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Rotating wheels
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration Fig. 193is 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 wheel rims and tyres
Tyre lettering and
tyre type
worn tyres must be replaced immediately Tyre damage
fluid
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 more quickly than tyres that are used all the
time.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also applies
to tyres which appear to still be in good condition and whose tread depth has not yet reached the
minimum value stipulated by legislation
Winter and all-year tyres also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing regardless of the
remaining tread depth.
The age of each tyre can be determined using the manufacturing date Tyre lettering and tyre
type
Storing tyres
es mounted on the
wheel rim vertically.
should be stored vertically (standing on the tread).
New tyres
with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in. Tyres
that have not been run in have reduced grip and braking efficiency
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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.
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
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts are matched to the vehicle type. If different wheel rims are fitted,
the correct wheel bolts with the correct length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheel rims from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheel rims of the same vehicle type.
The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be checked regularly with a properly functioning
torque wrench.
Wheel bolts
The correct wheel bolts must be used for each vehicle type; these bolts must always be tightened
with the correct tightening torque Wheel bolts
Wheel rims with bolted rim rings or trim elements
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 only by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for
this purpose
Wheel rim identification
In some countries, new wheel rims must contain information on certain properties. The following
information may appear on the wheel rim:
ed (month/year)
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WARNING
The use of unsuitable or damaged wheel rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injuries.
ave been approved for the vehicle.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injuries.
on wheel rims with bolted-on rings.
-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 194 Symbols on the tyre pressure sticker.
Fig. 195 On the driver door pillar: tyre pressure sticker (alternatively on the inside of the tank flap).
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The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when
the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicator.
The bottom of the tyre tread has 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators Fig. 196
tyre sidewall indicate the position of the wear indicators Fig. 196
WARNING
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle and cause serious
injuries.
indicators.
roads, which can cause the vehicle to
float along the road surface (aquaplaning).
situations and increase braking distance and the risk of skidding.
Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Damage to tyres and wheel rims is often hidden
and wheel rims for damage.
Changing a wheelor seal the
tyre with the breakdown set and inflate it Breakdown set
, drive slowly and carefully to the next qualified workshop in order to
have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
Changing a wheelor seal the tyre with the breakdown set and
inflate it Breakdown set
olkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
Tyre wear
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
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response. Unbalanced wheels will affect the level of tyre wear. In this case, the wheels should be
balanced again.
Incorrect wheel alignment impairs driving safety and increases tyre wear. The running gear should
be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion, this may
indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
Check the tyres and wheel rims for damage.
have the vehicle checked.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Fig. 197 In luggage compartment: : handwheel for securing spare wheel, : handwheel for securing
temporary spare wheel.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Removing the spare wheel/collapsible spare wheel/temporary spare wheel
Luggage compartment floor
th the container.
Fig. 197in an anti-clockwise
direction.
Stowing the replaced wheel
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snow chains.
On icy or snow-covered roads, snow chains will improve traction and braking response.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. They may be fitted only to the following tyre and
wheel rim combinations:
T
y
r
e
si
z
e
W
h
e
e
l
r
i
m
2
0
5
/
6
0
R
1
6
6
J
x
1
6
o
f
f
s
e
t
4
3
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain sizes.
If possible, use snow chains with fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 13.5 mm,
including the tensioner.
Remove centre wheel trims and rim trim rings before fitting snow chains
caps must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. Caps are available from Volkswagen dealerships.
Using snow chains with fitted temporary spare wheel/collapsible spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel/collapsible
spare wheel Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
llapsible
spare wheel on the rear axle.
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Fig. 200 Removing the centre wheel trim by turning.
The centre wheel trim protects the wheel bolts and must be fitted again after changing the wheel.
Vehicles with centre wheel trims that can be removed by pulling
Vehicle toolkitand insert it into a hole
(alloy wheel) or fit it on the edge (steel wheel) of the trim Fig. 199
cover in the direction of the arrow.
Vehicles with centre wheel trims that can be removed by turning
-clockwise until it is released from the rim
Fig. 200
WARNING
Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious injuries.
road users.
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.
Wheel cover
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nsors, camera lenses:
clean the area in front of the sensors or camera with a soft cloth and solvent-free cleaning agent.
Observe the installation locations Vehicle overviews
camera lens.
Clean sensitive surfaces on the rain/light sensor and the camera window on the windscreen in the
same way as windows and glass surfaces (depending on vehicle equipment).
Remove snow with a hand brush. Do not use warm or hot water. Use the Volkswagen Genuine de-
icing agent (- 000 096 322 -) to remove ice.
Decorative films, protective films:
Remove soiling as for paint. Always use Volkswagen Genuine plastic cleaner (- 000 096 314 -) for
matt decorative films.
Treat the vehicle with liquid hard wax every three months after washing and removing dust. Use
only clean, soft microfibre cloths to apply it. Do not use hot wax, even in car washes.
Trim parts, trim strips, exhaust pipes made of chrome, aluminium or stainless steel:
Clean only using a clean, soft cloth and a mild soap solution2) in a dust-free environment.
Chrome parts can be protected using Volkswagen Genuine hard wax (- 000 096 317 -).
Anodised surfaces: do not use chrome cleaning products.
Headlights, tail light clusters:
Use a soft sponge soaked with a mild soap solution2). Do not use any cleaning agents that contain
alcohol or solvents.
nium care product (-
000 096 319 D -).
Wheels:
Remove dirt and gritting salt deposits with plenty of water.
Alloy wheels: treat dirty aluminium wheels with Volkswagen Genuine wheel rim cleaner (-
000 096 304 -). Volkswagen recommends treating the wheel rims with Volkswagen Genuine hard
wax (- 000 096 317 -) every three months.
-up pen. Go to a qualified
workshop if necessary.
- 000 096 304 -).
Door lock cylinders: