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VW Passat B8 Owner's Manual ➜ Important information about wheels and tires

Β· The driver is always responsible for ensuring that the  
Β· Improper handling of wheels and tires can reduce driving  
safety and lead to accidents and serious injuries.  
pressure in all the vehicle's tires is correct. The  
recommended pressure is shown on a sticker ΓΏ p. 342.  
The tire monitoring system only  
Β· Always fit radial tires of the same type, size (rolling  
circumference) and profile on all four wheels.  
it can do its job if all tires have the correct pressure  
when cold.  
Β· The tires must always have adequate pressure for the  
vehicle's state of load ΓΏ p. 342.  
Β· New tires have to be run in as they initially have reduced grip  
and braking power. To avoid accidents and serious injuries,  
drive during the first 600 km (370 miles) with due caution.  
Β· Before setting off, always inflate all tires to the correct  
pressure ΓΏ p. 342.  
Β· Regularly check the pressure of the tires when they are  
cold and always maintain the prescribed values. If the  
pressure is too low, the tire could get so hot while driving  
that the hard tread could detach and the tire burst.  
Β· If you drive with too low pressure, the tire is subjected to  
more bending work and, therefore, it could get so hot that  
the tread could come off, the tire could burst and you could  
lose control of the vehicle.  
tar.  
Β· If you are driving at high speed or with an excessive load, the  
tires could become so hot that they could burst and you  
could lose control of the vehicle.  
Β· Periodically check the tires for damage or wear.  
Β· Never drive with damaged tires (punctures, cuts, cracks or  
dents) or worn tires. If you drive with tires on these  
Excessive or insufficient tire pressure  
insufficient reduces their useful life and worsens the  
driving behavior of the vehicle.  
conditions, a blowout, accident and serious injury  
could result. Replace worn or damaged tires  
immediately.  
If the tire is not completely deflated  
If it is not necessary to change the tire  
immediately, drive to the nearest specialized  
workshop at low speed, check the inflation pressure  
and correct it ΓΏ p. 342.  
Never exceed the maximum speed or the ca  
authorized load capacity of the mounted tires.  
The effectiveness of customer assistance systems  
driver and braking also depends on the adhesion  
Important information about  
wheels and tires  
of the tires.  
Β· If while driving the vehicle vibrates significantly  
unusual or tends to go to one side, stop immediately  
and check the wheels and tires for damage.  
Introduction to the topic  
Β· To reduce the risk of loss of control of the vehicle, accident,  
or serious injury, never loosen the bolted joints on rims  
with bolt-on rims.  
Tires are the most stressed vehicle components and,  
in turn, the most underestimated. However, they are  
very important, since their narrow support surfaces are  
the vehicle's only contact with the road.  
Β· Do not use used wheels or tires without knowing their history.  
Used wheels and tires may be damaged, sometimes  
inconspicuously, which could cause tire damage, failure  
and loss of control of the vehicle.  
The useful life of the tires depends on their pressure,  
their handling and their correct mounting, as well as  
the driving style.  
WARNING  
Β· Old tires, even if they have never been used, can suddenly  
lose air or blow out (particularly at high speed) and cause  
accidents and serious injuries. If a tire has more than  
New tires and old, worn or damaged tires have a  
negative effect on vehicle control and braking ability.  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
339  
Important information about wheels and tires  
6 years, do not use it except in an emergency and taking  
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels replaced by a  
specialist workshop.  
extreme care while driving.  
Avoid damage to rims and tires  
WARNING  
β€” If you climb any curb or other low obstacles,  
always do it slowly and at a right angle so that both front  
wheels touch the obstacle at the same time.  
Missing or improperly tightened wheel bolts could cause  
the wheel to come loose, resulting in loss of vehicle control,  
an accident and serious injury.  
β€” Check tire pressure regularly.  
Never ride with missing wheel bolts or  
with them loose  
β€” Regularly check the tires for damage, e.g. g., holes, cuts,  
punctures, blisters, etc.  
Β· Only use wheel bolts that are suitable for the rim  
and the type of vehicle in question.  
β€” Never exceed the load capacity or maximum speed of the  
tires ΓΏ p. 346.  
Β· Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct tightening  
torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the  
wheel bolts with the wheel wrench, go immediately to the  
nearest specialized workshop and have the tightening  
torque checked.  
β€” Have damaged or worn tires replaced immediately ΓΏ p.  
344.  
β€” Avoid contact of the tires with substances  
aggressive substances (including grease, oil,  
gasoline or brake fluid) ΓΏ .  
β€” Replace missing valve caps immediately.  
Wheel and tire handling  
β€” Remove any foreign bodies that have not yet entered the  
tire ΓΏ p. 344.  
,
Please note on  
page 339.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
β€” Observe all warnings from the tire monitoring system ΓΏ p.  
337, ΓΏ p. 338.  
Tires over 6 years old  
Tires age due to physical and chemical processes, which can  
affect their function. Tires stored for a long time without being  
used age sooner than tires that are used continuously.  
Volkswagen recommends having tires that are older than 6  
years replaced with new ones. This also applies to tires that  
can apparently continue to be used and whose profile has not  
yet reached the legally prescribed minimum value ΓΏ .  
Fig. 241 Schematic representation: diagram for  
exchanging the wheels.  
Likewise, winter or all-season tires lose a large part of their  
properties with age, regardless of the depth of the profile they  
still have.  
Volks wagen authorized tires and rims are perfectly  
harmonized.  
The age of a tire can be determined by looking at the date of  
swap the wheels  
manufacture ΓΏ p. 342.  
In order for all tires to wear evenly, it is advisable to  
store tires  
periodically change the wheels according to the diagram ΓΏ fig.  
β€” Always store tires in a safe place  
cool, dry and, if possible, dark. Do not stand tires mounted  
on rims upright.  
241.  
This ensures that the useful life of all tires is approximately the  
same.  
340  
rims and tires  
β€” Store tires that are not mounted on rims in suitable covers to  
protect them from dirt and store them upright on the tread.  
WARNING  
Old tires, even if they have never been used, can suddenly  
lose air or blow out (especially when driving at high speeds)  
and cause accidents and serious injuries.  
new tires  
you see.  
β€” When you have new tires fitted, drive the first 600 km (370  
miles) with special caution, as they still have to be broken  
in. Tires that have not been broken in have reduced grip ΓΏ  
and reduced braking capacity ΓΏ .  
Β· If a tire is more than 6 years old, do not use it except in an  
emergency and taking extreme precautions while driving.  
WARNING  
β€” Always mount tires on all four wheels.  
that have the same structure, the same size and the same  
type of profile.  
New tires have to be broken in, as they initially have reduced  
grip and braking power.  
Β· To avoid accidents and serious injuries, drive during the  
first 600 km (370 miles) with due caution.  
replace tires  
β€” Replace tires at least per axle ΓΏ β€” Replace old tires  
only with tires approved by Volkswagen for the type of  
vehicle in question.  
WARNING  
The wheels have to have the necessary space to turn from  
the constructive point of view. If this is not the case, the tires  
could rub against undercarriage components, the bodywork  
and the brake lines, which could cause failure of the brake  
system and the detachment of the tread, possibly resulting in  
tire blowout.  
β€” Never use tires whose actual size exceeds the tire  
dimensions approved by Volkswagen.  
Re-adapt the tire monitoring system  
After changing one or more wheels, the tire monitoring system  
must be adapted again. This also applies if the wheels are  
Β· Never use tires whose effective dimensions exceed the  
dimensions of tires approved by Volkswagen, or tires that  
exchanged, e.g. from front to rear axle ΓΏ p. 334.  
rub against other parts of the vehicle.  
In the case of vehicles with the tire pressure monitoring  
system If you want to change the wheels that were fitted on  
WARNING  
the vehicle at the factory, make sure that the new wheels are  
Avoid strong blows and, as much as possible, go over  
equipped with sensors that are compatible with the tire pressure  
obstacles. Potholes and curbs are the most common cause  
monitoring system. the tires ΓΏ p. 336. For the system to detect  
of tire deformation. These deformations can damage tires  
the new wheels, drive at a speed above 25 km/h (15 mph) for  
and rims.  
some time.  
WARNING  
Volkswagen recommends using a new valve and gasket kit  
If the tires are changed, care should be taken not to damage  
the valves or sensors. Never drive without the valve caps. The  
whenever sensors are replaced or reused.  
valves can be damaged.  
More information on the tire pressure monitoring system ΓΏ p.  
336.  
Always dispose of old tires properly in accordance  
WARNING  
with current regulations.  
Aggressive substances and liquids can cause visible and  
If the spare wheel is different from the ones fitted to  
invisible damage to tires, which can lead to tire blowouts.  
the vehicle, for example when winter tires are fitted or if  
it is an emergency wheel, use it only in case of breakdown for  
a short time and driving with the due caution. Replace it as  
soon as possible with the normal wheel.  
Β· Always prevent the tires from coming into  
contact with chemicals, oils, greases, fuel, brake fluid  
and other aggressive substances.  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
341  
Important information about wheels and tires  
In the case of tires approved by Volkswagen,  
- Country of origin  
it is guaranteed that their dimensions are  
suitable for the vehicle. In the case of other tyres, the  
seller must present a manufacturer's certificate  
stating that the tire in question is also suitable for the  
β€” Manufacturing number  
β€” Lot number of the raw material  
- Product code  
vehicle. Keep this certificate conveniently in the  
vehicle.  
WARNING  
The use of inappropriate or damaged tires can  
impair driving safety, cause accidents and cause  
serious injuries.  
Β· Use only wheels approved for the vehicle in  
question.  
Rims and wheel bolts  
Keep in mind  
on page 339.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
Check regularly if the tires are pre  
feel damaged and replace if necessary.  
The rims, tires and wheel bolts have been designed  
for the type of vehicle in question. Therefore, if the  
rims are changed, wheel bolts with the correct length  
and head must be used. This ensures that the  
brakes can work properly and that the vehicle runs  
with stability and safety.  
WARNING  
Loosening and incorrectly tightening the bolts on  
rims with bolt-on rims can cause accidents and  
serious injuries.  
Β· Never loosen the threaded connections of the wheel  
studs with screwed hoops.  
Β· Go to a specialized workshop for any work that  
has to be done on rims with bolt-on rims.  
Volkswagen recommends going to a  
Volkswagen dealer for this.  
For technical reasons, tires from other vehicles  
cannot generally be used. Under certain  
circumstances, this also applies to tires of the same  
type of vehicle.  
The tightening torque of the wheel bolts should  
be checked regularly with a properly functioning  
torque wrench ΓΏ p. 353.  
tire pressure  
wheel bolts  
Please note on  
page 339.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
Always use the appropriate wheel bolts for each  
type of vehicle and always tighten them with the  
correct tightening torque ΓΏ page. 353.  
Rims with a rim or bolt-on trim elements  
Rims with a rim or bolt-on trim elements consist of  
several parts. These pieces are joined together with  
special screws. Damaged rims must be replaced and  
may only be repaired by a specialist workshop.  
Volkswagen recommends going to a Volkswagen  
dealer for this ΓΏ .  
Fig. 242 Symbols on the tire pressure sticker.  
Tire identification data  
In some countries, new-manufactured tires are  
required to display data for certain characteristics.  
The following data may appear on the rims:  
β€” Seal of conformity  
β€” Tire size  
β€” Name of the manufacturer or brand  
β€” Date of manufacture (month/year)  
342  
rims and tires  
β€” Check tire pressure only  
mind with these cold. The indicated pressure  
applies to the tires when they are cold. The  
pressure is always higher when the tires are hot.  
Therefore, never let air out of a hot tire to adjust  
tire pressure.  
β€” Always adapt the tire pressure to the vehicle's  
.
state of load ΓΏ fig. 242 4  
β€” After adjusting the tire pressure, always screw  
the caps onto the valves and observe the  
information regarding the tire monitoring system.  
Fig. 243 On the driver's door pillar: tire pressure  
sticker (or on the inside of the fuel filler flap).  
β€” Always use the tire pressure listed on the  
corresponding sticker. Never exceed the maximum  
pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.  
Legend of fig. 242:  
A Front axle tire pressure B Rear axle tire  
pressure 1 Note: Check the tire pressure when  
the tires are cold.  
WARNING  
Incorrect tire pressure can cause them to lose  
air or burst suddenly while driving. This could  
cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.  
2 Tire pressure at even load  
cial  
3 Depending on the vehicle: Comfort tire pressure  
at partial load  
4 Tire pressure at full load  
na  
Β· If the pressure is too low, the tire could get so  
hot while driving that the tread could come off  
and the tire could burst.  
5 Tire pressure of spare wheel, inflatable spare  
wheel or emergency wheel  
Β· Driving at excessive speeds or with the vehicle  
overloaded can cause excessive heating and  
sudden damage to the tires, which could even  
burst and lose the tread, which could cause loss  
of control of the vehicle.  
The sticker shows the correct pressure for  
authorized tires. The sticker is located on the driver's  
door pillar ΓΏ fig. 243 or on the inside of the fuel tank  
flap.  
Β· Incorrect tire pressure reduces the service life  
of the tires and worsens the driving behavior  
of the vehicle.  
The appearance of the sticker may vary depending  
on the vehicle. Additional tire sizes may be listed.  
Β· Check the tire pressure regularly: at least once a  
Incorrect tire pressure has a negative effect on  
month and additionally before every long journey.  
driving behaviour, increases tire wear or even  
causes them to burst ΓΏ . Especially at high speeds,  
Β· All tires must have the correct pressure according  
to the load of the vehicle.  
the correct tire pressure is of the utmost importance.  
Β· Never reduce the increase in pressure caused  
by hot tires.  
Comfort tire pressure  
Depending on the vehicle, the tire pressure label  
may include a comfort pressure ΓΏ fig. 242 3 . This  
WARNING  
Β· Avoid tilting the pressure gauge when placing it on the valve.  
pressure increcaosmesforritdperecossmufroer,t.fuWehl econndsruivminpgtioant  
may increase.  
valve stem. Otherwise, the tire valve may be  
damaged.  
Always ride with the valve caps on  
completely screwed up.  
Check tire pressure  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
Too low tire pressure increases fuel  
consumption.  
β€” Check tire pressure at least once a month.  
343  
Important information about wheels and tires  
control of the vehicle and serious injury may result.  
Profile depth and wear indicators  
Β· The tires should be replaced with new ones  
when the mark of the wear indicators is  
Please note on  
page 339.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
reached, at the latest.  
Β· Worn tires considerably lose grip, especially when  
the road is wet, and the vehicle β€œskids” more  
easily (aquaplaning).  
Β· When tires are worn, the ability to control the  
vehicle well in normal and difficult driving  
situations decreases, and the braking distance  
and risk of skidding increases.  
tire damage  
Fig. 244 Tire profile: wear indicators.  
,
Please note on  
page 339.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
Tire Tread Depth Most driving situations  
require that the tires have as high a profile as  
possible. In addition, the depth of the tread of the  
tires should be uniform in all of them, at least for  
axles. This applies especially when the road is wet  
or presents winter conditions.  
Damage to tires and rims is often not visible to the  
naked eye ΓΏ .  
β€” If you suspect that any wheel is damaged,  
immediately reduce speed and stop the vehicle  
as soon as the traffic situation allows it and it is safe.  
In most countries, tires will have reached the  
minimum authorized depth limit when a 1.6 mm (1/16  
inch) profile remains, measured in the grooves next  
to the wear indicators (note the specific legal  
provisions of the country in question). The depth of  
the tire profile should be uniform in all of them, at least  
by axles ΓΏ .  
β€” Check whether the tires and rims are  
damaged.  
β€” If any tire is damaged, do not continue the  
March.  
β€” Replace damaged wheel ΓΏ p. 352. If necessary,  
ask for the help of specialized personnel.  
Observe the legal provisions of the country in question  
regarding the minimum permissible tread depth for  
winter and all-season tyres.  
β€” OR: seal the damaged wheel with the repair kit  
and inflate it ΓΏ p. 359.  
β€” If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and  
carefully to the nearest specialized workshop  
and have the vehicle checked.  
Tire Wear Indicators Tire wear indicators  
indicate if a tire is worn. The tires will have to be  
changed, at the latest, when the tread depth reaches  
the wear indicators.  
Foreign bodies introduced into the tire  
β€” Do not remove foreign bodies that have gotten  
into the tire if they have penetrated it!  
At the bottom of the tire profile there are wear  
indicators ΓΏ fig. 244 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) tall. Its  
Those objects that have been trapped between the  
studs of the profile can be removed.  
position is indicated by marks on the sides of the tire  
ΓΏ fig. 244.  
β€” Replace damaged wheel ΓΏ p. 352. If necessary,  
ask for the help of specialized personnel.  
β€” OR: seal the damaged wheel with the repair kit  
and inflate it ΓΏ p. 359.  
WARNING  
Worn tires pose a safety risk and can lead to loss  
of  
β€” Check and adjust the tire pressure.  
344  
rims and tires  
β€” Visit a specialized workshop. Volkswagen  
recommends going to a Volkswagen wagen  
dealer for this.  
Incorrect undercarriage adjustment reduces driving  
safety and increases tire wear. In the event of high  
tire wear, go to a specialized workshop and have  
the undercarriage checked.  
β€” If the vehicle has puncture-proof tyres, leave the  
foreign bodies in the tire and go to a specialized  
workshop. A sealing compound inside the tire  
tread surrounds the foreign body and temporarily  
WARNING  
If the vehicle vibrates unusually or tends to roll to  
one side while driving, a tire may be damaged.  
seals the tire.  
tire wear  
Β· Reduce speed immediately and stop the vehicle  
respecting traffic regulations.  
Tire wear depends on several factors:  
β€” driving style  
Β· Check whether the tires and rims are damaged.  
β€” wheel balancing  
Β· Never continue driving if the tires or rims are  
damaged. In this case, request the help of  
specialized personnel.  
β€” undercarriage adjustment  
Fast cornering, acceleration and braking increase  
tire wear.  
cos.  
Β· If there is no visible damage, go to the appropriate  
Drive slowly and carefully to the nearest  
specialist workshop and have the vehicle  
checked.  
While driving, an unbalance can occur that manifests  
itself in the vibration of the steering wheel. The  
imbalance of the wheels also affects the wear of the  
tires. For this reason, rebalancing of the wheels must  
be ordered in these cases.  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
3. 4. 5  
Important information about wheels and tires  
Tire markings and tire types  
,
Keep in mind  
at the beginning of this chapter, on page 339.  
Fig. 245 International markings on tires.  
ΓΏ fig. 245 Markings on tires (example)  
Meaning  
1
Manufacturer-specific tire designation The tire meets  
Product name  
the legal requirements of the US Department of  
Transportation, which is responsible for tire safety regulations.  
2
DOT  
Tire identification number ( a) – may only appear on the inside  
of the tire) and production date: Identification of the producing  
factory and data of the tire manufacturer regarding  
3
JHCO CHWS 2213  
JHCO CHWS  
the size and characteristics of the tire  
2213  
Production date: week 22 of the year 2013  
Information for the end user with comparative values with respect to predetermined base tires (standardized  
tests) ΓΏ p. 377:  
Relative tire life according to a standard test is  
U.S. specific. A 280 rated tire wears 2.8 times slower than the  
reference tire with a Treadwear Index of 100. Actual tire  
performance depends on the conditions in which the tires are  
4
TREADWEAR 280  
used and may differ considerably from the normative values  
depending on driving behavior, tire maintenance, road  
characteristics and weather conditions.  
cas.  
346  
rims and tires  
ΓΏ fig. 245  
Markings on the tires  
Meaning  
(example)  
Braking capacity of the tire in the wet (AA, A, B or C). This capability  
is measured under controlled conditions in certified test circuits. A tire  
marked with a C has low grip. The grip index assigned to the tire is  
based on grip tests in a straight line and does not take into account  
acceleration, lateral guidance, aquaplaning and grip under full load  
conditions.  
TRACTION AA  
5
Thermal resistance of the tire at high speeds on the test bench (A, B  
or C). Tires marked A or B exceed the legal requirements. The  
temperature rating is based on tires with correct pressure, without  
excessive pressure. Excessive speed and incorrect or excessive  
pressure are factors that, alone or in combination, can generate heat or  
cause tire damage.  
TEMPERATURE A  
6
88H  
Load index ΓΏ p. 348 and speed index ΓΏ p. 348 Indication of the  
7
8
Rotation and arrow  
OR: Outside  
direction of rotation of the tires ΓΏ p. 348 Indication of the outer side  
of the tires ΓΏ p. 348 Maximum Air Pressure US Limitation Value  
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA  
(51 psi / 3.51 bar)  
9
Winter tire marking (for mud and snow) ΓΏ p. 349. Studded tires are  
M+S or M/S or  
10  
eleven  
identified by an E after the S.  
Mark the position of the tire wear indicator (Tread Wear Indicator)  
TWI  
ΓΏ p. 344.  
Maker  
12  
13  
brand, logo  
Country of manufacture  
Made in Germany  
Specific distinctive for China (China Compulsory Certification)  
14  
023  
Specific badge for Brazil  
fifteen  
Identification according to international standards with the number of  
the country of approval. The tires approved according to the CEPE  
regulation are identified with an E, and those approved according to the  
CE regulation, with an e. This is followed by the multi-digit approval  
e4 e4 0200477-b  
RADIAL TUBELESS  
16  
17  
number.  
tubeless radial tire  
Tire size designation:  
Passenger car emblem Width of the  
P
tire from side to side in mm Ratio between height and  
P 195 / 65 R 15 XL  
195 65  
18  
width in % Letter indicating radial tire Diameter of the  
rim in inches Reinforced tire (β€œExtra Load”)  
R15  
XL  
MAX LOAD 615KG  
(1235 LBS)  
US data indicating the maximum load per wheel.  
19  
Facts about the components of the tire carcass: A layer of rayon  
(artificial silk).  
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON  
TREAD 4 PLIES  
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL +  
1 NYLON  
Tread component data: In the example, under the tread  
there are four layers: one rayon (artificial silk), two steel belts and one  
nylon.  
twenty  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
a) The initials TIN correspond to the serial number of the tire.  
347  
Important information about wheels and tires  
The tire inscriptions appear on both sides of the tires. If  
necessary, certain information about the tyre, such as its  
identification number and its date of manufacture, can only be  
found on one of its sides.  
Some examples:  
78  
425kg  
81  
462kg  
83  
487kg  
85  
515kg  
87  
If other numbers appear on the tire, these may be internal  
markings of the tire manufacturer or specific markings  
545kg  
88  
560kg  
615kg  
630kg  
650kg  
690kg  
730kg  
775kg  
800kg  
825kg  
850kg  
875kg  
900kg  
91  
for certain countries.  
ses.  
92  
93  
Low Profile Tires Compared  
95  
97  
to other wheel and tire combinations, low profile tires have a  
wider tread and larger rim diameter with low sidewall height ΓΏ  
p. 340. Low profile tires improve ride properties and precision.  
However, comfort can be affected on roads and paths in poor  
condition.  
99  
100  
101  
102  
103  
104  
speed ratings  
Tires subject to unidirectional tread The sidewalls  
The speed index indicates the maximum speed at which  
the tires are allowed to drive.  
of tires subject to unidirectional tread are marked with  
arrows. It is essential to respect the direction of rotation  
P
max 150 km/h (93 mph)  
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)  
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)  
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)  
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)  
max. 200 km/h (125 mph)  
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)  
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)  
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)  
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)  
over 240 km/h (149 mph)  
indicated.  
Q
R.  
This ensures optimal running characteristics.  
S
you  
OR  
h
If you still mount a tire in the opposite direction of rotation to  
that intended, drive with extreme caution, as you will not be  
using it as specified. Change the tire or mount it in the correct  
direction of rotation as soon as possible.  
V
W
AND  
z
asymmetric tires  
Asymmetric tires take into account the behavior of the  
Some manufacturers use the β€œZR” index for tires with a  
maximum authorized speed greater than 240 km/h (149  
inner and outer areas of the profile pattern. On these tires,  
the sidewalls are marked as inner or outer. It is essential to  
respect the position of the tire on the rim.  
mph).  
Tire load capacity The load index indicates  
the maximum weight in kilograms that the tire can support  
(load capacity).  
locations of the tires authorized by Volks wagen for the  
type of vehicle in question.  
Tire load capacity and speed  
range  
By looking at the model plate, you can find out if the vehicle  
has an EC certificate of conformity ΓΏ p. 394.  
Keep in mind  
on page 339.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
β€” If the type approval password appears on the model  
plate, the vehicle has the CE certificate of conformity.  
Vehicles from the European Union and from countries  
that apply its standards obtain an EC (or COC) certificate of  
conformity. The CE certificate of conformity contains  
information on the size, diameter, load capacity and range of  
ve  
β€” If the vehicle does not have a model plate or if it lacks  
the approval password, the vehicle  
348  
rims and tires  
butt does not have the CE certificate of conformity.  
all-wheel drive (4MOTION)  
Thanks to all-wheel drive, the vehicle has good traction with the  
standard tires in wintery road conditions. However, Volkswagen  
recommends using winter or all-season tires on all four wheels in  
winter, as this mainly improves braking efficiency.  
winter tires  
,
Keep in mind  
on page 339.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
Please note the information on snow chains ΓΏ p. 350.  
Summer tires have less grip on ice and snow. Winter and all-  
season tires improve driving and braking properties in winter road  
conditions. Volkswagen recommends using winter tires when  
temperatures are below +7 Β°C (+45 Β°F) or the road is in winter  
conditions.  
WARNING  
Don't let the fact that winter tires improve ride properties when  
road surfaces are in winter conditions induce you to take risks  
that compromise safety.  
If the speed limit for winter tires is exceeded, one of them  
could suddenly fail, and you could lose control of the vehicle.  
Winter and all-season tires lose their winter suitability to a  
great extent when the profile has been reduced to 4 mm (3/16  
inches).  
Β· Never exceed the speed limit of the winter tires fitted, even  
if the maximum permissible speed of the vehicle is higher.  
When winter tires are used, the following applies:  
β€” Observe the legal provisions regarding the  
aspect of the country in question.  
Β· Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the winter tires  
fitted.  
β€” Fit winter tires on all four wheels  
you give.  
Β· Adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather,  
road and traffic conditions.  
β€” Use only when roadways present winter conditions.  
β€” Only use tires with auto dimensions  
curly for this vehicle.  
At temperatures above +7 Β°C (+45 Β°F), the running  
properties of summer tires are better than winter tires.  
Rolling noise and tire wear are lower, and energy efficiency is  
higher.  
β€” Only fit winter tires with the  
same structure, the same size and the same type of profile.  
β€” Observe the speed limit that corresponds to the speed index  
ΓΏ .  
On vehicles equipped with the tire monitoring system,  
the system must be adapted again after changing the  
summer tires to winter tires, or vice versa ΓΏ p. 334.  
speed limitation  
Winter tires have a speed limit depending on the speed index that  
corresponds to them ΓΏ p. 346.  
On vehicles equipped with the tire monitoring system,  
winter tires with sensors compatible with the system must  
be fitted for the system to function correctly ΓΏ p. 338. If the  
dimensions of the winter tires do not match those of the summer  
tires and require a different inflation pressure when cold, it is  
necessary to adapt the values of the pressures in the system ΓΏ  
page. 336.  
In the infotainment system, a speed warning can be set using  
the button and the function buttons and Tires  
either  
.
In the case of winter tires with the V index, the speed limit and  
the required pressure depend on the motorization of the vehicle.  
Be sure to consult a Volkswagen dealer for the maximum  
permissible speed and the required pressure for these tyres.  
Consult a Volkswagen dealer for the permitted sizes for  
winter tires.  
3 G 0 0 1 2 7 6 0 A H  
349  
Important information about wheels and tires  
WARNING  
snow chains  
The use of improper snow chains or the incorrect  
placement of the chains can cause accidents and  
serious injuries.  
,
Please note on  
page 339.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
Β· Always use suitable snow chains.  
When using snow chains, observe the legal  
Β· Observe the assembly instructions of the chain  
manufacturer.  
regulations and the maximum permissible speed  
with them attached.  
Β· Never drive faster than allowed when you have  
mounted chains.  
If there is ice or snow on the road, the chains  
improve traction and braking behaviour.  
The mounting of snow chains is only permitted on  
the front wheels and only on the following rim  
and tire combinations:  
WARNING  
Β· Remove snow chains when they are no longer  
needed. Otherwise the chains will only worsen  
the driving properties, damage the tires and  
quickly become irreparably damaged.  
Saloon and Variant  
tire size  
Tire  
215/60R16  
215/60 R 16 M&S  
215/55R17  
6 1/2 J x 16 ET 41  
6 1/2 J x 16 ET 42  
6 1/2 J x 17 ET 41  
Β· Chains that come into direct contact with the rim  
could scratch or damage the rim. Volkswagen  
recommends the use of chains with integrated tire  
protection.  
alltrack  
tire size  
Tire  
On vehicles equipped with the tire monitoring  
system, the system must be re-adapted after  
mounting snow chains ΓΏ p. 334.  
215/55R17  
7 J x 17 ET 38  
Volkswagen recommends inquiring about the proper  
size of wheels, tires and snow chains at one of its  
dealers.  
As far as possible, use fine link chains that do not  
protrude more than 13.5mm including the padlock.  
hubcaps  
center hubcap  
Before installing the chains, remove the wheel caps  
and trim rings ΓΏ . However, for safety reasons the  
wheel bolts must be fitted with caps, which can be  
purchased from Volkswagen dealers.  
Using snow chains with the emergency wheel  
or inflatable spare wheel fitted For technical  
reasons, the use of snow chains on the emergency  
wheel and inflatable spare wheel is not permitted ΓΏ p.  
355.  
β€” In the event of a front wheel failure, mount the  
spare wheel or inflatable spare wheel on the rear  
axle.  
β€” Exchange the damaged front wheel with the free  
wheel on the rear axle. When doing so, take into  
account the direction of rotation of the tire.  
Fig. 246 Remove the central hubcap by pulling it.  
Volkswagen recommends putting the chains on the  
wheel before mounting it.  
350  
rims and tires  

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