2015 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG differ

x The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of different design features and tread design.
Replacing tires
x Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually (both front tires or both rear tires at the same
time) ⇒ .
x Replace tires only with tires that have the same specifications, including width and diameter, load and top speed rating as the tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.
x Never use tires that are larger or wider than the dimensions of the tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model. Larger tires could scrape and rub on the vehicle body or other parts of the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations
Factory-installed wheels are equipped with a sensor that constantly monitors tire pressure, then
transmits this information to the TPMS ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If you are going to replace the wheels, make sure that the new wheels also have sensors that are compatible with the TPMS on your vehicle. New wheels with sensors have to be recognized and integrated into the sys-tem. The new wheels and sensors are recognized and integrated when driving off the first time.
If you install wheels that do not have sensors, or have sensors that are not compatible, the TPMS will not work properly. In this case, the TPMS will not be able to monitor tire pressure or warn you if pres-sure is low. An error message may appear in the instrument cluster display or the TPMS will switch itself off.
x Whenever you change sensors, you have to install new valves and seals. Please see an author-ized Volkswagen dealer of an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Always drive with the valve caps securely installed. We recommend using factory-supplied valve caps. Ask an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to replace lost caps.
If you install new tires that differ the original Volkswagen specifications, for your vehicle and model, the benchmark tire inflation pressure values stored in your vehicle's TPMS may have to be adjusted (reprogrammed). This requires professional assistance. For more information, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Installing replacement tires with steel cord body plies in the tire sidewall may cause malfunction of the TPMS, and is not recommended (cord material information in molded on the tire sidewall).
Always check the TPMS indicator light after replacing one or more tires on your vehicle. If the indicator light is on, the TPMS is not working properly. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with the system, or some component of the TPMS may be damaged.
For detailed information about TPMS, how it works and what you need to know ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
WARNING
New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in.
x Always drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km) to help reduce the risk of losing control, a collision, and serious personal injuries.

WARNING
Tires must have the required clearance. Tires that do not have enough clearance can rub against parts of the vehicle body, suspension, and brake system, causing brake system fail-ure, tread delamination, and sudden blow outs.
x Always make sure that new tires are not larger than the tires approved for your vehicle and that the new tires do not rub against parts of the vehicle.
NOTICE
x When switching to different tires, make certain the valves and sensors are not damaged.
x Never drive without valve stem caps. The valves and sensors could be damaged.
x If the sensor on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) must be replaced, the valve must be replaced at the same time.
Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.
TPMS wheel sensors are classified as Perchlorate Material – Special handling may apply. Obey all legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of these components – See http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint system, including airbag modules and safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that you have them perform this service for you.
If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have mounted on your vehicle (for example winter tires or wider, low-profile tires, , or a compact spare), then use the replacement wheel for a short time only, and drive cautiously.
x Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Although tire size specifications can be the same, the actual dimensions may differ from those nominal values for different tire makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.
Tire inflation pressure

Fig. 111 Location of the tire inflation pressure label.

x Driving without valve caps, with the wrong valve caps, or with valve caps that are not properly screwed on can damage the tire valves and the sensors on the Tire Pressure Monitor-ing System (TPMS). To help prevent damage, always use valve stem caps like those originally installed at the factory. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do not use metal valve caps or “comfort” valve stem caps.
Underinflation increases fuel consumption.
Pressures measured with a gauge when inflating the tires may be different from the pressures read by the tire pressure sensors. The electronic TPMS is more accurate.
When the TPMS warns that the pressure in at least one tire is too low, check the tire pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be spotted by looking
at the tire. This is especially true for low-profile tires. When checking the tire pressures, refer to ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Model Engine Tire dimensions Tire infla-
tion
pressure,
front axle
Tire infla-
tion
pressure,
rear axle
PSI kPa PSI kPa
275/45 R 20,110 H xl 35 240 39 270
xl = reinforced sidewall.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is configured at the factory
with the correct tire inflation pressure applicable for the vehicle model,
engine and factory-installed tires. This tire inflation pressure is also listed
on the sticker inside the driver door jamb ⇒ , Tire inflation pressure. The
tire inflation pressure are listed for all tires and the collapsible spare tire. In
the event of a discrepancy between the above figures and the tire pres-
sures listed on the tire inflation pressure label, the pressures listed on the
label are the ones you should use. If different tires are installed, the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) cannot properly monitor tire inflation
pressures unless the TPMS is reset to the new tire pressures ⇒Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS). Authorized Volkswagen dealers and
authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the necessary special tools
and must reset the TPMS for the new tires on your vehicle.

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Fig. 112 Tread pattern: Wear indicator.

Tread depth
Most driving situations require as much tread depth as possible and similar tread depth for the tires on the front and rear wheels. This is especially true when driving in winter weather, at low temperatures
and under wet conditions ⇒ .
In most countries the legally permissible minimum tread depth is 06 in (1/16 in; 1.6 mm), as measured in tread grooves next to the wear indicators. Please be sure to obey country-specific legal require-ments.
Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter operation once the tread pattern is worn down to a depth of 3/16 in (4.8 mm).
The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of the differ-ent design features and tread patterns.
Tread wear indicator (TWI) in the tire
The 1/16 in (1.6 mm) high wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves of the
original tires running across the treads ⇒ fig. 112. Several wear indicators are evenly spaced around the tire. Markings on the sides of the tires (for example “TWI” or symbols) show the position of the wear indicators.
Wear indicators show when the tires are worn down. The tires must be replaced no later than when the tread pattern is worn down to the wear indicators.
WARNING
Worn tires are dangerous and can cause loss of vehicle control including serious personal injuries.
x Never drive a vehicle when the tread on any tire is worn down to the wear indicators, re-place them sooner.
x Worn tires do not grip the road properly, especially on wet roads, increasing your risk of “hydroplaning” and loss of control.
x Worn tires reduce the ability of your vehicle to handle well in normal and difficult driving situations and increase braking distances and the risk of skidding.
Tire wear and damage

Driving with the collapsible spare tire
The collapsible spare tire is different in design from the road tires and must be used only in the event
of a flat tire, only for a brief time, and only when driving with extra caution ⇒ .
Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Please heed the following:
x Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)!
x Avoid full-throttle acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering!
x Do not use snow chains on the collapsible spare tire.
x After installing the collapsible spare tire, check the tire pressure as soon as possible ⇒  Checking tire inflation pressure.
Reusing the collapsible spare tire
The collapsible spare tire can be reused as long as it is not damaged and not worn down to the tread wear indicators.
It takes several hours for the collapsible spare tire to return to its collapsed form after you let the air out of it. Once this has happened, you can put it back in the spare tire well and secure it.
x Let the air out of the tire by unscrewing the valve core.
x Screw the valve core back in once the air has been released.
x Wait several hours before putting the collapsible spare tire back in the spare tire well.
x Once the time is up, open the rear hatch. Lift up the luggage compartment floor panel and hook it
to the top of the luggage compartment or remove the reversible luggage compartment floor panel ⇒  Luggage compartment.
x Place the collapsible spare tire in the spare tire well and secure it with the fastening bolt (⇒ fig. 113 (2) or (3)).
x Fit the retainer (1) back into the middle of the collapsible spare tire ⇒ fig. 113.
x Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel/replace reversible luggage compartment floor panel.
x Close the rear hatch.

WARNING
Using incorrect or unmatched tires and/or wheels or improper tire and wheel combinations can lead to loss of control, collision and serious personal injury.
x Always use tires, wheels and wheel bolts that meet the specifications of the original facto-ry-installed tires or other combinations that have been specifically approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
x All 4 wheels must be fitted with radial tires of the same type, the same size (tread circum-ference), and the same tread pattern. Driving with different tires reduces vehicle handling and can lead to a loss of control.
x Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the tires installed on your vehicle are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.
x Overloading tires can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, including a blowout and sudden deflation and loss of control.
x Temperature grades apply to tires that are properly inflated and not over- or underinflated.
Winter tires

All-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with all-wheel drive and standard road wheels have good forward motion and traction even under wintery road conditions. However, Volkswagen recommends installing snow tires or all season tires on all 4 wheels to improve handling as well as braking performance.
If you use snow chains, please read and heed information and directions ⇒  Snow chains.
WARNING
Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were de-signed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of con-trol, crashes and serious personal injuries.
x Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that may be lower than your vehicle's maximum speed.
x Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires installed on your vehicle are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.
x Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.
Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer better handling characteristics for temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel con-sumption.
If factory-installed wheels and/or tires are replaced when installing winter tires, make sure that the wheels are equipped with sensors that are compatible with the factory-installed Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) and that the tires are also compatible with the system ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If new tires are not identical to those that were removed and require different cold tire inflation pressure, the tire inflation pressure values must be reprogrammed for the
TPMS. Please see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒  Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about permissible winter tire dimensions.
Snow chains