Get Tires and wheels -> Glossary of tire and loading terminology Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tires so that they will run in the

proper direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chains before mounting the wheel to

the vehicle.

WARNING

Using the wrong snow chains or installing snow chains improperly can cause accidents and

severe personal injuries.

ꢀ

Always use the proper snow chains.

Follow the installation instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.

Never exceed the permissible speed limit when driving with snow chains.

NOTICE

ꢀ Remove snow chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise, the chains can damage the

tires, impair vehicle handling and can be quickly worn down.

ꢀ Snow chains can scratch or damage wheel rims if they have direct contact with the rims.

Volkswagen recommends using coated snow chains.

Glossary of tire and loading terminology

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

Accessory weight

The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic

transmission, electro-mechanical power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio,

and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether

installed or not).

Aspect ratio

The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. A number of 70 (0.7:1 or 70%) or

lower indicates a low-profile tire with a shorter sidewall for improved steering response and better

overall handling on dry pavement.

Bead

The part of a tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, with the shape and structure

to ensure proper fit to the wheel rim.

Bead separation

A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.

Carcass

The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Chunking

The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.

Cord

The strands of material forming the plies in the tire.

Cord separation

The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking

Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.

Cold tire inflation pressure

The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not

been driven for more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the

tire pressure is measured or adjusted.

Curb weight

The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,

and coolant, air conditioner, and additional weight of optional equipment.

Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding

standard tire.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.

Groove

The space between 2 adjacent tread ribs.

Load rating (code)

The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. You may not find this

information on all tires because it is not required by law.

Maximum load rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight

The total of:

ꢀ

Curb weight

Accessory weight.

Vehicle capacity weight.

Production options weight.

Maximum (permissible) inflation pressure

The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Also called “maximum inflation

pressure.”

Normal occupant weight

Means 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the number of occupants seated in the vehicle up to the total

seating capacity of your vehicle.

Occupant distribution

The placement of passengers in a vehicle.

Outer diameter

The diameter of a new, properly inflated tire.

Overall width

Total width measured at the exterior sidewalls of an inflated tire, including the additional width of

labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a

gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel or other materials, that, when

mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the

load.

Production options weight

The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more then the

standard items they replace, and not previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These

include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, heavy-duty battery, and special trim.

Radial ply tires

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to

the centerline of the tread.

Recommended inflation pressure

The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not

been driven for more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the

tire pressure is measured or adjusted.

Reinforced tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding

standard tire.

Rim

The outer edge of a wheel upon which the tire beads are seated.

Rim diameter

The nominal diameter of the wheel's tire bead seating surface. If you change your wheel size, to

wheels of a different diameter, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheels.

Rim size

Designation means rim diameter and width.

Rim type designation

The industry or manufacturer's designation for a rim by style or code.

Rim width

The nominal distance between wheel rim flanges.

Section width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due

to labeling decoration, or protective bands.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread.

Sidewall separation

The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Speed rating (letter code)

A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for

extended periods of time. The ratings range from 93 mph or 150 km/h (“P”) to 186 mph or (300 km/h)

“Y”.

The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall, Tire labeling. You may

not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underinflated and illuminates a low tire-

pressure warning light.

Tread

The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.

Tread rib

A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.

Tread separation

Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.

Tread wear indicators (TWI)

Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end

of their useful life, Tread depth and tread wear indicators.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a

guarantee that a tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It gives tire buyers

more information to compare with factors such as price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations.

Under UTQG, tires are graded by the tire manufacturers in 3 areas: tread wear, traction and

temperature resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire sidewalls.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates

that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters indicate the plant where the

tire was manufactured. The last four numbers represent the week and year of manufacture.

For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other

numbers are marketing codes used by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify

affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.

Vehicle capacity weight

The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the

vehicle's total seating capacity (as listed on the label inside the driver door).

Vehicle maximum load on the tire

The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the maximum loaded

vehicle weight (GAWR) and dividing by 2.

Vehicle normal load on the tire

The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the curb weight,

accessory weight, and normal occupant weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing

by 2.

Wheel size designation

Wheel rim diameter and width.

Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating

capacities

Designated seating capacity, Vehicle normal load, number

Occupant distribution in a

normally loaded vehicle

number of occupants

of occupants

2, 3 or 4

2 in front

2 in front, 1 in back

Tires and vehicle load limits

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

There are limits to the load any vehicle or any tire can carry. A vehicle that is overloaded will not

handle well and is more difficult to stop. Overloading can damage important parts of the vehicle.

Overloading can also lead to blowout, sudden loss of pressure or other tire failure that can cause loss

of control.

Your safety and the safety of your passengers depends on making sure that load limits are not

exceeded. Vehicle load includes everybody and everything in and on the vehicle. These load limits are

technically referred to as the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

The GVWR includes the weight of the basic vehicle, all factory-installed and other accessories, a full

tank of fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids plus maximum load. The maximum load includes the number

of passengers that the vehicle is intended to carry (seating capacity) with an assumed weight of

150 lbs (68 kg) for each passenger at a designated seating position and the total weight of any

luggage in the vehicle. If you tow a trailer, the weight of the trailer hitch and the tongue weight of the

loaded trailer must be included as part of the vehicle weight. At altitudes above 3000 ft (1000 m),

combined towing weight (vehicle plus trailer) must be reduced by 10% for every 3000 ft (1000 m).

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum load that can be carried at each of the

vehicle's 2 axles (by the front or rear tires). GVWR and GAWR are listed on the safety compliance

label on the driver door jamb. Your vehicle has 5 total seating positions: 2 in the front and 3 in back.

Each seating position has a safety belt. Because there is an upper limit to your vehicle's total weight

(GVWR), the weight of whatever is being carried (including the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue

weight of the loaded trailer) is also limited. More passengers, or passengers who are heavier than the

assumed 150 lbs (68 kg), mean that less weight can be carried as luggage or other cargo. The tire

pressure label on your Volkswagen also lists the maximum combined weight of all of the occupants

and luggage or other cargo that the vehicle can carry.

Tires and wheels -> Glossary of tire and loading terminology for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Sixth Generation (2005-2010)

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