2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Owners Manual

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Storage

Fig. 204 In the luggage compartment under the floor panel: Compact spare wheel and vehicle tool kit.

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Wheel trim

Wheel bolt caps

Fig. 206 Pulling cover caps off wheel bolts.

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x Slide the lug wrench through the clip ⇒ fig. 207 and pull the wheel cover off in the direction of the arrow.
Installing the wheel cover
Where applicable: Before installing the wheel cover, the anti-theft wheel bolt must be screwed into
position ⇒ fig. 209 (2) or (3) in relation to the position of the tire valve. Otherwise, the wheel cover cannot be installed.
Make sure that the valve cutout is aligned with the valve ⇒ fig. 209 (1), and press the wheel cover onto the wheel rim. Make sure that the wheel cover is latched onto the rim along the entire circumference.

Changing a wheel

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WARNING
Changing a wheel, especially on the side of the road, can be dangerous. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off the road where it is safe to change the wheel.
x Always make sure that all passengers, especially children, are in a safe place outside the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic (such as behind a guard rail).
x Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
x Change a wheel by yourself only if you are familiar with the necessary steps. Otherwise, get expert assistance.
x Always switch the engine off, firmly apply the parking brake, and shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic transmission) or any gear (manual only) to help prevent the vehicle from moving suddenly and slipping off the jack.
x Always make sure that the ground is level and firm. If necessary, place the jack on a large and sturdy board or on a similar ground support.
x Always block the wheel diagonally opposite the wheel being changed with chocks or other similar things.
x If you are towing a trailer, always unhitch it from your vehicle before starting to change the wheel. Always apply the trailer brakes firmly and make sure the trailer cannot move unintentionally.
x Always use proper and undamaged tools when changing a wheel.
x Once a wheel is lifted off the ground, having the transmission in Park (P) or in gear will not prevent sudden vehicle movement.
x Always use a jack that has been approved by the manufacturer for your vehicle. Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other Volkswagen models.
x To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never loosen the screws on rims with threaded rim rings.
x After changing a wheel, have the wheel bolt tightening torque checked with an accurate torque wrench.
x After changing a wheel or tire, reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ page 178, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Preparations for changing a wheel

7. Block the diagonally opposite wheel with chocks or other suitable things.
8. If towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from the vehicle and park the trailer properly.
9. If the luggage compartment is loaded: Remove the luggage.
10. Take the compact spare wheel and the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
11. Take off the wheel covers, Wheel trim.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
x Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
Wheel bolts

Fig. 208 Changing a wheel: Loosening wheel bolts.

Fig. 209 Changing a wheel: tire valve 1 and installation points for the anti-theft wheel bolt 2 or 3 (where applicable).