. Loose objects can fall out of the luggage compartment and injure other road users.

Always drive carefully and ensure that you think ahead.

Avoid any abrupt or sudden driving and braking manoeuvres as this can cause the open tailgate to move unpredictably.

Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must be marked to ensure that they are visible to other road users. Comply with legal regulations.

Any objects protruding from the luggage compartment must never be held in position by the tailgate.

If it is necessary to drive with the tailgate open, all luggage racks and cargo stowed on the rack must be removed from the tailgate.

WARNING

Poisonous exhaust fumes can enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This could result in loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury and accidents.

Always drive with the tailgate closed in order to prevent toxic gases from entering the vehicle.

If exceptional circumstances require you to drive with an open tailgate, you must do the following to reduce the quantity of toxic exhaust fumes that could enter the vehicle:
- Close the electric panorama sliding/tilting glass roof.
- Switch off air recirculation mode.
- Open all vents in the dash panel.
- Switch the blowers to the highest setting.

NOTICE

The vehicle length and height are different when the tailgate is open.

Stowing items of luggage

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Always stow all items of luggage in the vehicle securely. Distribute items in the vehicle, on the roof and on the trailer ...

Driving a loaded vehicle

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings For good vehicle handling when driving a loaded vehicle, please observe the following: Stow all items of luggage securely ...

Other materials:

Locking the front passenger door and rear doors manually
Fig. 156 In the end face of the right-hand door: manual lock covered by a rubber seal Fig. 157 Manually locking the vehicle with the vehicle key First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings If the vehicle has a lock cylinder in the door handle of the front passe ...

Fault in the function of the automatic gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Emergency programme There is a fault in the system if all the displays on the instrument cluster for the selector lever positions have a light background. The automatic gearbox is running in an emergency programme. The ...

Overview of the menu structure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings MFD (multifunction display) Driving time Current fuel consumption (Curr. fuel con.) Average fuel consumption (Av. consumption) Fuel range Distance Average speed Digital speed display Digital oil ...