Get Wheels and tyres -> Winter tyres Guide for Volkswagen Multivan SUV Sixth Generation (2015-2024)

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 →

.

—All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type, size(rolling circumference) 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.

WARNING

New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking effect.

This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, which can lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Run in new tyres. Drive with particular care during the first 600 km(370 miles).

New tyre sizes may differ significantly from the actual dimensions and tyre dimensions for different tyre

brands.

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 TPM

(→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

— Drive the vehicle at a speed of over approx. 25 km/h(approx. 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 theTPM

(→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

WARNING

Wheels must have the necessary clearance. If there insufficient clearance, the tyres can rub against parts of the

running gear, body and brake lines.

This can lead to failure of the brake system, tread separation or the tyre bursting and can thus cause serious

accidents and fatal injuries.

● Use only tyres whose dimensions do not exceed the dimensions of tyre makes approved by Volkswagen

Commercial Vehicles and that do not rub on any vehicle parts.

NOTICE

Tyres can be deformed by driving through potholes and over kerbs.

This can cause damage to the tyres and wheel rims.

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● Avoid strong impacts and drive around obstacles if possible.

NOTICE

The valves can be damaged by dirt.

● Never drive without valve caps.

NOTICE

The valves can be damaged when changing to different wheels.

● Do not allow removed wheels to fall onto the wheel rim.

Old tyres should be disposed of properly and as required by

legislation.

A new valve set and set of seals must always be used every time the sensors of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring

System are replaced or modified. If this is not done, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System may indicate a fault

(→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

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.

Handling wheel rims

Avoiding damage to the wheel rims

—Missing hubcaps can result in damage to the wheel rims and wheel bolts.

Fit missing hubcaps before every journey.

—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.

—Replace missing valve dust caps immediately.

—Check the tyre pressure on a regular basis.

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 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).

—Country of origin.

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—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 bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rim rings can cause serious accidents

and fatal 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.

Checking the tyre pressure

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.

—The tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month and before every long journey. The tyre pressure should

be checked more frequently in colder regions.

—Always check all the tyres, including the spare if fitted.

—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→ Fig. 1.

—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

— If the tyre size of the fitted tyres differs from the specified value on the type plate or tyre pressure sticker, the

correct tyre pressure must be determined.

Location of the tyre pressure sticker

The sticker provides the correct tyre pressure for approved tyres and is located either on the driver door pillar

→ Fig. 1 or inside the tank flap.

Fig. 1 Information on the tyre pressure sticker.

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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.

Fig. 2 On the driver door pillar 1 : tyre pressure sticker

(alternatively on the inside of the fuel flap).

The appearance of the sticker may differ between vehicles. It may contain additional tyre sizes that are not approved

for your specific vehicle. For information on the tyre sizes approved for your vehicle, refer to the vehicle registration

certificate or the EC Certificate of Conformity, or ask a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership.

WARNING

A tyre pressure that is too low may cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure, the tread to separate or the tyre to

burst while the vehicle is in motion. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres will wear prematurely and the car will

not handle well.

An incorrect tyre pressure can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Check tyre pressures regularly, at least once a month and before every long trip.

● Always adapt the tyre pressure to the vehicle load level.

● Never reduce the increased tyre pressure of warm tyres.

WARNING

Driving too fast and overloading the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre bursts, and

separation of the tread.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the fitted tyres (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed of the fitted tyres (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

NOTICE

The valve can be damaged if due care is not taken when using a tyre pressure gauge.

● When attaching the tyre pressure gauge, ensure that you do not position it at an angle to the valve stem.

Underinflated tyres will result in increased fuel

consumption.

Checking the tightening torque

The correct wheel bolts must always be used for each vehicle type and these must always be tightened with the

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correct tightening torque. The tightening torque of the wheel bolts must be checked regularly with a properly

functioning torque wrench. In addition, the tightening torque must be checked without delay using a correctly

functioning torque wrench after every wheel change. If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel

bolts and rims can loosen while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel bolts and the threads could be damaged if the

tightening torque is too high.

If the wheel bolts are corroded and stiff, they must be renewed and the wheel hub threads cleaned before the

tightening torque is checked. Never grease or lubricate the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hub.

Tightening torque for wheel bolts

The tightening torque of the wheel bolts is specified in the section Changing a wheel (→ Wheels and tyres).

WARNING

If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is insufficient, the wheel bolts and thus the wheel can loosen 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, tighten

the wheel bolts with the wheel bolt wrench and have the torque checked immediately by the nearest suitably

qualified workshop.

● 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. The wheel bolts could 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.

● Never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted-on rings.

Rotating wheels

Fig. 1 Diagram showing how to swap wheels(illustration).

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.

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Checking the tread depth

Tread depth

Most driving situations require the highest possible tread depth. The tyres should have the same tread depth, at the

minimum on each axle → . This is especially true in wet or wintry road conditions.

In most countries, the minimum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm(1/16 in), measured in the tread grooves next

to the tread wear indicators. Observe any deviating country-specific legal requirements.

Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths for winter and all-

season tyres.

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.

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.

Tyre wear due to a sporty driving style

Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.

In the case of a sporty driving style, check the tread depth every 5,000 to 10,000 km(about 3,107 to 6,214 miles).

Tread wear indicators in tyres

Fig. 1 In the tread grooves: tread wear indicators.

There are 1.6 mm (1/16 in) high 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.

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.

When checking the tread depth, it is necessary to check the tread wear indicators of all tread grooves.

WARNING

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Worn tyres are a safety risk and make it difficult to control the vehicle properly. They increase the braking distance

as well as the risk of skidding.

Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip. On wet roads in particular, the vehicle is more susceptible to

aquaplaning.

Worn tyres lead to loss of control over the vehicle, serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Replace the tyres with new tyres at the latest when the tyres are worn down to the tread wear indicators.

Winter tyres

Summer tyres provide less grip on icy and snowy roads. Winter or all-weather tyres improve the vehicle and brake

response during winter conditions. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the

vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F) or in winter road conditions. This also applies to vehicles with all-wheel

drive.

Winter and all-season tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm(5/32 in).

The following applies when using winter tyres:

—Observe any country-specific legal requirements.

—Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.

—Only use in winter road conditions.

—Only use the sizes of tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.

—Winter tyres must have the same belt type, size and the same tread pattern.

—Observe the maximum speed permitted by the speed index→

.

Speed limitation

Winter tyres have a speed limit depending on the speed index (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

You can set a speed warning in theTyres menu in theVehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.

If you use V-rated winter tyres, the speed limits and required tyre pressure are determined by the engine size. You

must ask a suitably qualified workshop about the maximum permitted speed and required tyre pressure.

WARNING

The improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not encourage you to take any risks.

Exceeding the speed limitation of winter tyres can cause the tyres to fail suddenly and the vehicle to lose control.

● Never disregard the speed limitation of the winter tyres fitted, even if the permissible top speed of the vehicle is

higher.

● Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the winter tyres that are fitted.

● Adapt your speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather and road or traffic conditions.

The vehicle handling is better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C(+45°F). The rolling

noise is quieter, the tyre wear lower and the energy efficiency higher.

In vehicles with Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system must be re-synchronised after changing from

summer tyres to winter tyres or vice versa (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).

On vehicles with Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, winter tyres must be fitted with compatible sensors for

the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to ensure the system works properly (→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring

System). If the dimensions of the winter tyres are different from those of the summer tyres and require a

different tyre pressure, the tyre pressure values for the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System must be adjusted

(→ Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

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Wheels and tyres -> Winter tyres for Your Volkswagen Multivan SUV Sixth Generation (2015-2024)

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