Get Tires and wheels Guide for Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

Tires and wheels

¤ Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Tire and wheel handling

Wheel rims

New and replacement tires

Tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Tire wear and damage

Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Tire labeling

Winter tires

Snow chains

Glossary of tire and loading terminology

Tires and vehicle load limits

Determining the correct load limit

UTQG classification

Volkswagen recommends that all work on tires and wheels be done

by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Ser-

vice Facility. They are familiar with the technical requirements and

recommended procedures, have the necessary special tools and

spare parts, and can properly dispose of old tires.

More information:

Transporting

Trailer towing

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Braking and parking

Exterior care and cleaning

Vehicle tool kit

Consumer information

Wheel trim

Changing a wheel

WARNING

New tires or tires that are old, worn or damaged cannot provide

maximum control and braking performance.

Improper care and handling of tires and wheels can reduce

driving safety and cause accidents and severe injuries.

Install only radial tires of the same make, the same dimen-

sions (tread circumference), and similar tread profile on all

4 wheels.

New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in. Always

drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km) to help

reduce the risk of losing control, a collision, and serious per-

sonal injuries.

Check tire inflation pressure regularly when the tires are cold

and always maintain the prescribed tire pressure. Low tire

pressure can cause tires to get too hot, resulting in tread sepa-

ration, sudden loss of pressure, and blowouts. Tires with ex-

cessively low pressure flex (bend) more, which can cause the

tire to overheat and fail suddenly without warning.

Check tires regularly for wear and damage.

Never drive with worn or damaged tires (for example, tires

with punctures, cuts, cracks, blisters, or bumps). Driving with

worn or damaged tires can lead to loss of vehicle control, sud-

den tire failure including blowouts and sudden deflation, crash-

es, and serious personal injuries.

Have worn or damaged tires replaced immediately.

Never exceed the maximum speed rating or the maximum

load rating of the tires on your vehicle.

The effectiveness of the driver assistance systems and the

braking support systems depends on the tire traction.

If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one

side when driving, always stop as soon as it is safe to do so

and check the wheels and tires for damage.

To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious

personal injuries, never loosen the bolts on wheels with bolted

rim rings.

Never mount used tires on your vehicle if you are not sure of

their past use. Old, used tires and wheels may have damage

that cannot be seen that can lead to sudden tire failure and loss

of vehicle control.

Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail sudden-

ly, especially at high speeds, causing loss of vehicle control,

accidents, and severe personal injuries. Tires that are more

than 6 years old can be used only in an emergency and even

then only with special care and at low speed.

For technical reasons it is usually not possible to use wheel rims

from other vehicles. Even wheel rims from the same model may not fit

properly. Check with an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility if necessary.

Tire and wheel handling

Fig. 110 Tire rotation diagram.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Tires may be the least appreciated and most abused parts of a motor

vehicle. Tires are very important, since their small patches of rubber

are the only contact between your vehicle and the road.

Maintaining correct tire pressure, making sure that your vehicle and

its tires do not have to carry more weight than they can safely handle,

and regularly inspecting tires for damage (such as cuts, slashes, ir-

regular wear, and overall condition) are the most important things that

you can do to help avoid sudden tire failure, including tread separa-

tion and blowout.

The tires and wheels are essential parts of the vehicle's design. The

tires and wheels approved by Volkswagen are specially matched to

the characteristics of the vehicle for good road holding and safe han-

dling when in good condition and properly inflated.

Avoiding tire damage

If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle, drive very slowly

and as much as possible at a right angle to the curb with the tire tread

of both front wheels contacting the curb at the same time.

Regularly check tires for damage, such as punctures, cuts, tears

and blisters.

Remove embedded material in the tread profile that has not yet

penetrated the inside of the tire ⇒ꢀTire wear and damage.

Heed all warning messages from the Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-

tem

Replace worn or damaged tires immediately ⇒ꢀ Tire wear and

damage.

Damage to tires and wheels is often not readily visible. If you notice

unusual vibration or the vehicle pulls to one side, this may indicate

that one of the tires is damaged. The tires must be checked immedi-

ately for hidden damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. See also ⇒ꢀTire wear and

damage.

Never exceed the load and permissible maximum speed rating of

the tires ⇒ꢀTire labeling.

Always keep aggressive chemicals including grease, oil, gasoline

and brake fluid off the tires, including the spare wheel ⇒ꢀ

.

Replace missing valve caps immediately.

Unidirectional tires

Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. Unidi-

rectional tires have arrows on the sidewalls that show the direction of

rotation ⇒ꢀTire labeling. Unidirectional tires must always be mounted

according to the specified direction of rotation in order to deliver their

best grip, braking performance, low road noise, and good wear as

well as good hydroplaning resistance.

If you have to mount a tire opposite to its proper direction of rotation,

you must drive more carefully, since the tire is no longer being used

as designed. This is particularly important on wet roads. You must

replace or remount the tire as soon as possible in order to restore the

correct direction of rotation.

Rotating tires

To help ensure even wear on all tires, regular tire rotation according

to the diagram ⇒ꢀfig. 110 is recommended. In this way all tires can

have about the same service life.

Volkswagen recommends that you have your tires rotated by an au-

thorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty.

Tires more than 6 years old

Tires age even if they are not being used. Physical and chemical pro-

cesses reduce tire strength and performance and cause them to

harden and become brittle. Old tires can fail suddenly and without

warning.

Volkswagen recommends replacing tires that are 6 years and older.

This also applies to tires that look new (an unused spare and the tire

on the compact spare wheel) or that seem to still be usable with tread

depth that has not yet reached the legal minimum depth ⇒ꢀ

.

The age of each tire can be determined with the manufacturing date

that is part of the U.S. DOT tire identification number (4).) ⇒ꢀTire label-

ing.

Tire storage

Mark tires before removing them to help make sure that the previous

location (left, right, front, rear) and rolling direction can be maintained

when remounting them. Store tires in a cool, dry and preferably dark

place. Do not store tires mounted on wheels standing up.

Tires not mounted on wheels should be covered to help protect them

from dirt and stored vertically (sitting on the tread).

WARNING

Aggressive fluids and materials can cause visible and invisible

tire damage that can cause tire blowouts.

Always keep chemicals, oils, grease, fuels, braking fluids and

other aggressive substances away from tires.

WARNING

Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail suddenly,

especially at high speeds, causing loss of vehicle control, acci-

dents, and severe personal injuries.

Tires that are more than 6 years old can be used only in an

emergency and even then only with special care and at low

speed.

Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal require-

ments.

Wheel rims

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The design of the wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed

wheels. If different wheels are installed, wheel bolts with the right

length and bolt head shape must be used. This helps to ensure that

wheels can be mounted securely and that the brakes will work cor-

rectly ⇒ꢀ Changing a wheel.

In most cases, you cannot use wheel bolts from a different vehicle.

Even wheel rims from the same model may not fit properly.

Tires and wheel rims approved by Volkswagen have been matched

precisely to your vehicle model and contribute considerably to good

handling and safe vehicle performance.

Tightening torque

Wheel bolts must always be installed with the correct tightening

torque ⇒ꢀ Changing a wheel. The required tightening torque for your

vehicle's wheel bolts is 88 ft-lbs (120 Nm). After changing a wheel,

the bolt torque must be checked as soon as possible with an accurate

torque wrench. See an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Wheel rims with bolted rim rings

Wheel rims with bolted rim rings have several parts. The parts are

bolted together with special screws in a special process. This helps to

ensure that they will work properly, prevent leaks, run true and safely.

Damaged wheel rims must be replaced, and you must never take

them apart or try to repair them yourself. Have an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility re-

pair them for you ⇒ꢀ

.

Wheel rims with bolted decorative covers

Light-alloy wheels may have interchangeable decorative covers at-

tached to the rim with self-locking screws. If you want to replace

damaged wheel covers, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer

or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Using improper or damaged wheel rims can affect driving safe-

ty, cause accidents and severe personal injury.

Use only wheel rims approved for the vehicle.

Regularly check wheel rims for damage and replace them if

necessary.

WARNING

Improper loosening and tightening of the bolts on wheel rims

with bolted rim rings can cause accidents and severe personal

injury.

Never loosen bolted connections on wheel rims with bolted

rim rings.

Have all work on wheel rims with bolted rim rings performed

by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen

Service Facility.

New and replacement tires

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

New tires

Drive a vehicle with new tires especially carefully for the first

350 miles (560 km) because the tires must first be broken in. Tires

that are not broken in have reduced traction and braking performance

⇒ꢀ

.

Install only radial tires only of the same make, the same dimen-

sions (tread circumference), and similar tread profile on all 4 wheels.

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

manufacturers because of different design features and tread design.

Replacing tires

Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually (both front

tires or both rear tires at the same time) ⇒ꢀ

.

Replace tires only with tires that have the same specifications, in-

cluding width and diameter, load and top speed rating as the tires

approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.

Never use tires that are larger or wider than the dimensions of the

tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model. Larger

tires could scrape and rub on the vehicle body or other parts of the

vehicle.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations

Factory-installed wheels are equipped with a sensor that constantly

monitors tire pressure, then transmits this information to the TPMS ⇒ꢀ

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If you are going to replace

the wheels, make sure that the new wheels also have sensors that

are compatible with the TPMS on your vehicle. New wheels with sen-

sors have to be recognized and integrated into the system. The new

wheels and sensors are recognized and integrated when driving off

the first time.

If you install wheels that do not have sensors, or have sensors that

are not compatible, the TPMS will not work properly. In this case, the

TPMS will not be able to monitor tire pressure or warn you if pressure

is low. An error message may appear in the instrument cluster display

or the TPMS will switch itself off.

Whenever you change sensors, you have to install new valves and

seals. Please see an authorized Volkswagen dealer of an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Always drive with the valve caps securely installed. We recom-

mend using factory-supplied valve caps. Ask an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to

replace lost caps.

If you install new tires that differ the original Volkswagen specifica-

tions, for your vehicle and model, the benchmark tire inflation pres-

sure values stored in your vehicle's TPMS may have to be adjusted

(reprogrammed). This requires professional assistance. For more

information, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

Installing replacement tires with steel cord body plies in the tire side-

wall may cause malfunction of the TPMS, and is not recommended

(cord material information in molded on the tire sidewall).

Always check the TPMS indicator light after replacing one or more

tires on your vehicle. If the indicator light is on, the TPMS is not work-

ing properly. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with the

system, or some component of the TPMS may be damaged.

For detailed information about TPMS, how it works and what you

need to know ⇒ꢀTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

WARNING

New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in.

Always drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km)

to help reduce the risk of losing control, a collision, and serious

personal injuries.

WARNING

Tires must have the required clearance. Tires that do not have

enough clearance can rub against parts of the vehicle body,

suspension, and brake system, causing brake system failure,

tread delamination, and sudden blowouts.

Always make sure that new tires are not larger than the tires

approved for your vehicle and that the new tires do not rub

against parts of the vehicle.

NOTICE

When switching to different tires, make certain the valves and

sensors are not damaged.

Never drive without valve stem caps. The valves and sensors

could be damaged.

If a sensor for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be

replaced, the corresponding valve must be replaced at the same

time.

Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal require-

ments.

TPMS wheel sensors are classified as Perchlorate Material –

special handling may apply. Obey all legal requirements regarding

handling and disposal of these components – see

http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all appli-

cable legal requirements regarding handling and disposal of the vehi-

cle or parts of its restraint system, including airbag modules and safe-

ty belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and au-

thorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are familiar with the require-

ments, and we recommend that you have them perform this service

for you.

If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have

mounted on your vehicle — for example, winter tires, wider, low-

profile tires or a compact spare — only use the replacement wheel for

a short time and drive cautiously.

Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon

as possible.

Although tire size specifications can be the same, the actual di-

mensions may differ from those nominal values for different tire

makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.

Tire inflation pressure

Fig. 111 On the driver door jamb: Location of the tire inflation pres-

sure label.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

The correct tire inflation pressure for the factory-installed tires is listed

on a label. The factory-installed tires may be summer, winter, or all-

season tires. The label ⇒ꢀfig. 111 is on the driver door jamb.

Under- or over-inflation significantly shortens the service life of your

tires and affects the handling of the vehicle ⇒ꢀ . The correct tire

pressure is very important, particularly when the vehicle is driven at

higher speeds. Incorrect tire pressure causes increased wear and

even sudden tire failure and blowouts.

Therefore, tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and

always before long trips.

The specified tire inflation pressure applies to a cold tire. When tires

are warm, the pressure will be higher than when the tires are cold.

Do not reduce the tire pressure on warm tires to match the required

cold tire inflation pressure. The tire inflation pressure would then be

too low and could cause sudden tire failure and blowout.

Checking tire inflation pressure

Always check the tire pressure only on “cold” tires when the vehicle

has not been driven more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low

speed within the last 3 hours.

Check tire inflation pressure regularly and on cold tires. Check all

the tires, including the compact spare, if any. In colder climates tire

pressure should be checked more often, but only when the tires are

cold. Always use an accurate tire pressure gauge.

After adjusting the tire inflation pressures, make sure to screw the

valve caps back on; replace missing valve caps immediately. Please

read and heed the information on resetting the Tire Pressure Monitor-

ing System, if necessary ⇒ꢀ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Remember that the vehicle manufacturer, not the tire manufacturer,

determines the correct tire pressure for the tires on your vehicle.

Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire side-

wall for any reason.

Inflate a spare wheel to the pressure specified for the vehicle's road

wheels on the tire pressure label; inflate a compact spare wheel to

the pressure specified for the compact spare on the tire pressure la-

bel or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there is one.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressure can cause a sudden tire failure or blow-

out, loss of control, collision, serious personal injury, and even

death.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct cold tire

pressure before driving off.

Low tire pressure can cause tires to get too hot, resulting in

tread separation, sudden loss of pressure, and blowouts. Tires

with excessively low pressure flex (bend) more, which can

cause the tire to overheat and fail suddenly without warning.

Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat build-up,

sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation

and loss of control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear

prematurely and the vehicle will not handle well.

Regularly check tire inflation pressure, at least once a month,

and also especially before a long trip.

Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold.

Never reduce air pressure in warm tires to match cold tire infla-

tion pressure.

NOTICE

Make sure not to jam the tire pressure gauge into the valve

stem. Otherwise you can damage both the tire valves and the tire

inflation pressure sensors ⇒ꢀ Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS).

Driving without valve caps, with the wrong valve caps, or with

valve caps that are not properly screwed on can damage the tire

valves and the sensors on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

⇒ꢀ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). To help prevent

damage, always use valve stem caps like those originally in-

stalled at the factory. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do

not use metal valve caps or “comfort” valve stem caps.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption.

There may be differences between the pressure readings from a

tire pressure gauge and the pressures registered by the Tire Pressure

Monitoring System. The electronic Tire Pressure Monitoring System

is more accurate.

When the TPMS warns that the pressure in at least one tire is too

low, check the tire pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure

gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be spotted by looking at the

tire. This is especially true for low-profile tires. When checking the tire

pressures, refer to ⇒ꢀ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Engine

Tire dimensions

Tire pressure

bar psi kPa

235/45 R 17

235/40 R 18 xl

235/45 R 17

2.1

2.3

2.5

30 210

33 230

36 250

2.0 L / 200 hp (147 kW)

3.6 L / 280 hp (206 kW)

235/40 R 18 xl

Engine

Tire dimensions

Tire pressure

bar psi kPa

235/45 R 17

2.3

2.6

34 230

38 260

3.6 L / 280 hp (206 kW)

4MOTION

235/40 R 18 xl

xl = reinforced sidewall.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is configured at the factory

with the correct tire inflation pressure applicable for the vehicle

model, engine and factory-installed tires. The tire inflation pressure

is listed on the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb⇒ꢀ,

Tire inflation pressure. The tire inflation pressures for the road tires

are listed on this label. The inflation pressure for the compact spare

is as specified on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for

the compact spare, if there is one. In the event of a discrepancy be-

tween the above figures and the tire pressures listed on the tire infla-

tion pressure label, the pressures listed on the label are the ones

you should use. The listed pressure applies to all road tires. If differ-

ent tires are installed that do not have the same cold tire inflation

pressure as the tires originally installed on your vehicle, the Tire

Pressure Monitoring System cannot properly monitor tire inflation

pressures unless the TPMS is reset to the new tire pressures

⇒ꢀpage 295. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized

Volkswagen Service Facilities have the necessary special tools and

can reset the TPMS for the new tires on your vehicle.

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Fig. 113 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 in-

dicators. 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 man-

ufacturers because of the different design features and tread pat-

terns.

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. 113. 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 con-

trol.

Worn tires reduce the ability of your vehicle to handle well in

normal and difficult driving situations and increase braking dis-

tances 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 vibra-

tions 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 Ser-

vice 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.

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 be-

come unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the steer-

ing 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 author-

ized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facili-

ty.

WARNING

Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire dam-

age.

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.

Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Fig. 114 In the luggage compartment: Handwheel holding the spare

wheel in place.

Fig. 115 In the luggage compartment: Compact spare wheel.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Removing the spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Open the luggage compartment lid, lift up the floor covering and

hook it on the upper edge of the luggage compartment.

Completely unscrew the handwheel in the center of the spare

wheel ⇒ꢀfig. 114 or compact spare wheel ⇒ꢀfig. 115 counterclockwise

and remove the spare wheel.

Stowing the replaced wheel

Hook the floor covering on the upper edge of the luggage com-

partment.

Put the wheel you took off the vehicle into the spare wheel well so

that the center hole of the rim is aligned with the threaded pin.

Turn the handwheel clockwise until the wheel is securely in place.

If necessary, return the vehicle tool kit to its location in the luggage

compartment.

Unhook the floor covering and fold it back down onto the floor of

the luggage compartment.

Close the luggage compartment lid.

If the spare wheel is different from the road wheels

If the spare is different from the road wheels, a compact spare wheel,

for example, or if the road wheels are winter tires, the spare wheel

must be used only in the event of a flat tire, only for a brief time, and

only when driving with extra caution ⇒ꢀ

.

Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon as

possible.

Please heed the following:

Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)!

Avoid full-throttle acceleration, hard braking, and fast cornering!

Do not use snow chains on the compact spare wheel ⇒Snow

chains.

After installing the spare wheel or compact spare wheel, check the

tire pressure as soon as possible ⇒ꢀTire inflation pressure.

Check the tire inflation pressure of the spare or compact spare when-

ever you check the tire pressure of the road wheels, at least once a

month. Inflate a spare wheel to the cold tire pressure specified for

the vehicle's road wheels on the tire pressure label; inflate a compact

spare wheel to the cold tire pressure specified for the compact spare

on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact

spare, if there is one.

WARNING

Improper use of a spare wheel or a compact spare wheel can

cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and se-

rious personal injury.

Never use a spare wheel or compact spare wheel if it is dam-

aged or worn down to the wear indicators.

In some vehicles, the spare wheel or compact spare wheel is

smaller than the original tire. A smaller compact spare wheel is

identified with a sticker and the words “50 mph” or “80 km/h”.

This is the maximum permissible speed when driving with this

tire.

Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact

spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and

fast cornering!

Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare

wheel is installed on the front axle (drive axle).

Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as

soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief

use only.

Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

to determine the age of the compact spare wheel ⇒ꢀ Tire label-

ing. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail sud-

denly, especially at higher speeds.

Tires that are more than 6 years old can only be used in an

emergency and then with special care and at lower speeds.

The compact spare wheel must always be secured with the

wheel bolts provided by the factory.

Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.

After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure

must be checked as soon as possible ⇒ꢀ Tire inflation pressure.

Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. If

you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel

mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a

front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can

then be used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure you do not

change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow chains

on the full-sized road tire.

NOTICE

When the spare wheel or compact spare is being used, the TPMS

indicator light can come on after a couple of minutes ⇒ꢀTire

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

If possible, attach the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or the

wheel you took off the vehicle securely in the luggage compartment.

Tire labeling

Fig. 116 International tire labeling.

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Knowing about tire specifications makes it easier to choose the cor-

rect replacement tires. Radial tires have specifications marked on the

sidewall.

Tire labeling

(example)

Meaning

Brand, Logo

Manufacturer

Individual tire designation of the manufac-

turer.

Tire name

Dimensions:

P

Tire application: Passenger car

Nominal sidewall-to-sidewall width of

tire in millimeters.

255

P255 / 55 R 18

55 Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)

Tire belt design letter code for radial.

R

18 Rim diameter (in inches)

109 H

Load rating code and speed rating code

Indicates “reinforced” tire (heavy-duty)

XL

M+S or M/S

Indicates Mud and Snow capability (also

M/S) ⇒ꢀ Winter tires.

RADIAL TUBELESS Tubeless radial tire.

E4 ... Labeling according to international regula-

tions (E) including number of the approving

country. The multi-digit approval number is

listed next.

Tire identification number (TIN)³– In some

DOT BT RA TY5 1709 cases the manufacturing date is only on one

side of the tire:

3

TIN represents the serial number of the tire.

Tire labeling

(example)

Meaning

The tire complies with the require-

ments of the United States Depart-

ment of Transportation, responsible

for issuing safety standards.

DOT

Identification letter of the manufactur-

ing site.

BT

RA

Manufacturer information regarding

tire dimensions.

Tire characteristics provided by the

manufacturer.

TY5

1709

Manufacturing date: 17th week in

2009.

TWI

Marks the position of the treadwear indicator

Country of manufacture.

Made in Germany

MAX LOAD 615 KG

(1356 LBS)

United States maximum load rating per

wheel.

MAX INFLATION

350 KPA (51 PSI)

United States maximum permissible inflation

pressure.

ROTATION

Rotation direction (unidirectional tires)

SIDEWALL 1 PLY

RAYON

Tire ply composition and materials used:

1 layer of rayon.

Tire tread composition and materials used:

In this example there are 4 layers under the

tread: 1 layer of rayon, 2 layers of steel belt

and 1 layer of nylon.

TREAD 4 PLIES

1 RAYON + 2 STEEL

+ 1 NYLON

Tire labeling

(example)

Meaning

Consumer information regarding comparison to specified base

tires (standardized test procedure) ⇒ꢀ ⇒ꢀpage 284:

Relative service life expectancy of the tire

TREADWEAR 220

referenced to a U.S.-specific standard test.

Traction rating under wet conditions (AA, A,

TRACTION A

B or C).

Temperature stability of the tire at increased

TEMPERATURE A

test bench speeds (A, B or C).

Additional numbers found on the tire could either be tire manu-

facturer internal labels or country-specific labels (such as for

Brazil and China).

Unidirectional tires

Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. Unidi-

rectional tires have arrows on the sidewalls that show the direction of

rotation. Make sure you mount the tire so that it rotates in the proper

direction. The tire's performance with regard to hydroplaning, traction,

noise, and wear is worse if it is not mounted in the proper direction of

rotation.

If you have to mount a tire opposite to its proper direction of rotation,

you must drive more carefully, since the tire is no longer being used

as designed. This is particularly important on wet roads. You must

replace or remount the tire as soon as possible in order to restore the

correct direction of rotation.

Load rating code

The load index indicates the maximum permissible load per individual

tire in pounds (kilograms).

91 1356 lbs (615 kg)

92 1388 lbs (630 kg)

93 1433 lbs (650 kg)

95 1521 lbs (690 kg)

97 1609 lbs (730 kg)

98 1653 lbs (750 kg)

99 1709 lbs (775 kg)

100

101

102

103

104

110

1763 lbs (800 kg)

1819 lbs (825 kg)

1874 lbs (850 kg)

1929 lbs (875 kg)

1984 lbs (900 kg)

2337 lbs (1060 kg)

Speed rating code letter

The speed rating code letter indicates the maximum permissible road

speed of the tires.

P up to 93 mph (150 km/h)

Q up to 99 mph (160 km/h)

R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

S up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

T up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

U up to 124 mph (200 km/h)

H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

V up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

Z over 149 mph (240 km/h)

W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

Y up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

Some tire manufacturers label tires with a maximum permissible road

speed above 149 mph (240 km/h) with the letter combination “ZR.”

WARNING

Using incorrect or unmatched tires and/or wheels or improper

tire and wheel combinations can lead to loss of control, colli-

sion and serious personal injury.

Always use tires, wheels and wheel bolts that meet the speci-

fications of the original factory-installed tires or other combina-

tions that have been specifically approved by the vehicle manu-

facturer.

All 4 wheels must be fitted with radial tires of the same type,

the same size (tread circumference), and the same tread pat-

tern. Driving with different tires reduces vehicle handling and

can lead to a loss of control.

Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the

tires installed on your vehicle are rated because tires that are

driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.

Overloading tires can cause heat build-up, sudden tire fail-

ure, including a blowout and sudden deflation and loss of con-

trol.

Temperature grades apply to tires that are properly inflated

and not over- or underinflated.

Winter tires

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Winter tires improve the handling characteristics of your vehicle sig-

nificantly when driving under wintry road conditions. Summer tires

have less traction on snow and ice because of their design (width,

rubber composition, tread design). Volkswagen strongly recommends

that you always have winter tires or all-season tires installed on all

4 wheels on your vehicle, especially when winter road conditions are

expected. Winter tires also improve the vehicle's braking performance

and help reduce stopping distances during winter weather.

Volkswagen recommends installing winter tires once temperatures

are below +45 °F (+7 °C).

Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter driving once the tread

pattern is worn down to a depth of 3/16 in (4.8 mm). In addition, win-

ter tire performance decreases with age – independent of the tread

profile depth.

When using winter tires:

Obey state and country-specific legal requirements.

Install winter tires on all 4 wheels.

Use winter tires only under wintry road conditions.

Only use winter tires with dimensions approved for the vehicle.

Use only winter tires of the same tire belt design, the same dimen-

sions (tread circumference), and the same tread design.

Follow speed restrictions according to the winter tire's speed rating

code letter ⇒ꢀ

.

Speed restrictions

Winter tires are certified up to a top speed identified by speed rating

code letters on the side wall ⇒ꢀ Tire labeling.

In some vehicle models it is possible to set a speed warning in the

menu in the instrument cluster display ⇒ꢀ Volkswagen Information

System.

Top speed rating and tire inflation pressure for V winter tires depend

on the engine installed in your vehicle. Be sure to ask you authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about

the maximum permissible speed and the required tire inflation pres-

sure for the winter tires that you plan to use.

WARNING

Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter

tires on your vehicle were designed can cause sudden tire fail-

ure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of control,

crashes and serious personal injuries.

Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that may be lower

than your vehicle's maximum speed.

Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the

winter tires installed on your vehicle are rated because tires

that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.

Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires

installed on your vehicle.

Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer

better handling characteristics for temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C).

They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel consump-

tion.

If factory-installed wheels and/or tires are replaced when in-

stalling winter tires, make sure that the wheels are equipped with

sensors that are compatible with the factory-installed Tire Pressure

Monitoring System and that the tires are also compatible with the sys-

tem. If new tires are not identical to those that were removed and re-

quire different cold tire inflation pressure, the tire inflation pressure

values must be reprogrammed for the TPMS. Please see your author-

ized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ꢀ

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated whenever

you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle,

even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical to

those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not

change.

If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or author-

ized Volkswagen Service Facility about permissible winter tire dimen-

sions.

Snow chains

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Obey local regulations as well as the applicable speed limits when

driving with snow chains.

Snow chains improve forward motion, traction and braking character-

istics under wintry conditions.

Snow chains may be used only on the front wheels and only in tire

and wheel combinations that have been approved by Volkswagen.

Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility about appropriate wheel, tire and snow

chain dimensions.

If possible, use only chains with low profile links that are not thicker

than 37/64 in. (15 mm) including the tensioner.

Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing

snow chains ⇒ꢀ . However, for safety reasons, caps must be in-

stalled on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized

Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.

Compact spare wheel

For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact

spare

If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel

mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a front tire

has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be 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 im-

properly 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 in-

flated, 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 extend-

ing 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 addi-

tional weight of optional equipment.

Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pres-

sures 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 pres-

sure 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, in-

cluding 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, pro-

vides 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 than the standard items they replace, and not

previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These

include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack,

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 pres-

sures 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 inflat-

ed 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. 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 underin-

flated 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 ⇒ꢀpage 261.

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 stand-

ards. The next 2 numbers or letters indicate the plant where the tire

was manufactured. The last 4 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 af-

fected 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 Vehicle normal load, Occupant distribu-

capacity, number of number of occu-

tion in a normally

loaded vehicle

occupants

2, 3, or 4

5

pants

2

3

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 every-

body 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 passen-

ger at a designated seating position and the total weight of any lug-

gage 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. Because there is an upper limit to your vehicle's

total weight (GVWR), the weight of whatever is being carried (includ-

ing the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue weight of the loaded

trailer) is also limited. More passengers, or passengers who are heav-

ier 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 oc-

cupants and luggage or other cargo that the vehicle can carry.

WARNING

Overloading a vehicle can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash

or other accident, serious personal injury, and even death.

Carrying more weight than your vehicle was designed to car-

ry will prevent the vehicle from handling properly and increase

the risk of the loss of vehicle control.

The brakes on a vehicle that has been overloaded may not be

able to stop the vehicle in a safe distance.

Tires on a vehicle that has been overloaded can fail sudden-

ly, including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of

control and a crash.

Always make sure that the total load being transported – in-

cluding the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue weight of a

loaded trailer – does not make the vehicle heavier than the ve-

hicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Determining the correct load limit

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Never overload tires. The following example illustrates how to deter-

mine the combined weight of all vehicle occupants and luggage or

other vehicle payloads. Never overload the vehicle!

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:

1. Locate the statement “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-

PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR

XXX LBS” on your vehicle's placard (tire inflation pressure la-

bel)

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers

that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers

from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and

luggage load capacity.

For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there

will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of

available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-

750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being

loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the

available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will

be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this Manual to determine

how this reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity of

your vehicle.

Check the tire sidewall to determine the load index specified for

the tire.

UTQG classification

¤ Please first read and note the introductory information and

heed the WARNINGS

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Quality grades can be found

where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and

maximum section width. Example:

Treadwear (number)

Traction: AA, A, B or C

Temperature: A, B or C

For example: Treadwear 200, Traction AA, Temperature A.

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements

in addition to these grades.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate

of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified

government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 (Treadwear-value 150) would wear

one-and-one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a

tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions

of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due

to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in

road characteristics and climate.

Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.

Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as

measured under controlled conditions on specified government test

surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor

traction performance ⇒ꢀ

.

Temperature

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C representing

the tire's resistance to the generation of heat, and its ability to dissi-

pate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified in-

door laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to de-

generate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to

sudden tire failure.

The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passen-

ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety

Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of perfor-

mance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law

⇒ꢀ

.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-

ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration,

cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that

is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,

underinflation or excessive loading, either separately or in

combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Tires and wheels for Your Volkswagen Passat SUV Seventh Generation (2010-2014)

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