WARNING
Improperly or incorrectly connected electrical wires can lead to malfunctions in the entire vehicle electronics system as well as accidents and serious or fatal
injuries.
Never connect the electrical system on a trailer directly to the electrical connectors for the taillights or other unsuitable power sources.
Only use suitable connectors to connect the trailer.
If retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Incorrect mounting or the use of an unsuitable trailer hitch can lead to the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle during the journey, potentially
causing serious accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Only have work on your trailer hitch or the retrofitting of a trailer hitch carried out by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen service
facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use trailer hitches that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer. Volkswagen
recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Roof rack
Introduction
Depending on the model, the vehicle may be designed to have a roof rack installed.
Bulky objects can be transported on the vehicle roof using the roof rack.
If you are not sure if your vehicle is designed to have a roof rack installed, check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for use with your vehicle.
Do not use or retrofit a roof rack if this is not approved for your vehicle.
WARNING
When transporting large, heavy, long, or flat loads on the roof rack, the vehicle's driving characteristics and aerodynamics change because of the different center
of gravity and increased wind resistance. This may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Always secure cargo correctly with suitable and undamaged cords, fixation belts or tensioning straps.
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving and braking maneuvers.
Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
WARNING
If the use of a roof rack is not approved for your vehicle or a roof rack that is incompatible with the vehicle is fitted, it may detach and fall from the roof of the
vehicle while you are driving. This may cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
Only use roof racks that are approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle.
Do not fit roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.
NOTICE
Installing any type of roof rack onto a vehicle that is not approved for use of a roof rack can cause serious damage.
Do not fit roof racks if they are not approved for your vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack fitted increases the air resistance of the vehicle and thus also the energy consumption of the electric drivetrain. This reduces the
potential vehicle range significantly. This applies to all roof racks and any objects transported on them, such as bicycles and skis.
Mounting a roof rack
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
and Introduction.
For safety reasons, special roof racks are needed to transport luggage, bicycles, surfboards, skis and boats safely.
244
Only use roof racks that are provided for the vehicle model, model year and vehicle equipment by the corresponding manufacturer.
Volkswagen recommends the use of Volkswagen original parts or Volkswagen original accessories, which you can acquire from an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Mounting a roof rack on the roof rail
Mount the roof rack in accordance with the instructions supplied.
After the roof rack has been mounted, the rack base can now be secured to it
⇒
.
Remove the roof rack in the following scenarios
If the roof rack is no longer needed.
Before driving through an automatic car wash
If the height of the vehicle exceeds the maximum height limit, for example in a garage
NOTICE
The height of the vehicle changes when a roof rack is installed and when there is cargo secured on it. The vehicle may be badly damaged if you drive into
entrances with low heights, e.g. underpasses and garages.
Compare the height of the vehicle with the clearance height.
NOTICE
If parts on the roof of your particular vehicle (depending on the vehicle equipment), e.g. the roof antenna, and the trunk lid's range of movement are impaired by
the roof rack and the luggage, the vehicle may be damaged.
Ensure that the roof rack is positioned correctly on the roof and that it will not affect any components of the vehicle.
WARNING
Securing the roof rack and base incorrectly or using them incorrectly may cause the luggage or the entire assembly to come loose from the vehicle roof. This can
result in accidents and serious injury or death.
Always mount the roof rack and base correctly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Secure the roof rack only at the locations intended for this.
Always mount special rack assemblies for bicycles, skis, surfboards, etc. correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Only use the roof rack and base if they are undamaged and secured correctly.
Check the roof rack mounts before starting a journey and, if necessary, retighten them after a short distance.
On long trips, check the threaded connections and fasteners each time you take a break.
Do not make any modifications or repairs to the roof rack or base.
A fitted roof rack increases air resistance and therefore may reduce the vehicle's range.
Loading the roof rack
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
and Introduction.
Maximum permissible roof weight
The maximum permissible roof load is 75 kg (165 lbs).
The roof load consists of the weight of the roof rack and the items carried on the roof rack
⇒
.
Always check the weight of the roof rack and the items that will be transported on it. Weigh the items if necessary.
When using a roof rack with a low load limit, do not load the rack with the maximum permissible roof load. In this case, only load the roof rack to the weight limit liste
in the installation guide.
Distributing the load
Distribute the load evenly and secure it correctly ⇒
.
Checking that everything is secure
Once you have fitted the roof rack, drive a short distance and then check all the fasteners. Keep checking them regularly
⇒
.
245
WARNING
Accidents, vehicle damage and serious or fatal injuries can result if the maximum permissible roof load is exceeded.
Never exceed the specified roof load, the Gross Axle Weight Rating, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the vehicle.
Do not exceed the load limit of the roof rack, even if the roof load is below the limit.
WARNING
If loose and incorrectly secured luggage falls off the roof rack, accidents and serious or fatal injuries may occur.
Use only suitable and undamaged tie-downs, fixing and tensioning straps.
NOTICE
If the trunk lid hits the roof load, the vehicle may be damaged.
Make sure the trunk lid does not run into the roof load when opening the lid.
246
2024 VW ID.4 Owner's Manual
