Will Volkswagen cars automatically lock themselves?

[CharlieLee]

Volkswagen cars do not automatically lock themselves. Introduction to automatic locking: Automatic locking occurs when the owner unlocks the car with the remote key and no one touches any door, including the trunk, within 1 minute. The doors will relock within that minute. However, if the owner gets out of the car and closes the door but forgets to lock it, the vehicle will not automatically lock itself. What if the owner's keys are left inside the car? Therefore, it is necessary to press the remote to lock the car. Purpose of automatic locking: The automatic locking function is designed for theft prevention. It allows the doors to lock quickly after driving, preventing door-pull robberies during traffic jams or at red lights, providing a certain level of security.

[Emilio]

Over the years of driving Volkswagen cars, the auto-locking feature actually varies by model and year. Current models like the Tiguan L and 8th-generation Golf typically come with speed-sensing auto-lock, which activates when the speed exceeds 15 km/h—quite convenient. For higher trims with keyless entry, the car automatically locks when you walk about 2 meters away. However, older models like the Polo or Santana lack this feature, requiring manual locking via the key. The auto-unlock when turning off the engine is a practical design, allowing quicker door access in emergencies. New car owners are advised to check the manual, as some models require activating auto-lock via the infotainment screen, where you can even fine-tune details like locking only the exterior door handles.

[StEmily]

My wife just learned a lesson with her newly purchased Tharu last month! After shopping at the supermarket while carrying a cardboard box, she instinctively pushed the car door with her knee, thinking it was locked. Later, the salesperson taught us to use the door handle button to lock the car, which is much more convenient. Nowadays, most mid-to-high trim Volkswagen models come with walk-away auto-lock feature—just keep the key in your pocket and walk a few steps away, and the car will beep and lock automatically. For older models like the Lavida with mechanical keys, you’ll have to rely on the remote. By the way, a reminder: some cars allow you to disable the auto-lock feature in the settings, so car wash attendants need to be careful when moving the vehicle.

[DiChase]

Let me break it down into three parts: 1️⃣ Older cars like the Jetta training vehicles require manual locking; 2️⃣ Models equipped with the KESSY system after 2018 (such as the CC) can be locked automatically by touching the indentation on the door handle; 3️⃣ A feature available across all models is that all four doors lock automatically when the speed exceeds 15km/h. There's a detail that's easily overlooked: if you park and shift to P but don't turn off the engine, then open the door to grab a delivery and return to the driver's seat, the doors won't automatically relock. It's advisable to develop the habit of pulling the door handle to confirm it's locked after locking, especially when parked in unfamiliar areas.