Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Tyre damage due to insufficient tyre pressure

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
General body repairs, exterior — 230General body repairs, interior — 279General information, paint — 133Vechile- specific paint information — 27Heating, air conditioning — 156Auxiliary heater — 58Air conditioning system with refrigerant R134a — 1297- speed dual clutch gearbox 0CW — 544- cylinder injection engine(1.4 1 direct inction. turbocharger) — 182Fuel supply system - Petrol engines — 59Running gear, axles, steering — 221Brake system — 92Wheels and Tyres guide — 12Guide for using trailers — 11Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information — 121Brake system (hybrid) — 73Electrical system — 326Communication — 65Electrical system, general information — 111
~1min read
The most common causes for tyre failure are minor external damage, a defective valve or a leaking rim due to corrosion or damage.

Separation of carcass and rubber

Excessive heating due to driving with substantially insufficient tyre pressure led to overheating and subsequent separation of the carcass from the rubber material -arrows-. The tyre shown here was periodically driven with an inflation pressure which was insufficient for the load. Typical evidence for this is the circumferential scuffing along the bead caused by the wheel flange and also the discolouration. Small, furrowed creases are visible along the inside of the sidewall. When the tyre rolls, strong shear forces develop between the layers of steel cord, especially at the ends of the belts.
Tyre damage due to insufficient tyre pressure

Tyres with wide, circumferential furrows near the bead

Wide, circumferential furrows near the bead -arrows- indicate that the tyre was driven with insufficient pressure. Driving a vehicle with insufficient tyre pressure or ignoring or not recognising tyre damage can have serious consequences. The tyre can no longer withstand the forces which develop when the vehicle is driven. The defects mentioned above severely restrict the function of the tyre. The rubber compounds separate, which results in the partial separation of tyre components or even its complete destruction.
Tyre damage due to insufficient tyre pressure

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.