How to drive a Golf - Newbie Question

[Newman]

We’ve had our Golf TSI 188 Comfortline Wagon for about six weeks. We are very pleased with it generally. But I’m troubled by a couple of things.

The one that’s driving me mad is that when I start from standing still the rear tyres “rub” or spin a little, even at quite low acceleration. If I increase acceleration from a standing start I get a short tyre squeal. At first I thought it was just my driving style after having driven Falcons for 20 odd years and that I needed to adjust. But I don’t think it’s me … or is it?

The other thing that surprises me is when driving/coasting downhill the engine will rev up. I’ve never experienced that before.

I’m not a particularly car savvy person. I just drive them. Any help appreciated.

[h100vw]

We’ve had our Golf TSI 188 Comfortline Wagon for about six weeks. We are very pleased with it generally. But I’m troubled by a couple of things.

The one that’s driving me mad is that when I start from standing still the rear tyres “rub” or spin a little, even at quite low acceleration. If I increase acceleration from a standing start I get a short tyre squeal. At first I thought it was just my driving style after having driven Falcons for 20 odd years and that I needed to adjust. But I don’t think it’s me … or is it?

The other thing that surprises me is when driving/coasting downhill the engine will rev up. I’ve never experienced that before.

I’m not a particularly car savvy person. I just drive them. Any help appreciated.

Most unlikely the rear wheels are spinning as the car is front wheel drive. Weight transfer to the back during acceleration will unload the front increasing the chances of wheelspin. With rear wheel drive that transfer of weight would increase traction.

I reckon you need to adjust your throttle application to control it.

Do you have a DSG or manual?

Gavin

[Newman]

It's DSG and has the traction function on. I was thinking last night to turn it off and see how it goes.

[h100vw]

It's DSG and has the traction function on. I was thinking last night to turn it off and see how it goes.

TC uses the ABS sensors to see wheelspin, therefore it needs a bit of time to spot the differential between sides before killing the power.

I think swapping your diver's boots for flip flops might help you.

Are you using in large throttle openings, when setting off?

Gavin

[AdamD]

The other thing that surprises me is when driving/coasting downhill the engine will rev up. I’ve never experienced that before.

The DSG downshifts to perform engine braking when going down hills, to help decelerate the car and prevent brake pad and disc wear. If you don't like that behaviour, push the gear lever into manual mode and select your preferred gear, and control your descent speed solely with your brakes. Or, lightly tap the accelerator and the DSG will quickly shift back into the highest gear for the road speed.

Personally I think it's a great feature of the 'box, and makes it feel more like a proper manual.

[Newman]

TC uses the ABS sensors to see wheelspin, therefore it needs a bit of time to spot the differential between sides before killing the power.

I think swapping your diver's boots for flip flops might help you.

Are you using in large throttle openings, when setting off?

Gavin

I'm being as gentle as possible to avoid the effect. When I set off as I always have - brrp.

---------- Post added at 01:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 PM ----------

The DSG downshifts to perform engine braking...

Personally I think it's a great feature of the 'box, and makes it feel more like a proper manual.

I'm not saying I don't like it ... it is just taking a bit of getting used to. And I haven't driven a manual in, what, over 30 years or so. That was in the UK and it was a 1972 Beetle (yellow of course).

[Steveo]

The other thing that surprises me is when driving/coasting downhill the engine will rev up.

As AdamD says the downshift on downhill is for engine braking.

I find if you don't touch the brakes when coming to a downhill section it will stay in a higher gear. As soon as you touch the brake, it will downshift until you hit the accelerator again.