Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing
snow chains ⇒ . However, for safety reasons, caps must be in-
stalled on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
Compact spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact
spare
If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel
mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a front tire
has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used
to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tires so
that they will run in the proper direction. Volkswagen recommends
installing the snow chains before mounting the wheel to the vehicle.
WARNING
Using the wrong snow chains or installing snow chains im-
properly can cause accidents and severe personal injuries.
Always use the proper snow chains.
Follow the installation instructions provided by the snow
chain manufacturer.
Never exceed the permissible speed limit when driving with
snow chains.
NOTICE
Remove snow chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise,
the chains can damage the tires, impair vehicle handling and can
be quickly worn down.
Snow chains can scratch or damage wheel rims if they have
direct contact with the rims. Volkswagen recommends using
coated snow chains.
Glossary of tire and loading terminology
Speed rating (letter code)
A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a
tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings
range from 93 mph or 150 km/h (“P”) to 186 mph or (300 km/h) “Y”.
The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire
sidewall. You may not find this information on all tires because it is
not required by law.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underin-
flated and illuminates a low tire-pressure warning light.
Tread
The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.
Tread rib
A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.
Tread separation
Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.
Tread wear indicators (TWI)
Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when
tires are worn and near the end of their useful life ⇒ page 261.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers
compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a guarantee that a
tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It
gives tire buyers more information to compare with factors such as
price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations. Under UTQG, tires
are graded by the tire manufacturers in 3 areas: tread wear, traction
and temperature resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire
sidewalls.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of
Transportation”) and indicates that the tire meets all federal stand-
ards. The next 2 numbers or letters indicate the plant where the tire
Description Possible causes,
among others Possible remedy
DSG® Direct Shift
Gearbox too hot.
Stop vehicle as soon as
you can safely do so.
Driver seat and
outside mirrors
move when vehi-
cle is unlocked.
Convenience
settings are stored.
Correct convenience
settings
Memory-seat set-
tings are stored.
– Reassign seat setting
– Clear memory-seat
memory
Front seats can-
not be adjusted
with power con-
trols.
Vehicle battery dead. Charge vehicle battery
Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace if
necessary
No jack, spare
wheel, or com-
pact spare wheel
in the vehicle.
Equipment differs
depending on the
vehicle.
No direct corrective action
possible; depends on the
vehicle equipment. Con-
tact an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Vehicle has run-flat
tires (mobility tires).
Features do not
work as de-
scribed in this
manual.
Settings were ad-
justed in the
Volkswagen Infor-
mation System.
Check and reset to factory
settings if necessary
Headlights do not
light up the road
as they should.
– Headlights incor-
rectly adjusted.
– Light bulbs burned
out.
– Low beams not
switched on.
– Have the headlight
range adjusted by an au-
thorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Fa-
cility.
– Change light bulbs
– Switch on low beams