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
Collapsible spare tire
Tire labeling
Winter tires
Snow chains
Glossary of tire and loading terminology
Tires and vehicle load limits
Determining the correct load limit
Volkswagen recommends that all work on tires and wheels be done by an authoriz ed Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service 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
Braking, stopping and parking
Tire Pressure Monitorin g System
Exterior CARe and cleaning
Consumer information
Wheel covers
Changing a wheel
Tire mobility set
WARNING
.
New tires or tires that are old, worn or damaged cannot pr o vid e ma xi mum co ntr ol a nd
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 dimension s (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
personal injuries.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly when the tires are cold and always main tain t he
prescribed tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause tires to get too hot, resulting in tread
separation, sudden loss of pressure, and bl owouts. Tires with excessively low pr essure flex
(bend) more, which can cause t he tir e to overheat and fail suddenly wi th out 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 wi th wor n or damage d t i res ca n l ead to loss of vehicle control,
sudden tire failure including blowouts and sudden deflation, crashes, 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 ti r es for da mag e.
To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuri es, ne ver 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 suddenly, 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 o nly 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. 295 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, irregular wear, and overall conditi on ) are the most imp ortant things that you can do to help
avoid sudden tire failure, including tread separation and blowout.
The tires and wheels are essential parts of the vehicle's design. The ti r es and whe el s app roved by
Volkswagen are specially matched to the characteristics of the vehicle for good road holding and safe
handling when in good condition and properly inflated.
Avoiding tire damage
If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle, drive ve ry slowly and as much as possible at a right
angle to the curb with the tire tread of both front wheels cont acti ng 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.
Heed all warning messages from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
Damage to tires and wheels is often not readily visibl e . If you notice unusual vibration or the
vehicle pulls to one side, this may indicate that one of the t ire s is damaged. The tires must be checked
immediately for hidden damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volksw agen
Service Facility. See also.
Never exceed the load and permissible maximum speed rating of the tires.
Always keep aggressive chemicals including grease, oil, gasoline and brake fluid off the tires,
including the compact spare tire ⇒
Replace missing valve caps immediately.
.
Unidirectional tires
Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. U nidir ectional tires have arrows on the
sidewalls that show the direction of rotation. Unidirecti on al tires m ust 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 driv e mo re CARefully,
since the tire is no longer being used as designed. This is particularly impo rtant o n wet ro a ds. Yo u
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. 295 is
recommended. In this way all tires can have about the same service life.
Volkswagen recommend s that you have your tires rota ted by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Tires more than 6 years old
Tires age even if they are not being used. Physical and chemic al proc esse s 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 olde r. This also applies to tires that look
new (including 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 (TIN).
.
Tire storage
Mark tires before removing them to help make sure that the previ ou s locati on (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 dam age th at 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, accidents, and severe personal injuries.
Tires that are more than 6 years old can be used only in an emergency and even then onl y
with special CARe and at low speed.
Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.
.
Wheel rims
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. I f 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 bra ke s will work correctly .
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 To r que
Wheel bolts must always be installed with the correct tightening torque The required tightening torque
for the Touareg's wheel bolts is 133 ft-lbs (180 Nm). After changing a wheel, the bolt torque must be
checked as soon as possible with an accurate tor que wrenc h. Se e an authorized Volkswagen dealer
or authorized 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
repair them for you ⇒
.
Wheel rims with bolted decorative covers
Light-alloy wheels may have interchang eable decorative covers attached to th e rim with self-locking
screws. If you want to replace damaged wheel cover s, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒
WARNING
.
Using improper or damaged wheel rims can affe ct dr iving sa fe 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 tighte ning of the bolts on wheel rims with bolted rim rings can cau s e
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 CAR efully for the first 350 miles (560 km) because the
tires must first be broken in. Tires that are not broken in have reduced tract i o n ⇒
performance ⇒
Install only radial tires of the same make, the same dimensions (tread circumference), and similar
tread profile on all 4 wheels.
The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers becau se o f different
design features and tread design.
.
and braking
Replacing tires
Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually ( both f r ont t ire s or both rear tires at the same
time) ⇒
Replace tires only with tires that have the same specifications, including 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 a nd rub on t h e ve hicle body or other parts of the
vehicle.
.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations
Factory-installed wheels are equipped with a sensor that c onstant ly m onitors tire pressure, then
transmits this information to the 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
sensors have to be recognized and integrat ed int o th e system. To detect the new wheels and sensors,
you must leave the vehicle parked for at least 20 minutes and then drive for a short time at speeds
above 15 mph (25 km/h).
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 instrum e nt cluster display or the TPMS will
switch itself off.
All sensors must be replaced at specific intervals ⇒ Booklet
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 reco mme nd u sing 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 specificat io ns, for your vehicle and model, the
benchmark tire inflation pressure values stored in your vehicle's TPMS may have to be adjusted
(reprogrammed). This requires profession al 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 sidewall 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 replaci ng on e or more tire s on you r v ehicle. If the indicator
light is on, the TPMS is not working 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 an d what yo u need to know .
WARNING
.
New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in.
Always drive with special CARe for the first 350 mil es (560 km) to hel p redu ce the ri sk o f
losing control, a collision, and serious personal injuries.
Warranty and Maintenance
.
WARNING
.
Tires must have the required clearanc e. 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 blow outs.
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 val ves and s en sor s could be damaged.
If the sensor on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be replaced, t he valve must be
replaced at the same time.
Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.
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TPMS wheel sensors are classified as Perc hlor ate Material – Special handling may apply. Obey
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all legal requirements regarding handli ng and di sp os al of these components – see
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal requirements regarding
handling and disposal of the vehicle or parts of its restraint system, including airbag modules and
safety belts with pretensioners. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service
Facilities are familiar with the requirements, and we recommend that you have them perform this
service for you.
If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have moun t ed on yo ur ve hicle (for
example winter tires or wider, low-profile tires, , or a compact spar e), th en use the replacement wheel
for a short time only, 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 act ual dime nsi ons may differ from those
nominal values for different tire makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.
Tire inflation pressure
Fig. 296 Location of the tire inflation pressure label.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
The correct tire inflation pressure for factory-installed tires is listed on a label. The factory-installed
tires may be summer, winter, or all-season tires. Th e l ab el ⇒ f i g. 296 is on th e dri ve r door jamb.
Under- or over-inflation significantly shortens th e service life of your tires and affects the handling of
the vehicle ⇒
higher speeds. Incorrect tire pressure causes increased wear and even sudden tire failure and
blowouts.
Therefore tire pressure should be check ed at least once a month and always before long trips.
. The correct tire pressure is very important, particularly when the vehicle is driven at
The specified tire inflation pressure applies to a cold tire. When tires are warm, the p ress ure will be
higher than when the tires are cold.
Do not reduce the tire pressure on warm tires to match the required col d t ire infl ation pres sure. The
tire inflation pressure would then be too low and could cause sudden tire failure and blowout.
Tire inflation pressure in cold tires
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Model Engine Tire dimensions Tire inflation
pressure,
front axle
PSI kPa PSI kPa
255/55 R 18 109 H xl 33 230 38 260
Touareg
Touareg
3.0 l / 240 hp (176 kW)
TDI
3.6 l / 280 hp (206 kW)
FSI
265/50 R 19,110 H xl 33 230 38 260
275/45 R 20,110 H xl 33 230 38 260
255/55 R 18,109 H xl 33 230 38 260
265/50 R 19,110 H xl 33 230 38 260
275/45 R 20,110 H xl 33 230 38 260
Tire
inflation
pressure,
rear axle
255/55 R 18,109 H xl 35 240 39 270
Touareg
xl = reinforced sidewall.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is conf ig u red at the factory with the correct tire infl ation
pressure applicable for the vehicle model, engine and factory-installed tires. This tire inflation
pressure is also listed on the sticker inside the driver door jamb. The tire inflation pressure are listed
for all tires and the collapsible spare ti re. In the eve nt of a discrepancy between the above figures
and the tire pressures listed on the tire inflation pressu re la bel, the pressures listed on the label are
the ones you should use. If different tires are inst alle d, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System cannot
properly monitor tire inflation pressures unless the TPMS is reset to the new tire pressures.
Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities have the necessary
special tools and must reset the TPMS for the new tires on your vehicle.
3.0 l / 380 hp (279 kW)
Hybrid
265/50 R 19,110 H xl 35 240 39 270
275/45 R 20,110 H xl 35 240 39 270
Tread depth and tread wear indicators
Fig. 297 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 06 in (1 /16 in; 1.6 mm), as measured
in tread grooves next to the wear indicators. Please be sure to obey country-specific legal
requirements.
Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter operation once the tread p att er n 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 manufacturers because of the
different design features and tread p at ter ns.
.
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. 297. 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 ti res m ust 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 co ntrol 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 proper ly, especially on wet roads, increasi ng your r isk o f
“hydroplaning” and loss of cont rol.
Worn tires reduce the abili ty of your vehicle to handle well in normal and dif fi cult driving
situations and increase braking distances 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 vibrations or pulling to one side can be
an indication of tire damage ⇒
If you suspect tire damage, immediately reduce sp ee d!
Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
If a tire is damaged, do no t dr ive any farther. Get expert assistance.
If no external damage is visible, slowly and CARefully drive to the nea re st authorized Volkswagen
dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop and have the vehicle
checked.
Objects embedded in the tire
If embedded objects have penetrated to the inside tire, do not remove them!
Get professional help immediately.
Tire wear
Tire wear depends on several factors, including:
Driving style.
Unbalanced wheels.
Wheel alignment.
Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and bra king in c rease tire wear. If you experience
increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Unbalanced wheels – The wheels on a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, various
conditions can cause a wheel to become unbal an ced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to th e
steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebal anced. A wheel must always be r ebalanced if
a new tire has been mounted.
Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairi ng
vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
.
WARNING
.
Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.
Reduce sp e ed immedia tely and sto p when it is sa fe to do so.
Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
Never drive with a damaged tire or rim and seek expert assistance. Get expert assistance
instead.
If no external damage is visible, slowly and CARefully drive to the nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or other qualified workshop
and have the vehicle checked.
Collapsible spare tire
Fig. 298 Under the luggage compartment floor panel: Collapsible spare tire with threaded retainer (left) and
collapsible spare tire with fastening bolt and washer (right).
Fig. 299 Connection points in the engine compartment for the collapsible spare tire compressor.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Removing the collapsible spare tire
Open the rear hatch: Lift up the luggage compartment floor panel and hook it to the top of the
luggage compartment or remove the reversible luggage compartment fl oo r panel.
Take the retainer ⇒ fig. 298 (1) from the middle of the collapsible spare wheel and fit it onto the
fastening bolt (2); then unscrew the bolt completely counterclockwise.
OR: Turn the fastening bolt with washer (3) counterclockwise and remove completely.
Take the collapsible spare tire out of t he vehicle.
Inflate the collapsible spare tire to not more than 51 psi (3.5 bar / 350 kPa) before mounting it on
the vehicle.
Inflating the collapsible spare tire
Take the compressor out of the luggage compartment .
Screw the tire filler hose onto the valve of the collapsible spare tire.
Open the engine hood.
Connect the compressor with the 12 Volt clips only to the jump-start terminals in the engine
compartment. The red clip on the compressor cable is connected to the positive (+) terminal; the black
clip is connected to the negative terminal (-) ⇒ fig. 299.
Route the connector cables so that they cann ot get ca ught in rotating parts.
Start the vehicle engine and let it run.
Switch on the compressor. Make sure that the air bleed screw on the tire pressure gauge is closed.
Inflate the collapsible spare tire to a pressure of 51 psi (3.5 bar / 350 kPa). The compressor must
be switched off after 10 minutes at most to keep it from overheating.
Stowing the tire you removed
Lift up the luggage compartment floor panel and hook it to the top of the luggage compartment or
remove the reversible luggage compartment floor panel.
If necessary, return th e vehicle tool kit to its location in the luggage compartment.
Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel/replace reversible luggage compartment floor panel.
Put the tire you took off the vehicle in the luggage compartment and secure it firmly.
Close the rear hatch.
Driving with the collapsible spare tire
The collapsible spare tire is different in design from th e road t ir es and 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 you r 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 collapsible spare tire.
After installing the collapsible spare t i re, check the tire pressure as soon as possible.
.
Reusing the collapsible spare tire
The collapsible spare tire can be reused as long as it is not damaged an d not worn do wn t o the tread
wear indicators.
It takes several hours for the collapsible spare tire to return to its collapse d form afte r you le t the air
out of it. Once this has happened, you can put it back in the spare tire well and secure it.
Let the air out of the tire by unscrewing the valve core.
Screw the valve core back in once the air has bee n re leased.
Wait several hours before putting the collapsible spare tire back in the spare tire well.
Once the time is up, open the rear hatch. Lift up the luggage compartment floor panel and hook it
to the top of the luggage compartment or remove the reversible luggage com partme nt floor panel.
Place the collapsible spare tire in the spare tire well and secure it with the fastening b olt (⇒ fig. 298
(2) or (3)).
Fit the retainer (1) back into the middle of the collapsible spare tire .
Unhook the luggage compartment floor panel/replace reversible luggage compartment floor panel.
Close the rear hatch.
WARNING
.
Improper use of a collapsible spare tire can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.
Never use a collapsible spare tire if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
The collapsible spare tire is identified by 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 collapsible spare tire. Avoi d ful l-t hrot tl e
acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!
Replace the collapsible spare tire with a normal wheel as soon as possible. Collapsible
spare tires are designed for brief use only.
Regularly check U.S. DOT tire identification number (TIN) to determine the age of the
collapsible spare tire. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fai l su ddenly,
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 collapsible spare tire must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the
factory.
Never drive using more than one collapsible spare tire.
After installing the collapsible spare tire, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as
possible
Snow chains cannot be used on the collapsibl e spare tire. If you need th e snow chains,
but one of the front tires is flat, you have to mount the collapsible spare tire on the rear axle.
The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to
maintain the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow chains on the full-sized road wheel.
If possible, fasten the collapsible spare tire or the w he el you took of f the vehicle securely in the
.
luggage compartment. On vehicles equipped with a tire mobility set, the tire you took off the vehicle
cannot be secured.
Tire labeling
Fig. 300 International tire labeling.
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS
Knowing about tire specifications makes it easier to cho os e the correct replacement tires. Radial tires
have specifications marked on the sidewall.
Tire labeling (example) Meaning
Brand, Logo
Tire name
P215 / 55 R 18 Dimensions:
109 H Load rating code and speed rating co de .
XL Indicates “reinforced” tire (heavy-duty)
Manufacturer
Individual tire designation of the manufacturer.
P Tire application: Passenger CAR
255 Nominal sidewall to sidewall width of tire in millimeters.
55 Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
R Tire belt design letter code for radial.
18 Rim diameter (in inches)
M+S or M/S Indicates M u d and Snow capa b ility (also M/S)
RADIAL TUBELESS Tubeless radial tire.
Tire labeling (example) Meaning
E4 ... Labeling according to international regulations (E) in cludin g
number of the approving country. The multi-digit approval number
is listed next.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709 Tire identification number (TIN34 - In some cases the
manufacturing date is only on one side of the tir e:
DOT The tire complies with the requirements of the United
States Department of Transportation, responsible for
issuing safety standards.
BT Identification letter of the manufacturing site.
RA Manufacturer information regarding tire dimensions.
TY5 Tire characteristics provide d by the man u facturer.
1709 Manufacturing date: 17th week in 2009.
TWI Marks the position of the treadwear indicator
Made in Germany Country of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356 LBS) United States maximum load rating per wheel.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
United States maximum permissible inflation pressure.
(51 PSI)
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Tire ply composition and materials used:
1 layer of rayon.
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL +
1 NYLON
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.
Consumer information regarding comparison to specified base tires (standardized test
procedure):
TREADWEAR 280 Relative service life expectancy of the tire referenced to a US-
specific standard test.
TRACTION AA Traction rating under wet conditions (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE A Temperature stability of the tire at increased test benc h spee ds
(A, B or C).
Additional numbers found on th e tir e could either be tire manufacturer inter nal labels or
country-specific labels (such as for Brazil and China).
Unidirectional tires
Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. U nidir ectional 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 performanc e with regar d to hydroplaning, traction, noise, and wear i s wor s e
if it is not mounted in the proper directio n o f rotation.
If you have to mount a tire opposite to its proper direction of rotation, you must driv e mo re CARefully,
since the tire is no longer being used as designed. This is particularly impo rtant o n wet ro a ds. You
must replace or remount the tire as soon as possible in order to restore the correct direction of
rotation.
34
TIN represents the serial number of the tire.
Load rating code
The load index indicates the maximum permissible load per individ ual tire in pounds.
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 1763 lbs (800 kg)
101 1819 lbs (825 kg)
102 1874 lbs (850 kg)
103 1929 lbs (875 kg)
104 1984 lbs (900 kg)
110 2337 lbs (1060 kg)
Speed rating code letter
The speed rating code letter indicates the maximum permissible road speed of the tire s.
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 wi th a maxi m um p erm i s sible 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, collision and serious personal injury.
Always use tires, wheels and wheel bolts that meet the specificatio ns of the ori ginal
factory-installed tires or other combinations that have been spe cifically approved by the
vehicle manufacturer.
All 4 wheels must be fitted with radial tires of the same type, the same size (tread
circumference), and the same tread pattern. Driving wi th 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 veh icle
are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.
Overloading tires can cause hea t build-up, sudden tire failure, including a blowout and
sudden deflation and loss of con trol.
Temperature grades apply to tires that are properly inflate d an d no t 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 vehi cle signif ica nt l y wh en driving un de r 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 vehi cle, es p ecially when winter road
conditions are expected. Winter tires also improve the ve hicle's braking performance and help redu ce
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 pat ter n is worn down to a depth of
3/16 in (4.8 mm). In addition, winter 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 dimensions (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 .
Top speed r a t ing and tire inflation pressure f o r V winter tires depend on the engine installed in your
vehicle. Be sure to ask you authorized Volkswa gen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facilit y
about the maximum permissible speed and the required tire inflation pressure for the winter tires that
you plan to use.
All-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Vehicles with all-wheel drive and standar d roa d wheels have good forward motion and traction even
under wintery road conditions. However, Volkswagen recommends installing snow tires or all season
tires on all 4 wheels to improve handling as well as braking performance.
If you use snow chains, please read and heed informat ion and dire ct io n s
WARNING
.
Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were
designed can cause sudden tire f ai lure including a blowout and su dde n de flation, loss of
control, crashes and serious personal injuries.
Winter tires have a maximum speed rating t hat 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 s udd enly.
Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.
Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer b ett er h an dli ng cha racte ristics for
temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, a nd re du ce fuel
consumption.
If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
about permissible winter tire dimensions.
Snow chain s
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 characteristics under wintry conditions.
Snow chains may be used only on the front wheels when driving on roads and highways. This
applies eve n to all-wheel drive vehicles (4MOTION). Snow chains may be used only in the
following tire and wheel rim combinations:
Tire dimensions Rim
235/65 R17 7 1/2 J x 17 ET 55
255/60 R17 7 1/2 J x 17 ET 55
255/55 R18 8 J x 18 ET 57
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 thicke r than 37/6 4 i n (15 mm ) inclu din g
the tensioner.
Remove center hubcaps and decora tive rim rin gs before installing snow chains ⇒
safety reasons, caps must be installed on the wheel bolts. These are available from auth o rize d
Volkswagen dealers and au thorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.
. However, for
Collapsible spare
For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the collapsible spare .
If you must use snow chains and have a collapsible spare tire mounted, move the collapsible spare to
the rear axle, if a front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can the n be used to
replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tire s so that t hey wil l run in the proper
direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chai ns b efo re m o unting 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 drivin g 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.
Snow chains are available in different sizes for each vehicle model.
.
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-i nstalled 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 improv ed stee ring re sp onse 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 shap e and structu re
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 rubbe r com pounds.
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 manufa c tur e r for a tire of a specif ie d size th at has not
been driven for more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low sp ee ds 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 option al eq uipm ent.
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 s ystem, mea s u red wh ere the tire contacts the ground.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.
Groove
The space between 2 adj a cent trea d 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 f or th at t ire.
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, multipurpo se pas se ng er ve hicles, 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 pl ie s.
Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel o r othe r mate rials, th at, 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 op tions 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, ro of 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 manufa c tur e r for a tire of a specif ie d size th at 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 purchas e new t i res to mat ch the ne w 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 sidew al ls 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 sid ewall.
Speed rating (letter code)
A standardized letter code indicating the maxi m um s peed 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 mp h or (300 k m/h)
“Y”.
The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall, Speed rating code letter.
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 tirepressure warning light.
Tread
The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.
Treat rib
A tread section running circumferential 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 sh ow, 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. Nati o nal Highwa y T raff i c 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. I t give s ti re buy ers
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” (“Departme nt of Tran sp ortat io n ”) and indi cates
that the tire meets all federal standards. 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 1801 mean that the tire was produced in the 18th week of 2001. 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 weig ht (distributed according to the table below ) and dividi ng
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, number of
occupants
2,3 or 4 2 2 in front
5 3 2 in front, 1 in back
Vehicle normal load,
number of occupants
Occupant distribution
in a normally loaded
vehicle
Tires and vehicle load limi t s
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 depe n ds o n ma king 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 Wei gh t Rating ( G VWR).
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. Th e ma ximum load includes the number
of passengers that th e v e hicle is intended to CARry (seati ng capacity) with an assumed weight of 150
lbs (68 kg) for each passenger at a designated seatin g 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 1 0% 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). GV WR and GAWR are listed on the safety compliance
label on the driver's 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 vehi cle can CARry.
WARNING
.
Overloading a vehicle can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, seriou s
personal injury, and even death.
CARrying more weight than your vehicle was designed to CARry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and increas e the ri sk o f th e loss of vehi cle 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 overlo a ded ca n fail suddenly, including a blowout a nd
sudden deflation, causing loss of control and a crash.
Always make sure that the total load being transported – including the weight of a trailer
hitch and the tongue weight of a loaded trailer – does not make the vehicle heavier than the
vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Determining the correct load limit
Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS on
Never overload tires. The following example illustrates how to determine 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 OCCUPAN TS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX LBS” on your vehicle's plaCARd (tire inflation pressure
label)
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.
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. (1400750 (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 CAR go an d lug gage lo ad c a pa city 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 lo ad index specified for the tire.
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