Useful information about wheels and tyres
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Handling wheels and tyres
⇒ Wheel rims and wheel bolts
⇒ Tyre pressure
⇒ Tread depth and wear indicators
⇒ Tyre damage
⇒ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type
⇒ Maximum load and speed range for tyres
⇒ Winter tyres
⇒ Snow chains
The tyres are the most used and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important
as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, handling and correct fitting.
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre
failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, serious injury and death.
•If the indicator lamp lights up, stop the vehicle as soon as possible and check all
the tyres ⇒ Useful information about wheels and tyres.
•Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the
tyres, reduce vehicle stability and increase the braking distance.
•Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre
failure and lead to a tyre bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.
•The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The
recommended tyre pressure can be found on a sticker ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the
correct tyre pressure.
•The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey ⇒ Tyre
pressure.
•If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing.
This could warm up the tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre
could burst. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
•High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an
extent that the tyre bursts, leading you to lose control of the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the
vehicle will not handle well.
•If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at
low speed to the nearest qualified workshop and check and correct the tyre pressure
⇒ Tyre pressure.
WARNING
•Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The specified tyre pressure applies to
cold tyres. Tyre pressure is always higher in warm tyres than it is in cold tyres. For this reason,
never reduce the pressure in warm tyres to adjust the tyre pressure.
•Always adjust the tyre pressure to the load level ⇒ Fig. 236④.
•After adjusting the tyre pressures, always screw the caps onto the valves and observe the
information on the tyre monitoring system ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
•Always use the tyre pressure specified on the sticker. Never exceed the maximum tyre pressure
which is given on the sidewall of the tyre
Underinflated tyres will result in increased fuel consumption.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 238 Tyre tread: wear indicators.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tread depth
In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread
grooves next to the tread wear indicators); note any country-specific regulations. The tyres should
have the same tread depth, at the minimum on each axle ⇒.
Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths
for winter and all-year tyres ⇒ Winter tyres.
Tread wear indicator in tyres
The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when
the tread depth is just down to the tread wear indicator.
The bottom of the tyre tread has 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators ⇒ Fig. 238. Markings on the
tyre sidewall indicate the position of the tread wear indicators ⇒ Fig. 238.
Incorrect tyre pressure may cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure or burst while the
vehicle is in motion. This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
•If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to
such an extent when driving that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Fast speeds or overloading of the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage
including tyre bursts and ripping of the tread surface and thus to a loss of control of
the vehicle.
•If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres will wear prematurely and the car will not
handle well.
•Check tyre pressures regularly, at least once a month, and before every long journey.
•All tyres must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the vehicle load.
•Never reduce excess pressure when the tyres are warm.
WARNING
•When attaching the tyre pressure gauge, ensure that you do not position it at an angle
to the valve stem. This can damage the tyre valve.
•Always make sure the valve caps are completely screwed on while driving.
NOTICE
Fig. 240 International tyre lettering.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
⇒ Fig. 240Tyre lettering
(example)
Meaning
①Product nameIndividual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
②DOT
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the USA
Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre safety
standards.
③JHCO CHWS 2213
Tyre identification number ( – may be only on the
inner side of the wheel) and date of manufacture:
JHCO
CHWS
Identifier of producing plant and
specifications of the tyre manufacturer on
size and characteristics.
2213Manufacture date: 22nd week in 2013.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres
(standardised test procedure) ⇒ Customer information:
④TREADWEAR 280
Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a
US-specific standard test. Tyres with the specification 280
are used up at a rate of 2.8 times more slowly than
standard tyres which have a treadwear value of 100. The
performance of tyres is determined by how they are used
and can notably deviate from norm values due to driving
style, maintenance, road surface and climatic conditions.
⑤TRACTION AA
Wet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C). This is
tested under controlled conditions on certified testing
routes. Tyres marked C have a low traction performance.
The traction value assigned to the tyres is based on linear
traction tests and does not include acceleration and
lateral stability or aquaplaning and traction under
maximum load.
⑥TEMPERATURE A
Temperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A,
B or C). A and B tyres exceed legal requirements. The
temperature evaluation is based on tyres with correct
pressure and does not allow for excess pressure.
Excessive speed, incorrect pressure or excess pressure
can cause heat build-up or tyre damage. This applies to
one or a combination of these factors.
⑦88 HLoad index ⇒ Tyre load and speed index ⇒ Speed
index.
⑧
Rotation and arrowDenotes direction of rotation of the tyres ⇒ Tyres with
directional tread pattern.
OR: outsideDenotes outside of tyres ⇒ Asymmetrical tyres.
⑨
MAX INFLATION
350 kPa (51 psi /
3.51 bar)
US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
⑩M+S or M/S or
Denotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ⇒ Winter
tyres. Studded snow tyres are labelled with an E after the
S.
⑪TWIIndicates the position of the tread wear indicator ⇒ Tread
depth and wear indicators.
⑫Brand name, logoManufacturer.
⑬Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
⑭Country-specific denotation for China (China Compulsory
Certification).
⑮ 023Country-specific denotation for Brazil.
⑯E4 e4 0200477-bCertification of conformity with international regulations.
The next number is the code number of the country that
granted approval. Approved tyres which comply with ECE
regulations are denoted with E, tyres which comply with
a)
Maximum load and speed range for tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles in the EU and the so-called EU user states are issued an EC Certificate of Conformity.
This details the size, diameter and speed range of all tyres approved by Volkswagen for the
relevant vehicle type.
The type plate shows whether there is an EC certificate of conformity for this particular vehicle. The
type plate can be seen on the lower part of the door pillar when the door is open ⇒ Technical data.
•If the type plate has a row marked Permit then the vehicle does have an EC certificate of
conformity.
•If there is no type plate, or no row marked Permit the vehicle does not have an EC certificate of
conformity.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Winter or all-year tyres improve the handling and brake response in winter conditions. Volkswagen
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F) or in
winter road conditions.
Winter tyres and all-year tyres lose a large degree of their effectiveness for winter conditions when
the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm.
The following applies when using winter tyres:
•Observe any country-specific legal requirements.
•Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.
•Only use in winter road conditions.
•Only use the sizes of tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Winter tyres must have the same belt type, size and the same tread pattern.
•Observe the maximum speed permitted by the speed index ⇒.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limit depending on the speed index ⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type.
Speed warning settings can be made and adjusted in the Infotainment system using the
button and the and Tyres function buttons ⇒ Operation and display in the
Infotainment system.
If you use V-rated tyres, the speed limits and required tyre pressure will be determined by the
engine size. You must ask a Volkswagen dealership about the maximum permitted speed and
required tyre pressure.
Four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, the vehicle will have plenty of traction in winter conditions, even with
the standard tyres. Nevertheless, Volkswagen still recommends that winter tyres or all-year tyres
should be fitted on all 4 wheels in winter, mainly because this will give a better braking response.
Observe information on snow chains⇒ Snow chains.
Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is
better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C (+45°F). They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-synchronise after
wheels are changed ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
The improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not
encourage you to take any risks.
•Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic
conditions.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.
WARNING
•From the PR number on the vehicle data sticker ⇒ Fig. 250 (arrow) ⇒ Technical data.
•From the table below.
Service
event
PR
No.
Service
type
Service interval
Oil change
service
QI1
Fixed
Every 5,000 km / 3,000 miles or 1 year.
QI2Every 7,500 km / 4,500 miles or 1 year.
QI3Every 10,000 km / 6,000 miles or 1 year.
QI4Every 15,000 km / 9,000 miles or 1 year.
QI6FlexibleAccording to service interval display.
InspectionAccording to service interval display.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
Features of the flexible service
With the flexible service, you need to have an oil change service carried out only if your vehicle
requires one. To determine this point in time, individual operating conditions and personal driving
style are taken into account. An important part of the flexible service is the use of LongLife engine
oil instead of conventional engine oil.
Note the information on engine oil specifications according to VW standards ⇒ Engine oil.
If you do not wish to have the flexible service, you can opt for the fixed service instead.
However, a fixed service can affect your service costs. Your service advisor will be pleased to
advise you.
Service interval display
Scheduled services at Volkswagen are displayed in the service interval display in the instrument
cluster ⇒ Service interval display or in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system
⇒ Operation and display in the Infotainment system. The service interval display informs you about
the scheduled services which include an oil change and also about scheduled services which
include an inspection. When the respective service is due, additional work that is due can also be
carried out, e.g. changing brake fluid and spark plugs.
Information is stated for vehicles used under normal operating conditions.
Whichever comes first.
Information on operating conditions
The service intervals and service content are always for vehicles used under normal operating
conditions.
If the vehicle is operated under severe conditions, some work will have to be performed before the
next service is due or at shorter intervals than those specified.
Severe operating conditions are, for example:
•Fuels containing sulphur,
•Regular short trips,
•Long periods of engine idling (taxis for example),
•Operation in regions with high dust levels,
•Regular trailer towing ⇒ Trailer towing,
•A high percentage of stop-and-go traffic, as is typical in city driving and
•Driving mainly in winter conditions.
This applies particularly to the following components:
•Dust and pollen filter
•Air filter
•Toothed belt
•Diesel particulate filter
•Engine oil
The service advisor at your qualified workshop will be pleased to advise you on whether your
vehicle requires more frequent work due to the conditions under which it is used.
a)
b)
b)
b)
b)
a)
b)