Fig. 199 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The content of the vehicle toolkit is determined by the vehicle equipment level ⇒ Fig. 199. The
following describes the maximum scope.
Vehicle tool kit components:
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel bolts. The screwdriver
blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stowed under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel
bolt adapter in the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
engraved on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost.
Make a note of the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place – but
not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre cover, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
Vehicle jack. Before you return the jack to the foam rubber holder, you must wind the claw
in fully.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Crank.
Collapsible chock ⇒ Collapsible chock.
Vehicle jack: maintenance
There are no maintenance cycles for the vehicle jack. Grease it with universal lubricant when
necessary.
Collapsible chock
Fig. 200 Folding out the collapsible chock.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The collapsible chock is stored with the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Stowage.
Design of the collapsible chock
•Lift up the support plate ⇒ Fig. 200①.
•Insert the two lugs on the securing plate into the slots on the base plate ⇒ Fig. 200②.
Correct usage
The collapsible chock can be used to chock the wheel that is diagonally opposite the wheel that is
being changed.
The collapsible chock must be placed directly in front of or behind the wheel. They must only be
used on a solid surface.
Assembling and using the collapsible chocks incorrectly can cause accidents and
injuries.
•Never use damaged collapsible chocks.
•Never use the collapsible chocks to secure the vehicle if it is located on a slope.
WARNING
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
Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 235 Diagram showing how to swap wheels.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The wheels and tyres approved by Volkswagen have been carefully selected.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 235 is recommended to help
ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified workshop.
Avoiding damage to the rims and tyres
•Always drive over kerbs slowly and at a right angle.
•Check the tyre pressure regularly.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering and
tyre type.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Protect the wheels from contact with corrosive substances, including oils, lubricants, fuel and
brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that have
been stored unused for an extended period of time age quicker than tyres that are used all the time.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of
vehicle control and braking power.
•Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents
and serious injuries.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread.
•New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking
effect. Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and
serious injury.
•Check tyre pressures regularly when the tyres are cold, and always keep to the
specified value. 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.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries.
Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
•The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake support systems depends on
the tyre grip.
•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop
the car immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
•In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted on wheel rim rings.
•Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres
could be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
•Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst,
especially at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries. Avoid using
tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly and with
extra care at all times.
WARNING
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
Volkswagen-approved tyres are guaranteed to have the dimensions that are suitable for the
vehicle. In the case of other tyres, the tyre seller must provide a certificate from the tyre
manufacturer stating that the tyre is also suitable for the vehicle. This certificate must be stored in a
safe place in the vehicle.
Wheel rims and wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts are matched to the vehicle type. If different rims are fitted, the
correct wheel bolts with the correct length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used
⇒ Changing a wheel.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type.
Wheel bolts
The correct wheel bolts must be used for all vehicle types; these bolts must always be tightened
with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Wheel bolts.
Wheel rims with bolted rim rings or trim elements
Wheel rims with bolted-on rings or trim elements consist of several components. These
components are joined together using special bolts. Damaged wheel rims must be replaced and
must always be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rim identification
In some countries, new wheel rims must contain information on certain properties. The following
information may be provided on the wheel rim:
•Seal of conformity
•Rim size
•Name of manufacturer or brand name
•Date manufactured (month/year)
•Country of origin
•Production number
•Raw materials batch number
•Product code
Wheels must have the necessary freedom of operation. If the wheels do not have the
necessary freedom of operation, the tyre could rub on parts of the running gear, the
vehicle body and the brake lines. This can lead to a fault in the brake system and to tread
separation and thus to a tyre bursting.
•The actual tyre size must not exceed the tyre dimensions of manufacturers approved
by Volkswagen and must not rub on any vehicle body parts.
WARNING
Avoid heavy impacts and drive round obstacles whenever possible. Tyres can be
deformed by potholes and kerb edges especially. This can cause damage to the tyres and
wheel rims.
NOTICE
Tyre pressure
Fig. 236 Symbols on the tyre pressure sticker.
Fig. 237 On the driver door pillar: tyre pressure sticker (alternatively on the inside of the fuel flap).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Information on the sticker ⇒ Fig. 236:
Tyre pressure for the tyres on the front axle.
Tyre pressure for the tyres on the rear axle.
Note: check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
Tyre pressure for partial load.
Vehicle-dependent: comfort tyre pressure for partial load.
Tyre pressure for full load.
Tyre pressure level for the spare or temporary spare wheel.
The sticker provides the correct tyre pressure for approved tyres and is located either on the driver
door pillar ⇒ Fig. 237 or inside the tank flap.
The appearance of the sticker may differ between vehicles. It may include additional tyre sizes
⇒ Tyre lettering and tyre type.
The wrong tyre pressure will have a negative effect on the vehicle's response and leads to high
levels of wear or even a burst tyre ⇒. The correct tyre pressure is particularly important at high
speeds.
Comfort tyre pressure
Depending on the vehicle, the tyre pressure sticker may show details of a comfort tyre pressure
⇒ Fig. 236③. The comfort tyre pressure allows increased driving comfort. Fuel consumption may
increase when driving with comfort tyre pressure.
Checking the tyre pressure
•Check the tyre pressure at least once a month.
The use of unsuitable or damaged rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injury.
•Only use rims that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Replace wheel rims in the event of damage.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injury.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•All work on rims with bolted-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
Removing the spare wheel
•Open the boot lid.
•Raise or fold forward the luggage compartment floor ⇒ Boot lid.
•Pull the wedge of the locating element ⇒ Fig. 239① upwards and out.
•Unscrew the handwheel in the middle of the spare wheel ② anticlockwise fully and remove the
spare wheel.
Storing the removed wheel
•Open the boot lid and raise the luggage compartment floor or fold it forwards.
•Place the removed wheel into the spare wheel well with the rim facing downwards so that the
central hole in the rim positioned exactly above the threaded pin.
•Screw the handwheel ⇒ Fig. 239② clockwise onto the threaded pin until the replaced wheel is
firmly secured.
•Insert the locating element wedge ① into the slot of the threaded pin so that the handwheel can
no longer be turned.
If the spare wheel tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on
the vehicle
If the spare wheel tyre differs from the other tyres on the vehicle, the spare wheel must be used
only in the event of a tyre failure and for a short time ⇒.
Follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid full acceleration, sudden braking and fast driving through bends in the road.
•Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Snow chains.
•The tyre pressure must be checked as soon as possible after fitting the spare wheel or
temporary spare wheel ⇒ Tyre pressure.
Tyre lettering and tyre type
Incorrect use of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel can lead to a loss of control of
the vehicle, to collisions or other accidents and cause serious injuries.
•Never use a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the
tread wear indicators.
•Some vehicles may be equipped with a temporary spare wheel instead of a spare
wheel. The temporary spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the text 80 km/h
or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive with this
tyre. The sticker must remain in place throughout the wheel's service life.
•Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Do not accelerate quickly, brake suddenly or
drive at high speed through bends.
•Never drive further than 200 km with a temporary spare wheel if it is fitted to the drive
axle.
•The temporary spare wheel should be exchanged for a normal wheel as soon as
possible. The temporary spare wheel is designed for a short period of use only.
•The temporary spare wheel must always be secured firmly with the wheel bolts
supplied by the factory.
•Never drive using more than one spare wheel that is a different size than the original
tyres.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel.
•Do not fit a temporary spare wheel to the rear axle when towing a trailer ⇒.
WARNING
The spare wheel is not fitted with a tyre pressure sensor. If the spare wheel is used with
tyre pressure sensor, the tyre monitoring system indicator lamp will flash in the instrument
cluster display after approximately ten minutes ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
NOTICE
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please observe legislation and also the maximum permitted speed when driving your vehicle with
snow chains.
On icy or snow-covered roads, snow chains will improve traction and braking response.
Snow chains may only be fitted on the front wheels – even on four-wheel drive vehicles
(4MOTION) – and only with the following wheel and tyre combinations:
Tyre sizeWheelType of snow chains to use
215 / 65 R 17
6 1/2 J x 17 offset 38Only fine-linked snow chains that add no more than
about 13.5 mm.
7 J x 17 offset 40Only fine-linked snow chains that add no more than
about 9 mm.
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
Remove hubcaps and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒. For safety reasons cover caps
must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. Caps are available from Volkswagen dealerships.
Mounting the temporary spare wheel in the event of a puncture on a front
wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel.
•In event of a flat tyre on one of the front wheels, mount the temporary spare wheel to the rear
axle.
•Replace the damaged front wheel with the removed rear wheel. Note the direction of rotation.
Volkswagen recommends fitting the snow chains before mounting the wheel on the car.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system may have to be re-synchronised
when snow chains are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Hubcaps
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Centre cover
⇒ Wheel cover
⇒ Wheel bolt caps
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of
snow chains can cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always use the correct snow chains.
•Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
•Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for the snow chains that are fitted.
WARNING
•Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains
will otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
•Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it.
Volkswagen recommends using snow chains with integrated rim protection.
NOTICE
Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and
endanger other road users.
•Do not use damaged hubcaps.
•Always ensure that the airflow to cool the brakes is not restricted or reduced. This also
applies if hubcaps are retrofitted. If the airflow is not sufficient, the braking distance
could increase significantly.
WARNING
Centre cover
Fig. 241 Removing the centre covers by pulling.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The centre wheel trim protects the wheel bolts and must be fitted again after changing the wheel.
Removing and installing the centre wheel trim
•To remove: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit and hook it into the
edge of the cover ⇒ Fig. 241.
•Remove the cover in the direction of the arrow.
•To replace: press the centre wheel trim against the rim until you feel it engage.
Wheel cover
Fig. 242 Removing the wheel covers.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The wheel cover protects the wheel bolts and must be fitted again after changing the wheel.
Removing the wheel covers
•Take the box spanner and wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook into one of the holes in the wheel cover.
•Push the box spanner through the wire hook ⇒ Fig. 242 and remove the wheel cover in the
direction of the arrow.
Fitting the wheel covers
•Screw in the anti-theft wheel bolt at position ⇒ Fig. 245② or ③.
•Press the wheel cover onto the rim so that the valve hole is located over the tyre valve
⇒ Fig. 245①.
The wheel cover must engage securely in position around the entire circumference.
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 243 Removing the wheel bolt caps.