The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved
by Volkswagen are specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major
contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
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If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks or blisters.
Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the inner
tyre⇒ Tyre damage.
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Always respond to any warning messages given by the tyre monitoring system.
Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately ⇒ Tyre damage.
Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage ⇒ Tyre damage.
Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including
oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid ⇒
.
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Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been developed to roll in one direction only. An arrow on
the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ Tyre lettering.
The direction of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps
to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direction to the tread pattern, you must take more care
when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is
particularly important on wet roads. The tyres must be replaced as quickly as possible or be fitted
with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration ⇒ Fig. 130 is recommended to help
ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified workshop.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical processes that can impair their function. Tyres that are
stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which
are in constant use.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tyres that are older than 6 years with new tyres. This also
applies to tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good condition and whose
tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation ⇒
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The age of a tyre can be determined from the manufacturing date, which is a component of the tyre
identification number (
) ⇒ Tyre lettering.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres before you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be
able to mount them correctly when you replace them (left, right, front, rear). When removed, the
wheels or tyres should be stored 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).
WARNING
Corrosive liquids and other substances can cause visible and invisible damage to the tyres,
which can cause the tyre to burst.
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Always keep chemicals, oils, lubricants, fuel, brake fluid and other corrosive substances
away from the tyres.
WARNING
Old tyres – even if they have not been used – can suddenly lose pressure or burst, especially
at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries.
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Avoid using tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly
and with extra care at all times.
Old tyres should be disposed of as required by legislation.
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