Wheels and tires
Introduction
Tires are the part of the vehicle that are under the most demand yet are the most underestimated. Tires are extremely important, because the small running surface
on the tires is the only point of contact that the vehicle has with the road.
The tire and rim combinations approved by Volkswagen are specifically designed for each other.
The service life of the tire depends on the tire pressure, the driving style, the way the tires are handled, and correct mounting of the tire.
Rims, tires and wheel bolts
Rims, tires, and wheel bolts are determined based on the vehicle model. Whenever another rim is installed, the wheel bolts to be used must have the correct length
and bolt head shape. This ensures that the brakes can work correctly and that the vehicle drives smoothly and safely. For technical reasons, standard rims from
other vehicles cannot be used. Under certain circumstances, this may even apply to rims for the same vehicle model. You must consult a suitably qualified
professional to replace rim/tire combinations. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The correct wheel bolts must always be used for each vehicle model, and these bolts must always be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ Monitoring the tightening
torque.
WARNING
Handling wheels and tires incorrectly can reduce driving safety and cause serious accidents and death.
Regularly check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always maintain the specified pressure ⇒ Checking the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is
too low, the tire can heat up so much while driving that the tread separates or the tire ruptures.
Check the tires regularly for damage and wear.
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed and tire load specified for the tires fitted to your vehicle.
For all four wheels, use only radial tires of the same design, size (rolling circumference), and tread pattern.
If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
Never loosen the bolts on rims with a bolted rim ring.
WARNING
New tires or tires that are old, worn, or damaged cannot provide the maximum vehicle control and braking effect.
This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Break in new tires because they have reduced traction and braking efficiency when they are new. Therefore drive carefully for the first 600 km
(370 miles).
Never drive with tires that are worn or damaged, e.g. due to being punctured, cut, cracked, or bulging.
If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
Do not use any wheels or tires if you do not know how they have been used in the past. Used wheels and tires could be damaged, even if there is no
visible damage.
Only use tires that are more than six years old if absolutely necessary and drive with extreme caution if doing so, even if the tires have never been used
before.
Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened enough to meet the specification, the wheel bolts and consequently the wheel could come loose while driving. Exceeding the
tightening specification could damage the wheel bolts and threads.
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly or missing could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Always tighten the wheel bolts to the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the wheel bolts with the lug wrench and then
have the tightening torque checked as soon as possible by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Never drive with missing or loose wheel bolts.
Always use wheel bolts that are correct for the rim and the vehicle model.
Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hub. Even when tightened to the specification, the wheel bolts could become loose while
driving.
Ensure the wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs are clean, easy to move and free of oil and grease.
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