2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP! wheel bolts

proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
•Transporting ⇒ Driving notes
•Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping and parking
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Hubcaps ⇒ Hubcaps
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This
can also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type. Refer to the vehicle documentation and ask a
Volkswagen dealership if necessary.
Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 130 Diagram showing how to swap wheels
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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 fitting.
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
circumference) and the same tread.
•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 and always keep to the specified tyre pressure value. If the
tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such an
extent that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
•Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
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 assist 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 rims with bolted on 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

Rims
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel
bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the
wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly ⇒ Changing a wheel.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can
also apply to wheels of the same vehicle type.
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.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque ⇒ Changing a wheel.
Rims with bolted-on rings
Rims with bolted-on rings consist of several components. These components are fastened using
special bolts and special fastening technology. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, does
not leak, remains safe and runs true. For this reason, damaged rims should be replaced. They may
only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership
for this purpose ⇒.
Rims with bolted-on trims
Rims may have removable trims that are attached to the rim with self-locking bolts. Damaged trims
may only be repaired by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen
dealership for this purpose ⇒.
Rims identification
In some countries, new rims are legally required to contain certain specifications on them.
Depending on the country the following specifications can appear on the rims:
•Seal of conformity
•Rim size
•Name of manufacturer or brand name
•Date manufactured (month / year)
•Country of origin
•Production number
•Raw materials batch number
•Product code
New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
New tyres
•Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in.
Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip ⇒ and braking effect ⇒.
•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread.
The use of unsuitable or damaged rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and
serious injury.
•Only use rims that have been approved for the vehicle.
•Check the rims regularly for damage and replace as necessary.
WARNING
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings can cause
accidents and serious injury.
•Never remove the bolts on rims with bolted-on rings.
•All work on rims with bolted-on rings must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
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

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

Stowage
Fig. 146 In the luggage compartment: floor covering held in upright position
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The vehicle tools, spare wheel, emergency spare wheel or breakdown set are located in the
luggage compartment under the floor covering ⇒ Fig. 146.
•If necessary, remove the variable luggage compartment floor ⇒ Luggage compartment.
•Lift the floor covering at the recess (arrow) ⇒ Fig. 146.
After using the vehicle jack, crank it back to its original position so that it can be stored
safely.
Contents
Fig. 147 Contents of the vehicle toolkit
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The content of the vehicle toolkit depends on the vehicle equipment level. The following describes
the maximum scope.
The vehicle toolkit contains the following⇒ Fig. 147
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel bolts. The screwdriver
blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be located under the box spanner.
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts. Volkswagen recommends that you carry the wheel
bolt adapter in the vehicle toolkit at all times. The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
engraved on the front of the adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost.
Make a note of the code number for the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place – but
not inside the vehicle.
Removable towing eye.
Wire hook for pulling off the centre cover, wheel covers and the wheel bolt caps.
In the event of a sudden driving or braking manoeuvre or accident, a loose vehicle toolkit,
breakdown set and spare wheel could be flung though the vehicle and cause severe injuries.
•Always ensure that the vehicle toolkit, breakdown set and spare wheel or temporary spare
wheel are secured in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged tools in the vehicle toolkit can lead to accidents and injuries.
•Never work with unsuitable or damaged tools from the vehicle toolkit.
WARNING

Vehicle jack. Before you return the vehicle jack to the toolbox, fully wind in the claw. To
stow the vehicle jack securely the crank lever must be braced against the side of the jack.
Box spanner for wheel bolts.
Vehicles with a natural gas engine
In vehicles with natural gas engines delivered with a second wheel set, the toolkit is kept in a
seperate bag. Volkswagen recommends not keeping the bag in the vehicle all the time but only
when it is necessary for changing to winter or summer tyres.
Hubcaps
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Centre cover
⇒ Wheel cover
⇒ Wheel bolt caps
Additional information and warnings:
•Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior ⇒ Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
•Vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit
•Changing a wheel ⇒ Changing a wheel
•Breakdown set ⇒ Breakdown set
Centre cover
Fig. 148 Pulling off the centre cover on an alloy wheel
Fig. 149 Pulling off the centre cover on a steel wheel
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Using unsuitable hubcaps, or fitting them incorrectly, can cause accidents and serious
injuries.
•Incorrectly fitted hubcaps can become loose while the vehicle is in motion and endanger
other road users.
•Do not use damaged hubcaps.
•Always ensure that 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.
WARNING
Remove the hubcaps carefully and fit them again properly so as to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
NOTICE

The centre cover has to be pulled off to gain access to the wheel bolts.
Removing and installing the centre cover
•To remove: take the wire hook from the toolkit and insert it in a hole (alloy wheel) or into an
edge on the cover (steel wheel) ⇒ Fig. 148 or ⇒ Fig. 149.
•Remove the cover in the direction of the arrow.
•To replace: press the centre cover against the rim until you feel it engage.
The centre cover protects the wheel bolts and must be replaced after changing the tyre.
Wheel cover
Fig. 150 Removing the wheel covers
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Removing the wheel covers
•Take the box spanner and wire hook from the vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the wire hook into one of the holes in the wheel cover.
•Push the box spanner through the wire hook ⇒ Fig. 150 and remove the wheel cover in the
direction of the arrow.
Fitting the wheel covers
The wheel covers must be pushed on to the rims with the hole for the valve aligned with the valve.
When fitting the wheel cover, ensure that it engages securely on the entire circumference. If using
an anti-theft wheel bolt, insert the bolt in the position opposite the valve.
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 151 Removing the wheel bolt caps
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
•Take the wire hook from the vehicle toolkit ⇒ Vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the hook through the opening in the cap ⇒ Fig. 151 and pull off in the direction of the
arrow.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and must be replaced after changing the tyre.
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:
⇒ Preparation for changing a wheel
⇒ Wheel bolts

Wheel bolts
Fig. 152 Changing a wheel: loosening the wheel bolts
Fig. 153 Changing wheel: tyre valve ① and location of the anti-theft wheel bolt ②
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Only the spanner delivered with the vehicle should be used to loosen the wheel bolts.
Only loosen the wheel bolts by approximately one turn before raising the vehicle with the vehicle
jack.
If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down the end of the spanner
carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for support and take care not to slip.
Loosening the wheel bolts
•Fit the box spanner over the wheel bolt as far as it will go ⇒ Fig. 152.
•Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise ⇒.
Loosening the anti-theft wheel bolt
The anti-theft wheel bolt must be bolted into position ⇒ Fig. 153② on wheels with a wheel cover.
Otherwise, it will not be possible to fit the wheel cover.
•Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle toolkit.
•Insert the adapter into the anti-theft wheel bolt ⇒ Fig. 153. Push it in as far as it will go.
•Insert the box spanner into the adapter as far as it will go.
•Hold the end of the box spanner and turn the wheel bolt one turn anticlockwise ⇒.
Important information about the wheel bolts
The design of the wheel rims and wheel bolts is matched to the factory-fitted wheels. If different
rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be
used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the brake system works properly.
In certain circumstances, wheel bolts from a vehicle of the same model series may not be used.
Tightening torque for the wheel bolts
The tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 110 Nm. The tightening torque
should be checked with a torque wrench immediately after changing a wheel.
If the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn, they must be replaced and the wheel hub
threads cleaned before the tightening torque is checked.
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.
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and severe
injuries.
•Always follow the instructions in the checklist and observe the general safety procedures.
WARNING