Get Tires and wheels -> Tire wear and damage Guide for Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Fig. 90 Tread pattern: Wear indicator.

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Tread depth

Most driving situations require as much tread depth as possible and similar tread depth for the tires on

the front and rear wheels. This is especially true when driving in winter weather, at low temperatures

and under wet conditions ⇒ꢀ

In most countries the legally permissible minimum tread depth is 1/16 in. (1.6 mm), as measured in

tread grooves next to the wear indicators. Please be sure to obey country-specific legal requirements.

Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter operation once the tread pattern is worn down to a depth

of 3/16 in. (4.8 mm).

The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of the

different design features and tread patterns.

Tread wear indicator (TWI) in the tire

The 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) high wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves of the

original tires running across the treads ⇒ꢀfig. 90. Several wear indicators are evenly spaced around the

tire. Markings on the sides of the tires (for example “TWI” or symbols) show the position of the wear

indicators.

Wear indicators show when the tires are worn down. The tires must be replaced no later than when

the tread pattern is worn down to the wear indicators.

WARNING

Worn tires are dangerous and can cause loss of vehicle control including serious personal

injuries.

ꢀ

Never drive a vehicle when the tread on any tire is worn down to the wear indicators,

replace them sooner.

Worn tires do not grip the road properly, especially on wet roads, increasing your risk of

“hydroplaning” and loss of control.

Worn tires reduce the ability of your vehicle to handle well in normal and difficult driving

ꢀ

situations and increase braking distances and the risk of skidding.

Tire wear and damage

ꢀ Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Wheel rim and tire damage is often difficult to see. Unusual vibrations or pulling to one-side can be

an indication of tire damage ⇒ꢀ

ꢀ

If you suspect tire damage, immediately reduce speed!

Check tires and wheel rims for damage.

If a tire is damaged, do not drive any farther. Get expert assistance.

If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen

dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and have the vehicle

checked.

Objects embedded in the tire

ꢀ

If embedded objects have penetrated to the inside of the tire, do not remove them! If objects are

stuck in the tread grooves of the tire, they can be removed.

With a spare wheel or compact spare wheel: If necessary, change the damaged wheel, Changing

a wheel. If necessary, get professional assistance to change the wheel.

Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.

ꢀ

Tire wear

Tire wear depends on several factors, including:

ꢀ

Driving style.

Unbalanced wheels.

Wheel alignment.

Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and braking increase tire wear. If you experience

increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Unbalanced wheels – The wheels on a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, various

conditions can cause a wheel to become unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the

steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebalanced. A wheel must always be rebalanced if

a new tire has been mounted.

Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairing

vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an

authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.

ꢀ

Reduce speed immediately and stop when it is safe to do so.

Check tires and wheel rims for damage.

Never drive with a damaged tire or rim. Get expert assistance instead.

If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized

Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and

have the vehicle checked.

Tires and wheels -> Tire wear and damage for Your Volkswagen Jetta 4 Door Sixth Generation (2011-2018)

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