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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 improperly can cause accidents and 
severe personal injuries. 
 x Always use the proper snow chains. 
 x Follow the installation instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer. 
 x Never exceed the permissible speed limit when driving with snow chains.  
  NOTICE 
 x 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. 
 x 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 
 
     
        
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Section width 
The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due 
to labeling decoration, or protective bands. 
Sidewall 
The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread. 
Sidewall separation 
The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall. 
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 , Tire labeling. 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 underinflated 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  278, Tread depth and tread wear indicators. 
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 standards. The next 2 numbers or letters indicate the plant where the tire 
was manufactured. The last 4 numbers represent the week and year of manufacture. 
For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other 
numbers are marketing codes used by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify 
affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall. 
Vehicle capacity weight 
The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the 
vehicle's total seating capacity (as listed on the label inside the driver door).  
     
        
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Frequently asked questions 
If you suspect a malfunction or vehicle damage, read and follow the following advice before contacting 
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. You may also find 
helpful information under “Special considerations” or “Checklist” in the index. 
 
Description Possible causes, among 
others Possible remedy 
Engine does not start. 
Vehicle battery dead. – Perform jump-start   
– Charge vehicle battery   
The wrong vehicle key is used. Use a valid vehicle key   
Fuel level too low.  Refuel   
Vehicle cannot be locked 
or unlocked using vehicle 
key. 
– Battery in the remote control 
vehicle key is dead. 
– Too far away from the 
vehicle (out of range). 
– Buttons have been pressed 
too many times. 
– Replace the battery in the remote 
control vehicle key   
– Move closer to vehicle. 
– Synchronize vehicle key  . 
– Lock or unlock vehicle manually   
Unusual noises. 
Cold engine, braking assist 
systems, electronic steering 
column lock. 
Check the “Noises” entry in the index. 
Odd driving behavior. 
Assistance systems activated. Check the “Assistance systems” entry 
in the index. 
DSG® Direct Shift Gearbox too 
hot. 
Stop vehicle as soon as you can safely 
do so. 
Driver seat and outside 
mirrors move when 
vehicle is unlocked. 
Convenience settings are 
stored. Correct convenience settings   
Memory-seat settings are 
stored. 
– Reassign seat setting. 
– Clear memory-seat memory   
Front seats cannot be 
adjusted with power 
controls. 
Vehicle battery dead.  Charge vehicle battery  
Fuse blown.  Check fuse and replace if necessary  
No jack, spare wheel, or 
compact spare wheel in 
the vehicle. 
Equipment differs depending 
on the vehicle. 
No direct corrective action possible; 
depends on the vehicle equipment. 
Contact an authorized Volkswagen 
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen 
Service Facility for assistance. 
Vehicle has run-flat tires 
(mobility tires). 
Features do not work as 
described in this manual. 
Settings were adjusted in the 
Volkswagen Information 
System. 
Check and reset to factory settings if 
necessary   
Headlights do not light up 
the road as they should. 
– Headlights incorrectly 
adjusted. 
– Light bulbs burned out. 
– Low beams not switched on. 
– Have the headlight range adjusted by 
an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an 
authorized Volkswagen Service 
Facility. 
– Change light bulbs   
– Switch on low beams   
Electrical consumers do 
not work. 
Vehicle battery charge too low. Charge vehicle battery   
Remaining fuel level too low.  Refuel