Get Wheels and tyres -> Winter tyres Guide for Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

—Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately .

—Protect the tyres from contact with aggressive substances, including grease, oil, petrol and brake fluid →

—Replace missing dust caps on the valves immediately.

.

—Remove foreign bodies that have not yet penetrated to the inside of the tyre .

—Observe all warnings of the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator) .

WARNING

Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres, which can cause the tyre to burst.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances away from the tyres.

Storing tyres

—Always store tyres in a cool, dry and preferably dark place.

—Do not store tyres mounted on the rim vertically.

—Any tyres not fitted on rims should be kept in suitable sleeves to protect against dirt and should be stored vertically (standing on the

tread).

Tyres that are more than six years old

Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that have been stored unused for an extended

period of time age more quickly than tyres that are used all the time.

Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are more than six years old with new tyres. This also applies to tyres which appear to still

be in good condition and whose tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation →

.

Winter and all-season tyres also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the remaining tread depth.

The age of each tyre can be determined on the basis of the manufacturing date (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

WARNING

Old tyres can suddenly lose air or burst, especially at high speeds.

This can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Use tyres that are more than six years old only if you have no alternative. In this case, drive slowly and with extra care at all times,

even if the tyres have never been used.

New tyres

—Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km (370 mi) 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 wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread.

—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 lead to loss of vehicle control, serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Run in new tyres. Drive with appropriate caution during the first 600 km (370 mi).

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

Replacing tyres

—The vehicle may be fitted with optimised rolling resistance tyres at the factory. Only with these tyres can the indicated fuel

consumption values be achieved. Make sure that any new tyres purchased have optimised rolling resistance (→ Driving

economically).

—Seek advice from a suitably qualified workshop before purchasing new reduced rolling resistance tyres. Volkswagen recommends

using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

—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 for the vehicle type.

—Never use tyres with an effective size that is larger than Volkswagen-approved tyres →

.

WARNING

Wheels must have the necessary clearance. If there is no clearance, the tyres may come into frictional contact with parts of the

running gear, bodywork and brake lines.

This can lead to failure of the braking system, detachment of the tread surface, tyre bursting and thus serious accidents and fatal

injuries.

● Only use tyres whose dimensions are not larger than the dimensions of the tyre brands approved by Volkswagen and which do not

rub against parts of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Genuine tyres

The vehicle may be fitted with Volkswagen Genuine tyres at the factory. These tyres are marked with the symbol and have been

especially matched to this vehicle. When used correctly Volkswagen Genuine tyres meet the highest standards with respect to safety

and vehicle handling.

Re-synchronising the Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator

The Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator must be re-synchronised each time one or more wheels is changed. This also applies if the wheels

have been swapped, e.g. from the front to the rear (→ Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator).

WARNING

Dirt can damage the valves and cause them to leak so that the tyre loses air.

If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre will heat up to such an extent when driving that this can result in tread

separation and the tyre bursting, which can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Never drive without valve caps.

NOTICE

Driving over potholes and kerb edges can deform the tyres.

This can cause damage to the tyres and wheel rims.

● Avoid strong impacts and drive around obstacles if possible.

NOTICE

When swapping to other wheels, the valves can be damaged.

● Do not drop dismounted wheels on the rim.

Old tyres should be disposed of properly and as required by legislation.

If the spare wheel is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the vehicle – for example, in the case of winter tyres or a

temporary spare wheel – use the spare wheel in the event of a tyre failure only for a short period of time and drive with extra

care. Replace the temporary spare wheel with a normal wheel as soon as possible.

Volkswagen-approved tyres 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.

Avoid damaging wheel rims

—Missing hubcaps can lead to 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 dust caps on the valves immediately.

—Check the tyre pressure regularly.

Wheel rims with bolted rim rings or trim elements

Rims with bolted-on rim rings or trim elements consist of several components. These components are joined together using special

bolts. Damaged wheel rims must be replaced and may be repaired only by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends

using an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Wheel rim identification

In some countries, new wheel rims must contain information on certain properties. The following information may be provided on the

wheel rim:

—Seal of conformity.

—Rim size.

—Name of manufacturer or brand name.

—Date manufactured (month/year).

—Country of origin.

—Production number.

—Raw materials batch number.

—Product code.

WARNING

The use of unsuitable or damaged wheel rims can impair vehicle safety and cause accidents and serious injury.

● Use only wheel rims that have been 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 rim rings.

● Have all work on wheel rims with bolted-on rings carried out by a suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using an

authorised Volkswagen repairer.

The wrong tyre pressure will have a negative effect on the vehicle’s response and lead to high levels of wear or even a burst tyre →

.

The correct tyre pressure is particularly important at high speeds.

—Check the tyre pressure at least once a month.

—Check the tyre pressure of the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel at least once a month.

—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. 2.

—After adjusting the tyre pressures, always screw the caps onto the valves and observe the information on the Tyre Pressure

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 mounted tyres differs from the specifications 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.

On the driver door pillar: tyre pressure sticker (alternatively

on the inside of the tank flap).

Symbols on the tyre pressure sticker.

A

B

1

2

3

4

5

Tyre pressure for the tyres on the front axle.

Tyre pressure for the tyres on the rear axle.

Note: check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.

Tyre pressure for partial load.

Vehicle-dependent: comfort tyre pressure for partial load.

Tyre pressure for full load.

Tyre pressure level for the spare wheel, collapsible spare wheel or temporary spare wheel.

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 an authorised Volkswagen repairer.

Comfort tyre pressure

Depending on the vehicle, the tyre pressure sticker may show details of a comfort tyre pressure → Fig. 2. The comfort tyre pressure

allows increased driving comfort. Fuel consumption may increase when driving with comfort tyre pressure.

WARNING

Underinflation can cause the tyre to suddenly lose pressure while the vehicle is motion, the tread to peel off or the tyre to burst. If the

tyre pressure is too low, the tyres will wear prematurely and the car will not handle well.

Incorrect tyre pressure can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.

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

● Always adjust the tyre pressure to the corresponding load condition.

● Never reduce the increased tyre pressure of warm tyres.

WARNING

Excessive speeds and overloading of the vehicle can cause overheating, sudden tyre damage including tyre bursts and detachment 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 permitted maximum speed of the fitted tyres (→ Tyre lettering and tyre type).

NOTICE

Careless handling of the tyre pressure gauge can damage the valve.

● 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.

Depending on equipment, the vehicle may be delivered from the factory with different variants of a spare wheel or temporary spare

wheel:

Full spare wheel

The full spare wheel is a wheel whose size and tread correspond to that of the normal tyres. The tyre pressure for the full spare wheel

correspond to the tyre pressure of the normal tyres and is specified on the tyre pressure sticker (→ Tyre pressure).

Space-saver spare wheel

Space-saver spare wheel.

The space-saver spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the inscription “80 km/h” or “50 mph” → Fig. 1. This is the maximum

speed at which you are permitted to drive with this tyre. Do not cover the sticker during use of the wheel. Even if the space-saver spare

wheel is a normal wheel, it must be used only in the event of a breakdown and for a short time.

The tyre pressure for the space-saver spare wheel is 3.5 bar (51 psi / 350 kPa).

Temporary spare wheel

Temporary spare wheel.

The temporary spare wheel consists of a special wheel rim that has a significantly narrower tyre than the normal tyres.

The temporary spare wheel can be recognised by a sticker and the inscription “80 km/h” or “50 mph” → Fig. 2. This is the maximum

speed at which you are permitted to drive with this tyre. Do not cover the sticker during use of the wheel.

The tyre pressure for the temporary spare wheel is 4.2 bar (61 psi/420 kPa).

The correct wheel bolts must be used for all vehicle types; these bolts must always be tightened with the 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 immediately after every wheel change with a properly functioning torque wrench. If the tightening

torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and thus the wheel can become loose while the vehicle is in motion. The wheel

bolts and the threads could be damaged if the tightening torque is too high.

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 oil the wheel bolts or the threads of the wheel hubs.

Tightening torque for wheel bolts

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

WARNING

If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, the wheel bolts and thus the wheel can become loose while the vehicle is in

motion. The wheel bolts and the threads could be damaged if the tightening torque is too high.

Incorrectly tightened or missing wheel bolts can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, serious accidents and fatal injuries.

● Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench available, tighten the wheel

bolts with the wheel wrench and have the torque checked immediately by the nearest suitably qualified workshop. Volkswagen

recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

● Never drive if wheel bolts are missing or loose.

● Always use wheel bolts that match the wheel rims and the vehicle type.

● Never grease or oil the wheel bolt and the threads in the wheel hubs. This could cause the wheel bolts to loosen while the vehicle

is in motion, even if the required torque setting is used.

● Make sure that the wheel bolts and threads of the wheel hubs are clean, smooth running and free of oil and grease.

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

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 recommends having a wheel change carried out by a correspondingly qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using

a Volkswagen dealership.

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 regulations.

Observe any country-specific legal requirements relating to the permissible minimum tread depths for winter and all-year 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. Unbalanced wheels 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. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership.

Tyre wear due to sporty driving

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

If you drive with a sporty driving style, check the tread depth every 5,000 to 10,000 km (around 3,107 to 6,214 mi).

Tread wear indicators in tyres

In the tread grooves: tread wear indicator.

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 tread depth is just down to the

tread wear indicator.

The tread wear indicators of all tread grooves must be checked when the tread depth is checked.

WARNING

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

skidding.

Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip. On wet roads in particular, the vehicle will be more at risk of aquaplaning.

Worn tyres can 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.

Summer tyres have less grip on icy or snow-covered roads. Winter or all-season tyres improve the handling and braking characteristics

in winter road conditions. Volkswagen 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 models with all-wheel drive.

Winter and all-season tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm (around 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.

—Only use winter tyres that have the same belt type, size and the same tread pattern .

—Observe the maximum speed permitted by the speed rating.

Speed limitation

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

You can set a speed warning using the Vehicle settings and the Tyres menus 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. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised

Volkswagen repairer.

WARNING

The improved vehicle handling as a result of winter tyres on wintry roads does not constitute a reason to take safety risks, as this may

result in loss of vehicle control and serious injuries.

● 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 this case.

In vehicles with a Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-synchronise after changing to winter tyres (→ Tyre

Pressure Loss Indicator).

The speed limit and load capacity of winter tyres may differ from those of summer tyres.

Ask a suitably qualified workshop about the permitted winter tyre sizes. Volkswagen recommends using an authorised

Volkswagen repairer.

Wheels and tyres -> Winter tyres for Your Volkswagen Polo SUV Seventh Generation (2021-2025)

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