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
circumferenceyf D Q G W K H V D P H W U H D G .
•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 blistersyf ' U L Y L Q J
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
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 mphyf .
•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 mphyf ' R Q R W D F F H O H U D W H T X L F N O \ E U D N H V X G G H Q O \ R U
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
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°Fyf R U L Q
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 (4MOTIONyf
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°Fyf 7 K H \ D U H T X L H W H U G R Q R W Z H D U
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
If your vehicle has a flat tyre, park the vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from moving traffic.
Switch on the electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
With a DSG® dual clutch gearbox, move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch
gearbox.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Starting and stopping the engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Manual gearbox: selecting a gear.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be placed fully back in position after changing the
wheel.
Removing and fitting the caps
•Removing: take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 243 and pull off in the direction of
the arrow.
•Fitting: press the caps on the bolts as far as they will go.
The anti-theft wheel bolt has a separate cap. It only fits onto the anti-theft wheel bolts and not
onto conventional wheel bolts.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered from the factory without a jack or box spanner. If this is the case, the
wheel should be changed by a qualified workshop.
The vehicle jack supplied with the vehicle is only designed for changing a wheel when one vehicle
tyre is damaged and has to be replaced. If both tyres on one side of the vehicle, both tyres on one
axle, or all tyres are damaged, seek expert assistance.
Preparations for changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Checklist
The following actions must always be carried out in the given order in preparation for
changing the wheel ⇒:
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially when carried out at the side of a road.
Please note the following steps in order to reduce the risk of serious injuries:
•Stop the vehicle as soon as it is possible and safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to carry out the wheel change.
•All passengers and children in particular must be at a safe distance and away from
your area of work during the wheel change.
•Switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Check that the surface the vehicle is parked on is level and firm. If necessary use a
large, strong board or similar support for the vehicle jack.
•Only change the wheel yourself if you feel confident carrying out the procedure. If not,
seek expert assistance.
•Always use suitable and undamaged tools to change the wheel.
•Always switch off the engine, switch on the electronic parking brake and move the
selector lever to the position P or select a gear on a manual gearbox in order to reduce
the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
•The wheel bolt tightening torque should be checked with a torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
•In the case of vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-
synchronised immediately after new tyres are fitted ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
WARNING
Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, with a manual gearbox select a gear or with a DSG® dual clutch gearbox
move the selector lever to position P DSG® dual clutch gearbox and switch on the
electronic parking brake Parking and manoeuvring.
Chock both wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle using the collapsible chocks or
other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being
changed.
Insert the hand crank into the opening on the jack (depending on equipmentyf .
Crank up the jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the entire surface of the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground, and
that the foot of the jack is positioned fully underneath the point of application and .
Position the jack and simultaneously continue to crank the claw up until it is in position
around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
The tightening torque should be checked with a properly functioning torque wrench immediately
after changing a wheel.
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 246 Lifting points for the jack.
Fig. 247 Vehicle jack at the rear left-hand side of the vehicle.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The jack may be positioned only at the reinforcements on the underbody, which are located behind
the markings on the body ⇒ Fig. 246. Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are
working on ⇒.
Checklist
For your own safety, carry out the following points in the specified order ⇒:
Incorrectly tightened wheel bolts can loosen while the vehicle is in motion and cause
accidents, serious injury, and loss of control of the vehicle.
•Only use wheel bolts that belong to the wheel.
•Never use different wheel bolts.
•The wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs must be clean, free from oil and grease,
and turn easily.
•Always use the box spanner placed in the vehicle at the factory to loosen and tighten
the wheel bolts.
•Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with
the vehicle jack.
•Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub. This could
cause them to loosen while the vehicle is in motion, even if the required torque setting
is used.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and rims can
loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and threads can be damaged if
the tightening torque is too high.
WARNING
After changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Clean the tools from the vehicle tool kit and place them back in the foam rubber holder in the
luggage compartment ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Stow the changed wheel securely in the luggage compartment.
•Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked immediately ⇒ Tightening torque for the
wheel bolts.
•The damaged wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-synchronise after
wheels are changed ⇒ Tyre monitoring systems.
Breakdown set
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Contents of the breakdown set
⇒ Preparation
⇒ Sealing and inflating tyres
⇒ Test after driving for 10 minutes
The breakdown set can be used to temporarily and reliably seal any tyre damage caused by foreign
bodies or punctures (up to approx. 4 mm in diameteryf Do not remove foreign objects (e.g.
screws or nailsyf I U R P W K H W \ U H !
Once the sealant has been added to the tyre, the tyre pressure must be checked and adjusted
again after approximately ten minutes of driving.
Seek expert assistance if more than one of the vehicle's tyres is damaged. The breakdown set is
designed to fill only one tyre.
Use the breakdown set only when the vehicle has been safely parked and if you are familiar with
the work and safety precautions needed. Seek expert assistance if this is not the case.
The tyre sealant must not be used:
•If the rim is damaged.
•If the outside temperature is below -20°C (-4°Fyf .
•If there are cuts or punctures in the tyre that are larger than 4 mm.
•If the vehicle was driven with very low tyre pressure or a flat tyre.
•If the use-by date on the tyre filler bottle has expired.
•In conjunction with AirStop tyres. You can tell if your vehicle is equipped with AirStop tyres if
there is the word Seal on the outside of the tyres.
Incorrect torque or incorrect use of wheel bolts can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle,
cause accidents and serious injuries.
•Always keep all wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs clean and free from oil and
grease. The wheel bolts must be easy to turn and be tightened to the specified torque.
•The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle should only be used for turning wheel
bolts, not use for loosening or tightening them.
WARNING
®®
•Water drains: check.
•Road test: perform.
Servicing work
In addition to the inspection work (depending on the operating conditions and vehicle equipment
such as engine, gearbox or service fluidsyf I X U W K H U V H U Y L F L Q J Z R U N P X V W E H S H U I R U P H G R Q \ R X U
vehicle. The work dependent on either time and/or mileage.
•Additives: change/top up.
•Brake fluid: change.
•Diesel particulate filter: check.
•Natural gas tank and lines: change.
•Gearbox: change oil/filter.
•Gearbox mountings: change.
•Gas system filter: change.
•Final drive/differential: change oil.
•Diesel fuel filter: change/drain.
•Air filter: change.
•Engine: change oil/filter.
•Dust and pollen filter: change.
•Spark plugs: change.
•Toothed belt/toothed belt tensioning roller: check/change.
It is also possible to have servicing work carried out in between the scheduled service events
⇒ Fixed service or flexible service.
The scope of service is subject to change for technical reasons (continuous further development of
componentsyf <