Wheels and tyres -> Tyres for Your Volkswagen California Van Third Generation (2015-2024)

2. Check (→ Tyre pressure) and adjust the tyre pressure for all tyres.  
Fault in the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System  
The indicator lamp flashes for around 1 minute and then remains lit up yellow continuously.  
One or more wheels with a tyre pressure sensor have been fitted but have not yet been detected by the system.  
1. Drive for a few minutes until the indicator lamp goes out.  
One or more wheels without a tyre pressure sensor have been fitted or a tyre pressure sensor is defective.  
1. Fit wheels with functional tyre pressure sensors.  
There is a system fault.  
1. Switch the ignition off and then back on again. If the fault persists, go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.  
There is a transmission fault between the sensor and the system. The function of the system may be temporarily  
impaired if there is interference from signals in the same frequency range as these transmitters.  
1. Switch off or avoid any disruptive sources, e.g. wireless devices, remote controls or children's toys.  
WARNING  
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause tyre damage, tyre failure, loss of vehicle  
control, accidents, serious injury and death.  
If the indicator lamp lights up, stop immediately and check all tyres (→ Tyre pressure).  
Different tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can increase wear on the tyres, reduce vehicle stability  
and increase the braking distance.  
Differing tyre pressures or tyre pressures that are too low can cause sudden tyre failure and lead to a tyre  
bursting and the loss of control over the vehicle.  
The driver is responsible for the correct tyre pressure of all tyres on the vehicle. The recommended tyre pressure  
can be found on a sticker (→ Tyre pressure).  
The tyre monitoring system cannot function correctly until all cold tyres have the correct tyre pressure.  
The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load (→ Tyre pressure).  
Always inflate all tyres to the correct tyre pressure before every journey (→ Tyre pressure).  
If the vehicle is driven with insufficient tyre pressure, this results in greater tyre flexing. This could warm up the  
tyre to such an extent that the tread may separate and the tyre could burst. This could cause the driver to lose  
control of the vehicle.  
High speeds and overloading of the vehicle may cause the tyres to heat up to such an extent that the tyre bursts,  
leading you to lose control of the vehicle.  
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prematurely and the vehicle will not handle well.  
If the tyre is not flat and it is not necessary to change the wheel immediately, drive at low speed to the nearest  
correspondingly qualified workshop and have the tyre pressure checked and corrected (→ Tyre pressure).  
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 correct fitting.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a suitably qualified  
workshop. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the proper  
facilities for disposing of the old tyres.  
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WARNING  
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  
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 (370 miles) in order to prevent accidents and serious injury.  
Check the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold and always observe the specified value. If the tyre  
pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such an extent when driving that the  
tread peels off and the tyre bursts.  
Check the tyres regularly for damage and wear.  
Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that shows signs of damage such as holes, cuts, cracks or blisters. Driving  
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries. Replace worn or damaged  
tyres immediately.  
Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.  
The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake support systems depends on the tyre grip.  
If you notice unusual vibration, or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop 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 may be damaged, even if the  
damage is not visible. This can cause tyre damage, tyre failure and loss of control of the vehicle.  
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. Use tyres that are more than 6 years old only if you have no alternative. In  
this case, drive slowly and with extra care at all times.  
WARNING  
If the wheels are incorrectly fastened or if wheel bolts are missing, the wheels could come loose, leading to a loss of  
control of the vehicle, causing accidents and serious injuries.  
Never drive if wheel bolts are missing or loose.  
Always use wheel bolts that match the wheel rims and the vehicle type.  
Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten  
the wheel bolts with the wheel bolt wrench and have the torque checked immediately by the nearest suitably  
qualified workshop.  
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 official vehicle documents or ask a suitably qualified workshop.  
Handling wheels and tyres  
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Fig. 1 Diagram showing how to swap wheels  
The tyres and rims approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have been carefully selected.  
Rotating wheels  
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration→ Fig. 1 is recommended to help ensure that tyres wear  
evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends having the wheels changed by a suitably qualified workshop.  
Avoiding damage to wheels and tyres  
Drive over kerbs and other low obstacles slowly and at right angles so that the two front wheels come into contact  
with the obstacle at the same time.  
Check the tyre pressure on a regular basis.  
Regularly check tyres for damage, e.g. holes, slits, punctures and blisters.  
Never exceed the maximum speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).  
Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately .  
Protect the tyres from contact with aggressive substances, including grease, oil, fuel and brake fluid→  
Replace missing valve dust caps immediately.  
.
Remove foreign bodies that have not yet penetrated to the inside of the tyre .  
Observe all warnings of the tyre monitoring system (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator) (→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring  
System).  
Tyres that are older than 6 years  
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that have been stored unused  
for an extended period of time age quicker than tyres that are used all the time.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends replacing tyres that are more than 6 years old with new tyres. This  
also applies for tyres which appear to still be in good condition and whose tread depth has not yet reached the  
minimum value stipulated by legislation →  
.
Winter and all-year tyres also largely lose their effectiveness throughageing – regardless of the remaining tread  
depth.  
The age of each tyre can be determined on the basis of the manufacturing date (→ Tyre pressure).  
Storing tyres  
Always store tyres in a cool, dry and dark place if possible. Do not store tyres mounted on the rim vertically.  
Any tyres not fitted on wheel rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be stored  
vertically (standing on the tread).  
All-terrain tyres  
Some vehicles can be fitted at the factory with “all-terrain tyres”. These tyres have a deep-tread profile that alters  
the vehicle's driving properties such as comfort, consumption, braking distance, cornering behaviour, rolling noise →  
.
New tyres  
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Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km(370 miles) 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, and the same tread pattern.  
Replacing tyres  
Always replace tyres at least on an axle-by-axle basis.  
Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the  
vehicle type.  
Never use tyres with an effective size that is larger than tyres approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.  
In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator  
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator must be resynchronised after changing one or more wheels. This also applies if the  
wheels have been swapped, e.g. from the front to the rear (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).  
Vehicles fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System  
If you wish to replace factory-fitted wheels, make sure that the new wheels are equipped with sensors that are  
compatible with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).  
1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of over approx. 25 km/h (15 mph) for an extended period so that the new wheels  
can be detected.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that a new valve set and set of seals be used every time the sensors  
are replaced or modified.  
Further information on the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).  
WARNING  
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres, which can cause the tyre  
to burst.  
Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances away from the tyres.  
WARNING  
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.  
Use tyres that are more than six years old only if you have no alternative. In this case, drive slowly and with extra  
care at all times.  
WARNING  
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(370 miles) in order to prevent accidents and serious injury.  
WARNING  
The deep-tread profile of all-terrain tyres can considerably increase the braking distance or cornering behaviour and  
thus cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Always remember that the vehicle handling may have been altered, and drive with appropriate caution.  
WARNING  
Wheels must have the necessary freedom of operation. If the wheels do not have the necessary freedom of  
operation, the tyre could rub on parts of the running gear, the vehicle body and the brake lines. This can lead to a  
fault in the brake system and to tread separation and thus to a tyre bursting.  
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The actual tyre size must not exceed the tyre dimensions of manufacturers approved by Volkswagen Commercial  
Vehicles and must not rub on any vehicle body parts.  
NOTICE  
Avoid heavy impacts and drive around obstacles if possible. Tyres can be deformed by potholes and curb edges  
especially. This can cause damage to the tyres and wheels.  
NOTICE  
Do not damage the valves when fitting different tyres. Never drive without valve caps. This could cause damage to  
the valves.  
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by  
legislation.  
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the car - for example in the case of winter  
tyres or a temporary spare wheel - only use the spare tyre in the event of a breakdown for a short period of  
time and drive with extra care. Replace the temporary spare wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible.  
Tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are guaranteed to have the dimensions  
that are suitable for the vehicle. In the case of other tyres, the tyre seller must provide a certificate from the  
tyre manufacturer stating that the tyre is also suitable for the vehicle. Store the certificate in a safe place and  
keep it in the vehicle.  
Wheel rims and wheel bolts  
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts are matched to the vehicle type. If the wheel rims are changed, wheel bolts with  
the correct length and cap form must therefore be used. This ensures that the brakes can function correctly and that  
the vehicle drives smoothly and safely.  
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheel rims from other vehicles. This can also even apply  
to wheel rims of the same vehicle type. If you wish to switch to a different tyre and wheel rim combination, always  
consult a suitably qualified workshop.  
The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be checked regularly with a correctly functioning torque wrench  
(→ Wheel bolts).  
Wheel bolts  
The correct wheel bolts must always be used for each vehicle type and these must always be tightened with the  
correct tightening torque (→ Wheel bolts).  
Wheel rims with bolted-on rim ring or trim elements  
Wheel rims with bolted-on rim ring or trim elements consist of several parts. These parts are connected to each  
other by means of special bolts. Damaged wheel rims and trim elements must be replaced and must be repaired only  
by a suitably qualified workshop.  
Wheel rim identification  
In some countries, new wheel rims must be provided with information on certain properties. The following  
information may be provided on the wheel rim:  
Conformity mark.  
Rim size.  
Name of manufacturer or brand.  
Date of manufacture (month/year).  
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Country of origin.  
Production number.  
Raw material batch number.  
Commodity code.  
WARNING  
Use of unsuitable or damaged wheel rims can impair driving safety and cause accidents and serious injuries.  
Use only wheel rims that are approved for the vehicle.  
Check the wheel rims regularly for damage and replace them if necessary.  
WARNING  
Incorrect loosening and tightening of the bolt on wheel rims with bolted-on rim rings can cause accidents and  
serious injuries.  
Never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rings.  
Have all work on wheel rims with bolted-on rim rings carried out only by a suitably qualified workshop.  
Tyre pressure  
Fig. 1 Information on the tyre pressure sticker.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Tyre size.  
Note: Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.  
Rim size.  
Tyre pressure for the tyres on the front axle.  
Tyre pressure for the tyres on the rear axle.  
Tyre pressure for partial load.  
Tyre pressure for full load.  
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Fig. 2 On the driver door pillar 1 : tyre pressure sticker  
(alternatively on the inside of the tank flap).  
The sticker shows the correct tyre pressure for approved tyres.  
The appearance of the sticker may differ between vehicles. It may include additional tyre sizes.  
The wrong tyre pressure will have a negative effect on the vehicle’s response and leads to high levels of wear or even  
a burst tyre . The correct tyre pressure is particularly important at high speeds.  
Checking the tyre pressure  
The tyre pressure should be checked regularly, at least once a month and before every long trip. Always check all the  
tyres, including the spare if fitted. The tyre pressure should be checked more frequently in colder regions, but only if  
the vehicle has not been moved beforehand. The tyre pressure tester must function correctly.  
Always check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. The specified tyre pressure applies to cold tyres. Tyre  
pressure is always higher in warm tyres than it is in cold tyres. For this reason, never reduce the pressure in warm  
tyres to adjust the tyre pressure.  
Always adjust the tyre pressure to the load level.  
After adjusting the tyre pressures, always screw the caps onto the valves and observe the information on the tyre  
monitoring system.  
Always use the tyre pressure specified on the sticker. Never exceed the maximum tyre pressure which is given on  
the sidewall of the tyre  
WARNING  
Incorrect tyre pressure may cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure or burst while the vehicle is in motion. This can  
cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.  
If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature will increase to such an extent when driving  
that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.  
Driving too fast and overloading the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre bursts and  
detachment of the tread surface, which may result in you losing control of the vehicle.  
If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres will wear prematurely and the car will not handle well.  
Check tyre pressures regularly, at least once a month and before every long trip.  
The pressure in all tyres must always be appropriate to the vehicle load.  
Never reduce the increased tyre pressure of warm tyres.  
NOTICE  
When attaching the tyre pressure gauge, ensure that you do not position it at an angle to the valve stem. This can  
damage the tyre valve.  
Always make sure that all valve caps are fully screwed on while driving.  
Underinflated tyres will result in increased fuel  
consumption.  
Tread depth and tread wear indicators  
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Fig. 1 Tyre tread: tread wear indicators.  
Tread depth  
Most driving situations require the highest possible tread depth. All tyres should have an even tread depth on at least  
one axle. This is especially true in wet or wintry road conditions.  
In most countries, the legally permissible minimum tread depth is reached at 1.6 mm(1/16 in) residual tread -  
measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators (observe deviating country-specific legal  
regulations).  
Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths for winter and all-  
season tyres.  
Tread wear indicators in tyres  
The tread wear indicators show if a tyre is worn down. The tyre must be replaced at the latest when the tyre tread is  
worn down to the tread wear indicator.  
There are 1.6 mm (1/16 in) high tread wear indicators→ Fig. 1 in the tread base of the tyres. Markings on the tyre  
sidewall indicate the position of the tread wear indicators → Fig. 1.  
WARNING  
Worn tyres are a safety risk and can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and cause serious injury.  
Tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.  
Worn tyres have considerably less grip, particularly on wet roads, which can cause the vehicle to glide along the  
road surface (aquaplaning).  
Worn tyres reduce the possibility of controlling the vehicle well in normal and difficult driving situations and  
increase braking distance and the risk of skidding.  
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Tyre damage  
Damage to tyres and wheel rims is often hidden→  
.
1. If you suspect that a wheel is damaged, slow down immediately and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do  
so.  
2. Check the tyres and rims for damage.  
3. Do not drive on if a tyre is damaged.  
4. Changing a damaged wheel (→ Changing a wheel). If necessary, contact a suitably qualified workshop.  
Or: Use the breakdown set to seal the damaged tyre and then inflate it (→ Breakdown set).  
5. If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the nearest suitably qualified workshop in order to  
have the vehicle checked.  
Embedded foreign bodies in the tyres  
1. Leave the foreign body in the tyre if it has entered the inner tyre. Foreign bodies that are stuck between the tyre  
tread blocks can be removed.  
2. Changing a damaged wheel (→ Changing a wheel). If necessary, contact a suitably qualified workshop.  
Or: Use the breakdown set to seal the damaged tyre and then inflate it (→ Breakdown set).  
3. Check and adjust the tyre pressure.  
4. Go to a correspondingly qualified workshop.  
Vehicles with AirStop® tyres:  
1. Leave the foreign body in the tyre and go to a suitably qualified workshop. A sealant applied to the inside of the  
tyre tread encloses the foreign body and seals the tyre temporarily.  
Tyre wear  
The tyre wear is affected by several factors:  
Style of driving.  
How well the tyres are balanced.  
Adjustments made to the running gear.  
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.  
Wheel imbalance may develop when the vehicle is driven; you will notice this by the nervous steering response.  
Imbalanced tyres will affect the level of tyre wear. In this case the wheels should be balanced again.  
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle. The wheel alignment  
should be checked by a suitably qualified workshop if tyres show excessive wear.  
WARNING  
If you notice unusual vibration or the vehicle pulling to one side while the vehicle is in motion, this may indicate that  
one of the tyres is damaged.  
Slow down immediately and stop as soon as the traffic situation permits and it is safe to do so.  
Check the tyres and wheel rims for damage.  
Never drive on if tyres or wheel rims are damaged. Instead, seek assistance from a correspondingly qualified  
workshop.  
If there is no visible damage, drive slowly and cautiously to the nearest suitably qualified workshop in order to  
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have the vehicle checked.  
New wheels and tyres  
New tyres  
Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km(370 miles) with new tyres as the tyres have to be run in. Tyres that  
have not been run in have reduced grip and braking efficiency (→ Handling wheels and tyres).  
Both wheels on an axle must be fitted with tyres of the same type, size, and the same tread pattern.  
The tread depth of new tyres may vary between tyre models and manufacturers due to different design features  
and tread designs.  
Replacing tyres  
Always replace tyres at least on an axle-by-axle basis (→ Handling wheels and tyres).  
Old tyres should only be replaced by tyres that have been approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the  
vehicle type.  
Replace old tyres only with tyres that have the same specifications – including width, diameter, load capacity and  
maximum speed – as those approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for your vehicle and model.  
Never use tyres with an effective size that is larger than tyres approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.  
Re-synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator  
The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator must be resynchronised after changing one or more wheels. This also applies if the  
wheels have been swapped, e.g. from the front to the rear (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).  
Additional information for vehicles fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System  
If you wish to replace factory-fitted wheels, please ensure that the new wheels are equipped with sensors that are  
compatible with the factory-fitted Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. New wheels with sensors are detected and  
integrated into the system. The vehicle must be left stationary for at least 20 minutes after a tyre is fitted and then  
driven at a speed of over approx. 25 km/h (15 mph) for an extended period so that the new tyre can be detected.  
The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System can also be reactivated manually (→ Tyre monitoring systems).  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that a new valve set and set of seals be used every time the sensors  
are replaced or modified. For further information, please contact a suitably qualified workshop.  
If tyres with dimensions other than those defined by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the vehicle and model are  
used, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System must be reprogrammed with the new tyre pressure values. For further  
information, please contact a suitably qualified workshop.  
If you use wheels that do not have a sensor, or have non-compatible sensors, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System  
will not detect them. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System will then not be able to measure tyre pressures. A fault is  
displayed or the system is switched off.  
Further information about the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, how it works and what you need to know (→ Tyre  
monitoring systems).  
WARNING  
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres, which can cause the tyre  
to burst.  
Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances away from the tyres.  
WARNING  
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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(370 miles) in order to prevent accidents and serious injury.  
WARNING  
Wheels must have the necessary freedom of operation. If the wheels do not have the necessary freedom of  
operation, the tyre could rub on parts of the running gear, the vehicle body and the brake lines. This can lead to a  
fault in the brake system and to tread separation and thus to a tyre bursting.  
The actual tyre size must not exceed the tyre dimensions of manufacturers approved by Volkswagen Commercial  
Vehicles and must not rub on any vehicle body parts.  
NOTICE  
Do not damage the valves when fitting different tyres. Never drive without valve caps. This could cause damage to  
the valves.  
NOTICE  
Always use a new valve set and set of seals when replacing or modifying the sensors for the Tyre Pressure  
Monitoring System.  
Old tyres should be disposed of properly and as required by  
legislation.  
Despite identical size details, the actual size of the various tyre makes may vary from these specified  
dimensions, or the tyre contours may vary considerably.  
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles-approved tyres are guaranteed to have the dimensions that are suitable for  
the vehicle. The salesperson will have to provide a certificate from the tyre manufacturer for other tyre makes  
to prove that the tyre is also suitable for the vehicle. Store the certificate in a safe place and keep it in the  
vehicle.  
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the car - for example in the case of winter  
tyres or a temporary spare wheel - only use the spare tyre in the event of a breakdown for a short period of  
time and drive with extra care. Replace the temporary spare wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible.  
Tyre lettering and tyre type  
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Fig. 1 International tyre lettering  
Tyre lettering (example), meaning  
Individual tyre lettering from manufacturer.  
1
2
Product name  
DOT  
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the USA Department of  
Transportation, responsible for tyre safety standards.  
Tyre ID number (TIN – sometimes only on inside of wheel)and date of manufacture:  
JHCO  
Identifier of producing plant and specifications of the tyre manufacturer on  
size and characteristics.  
3
JHCO CHWS 2213  
CHWS  
2213  
Date of manufacture: week 22 of 2013.  
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres(standardised test procedure):  
Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-specific standard test. A  
tyre with the specification 280 is used up at a rate of 2.8 times more slowly than  
4
5
6
TREADWEAR 280  
standard tyres which have a treadwear value of 100. The performance of tyres is  
determined by how they are used and can notably deviate from norm values due to  
driving style, maintenance, road surface and climatic conditions.  
Wet braking performance of the tyre(AA, A, B or B). The wet braking performance is  
tested under controlled conditions on certified test tracks. Tyres marked C have a low  
traction performance. The traction value assigned to the tyres is based on linear  
traction tests and does not include acceleration, lateral stability, or aquaplaning and  
traction under maximum load.  
TRACTION AA  
Temperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds(A, B or C). A and B tyres exceed  
legal requirements. The temperature evaluation is based on tyres with correct tyre  
pressure and does not allow for excess pressure. Excessive speed, incorrect tyre  
pressure or excess pressure can cause heat build-up or tyre damage. This applies to  
TEMPERATURE A  
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one or a combination of these factors.  
Tyre lettering (example), meaning  
Load index→ Tyre load and speed index→ Speed index.  
7
88 H  
Rotation and  
arrow  
Denotes direction of rotation→ Tyres with directional tread pattern.  
8
Or: Outside  
Denotes outside of tyres → Asymmetrical tyres.  
US limitation for the maximum tyre pressure.  
MAX INFLATION  
350 KPA (51 psi /  
3.51 bar)  
9
Denotes winter tyres (mud and snow tyres)(→ Winter tyres). Studded snow tyres are  
labelled with an E after the S.  
10  
11  
M+S or M/S or  
Indicates the position of the tread wear indicator (→ Tread depth and tread wear  
indicators).  
TWI  
Manufacturer.  
12 Brand name, logo  
13 Made in Germany  
14  
Country of manufacture.  
Country-specific denotation for China(China Compulsory Certification).  
Country-specific denotation for Brazil.  
15  
023  
Certification of conformity with international regulations. The next number is the code  
number of the country that granted approval. Approved tyres which comply with ECE  
regulations are denoted with E, tyres which comply with EC regulations are denoted  
with e. This is followed by the number of the type approval certificate.  
16  
E4 e4 0200477-b  
Tubeless radial tyres.  
Size designation:  
17 RADIAL TUBELESS  
P
195  
65  
R
Identification for passenger vehicle.  
Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.  
Height/width ratio in %.  
18  
P 195 / 65 R 15 XL  
Tyre construction: radial.  
15  
XL  
Rim diameter in inches.  
Heavy-duty tyres (extra load tyres).  
MAX LOAD  
US load data for the maximum load per wheel.  
19  
615 KG (1235 LBS)  
Data on the tyre carcass components:  
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).  
SIDEWALL 1 PLY  
RAYON  
TREAD 4 PLIES  
Data on the tread surface components:  
20  
1 RAYON +  
2 STEEL +  
1 NYLON  
In this example there are 4 layers under the tread surface: 1 layer of rayon(artificial  
silk), 2 layers of steel belt and 1 layer of nylon.  
The tyre label is located on both sides. Certain labels may only be found on one side of the tyre, e.g. tyre  
identification number and manufacturing date.  
Any further numbers and letters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or country-specific denotations.  
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Low-profile tyres  
Low-profile tyres have a wider tread surface, larger rim diameter and lower sidewalls than conventional wheel/tyre  
combinations . Low-profile tyres can improve the vehicle's handling and precision. They may however result in a less  
comfortable ride on uneven road surfaces and tracks.  
Tyres with directional tread pattern  
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. The direction of  
rotation must be observed in all cases. This makes sure they run as smoothly as possible.  
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. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or  
be fitted with the tread in the correct direction.  
Asymmetrical tyres  
Asymmetrical tyres take into account the differing behaviour of the inner and outer areas of the tread pattern. The  
sidewalls of asymmetrical tyres are marked to indicate "inside" or "outside". Maintain the correct tyre positioning on  
the wheel rim.  
Mobility tyres  
The word “Seal” is on the outer wall of the tyre if your vehicle is fitted with mobility tyres.  
A sealant applied to the inner side of the tread encloses foreign bodies penetrating the mobility tyre and seals the  
tyre temporarily.  
Tyre load  
The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre(tyre load).  
Examples:  
78  
425 kg  
81  
462 kg  
83  
487 kg  
85  
515 kg  
87  
545 kg  
558  
88  
91  
92  
93  
95  
97  
99  
560 kg  
615 kg  
630 kg  
650 kg  
690 kg  
730 kg  
775 kg  
100  
101  
102  
103  
104  
105  
106  
800 kg  
825 kg  
850 kg  
875 kg  
900 kg  
925 kg  
950 kg  
559  
107  
108  
109  
110  
112  
114  
116  
975 kg  
1000 kg  
1030 kg  
1060 kg  
1120 kg  
1180 kg  
1250 kg  
118  
120  
1320 kg  
1400 kg  
Speed index  
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular wheels are fitted.  
P
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)  
Q
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)  
560  
R
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)  
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)  
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)  
max. 200 km/h (125 mph)  
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)  
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)  
S
T
U
H
V
W
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)  
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)  
over 240 km/h (149 mph)  
Y
Z
Some tyre manufacturers use the code “ZR” for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over 240 km/h(149 mph).  
Maximum load and speed range for tyres  
Vehicles registered within the EU and EU user states are issued with an EC certificate of conformity. This details the  
size, diameter and speed range of all tyres approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for the relevant vehicle  
type.  
The type plate shows whether there is an EC Certificate of Conformity for this particular vehicle .  
If the type plate has a row marked “Permit” then the vehicle has an EC certificate of conformity.  
If there is no type plate, or no row marked “Permit”, the vehicle does not have an EC certificate of conformity.  
561  
Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel  
Fig. 1 Underneath the vehicle: retaining bolt 1 and  
securing bolt 2 on the spare wheel bracket  
Fig. 2 Underneath the vehicle: spare wheel bracket with  
box spanner inserted  
Remove the spare wheel  
These steps should be followed in the given order only→  
.
1
1. Use the box spanner from the vehicle toolkit to loosen the retaining bolt→ Fig. 1  
2
until it is free.  
2. Unscrew the securing bolt → Fig. 1  
completely.  
The spare wheel bracket is now supported by the retaining bolt.  
3. Fit the box spanner in the bracket→ Fig. 2.  
Make sure that the box spanner hook is located in the hole in the bracket→ Fig. 2 (close-up). If the box spanner  
is hooked in correctly, you should not be able to pull it out towards the back of the vehicle.  
4. Hold the box spanner with both hands.  
5. Lift the box spanner upwards together with the spare wheel bracket and guide the box spanner to the right. The  
head of the retaining bolt and the recess on the spare wheel bracket should be flush.  
6. Guide the box spanner downwards with the spare wheel bracket.  
562