Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Winter tyres
also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the tread depth.
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 winter tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Winter tyres must have the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
•Heed the maximum speed permitted by the speed index ⇒.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limitation depending on the speed index ⇒ Tyre lettering.
In some vehicle versions, a speed warning can be set in the MFD (multifunction display) menu in
the instrument cluster ⇒ Volkswagen information 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 highest permitted speed and
required tyre pressure.
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°F). They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Please heed legislation and also the permitted speed when driving your vehicle with snow chains.
In winter conditions, snow chains will not only improve acceleration, but also braking response.
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. They may be fitted only to the following tyre
and wheel combinations:
Tyre sizeWheel
165 / 70 R 145 J x 14 offset 35
Volkswagen recommends that you ask your Volkswagen dealership for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
If possible, use snow chains with fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 15 mm, including
the tensioner.
Remove wheel centre covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒. For safety reasons
cover caps must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. These are available from your Volkswagen
dealership.
Temporary spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the temporary spare wheel ⇒ Spare wheel
or temporary spare wheel.
If you have to use snow chains with the temporary spare wheel fitted, the temporary spare wheel
should be fitted to the rear axle even when a front wheel is damaged. You can then use the wheel
taken from the rear axle to replace the damaged front wheel. Please note the direction of rotation.
Volkswagen recommends fitting the snow chains before mounting the wheel on the car.
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
