Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 235
Diagram showing how to swap wheels.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
⇒
Introduction
The wheels and tyres approved by Volkswagen have been carefully selected.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illustration
⇒
Fig. 235
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.
Avoiding damage to the rims and tyres
• Always drive over kerbs slowly and at a right angle.
• Check the tyre pressure regularly.
• Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted
⇒
Tyre lettering and
tyre type
.
• Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced immediately
⇒
Tyre damage
.
• Protect the wheels from contact with corrosive substances, including oils, lubricants, fuel and
brake fluid
⇒
.
• Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
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 quicker than tyres that are used all the time.
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of
vehicle control and braking power.
• Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents
and serious injuries.
• All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling
circumference) and the same tread.
• New tyres will have to be run in as they will initially have reduced grip and braking
effect. Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and
serious injury.
• Check tyre pressures regularly when the tyres are cold, and always keep to the
specified value. If the tyre pressure is too low, it is possible that the tyre temperature
will increase to such an extent when driving that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
• Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driving
with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious injuries.
Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
• Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the fitted tyres.
• The effectiveness of the driver assist systems and brake support systems depends on
the tyre grip.
• If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop
the car immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
• In order to reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and
serious injury, never loosen the bolts on wheel rims with bolted on wheel rim rings.
• Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres
could be damaged, even if the damage is not visible.
• Even if they have not been used, old tyres can suddenly lose pressure or burst,
especially at high speeds, and thus cause accidents and serious injuries. Avoid using
tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly and with
extra care at all times.
WARNING
