WARNING
Inappropriate spare parts and accessories as well as unprofessionally performed work,
modifications and repairs can cause vehicle damage, accidents and serious personal
injuries.
x Volkswagen strongly recommends to only use accessories approved by Volkswagen and
Genuine Volkswagen Parts®. These parts and accessories have been evaluated by
Volkswagen for their suitability, reliability and safety.
x Have repairs and vehicle modifications performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized
Volkswagen Service Facilities have the required tools, diagnostic equipment, repair
information, and trained personnel to properly replace any airbag in your vehicle and assure
system effectiveness in a crash.
x Only install parts on the vehicle that are consistent with factory-installed parts with
respect to design and characteristics.
x Never store, mount or attach objects, such as cup holders or phone cradles on or next to
the airbag module covers or within the airbags deployment zones.
x Only use wheel rim / tire combinations approved by Volkswagen for the respective vehicle
type.
Break-in period
Mounting a spare tire or a compact spare wheel
If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction.
x Place the spare tire or compact spare on the axle.
x Place the anti-theft wheel bolt (where applicable) in position ⇒ fig. 208 (2) or (3) in relation to the
position of the tire valve (1). Hand tighten it using the adapter by turning clockwise.
x Screw in all wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the
screwdriver handle.
x Lower the vehicle with the jack.
x Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in
sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first
bolt, and so forth.
x Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any.
WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of
vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.
x Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease.
The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.
x Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they
are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.
WARNING
Improper use of a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
x Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
x Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
x Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on
the front axle (drive axle).
x Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact
spare tires are designed for brief use only.
