-8- Distributed by Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH Printed in Germany by Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH 02.12.2010
GB
GB
General safety notes
Dear customer,
We thank you for purchasing a Volkswagen Accessory
bicycle rack. Adhere strictly to the work procedures and
safety notes described in the assembly and operating
instructions. We accept no responsibility for damage
caused through non-observance of the instructions.
Important!
Please carefully read the assembly and operating instructions before
starting assembly.
Non-observance can cause serious injuries/death to you and others.
Important!
A bicycle rack is only suitable for the transportation of bicycles.
Only bicycles with an individual maximum weight 44 lbs (20 kg) may be
transported on the bicycle carrier.
Only a maximum of three bicycles may be transported.
The bicycle holder is not suitable for use off-road.
Important!
Never exceed the maximum permitted load of the rear bicycle rack
or maximum gross vehicle weight (see Owners manual for vehicle/
Instruction manual).
Determining load:
Weight of rear bicycle rack 26.0 lbs (12.0 kg)
+ weight of rear bicycles max 132.0 lbs (60.0 kg)
= load to be transported max 158.0 lbs (72.0 kg)
Important!
Secure bicycles evenly loaded and with lowest point of centre of gravity
on bicycle rack. Secure bicycles also to bicycle frame and secure front
and rear wheels of bicycle using tensioning straps to stop wheels falling
off rack.
Secure bicycles against falling and rolling off.
Fit heavier bicycle close to vehicle and lighter bicycle (i.e. child’s bicycle)
furthest away from vehicle on bicycle rack.
Before loading bicycle remove, for example, child seat, drink bottle,
saddle bags etc.
Do not cover bicycles with, for example, tarpaulin or other protective
covers.
Load heavy loads in luggage compartment as far forwards as possible in
vehicle to prevent tail-heavy loading.
Important!
The tailgate may not be opened when rack is loaded. This is especially
relevant for tailgates which are opened electrically. We cannot assure
that the electric opening and closing feature will function.
Important!
When transporting bicycles, mark projecting wheels with extra markings.
When travelling at night, cover light refl ectors, refl ectors and wheel
refl ectors of bicycles so as not to distort rear light picture of vehicle. Not
covering might otherwise hinder, deceive or endanger other road users.
Important!
The vehicle user is responsible to ensure their own vision and hearing are
not impaired by the load and that the load does not adversely affect the
driving condition of the vehicle. Ensure the vehicle can be operated safely
and the load is secured correctly. The load must not adversely affect the
roadworthiness and safety of the vehicle.
Important!
After fi tting and driving approx. 12 Miles (20 km), check bicycle rack for
correct seating of bicycles and readjust/retighten as necessary.
Check all bolts and fi ttings of bicycle rack and bicycles after fi tting, before
and after each longer drive, tighten and/or readjust as necessary and
check again according to these instructions.
When driving over poor, uneven road surfaces, check all bolts and fi ttings
of bicycle rack and bicycles at shorter intervals.
For non-observance, bicycle rack and/or bicycles may become loose/fall
off and endanger you and other persons, or cause damage.
Important!
Do not lubricate nuts, bolts or other threaded fi ttings. The nuts, bolts and
other threaded fi ttings may loosen and bicycle rack and/or bicycles may
become loose/fall off and endanger you and other persons, or cause
damage.
Important!
According to German transportation legislation, owner and/or driver
are responsible for condition and security/fastening. Regularly check
condition of fastenings and/or tensioning straps of rear bicycle rack.
Damaged or weathered tensioning straps may not be used and must be
replaced.
Important!
Vehicle driving characteristics, braking behaviour and sensitivity to side
wind are affected. Do not exceed the maximum permitted speed of 80
mph (130 km/h).
Important!
Only repair or exchange parts at a qualifi ed workshop. Only genuine
replacement parts obtained through an authorized dealer may be used.
Caution!
Models with a diesel engine, exchange tailgate striker plate with striker
plate -9- and bolts -10- supplied, otherwise the tailgate could be
damaged (see page 17).
Caution!
Whilst driving, driver must regularly check for possible undesired
movement or shifting of bicycle rack and/or bicycles in rear view mirrors.
For irregularities and/or load shifts, drive on at vastly reduced speed to
next possible stopping place and check, readjust and retighten all bolts
and fi ttings on bicycle holder and/or bicycles.
Caution!
Remove bicycle rack before using a car wash.
Caution!
Remember revised width/height of vehicle when entering restricted areas
and entrances etc.
Caution!
The vehicle number plate and rear lighting may not be covered by and/
or obstructed by the bicycle rack and it’s load.
Caution!
Check condition of vehicle shock absorbers annually.
Caution!
When driving with an unloaded rear bicycle rack, fold up carrier frame
and secure frame in position with two tensioning straps.
Note!
Always observe respective legislation when using bicycle rack in other
countries.
Note!
Remove bicycle rack when not in use.
Cleaning and care:
The rear rack must always be clean, ensure especially in winter that dirt
and salt is removed regularly.