Wheels are the most heavily loaded and most underestimated parts of a vehicle. Wheels are very important as the narrow tyre surfaces
are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The wheels and tyres approved by Volkswagen have been carefully selected.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, handling and correct fitting.
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts
Wheel rims, tyres and wheel bolts are matched to the vehicle type. If different wheel rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the
correct length and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that the brakes work properly and that the vehicle drives
quietly and safely. For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheel rims from other vehicles. This can also apply to
wheel rims of the same vehicle type. Always contact a suitably qualified workshop if you wish to change to other tyre and wheel rim
combinations. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised repairer.
The correct wheel bolts must be used for all vehicle types; these bolts must always be tightened with the correct tightening torque
(→ Wheel bolts).
WARNING
Incorrect handling of wheels can reduce vehicle safety and cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
● Check the tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold and always maintain the specified pressure (→ Tyre pressure). 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 exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
Exceptions (→ Wheels and tyres)
● If you notice unusual vibrations, or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop immediately and check the tyres and wheel
rims for damage.
● Never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rim rings.
WARNING
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of vehicle control and braking efficiency.
This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
● Run in new tyres as they will initially have reduced grip and braking efficiency. Therefore, drive with appropriate caution during the
first 600 km (370 mi).
● Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that shows signs of damage such as holes, cuts, cracks or blisters.
● If you notice unusual vibrations, or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop immediately and check the tyres and wheel
rims for damage.
● Do not use tyres or wheel rims if you do not know their history. Used tyres and wheel rims could be damaged, even if the damage
is not visible.
● 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,
even if the tyres have never been used.
● Replace worn or damaged tyres immediately.
WARNING
If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and thus the wheel can become loose while the vehicle is in
motion. The wheel bolts and the threads could be damaged if the tightening torque is too high.
Incorrectly tightened or missing wheel bolts can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, serious accidents and fatal injuries.
● Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench available, tighten the wheel
bolts with the wheel wrench and have the torque checked immediately by the nearest suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen
recommends using an authorised repairer.
● Never drive if wheel bolts are missing or loose.
● Always use wheel bolts that match the wheel rims and the vehicle type.
● Never grease or oil the wheel bolt and the threads in the wheel hubs. This could cause the wheel bolts to loosen while the vehicle
is in motion, even if the required torque setting is used.
● Make sure that the wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs are clean, smooth running and free of oil and grease.
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