Tyre lettering (example) Meaning
granted approval. This is followed by the number of the type
approval certificate.
Tyre identification number (TINa) – may be on the inner side of
the wheel) and manufacturer date:
The tyre complies with the legal requirements of the
DOT USA Department of Transportation, responsible for tyre
safety standards.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709
Code identifier of the factory that manufactured the
tyre.
BT
RA
Tyre manufacturer's data on tyre size.
TY5 Manufacturer's tyre characteristics.
1709 Manufacture date: 17th week in 2009.
Indicates the position of the tread wear indicator ⇒ Tread depth
and wear indicators.
TWI
Made in Germany
Country of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG
US load data for the maximum load per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI)
US limitation for the maximum air pressure.
Data on tyre sub-construction components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL +
1 NYLON
Data on the tread surface components:
In the example there are four layers under the tread surface:
1 layer of rayon, 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
Information for the end user concerning comparative values for specified basic tyres
(standardised test procedure)⇒ Consumer information:
Relative life expectancy for the tyre, with reference to a US-
specific standard test.
TREADWEAR 220
TRACTION A
Wet braking response of the tyre (AA, A, B or C).
Temperature stability of the tyre at higher test speeds (A, B or
C).
TEMPERATURE A
Any other characters are internal codes used by the tyre manufacturer or are country-specific
codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
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. The direction of
rotation must be adhered to. This guarantees 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.
Tyre load
The load capacity index indicates how many kilograms can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre
load).
78425 kg81462 kg83487 kg85515 kg87545 kg91615 kg
Speed index
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular
wheels are fitted.
Pmax. 150 km/h (93 mph)Qmax. 160 km/h (99 mph)Rmax. 170 km/h (106 mph)Smax. 180 km/h
(112 mph)Tmax. 190 km/h (118 mph)Umax. 200 km/h (124 mph)Hmax. 210 km/h (130 mph)Vmax.
240 km/h (149 mph)Zover 240 km/h (149 mph)Wmax. 270 km/h (168 mph)Ymax. 300 km/h
(186 mph)
Some tyre manufacturers use the code ZR for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over
240 km/h (149 mph).
a) The TIN is the tyre serial number.
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
In winter road conditions, winter tyres will considerably improve the car's handling. The design of
summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen
urgently recommends the use of winter tyres or all-year tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle,
particularly if winter conditions are expected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking
response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volkswagen
recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F).
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