· The driver is always responsible for ensuring that the
· 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 ÿ p. 342.
The tire monitoring system only
· 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.
· The tires must always have adequate pressure for the
vehicle's state of load ÿ p. 342.
· 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.
· Before setting off, always inflate all tires to the correct
pressure ÿ p. 342.
· 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.
· 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.
· 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.
· Periodically check the tires for damage or wear.
· 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 ÿ 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.
· 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
· 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.
· 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
· 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
— 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.
— Check tire pressure regularly.
Never ride with missing wheel bolts or
with them loose
— Regularly check the tires for damage, e.g. g., holes, cuts,
punctures, blisters, etc.
· Only use wheel bolts that are suitable for the rim
and the type of vehicle in question.
— Never exceed the load capacity or maximum speed of the
tires ÿ p. 346.
· 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.
— Have damaged or worn tires replaced immediately ÿ p.
344.
— Avoid contact of the tires with substances
aggressive substances (including grease, oil,
gasoline or brake fluid) ÿ .
— Replace missing valve caps immediately.
Wheel and tire handling
— Remove any foreign bodies that have not yet entered the
tire ÿ p. 344.
,
Please note on
page 339.
at the beginning of this chapter,
— Observe all warnings from the tire monitoring system ÿ p.
337, ÿ 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 ÿ .
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 ÿ p. 342.
In order for all tires to wear evenly, it is advisable to
store tires
periodically change the wheels according to the diagram ÿ fig.
— 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
— 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.
— 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 ÿ
and reduced braking capacity ÿ .
· If a tire is more than 6 years old, do not use it except in an
emergency and taking extreme precautions while driving.
WARNING
— 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.
· To avoid accidents and serious injuries, drive during the
first 600 km (370 miles) with due caution.
replace tires
— Replace tires at least per axle ÿ — 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.
— 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
· 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 ÿ 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 ÿ 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 ÿ 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.
· 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
— Manufacturing number
— 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.
· 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.
· Never loosen the threaded connections of the wheel
studs with screwed hoops.
· 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 ÿ 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 ÿ 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 ÿ .
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:
— Seal of conformity
— Tire size
— Name of the manufacturer or brand
— Date of manufacture (month/year)
342
rims and tires
— 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.
— Always adapt the tire pressure to the vehicle's
.
state of load ÿ fig. 242 4
— 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).
— 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
· 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
· 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 ÿ fig. 243 or on the inside of the fuel tank
flap.
· 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.
· 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 ÿ . Especially at high speeds,
· All tires must have the correct pressure according
to the load of the vehicle.
the correct tire pressure is of the utmost importance.
· 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 ÿ fig. 242 3 . This
WARNING
· 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.
— 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
· 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.
· Worn tires considerably lose grip, especially when
the road is wet, and the vehicle “skids” more
easily (aquaplaning).
· 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 ÿ .
— 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 ÿ .
— Check whether the tires and rims are
damaged.
— If any tire is damaged, do not continue the
March.
— Replace damaged wheel ÿ 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.
— OR: seal the damaged wheel with the repair kit
and inflate it ÿ p. 359.
— 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
— 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 ÿ 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
ÿ fig. 244.
— Replace damaged wheel ÿ p. 352. If necessary,
ask for the help of specialized personnel.
— OR: seal the damaged wheel with the repair kit
and inflate it ÿ p. 359.
WARNING
Worn tires pose a safety risk and can lead to loss
of
— Check and adjust the tire pressure.
344
rims and tires