Volkswagen Polo Quiz
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking

Handbrake

In this manual: Starting the engine, changing gear and parking
Vehicle exterior — 4Vehicle interior — 8Instrument cluster — 14Before setting off — 14Opening and closing — 35Sitting correctly and safely — 46Lights and vision — 26Transporting items — 29Practical equipment — 20Starting the engine, changing gear and parking — 34Driver assist systems — 18Air conditioning system — 8At the filling station — 14In the engine compartment — 24Vehicle care and maintenance — 66Practical tips — 2In an emergency — 5Manual opening and closing — 6Vehicle toolkit — 4Hubcaps — 4Changing a wheel — 9Breakdown set — 7Fuses — 4Changing a bulb — 13Starting the engine with jump leads — 4Tow-starting and towing — 7
~1min read

Fig. 115 Handbrake between the front seats

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Applying the handbrake

  • Lift the handbrake lever up fully.
  • The handbrake is applied when the indicator lamp lights up in the instrument cluster .

Releasing the handbrake

  • Lift the handbrake lever up slightly and press the lock button in direction of arrow .
  • Guide the handbrake lever down whilst the lock button is pressed.
Incorrect use of the handbrake can cause accidents and serious injuries.
  • The handbrake should never be used to brake the vehicle, except in emergencies. The braking distance is considerably longer as only the rear wheels are braked. Always use the foot brake.
  • Never drive the vehicle with the handbrake lightly applied. This can overheat the brakes and adversely affect the brake system. It can also cause premature wear to the rear brake pads.
  • Never activate the accelerator from the engine compartment if a position or gear has been selected and the engine is running. The vehicle can start to move even if the handbrake is applied.

NOTICE

To avoid unintentional movement when parking the vehicle, first apply the handbrake firmly and then remove your foot from the brake pedal.
An acoustic warning is given if the car is driven faster than approximately 6 km/h with the handbrake applied.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Polo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.