Introduction

This chapter contains information on the following subjects:

→ Handling of wheels and tyres

→ Rims

→ New wheels and tyres

→ Tyre pressure

→ Tread depth and wear indicators

→ Tyre damage

→ Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel

→ Tyre lettering

→ Winter tyres

→ Snow chains

Volkswagen recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.

Additional information and warnings:

• Transporting

• Towing a trailer

• Braking, stopping and parking

• Park Assist system

• Tyre monitoring systems

• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior

• Consumer information

• Hub caps

• Changing a wheel

• Breakdown set

New wheels or wheels 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 pattern.

• 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, the tyre could warm up to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre could burst.

• Never drive with damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters) or worn down tyres. Driving with these tyres can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries. Worn down or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.

• Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted.

• The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake assist systems depends on the tyre grip.

• If you notice unusual vibration 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 over the vehicle, of an accident and of serious injury, never loosen the bolts on rims with bolted on rim rings.

• Do not use wheels or tyres if their history of use is not known. Used wheels and tyres could be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.

• Old tyres – even if they have not been used – can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially at high speed, 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.

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.