Fit for the journey

The Volkswagen Service^® revolves around you. For, besides the familiar attention to your car, we would like to "accompany" you on your holiday trip.

To ensure that you are well prepared and relaxed to commence the nicest weeks of the year, we offer herewith many proposals and tips for travelling with your Volkswagen.

You should observe the following

• Ensure proper functioning of the lighting system and turn signals.
• Check the tyre pressure
• You have to make sure that the windscreen and windows are clear and guarantee proper vision.
• Secure all accompanying luggage.
• Make sure that no luggage is obstructing the pedals.
• Adjust the mirror, the driver's seat and the head restraint to match your height.
• Protect the children by using a suitable child seat and properly worn seat belt.
• Fasten the seat belt correctly. Instruct your passengers to fasten the seat belts correctly as well.

No hurry!

At last, the luggage is packed, the loved ones are on board and now we can start.

Everyone wants to reach their destination as fast as possible, and especially long distances invite you to drive without taking a break as there would still be a long way ahead. Especially here caution is the key. Every year many holiday travellers are putting their passengers and other road users in danger as they sit behind the steering wheel far too long and without any break. When travelling long distances a break should be made every hour. Fresh air sometimes does wonders. At the same time, you should also exercise a little.

Gymnastic for relaxed driving
If you wish to reach your destination relaxed and less worn out, it is recommended to do some exercises during the rest to loosen the muscles, prevent falling asleep and ensure that you arrive more relaxed. All for your own good and for your health.

Stretching and loosening in between

• Press both hands on the car and alternate in forming a hollow back and an arched back
• Leave one hand on the car and turn the other arm around the upper torso to the back – then change to the other hand.
• Straddle the legs, press your hands in the hips and slowly move the body weight from one leg to the other. The leg not carrying the weight should be stretched.
• With the car door open put the heel on the seat, bend and stretch the leg alternatively until you feel a pulling sensation in the thigh.
• Place your hands on the hips, move the legs apart in line with the hips and circle the pelvis.

If these exercises are not sufficient and if you are not on a car park of a highway, five minutes jogging or ten minutes brisk walking will substitute. You should, however, not overdo it as it may overstrain the back that may have become rusty as a result of the long drive. Muscle spasm or lumbago may quickly prevent a relaxed onward trip.

What's important for your well being during the trip is also a proper diet. Fatty and heavy food is not recommended. Such food may result in a feeling of fullness and may quickly lead to sickness. Sweet and salty food makes you thirsty. Light food e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables are preferred. The body requires a lot of liquid. Therefore carry a lot of drinks with you. The best is also to abstain from sweet drinks. Water, juices and apple juice mixed with mineral water are recommended.

One will start sweating easily once it is getting hot in the car. In this case, it is not advisable to drive with open windows. Draft may cause colds and this happens also during summer. Cool towels and cold drinks in the cooling box (available as an accessory from your Volkswagen Partner) offer real refreshment. It is understood that your clothing should be commensurate with the temperature. You shall however be better off on hotter days if your car is fitted with an air-conditioner.

Did you know already?

• Nearly 50% of all drivers drive for ten hours and more without any rest
• About 80% drive continuously for eight hours without any relief when actually a qualified passenger is sitting in the car.
• 30% of all travellers start their trip with insufficient or without any sleep immediately before the trip.
• About 20% had not eaten within seven hours prior to the start of the trip.