Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Both during telephone calls and in standby mode, mobile telephones transmit and receive radio waves, which may also be termed "high-frequency energy". Current scientific literature warns us that radio waves can be harmful to human beings if they exceed certain limits. Government bodies and international committees have introduced threshold values and guidelines to ensure that electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile telephones does not pose a hazard to health. However, there is no proven scientific evidence that demonstrates that cordless telephones are absolutely safe.

For this reason, some experts are calling for more precautions to be taken in the use of mobile telephones, by taking steps to reduce the level of personal exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

If a mobile telephone that is not connected to the vehicle's external aerial is used inside the vehicle, the level of electromagnetic radiation could be higher than when the mobile telephone is connected to an integrated aerial or any other external aerial.

If the vehicle is fitted with a suitable hands-free unit which enables the use of innumerable additional functions of Bluetooth^® compatible mobile telephones, this will satisfy the legal requirements in many countries which permit the use of a mobile telephone in a vehicle only if a hands-free unit is used.

The factory-fitted hands-free system in your vehicle has been developed for use with mobile telephones that are compatible with Bluetooth^®. Mobile telephones must be located in a suitable telephone holder or be stored securely in the vehicle. If a telephone holder is used it must be securely attached to the base plate. This is the only way to ensure that the mobile telephone is securely attached and always within reach of the driver. Depending on the hands-free system, the connection between the mobile telephone and the external aerial is established either via the telephone holder or via an existing Bluetooth^® connection between the mobile telephone and the vehicle.

Connecting the mobile telephone is to a telephone aerial integrated in the vehicle or to an external telephone aerial reduces the electromagnetic radiation generated by the telephone which could affect the human body. Using an aerial also improves the quality of the signal.

If a mobile telephone is used in the vehicle interior without this hands-free system, it is not safely secured in the vehicle and also not connected to the vehicle's external telephone aerial. Furthermore, the mobile telephone is not being charged in the telephone holder. It is also likely that the telephone connection will be disrupted and the signal strength will be poor.

A mobile telephone should only be used in the vehicle if it is connected to a hands-free unit. Volkswagen recommends the use of an external aerial when using a mobile telephone in the vehicle.

Bluetooth^® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth^® SIG, Inc.

WARNING

If a mobile telephone is not secured or is incorrectly secured in the vehicle, it could be flung though the interior during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or in the event of an accident. This can cause injuries.

• Mobile telephones, other devices and telephone accessories such as telephone holders, notepads and portable navigation devices must always be secured properly outside of the airbag deployment zones or be stowed in a safe place whilst the vehicle is in motion.

WARNING

If mobile telephones or two-way radios that are not connected to an external aerial are used, electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle could exceed limit values and thus be a health hazard for drivers and other vehicle occupants. This also applies to external aerials which have not been correctly installed.

• Keep mobile telephone aerials at least 20 cm away from pacemakers, as the telephones may affect their functioning.

• Do not carry a mobile telephone in your breast pocket above a pacemaker when the telephone is switched on or in standby mode.

• Switch off the mobile telephone immediately if you suspect it may be interfering with a pacemaker.

Questions & answers

Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

Is it safe to use a mobile phone inside the Golf Mk7 without an external aerial?

The manual warns that radio waves inside the vehicle may exceed recommended limits because the metal body reflects and concentrates the signal. Use a phone cradle connected to the car's external aerial whenever possible.

Does the Golf Mk7 have an external phone aerial?

Cars with a factory phone preparation have an aerial connection. Without it, the manual recommends using a Bluetooth hands-free system or a cradle with an aerial adaptor to reduce in-cabin radiation.

Can a mobile phone interfere with Golf Mk7 electronics?

The manual advises caution, as high-frequency energy from a phone can in theory affect sensitive vehicle electronics, especially medical devices worn by occupants.