Wheels and Tyres214
Ty re l i fe
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insuffi- ciently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high speeds . It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before setting off on a long trip. Pl ease do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 151. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 217.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times.
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accord- ingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and br aking (squealing tyres) increase wear- and-tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear- and-tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebal- anced when a new tyre is fitted an d each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and- tear on the tyres but will also has an ad verse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your specialist garage if yo u notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Fig. 151 An opened fuel filler flap with the tyre inflation pressure table
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 214 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
