2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! change wheel

The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved
by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major
contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
•If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
•Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks or blisters.
•Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the inner
tyre⇒ Tyre damage.
•Always respond to any warning messages given by the tyre monitoring system.
•Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage ⇒ Tyre damage.
•Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering.
•Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including
oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid ⇒.
•Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ Tyre lettering.
The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps
to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted
with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 130 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.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that are
stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which
are in constant use.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also
applies to tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good condition and whose
tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒.
The age of a tyre can be determined from the manufacturing date, which is a component of the tyre
identification number () ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres before you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be
able to mount them correctly when you replace them (left, right, front, rear). When removed, the
wheels or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark place. Do not store tyres
mounted on the rim vertically.
Any tyres not fitted on rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be
stored vertically (standing on the tread).
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres,
which can cause the tyre to burst.
•Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances
away from the tyres.
WARNING
Old tyres – even if they have not been used – 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

Tyre damage
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. Any unusual vibrations or signs that the car is
pulling to one side may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged ⇒.
•Reduce your speed immediately if you suspect that a wheel is damaged.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•If the tyre is damaged, do not drive on. Seek expert assistance.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in order
to have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
•Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. However, foreign bodies that
are stuck between the tyre tread blocks can be removed.
•For vehicles with a spare wheel or temporary spare wheel: where appropriate, change the
damaged wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel If required, seek expert assistance when changing the
damaged wheel. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•For vehicles with a breakdown set: if required, seal the tyre and pump it up using the
breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set. Proceed to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends
using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
•Check the pressure and adjust it as required.
Tyre wear
Tyre wear is affected by several factors. These include:
•Driving style.
•Unbalanced wheels.
•Running gear setting.
Driving style – fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear. The
running gear should be checked by a qualified workshop if the tyres show excessive wear despite a
normal driving style.
Unbalanced wheels – the wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results in steering
vibration. Unbalanced wheels will affect levels of wear on the steering system and the suspension.
In this case the wheels should be balanced again. A new tyre will have to be balanced after fitting.
Running gear setting – incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. The wheel alignment should be checked by a qualified workshop if tyres show
excessive wear.
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious
injury.
•Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear
indicators.
•Worn tyres have considerably less tread, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the
vehicle to glide along the road surface (aquaplaning).
•Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult
driving situations and increase braking distance and the risk of sliding.
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.
•Reduce speed immediately and park the vehicle without obstructing traffic.
•Check the tyres and rims for damage.
•Never drive on if wheels or tyres are damaged. Seek expert assistance instead.
•If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the next qualified workshop in
order to have the vehicle checked.
WARNING

If possible, stow the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the removed wheel safely in the
luggage compartment. In vehicles with a breakdown set, the removed wheel cannot be secured.
Tyre lettering
Fig. 134 International tyre lettering
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
Brand name, logoManufacturer
Product nameIndividual tyre lettering from manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 18
Size designation:
PIdentification for passenger vehicle.
255Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %.
RTyre construction: radial.
18Rim diameter in inches.
109 HLoad capacity index ⇒ Tyre load and speed index ⇒ Speed
index.
XLHeavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
M+S or M/S orDenotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ⇒ Winter tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSTubeless radial tyres.
E4 ...Certification of conformity with international regulations. The
number following (E) is the code number of the country that
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.
•In some vehicles, the spare wheel could be smaller than the standard wheel. The small
spare wheel has a sticker with the text 80 km/h or 50 mph. This is the maximum speed at
which you are permitted to drive with this tyre.
•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 use more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
•After fitting the temporary spare wheel, the tyre pressure must be checked as soon as
possible ⇒ Tyre pressure.
•Snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
WARNING

Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that there is a fault in the vehicle or if your vehicle has been damaged, read and
observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen dealership or qualified
workshop. You may also find useful information in the index under the headings Things to note or
Checklist.
IrregularitySome possible causesPossible solution
Engine does not start.
Vehicle battery is discharged.
– Jump start the engine ⇒ Starting the
engine with jump leads.
– Recharge the vehicle battery
⇒ Vehicle battery.
An incorrect vehicle key is
being used.
Use a valid vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle key
set.
The fuel level is too low.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Vehicle cannot be locked
or unlocked with the
vehicle key.
– The battery in the vehicle
key is discharged.
– The vehicle key is too far
away from the vehicle.
– Replace battery ⇒ Vehicle key set.
– Move closer to the vehicle.
– Synchronise vehicle key ⇒ Vehicle
key set.
– Unlock or lock vehicle manually
⇒ Manual opening and closing.
Unusual noises.
Cold engine, brake assist
systems, electronic steering
column lock, auxiliary heater,
filling up with natural gas.
Refer to the index under entries for
Noises.
Unusual handling.
Assist systems are active.Refer to the index under entries for
Assist systems.
An incorrect tyre pressure is
being used.
Check tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels and
tyres.
Damage to the tyre or wheel.
Check the rims and tyres regularly for
damage ⇒ Wheels and tyres and
replace as necessary ⇒ Changing a
wheel.
The vehicle has no
vehicle jack, spare wheel
or breakdown set.
Equipment depends on type
of vehicle.
No direct solutions possible as it
depends on the equipment level.
Contact a Volkswagen dealership if
necessary ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
The road ahead is not lit
up properly.
– Headlight has been masked
for driving on the left or on the
right.
– Headlight not adjusted
correctly.
– Bulbs have failed.
– Dipped beam headlight not
switched on.
– Mask the headlights accordingly for
driving on the left or right ⇒ Lights.
– Adjust headlight range ⇒ Lights.
– Change bulbs ⇒ Changing bulbs.
– Switch dipped headlights on
⇒ Lights.
Electrical consumers not
working.
Low vehicle battery charge.Recharge vehicle battery ⇒ Vehicle
battery.
Low fuel level.Fill the tank ⇒ Filling the tank.
Fuse blown.Check fuse and replace as necessary
⇒ Fuses.
Fuel consumption is
higher than indicated.
– Short distances driven.
– Uneven acceleration.
– Avoid driving short distances.
– Think ahead when driving.
– Accelerate evenly.
An electrical consumer is
switched on.
Switch off all consumers that are not
needed.
Fault in engine management
system.
Have the fault rectified ⇒ Engine
management system and exhaust
purification system.
Tyre pressure too low.Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒ Wheels
and tyres.
Driving in hilly regions.No direct solutions possible.
Driving with a heavy load.No direct solutions possible.
Driving at high engine speed.Select a high gear.
In an emergency
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Making you and your vehicle safe
⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher
Additional information and warnings:

Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable surface .
Switch on the hazard warning lights using the button .
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Select the neutral position or move the selector lever to N Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition .
Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle away from moving traffic and proceed to a safe
position, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your
vehicle.
Allow the engine to cool down and, if necessary, seek expert assistance.
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Manual opening and closing ⇒ Manual opening and closing
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
Making you and your vehicle safe
Fig. 140 In the upper part of the centre console: button for switching the hazard warning lights on
and off
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of broken-down vehicles. For example, many
countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility
waistcoat ⇒ First aid kit, warning triangle and fire extinguisher.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions in the
specified order ⇒:
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if you are being towed, you can still
indicate a change in direction or lane change by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be
interrupted temporarily.
Switch on the hazard warning lights:
•When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam,
to will warn vehicles behind you.
•When there is an emergency.
•When the vehicle breaks down.
•When tow-starting or towing.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, use an alternative method of drawing attention to the
broken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
Broken-down vehicles increase the risk of accidents in road traffic – both for you and other
road users.
•Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so. Park the vehicle at a safe
distance from moving traffic in order to lock all doors securely in an emergency. Switch on
the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
•Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the doors
are locked. This may mean that they are locked in the vehicle in an emergency. People
locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
WARNING

In the event of a flat tyre, park your vehicle on a firm and level surface at a safe distance
from the flow of traffic.
Apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
With an automated manual gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition on
Changing gear.
Stop the engine and remove the vehicle key from the ignition Starting and stopping the
engine.
Manual gearbox: select a gear Changing gear.
Ensure that all vehicle occupants exit the vehicle and proceed to a safe position, e.g.
behind the safety barrier.
Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being worked on with a stone or a similar object.
Remove any items of luggage in the luggage compartment.
Remove the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel and vehicle toolkit from the luggage
compartment.
Remove the hubcaps Hubcaps.
⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the jack
⇒ Changing a wheel
⇒ After changing a wheel
Some models are delivered without a factory-fitted 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. Seek expert assistance if both tyres on one side of the
vehicle, both tyres on one axle, or all tyres are damaged.
Only change the wheel yourself when the car is parked in a safe place, you are familiar with the
necessary steps and safety procedures and you have access to all the correct tools. Seek expert
assistance if this is not the case.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Vehicle key set ⇒ Vehicle key set
•Wheels and tyres ⇒ Wheels and tyres
•In an emergency ⇒ In an emergency
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
Preparation 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 possible and when 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.
•The ground should be firm and level. 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, firmly apply the handbrake and move the selector lever to D
or R with the ignition switched on, 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.
WARNING

Find a firm and level surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.
Stop the engine, select a gear on a manual gearbox or with an automated manual
gearbox, move the selector lever to D or R with the ignition switched onChanging gear
then apply the handbrake firmly Braking, stopping and parking.
Chock the wheel diagonally opposite using the collapsible chocks or other suitable objects.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel that is being changed Wheel bolts.
Find the jacking point under the vehicle which is closest to the wheel that is being
changed.
Raise the vehicle jack until it just fits under the jacking point of the vehicle.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is resting securely on the ground with its whole surface and
that the foot of the jack is positioned precisely, i.e. vertically beneath the point of
application .
Position the vehicle jack. At the same time, continue to crank the claw up until it is in
position around the vertical rib underneath the vehicle .
Lifting the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 154 Jacking points for the vehicle jack (mirrored on the right-hand side of the vehicle)
Fig. 155 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 applied only at the jacking points shown (markings on the body) ⇒ Fig. 154.
Always use the jacking point closest to the wheel you are working on ⇒.
Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and that of your passengers, observe the following actions 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

⇒ Fitting the front towing eye
⇒ Driving tips when towing
Observe any legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
For technical reasons, vehicles with a discharged battery must not be tow-started.
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automated manual gearbox must not be tow started
unless it has been ascertained that the gearbox is in position N⇒ When a vehicle with an
automated manual gearbox has to be towed:.
Towing a vehicle when the engine is switched off and the ignition is switched on discharges the
vehicle battery. In some vehicles battery charge level, the drop in voltage can be large enough after
just a few minutes that electrical consumers in the vehicle will no longer function, e.g. the hazard
warning lights.
Additional information and warnings:
•Exterior views ⇒ Exterior views
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Engine management system and exhaust purification system ⇒ Engine management system
and exhaust purification system
•Starting the engine with jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads
You will not be able to fit a towing eye onto the rear bumper. The vehicle is not suited for
towing other vehicles.
Notes on tow-starting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Vehicles should not be tow-started wherever possible. Use jump leads to start the engine
instead⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles cannot be tow-started:
•If the vehicle battery has discharged, the engine control unit will not function properly.
However, if the vehicle still has to be tow-started (manual gearbox):
•Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.
•Keep the clutch pressed down.
Never tow a vehicle that has no power supply.
•Never remove the key from the ignition. This could cause the steering lock to engage
suddenly. You will no longer be able to steer the vehicle. This can lead to a loss of control
of the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
•If the power supply to the towed vehicle is disconnected, stop towing immediately and
seek expert assistance.
WARNING
If a vehicle is being towed, the vehicle handling and braking effect will change significantly.
Please note the following in order to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injuries:
•Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle:
- You will need to depress the brake pedal more vigorously than normal as the brake
servo is not working. Always be careful not to drive into the vehicle that is pulling your
vehicle.
- You will need to turn the steering wheel more vigorously as the power-assisted
steering function is not working.
•Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
- Accelerate carefully and gently.
- Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres.
- Brake earlier than normal by pressing lightly on the brake pedal.
WARNING
•Remove and install the cover and the towing eye carefully so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle, e.g. the paintwork.
•Unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic converter and damage it while the vehicle is being
towed.
NOTICE