
Tyre lettering (example)Meaning
granted approval. This is followed by the number of the type 
approval certificate.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709
Tyre identification number (TIN – may be on the inner side of 
the wheel) and manufacturer date:
DOT
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the 
USA Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre 
safety standards.
BTCode identifier of the factory that manufactured the 
tyre.
RATyre manufacturer's data on tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre characteristics.
1709Manufacture date: 17th week in 2009.
TWIIndicates the position of the tread wear indicator ⇒ Tread depth 
and wear indicators.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KGUS load data for the maximum load per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA 
(51 PSI)US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONData on tyre sub-construction components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 
1 NYLON
Data on the tread surface components:
In the example there are four layers under the tread surface: 
1 layer of rayon, 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres 
(standardised test procedure)⇒ Consumer information:
TREADWEAR 220Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-
specific standard test.
TRACTION AWet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATemperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A, B or 
C).
Any other characters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or are country-specific 
codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
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. The direction of 
rotation must be adhered to. This guarantees 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.
Tyre load
The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre 
load).
78425 kg81462 kg83487 kg85515 kg87545 kg91615 kg
Speed index
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular 
wheels are fitted.
Pmax. 150 km/h (93 mph)Qmax. 160 km/h (99 mph)Rmax. 170 km/h (106 mph)Smax. 180 km/h 
(112 mph)Tmax. 190 km/h (118 mph)Umax. 200 km/h (124 mph)Hmax. 210 km/h (130 mph)Vmax. 
240 km/h (149 mph)Zover 240 km/h (149 mph)Wmax. 270 km/h (168 mph)Ymax. 300 km/h 
(186 mph)
Some tyre manufacturers use the code ZR for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over 
240 km/h (149 mph).
 The TIN is the tyre serial number.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In winter road conditions, winter tyres will considerably improve the car's handling. The design of 
summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen 
urgently recommends the use of winter tyres or all-year tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle, 
particularly if winter conditions are expected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking 
response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volkswagen 
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F).
a)
a) 

You will need an external aerial to use a two-way radio in the vehicle.
Any retrofit installation of electrical or electronic equipment in the vehicle will affect its vehicle type 
approval. Under certain circumstances, this can negate the type approval for the vehicle.
Volkswagen has approved the vehicle for use with two-way radios subject to the following 
conditions:
•Correct installation of external aerial.
•A maximum transmitting power of 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range.
Check first with a qualified workshop if you wish to use a two-way radio with a transmitting power of 
over 10 watts. A qualified workshop is familiar with the technical options for retrofitting. Volkswagen 
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Please observe legislation and the instructions and information given in the operating manuals for 
radio equipment.
Information stored in the control units
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Your vehicle is factory fitted with electronic control units which are responsible for engine and 
gearbox management. The control units also monitor the function of the exhaust system and the 
airbags.
These electronic control units continuously evaluate data relevant to the vehicle while the vehicle is 
being driven. Only these data will be stored if there are any faults recorded or any deviations from 
the specified values. This is generally displayed by the indicator lamps on the instrument cluster.
Special units are required to read and evaluate data stored in the control units.
These data are stored so that specialist workshops can diagnose and solve problems. The 
following data may have been stored:
•Engine and gearbox-relevant data.
•Speed.
•Direction of travel.
•Braking power.
•Seat belt monitor.
The control units never record conversations that take place in the vehicle. It is neither possible nor 
permitted to use the stored data to create movement profiles.
When the vehicle is being used, situations may arise in which the stored data (alone or in 
conjunction with other information such as accident reports, vehicle damage, witness statements 
etc.) can become assignable to a particular person, in which case it may be necessary to consult an 
expert and use the expert's information.
In vehicles with an emergency call function via a mobile telephone or other units, the current 
location can be transmitted. In the event of an accident in which the control units register that an 
airbag has been triggered, the system can automatically send out a signal. This depends on your 
service provider. Transmission is possible only in areas with a sufficiently strong mobile telephone 
signal.
Additional functions that are contractually agreed with the customer, e.g. vehicle positioning in an 
emergency, allow certain vehicle data to be transmitted from the vehicle.
If radio equipment is not secured or not properly secured in the vehicle, it could be flung 
though the interior during a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre, or in the event of an 
accident. This can cause injuries.
•While the vehicle is in motion, always secure two-way radios properly outside the airbag 
deployment zones or stow them away safely.
WARNING
If two-way radios that are not connected to an external aerial are used, electromagnetic 
radiation in the vehicle could exceed limit values and thus be a health hazard for drivers and 
other vehicle occupants. This also applies to external aerials that have not been correctly 
installed.
•Two-way radios should only be used in the vehicle if an external aerial is properly 
connected.
CAUTION 

⇒ Catalytic converter
Additional information and warnings:
•Changing gear ⇒ Changing gear
•Filling the tank ⇒ Filling the tank
•Fuel ⇒ Fuel
•Engine oil ⇒ Engine oil
•Battery ⇒ Vehicle battery
•Information stored in the control units ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
•Tow-starting and towing ⇒ Tow-starting and towing
Indicator lamps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Engine management system fault 
(Electronic Power Control).
The engine should be checked by a qualified 
workshop as soon as possible.
Fault in catalytic converter.
Decrease speed. Drive carefully to the next 
qualified workshop. The engine should be 
checked.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Misfiring, which damages the catalytic 
converter.
Decrease speed. Drive carefully to the next 
qualified workshop. The engine should be 
checked.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is 
switched on. They will go out soon afterwards.
If the indicator lamps  or  are lit up, fuel consumption may be higher, and engine 
performance reduced.
Catalytic converter
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The catalytic converter is used for exhaust gas post-treatment and helps to reduce exhaust 
emissions. To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter:
•Use unleaded petrol only.
•Do not allow the fuel tank to run empty.
•Do not overfill engine oil ⇒ Engine oil.
•Do not tow-start the vehicle. Use jump leads ⇒ Starting the engine with jump leads.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is moving, reduce speed 
immediately. The vehicle should be inspected at the nearest qualified workshop. If this happens, 
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter 
can also be damaged by overheating.
Even when the exhaust purification system is working perfectly, there may be a smell of 
sulphur from the exhaust in some conditions. This depends on the sulphur content of the fuel being 
used.
The components of the exhaust system become very hot. This can cause fires.
•Park the vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can come into contact with any 
inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass.
•Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic 
converters or heat shields.
WARNING
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated warning 
texts.
NOTICE
If and when