Volkswagen Golf (2015 year). Instruction — part 11

NOTICE

Exceeding the gross weight ratings can cause extensive vehicle damage that is not covered by
any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

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

Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Tire labeling

Winter tires

Snow chains

Glossary of tire and loading terminology

Tires and vehicle load limits

Determining the correct load limit

UTQG classification

Volkswagen recommends that all work on tires and wheels be done by an authorized 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
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Braking and parking
Exterior care and cleaning
Vehicle tool kit
Consumer information
Wheel trim
Changing a wheel

WARNING

New tires or tires that are old, worn or damaged cannot provide maximum control and
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 dimensions (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 maintain the

prescribed tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause tires to get too hot, resulting in tread
separation, sudden loss of pressure, and blowouts. Tires with excessively low pressure flex
(bend) more, which can cause the tire to overheat and fail suddenly without 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 with worn or damaged tires can lead 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 tires for damage.

To reduce the risk of losing control, crashes, and serious personal injuries, never 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 only 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. 102 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 condition) are the most important 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 tires and wheels approved 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 very slowly and as much as possible at a right

angle to the curb with the tire tread of both front wheels contacting 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

⇒ Tire wear and damage.

Heed all warning messages from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

⇒ Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS).

Replace worn or damaged tires immediately

⇒ Tire wear and damage.

Damage to tires and wheels is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual vibration or the

vehicle pulls to one side, this may indicate that one of the tires is damaged. The tires must be checked
immediately for hidden damage by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen

Service Facility. See also

⇒ Tire wear and damage.

Never exceed the load and permissible maximum speed rating of the tires

⇒ Tire labeling.

Always keep aggressive chemicals including grease, oil, gasoline and brake fluid off the tires,

including the compact spare wheel

⇒

.

Replace missing valve caps immediately.

Unidirectional tires

Unidirectional tires are designed to rotate only in one direction. Unidirectional tires have arrows on the

sidewalls that show the direction of rotation

⇒ Tire labeling. Unidirectional tires must 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 drive more carefully,
since the tire is no longer being used as designed. This is particularly important on wet roads. You
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. 102

is

recommended. In this way all tires can have about the same service life.

Volkswagen recommends that you have your tires rotated 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 chemical processes 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 older. 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 labeling.

Tire storage

Mark tires before removing them to help make sure that the previous location (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 damage that 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 only

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 the wheel bolts is matched to the factory-installed wheels. If 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 brakes will work correctly

⇒ Changing a wheel.

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 torque

Wheel bolts must always be installed with the correct tightening torque

⇒ Changing a wheel. The

required tightening torque for your vehicle's wheel bolts is 88 ft-lbs (120 Nm). After changing a wheel,
the bolt torque must be checked as soon as possible with an accurate torque wrench. See an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an 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 interchangeable decorative covers attached to the rim with self-locking
screws. If you want to replace damaged wheel covers, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Using improper or damaged wheel rims can affect driving safety, 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 tightening of the bolts on wheel rims with bolted rim rings can cause
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 carefully for the first 350 miles (560 km) because the tires

must first be broken in. Tires that are not broken in have reduced traction and braking 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 because of different

design features and tread design.

Replacing tires

Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually (both front tires 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 and rub on the vehicle body or other parts of the
vehicle.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) must be recalibrated whenever you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the
vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were

removed and even if the tire pressure does not change

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

WARNING

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.

WARNING

Tires must have the required clearance. 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 blowouts.

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 are not damaged.
Never drive without valve stem caps. The valves could be damaged.

Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.

If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have mounted on your vehicle — for

example, winter tires, wider, low-profile tires, or a compact spare — only use the replacement wheel
for a short time 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 actual dimensions may differ from those

nominal values for different tire makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.

Tire inflation pressure

Fig. 103 On the driver door jamb: 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 the factory-installed tires is listed on a label. The factory-installed

tires may be summer, winter, or all-season tires. The label

⇒

fig. 103

is on the driver door jamb.

Under- or over-inflation significantly shortens the service life of your tires and affects the handling of

the vehicle

⇒

. The correct tire pressure is very important, particularly when the vehicle is driven at

higher speeds. Incorrect tire pressure causes increased wear and even sudden tire failure and
blowouts.

Therefore, tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and always before long trips.

The specified tire inflation pressure applies to a cold tire. When tires are warm, the pressure will be
higher than when the tires are cold.

Do not reduce the tire pressure on warm tires to match the required cold tire inflation pressure. The
tire inflation pressure would then be too low and could cause sudden tire failure and blowout.

Comfort tire pressure for certain tire sizes

For greater ride comfort, you can adjust tire pressures only for certain tire sizes to the lower

“Comfort tire pressure” listed in the table

⇒ Tire inflation pressure in cold tires.

Please remember that the lower “Comfort tire pressure” makes the tire ‘softer’ so that the tire will have
a higher rolling resistance. Higher rolling resistance means that the vehicle will have lower fuel
economy, increasing the amount of fuel you use and reducing the range of the vehicle.

You can increase the cold tire inflation pressure to the “Standard” tire pressure to increase fuel
economy and range. Be sure to recalibrate the Tire Pressure Monitoring System whenever you

change or adjust the cold tire inflation pressures

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Checking tire inflation pressure

Always check the tire pressure only on “cold” tires when the vehicle has not been driven more than a
couple of miles (kilometers) at low speed within the last 3 hours.

Check tire inflation pressure regularly and on cold tires. Check all the tires, including the compact

spare, if any. In colder climates tire pressure should be checked more often, but only when the tires
are cold. Always use an accurate tire pressure gauge.

After adjusting the tire inflation pressures, make sure to screw the valve caps back on; replace

missing valve caps immediately. Please read and heed the information on resetting the Tire Pressure

Monitoring System

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Remember that the vehicle manufacturer, not the tire manufacturer, determines the correct tire

pressure for the tires on your vehicle. Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire
sidewall for any reason.

Inflate a spare wheel to the pressure specified for the vehicle's road wheels on the tire pressure label;
inflate a compact spare wheel to the pressure specified for the compact spare on the tire pressure
label or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there is one.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressure can cause a sudden tire failure or blowout, loss of control, collision,
serious personal injury, and even death.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct cold tire pressure before driving off.
Low tire pressure can cause tires to get too hot, resulting in tread separation, sudden loss

of pressure, and blowouts. Tires with excessively low pressure flex (bend) more, which can
cause the tire to overheat and fail suddenly without warning.

Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat buildup, sudden tire failure including

a blowout and sudden deflation and loss of control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle

will not handle well.

Regularly check tire inflation pressure, at least once a month, and also especially before a

long trip.

Check the pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in

warm tires to match cold tire inflation pressure.

NOTICE

Make sure not to jam the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem. Otherwise you can

damage the tire valves.

Driving without valve caps, with the wrong valve caps, or with valve caps that are not

properly screwed on can damage the tire valves. To help prevent damage, always use valve
stem caps like those originally installed at the factory. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do
not use metal valve caps or “comfort” valve stem caps.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption.

When the TPMS warns that the pressure in at least one tire is too low, check the tire pressure in

all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be spotted by looking

at the tire. This is especially true for low-profile tires. When checking the tire pressures, refer to

⇒ Tire

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Tire inflation pressure in cold tires

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Engine

Tire size

Comfort tire pressure

(full load)

Standard tire pressure

(full load)

psi

kPa

bar

psi

kPa

bar

1.8 L/170 hp

195/65 R15 91H

32

220

2.2

36

250

2.5

Engine

Tire size

Comfort tire pressure

(full load)

Standard tire pressure

(full load)

psi

kPa

bar

psi

kPa

bar

(125 kW)

205/55 R16 91H

32

220

2.2

36

250

2.5

225/45 R17 91H

32

220

2.2

36

250

2.5

225/40 R18 92H xl

-

-

-

35

240

2.4

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is configured at the factory with the correct tire inflation
pressure applicable for the vehicle model, engine and factory-installed tires. The tire inflation

pressure is listed on the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb

⇒

fig. 103

. The tire

inflation pressures for the road tires are listed on this label. The inflation pressure for the compact
spare is as specified on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the compact spare, if there
is one. In the event of a discrepancy between the above figures and the tire pressures listed on the
tire inflation pressure label, the pressures listed on the label are the ones you should use. The listed
pressure applies to all road tires. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated
whenever you change or adjust the cold tire inflation pressures or remove and remount or change
any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical

to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change

⇒ page 186.

Tread depth and tread wear indicators

Fig. 104 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 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 pattern 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 patterns.

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. 104

. 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 tires must 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 control 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 properly, especially on wet roads, increasing your risk of

“hydroplaning” and loss of control.

Worn tires reduce the ability of your vehicle to handle well in normal and difficult 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 speed!
Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
If a tire is damaged, do not drive any farther. Get expert assistance.
If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen

dealer, 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 of the tire, do not remove them! If objects are

stuck in the tread grooves of the tire, they can be removed.

If necessary, change the damaged wheel

⇒ Changing a wheel. If necessary, get professional

assistance to change the wheel.

Check tire pressure and adjust if necessary.

Tire wear

Tire wear depends on several factors, including:

Driving style.
Unbalanced wheels.
Wheel alignment.

Driving style – Fast cornering, hard acceleration and braking increase tire wear. If you experience
increased tire wear under normal driving conditions, have the vehicle suspension checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an 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 unbalanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause wear to the

steering and suspension systems. Have all wheels rebalanced. A wheel must always be rebalanced if
a new tire has been mounted.

Wheel alignment – Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive and uneven tire wear, impairing
vehicle safety. If you notice excessive or uneven tire wear, have the wheel alignment checked by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

Unusual vibrations or pulling to one side can indicate tire damage.

Reduce speed immediately and stop when it is safe to do so.
Check tires and wheel rims for damage.
Never drive with a damaged tire or rim. Get expert assistance instead.
If no external damage is visible, slowly and carefully drive to the nearest authorized

Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or other qualified workshop and
have the vehicle checked.

Spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Fig. 105 In the luggage compartment: Handwheel holding the spare wheel in place.

Fig. 106 In the luggage compartment: Compact spare wheel (if equipped).

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Removing the spare wheel or compact spare wheel

Open the rear hatch, lift up the floor covering, and hook it in the stops on either side of the luggage

compartment

⇒ Storage.

If applicable, remove the subwoofer

⇒ Removing the subwoofer.

If necessary, pull the securing clip

⇒

fig. 105

(1)

out and up.

Completely unscrew the handwheel in the center of the spare wheel

(2)

or compact spare wheel

⇒

fig. 106

counterclockwise and remove the spare wheel.

Stowing the replaced wheel

Open the rear hatch, lift up the floor covering, and hook it in the stops on either side of the luggage

compartment.

If the wheel you took off the vehicle fits in the spare wheel well, position it so that the center hole of

the rim is aligned with the threaded pin in the center of the well.

Turn the handwheel

⇒

fig. 105

(2)

clockwise until the wheel is securely in place.

If necessary, insert the securing clip

(1)

in the stud slot so that the handwheel can no longer be

turned.

If necessary, return the vehicle tool kit to its location in the luggage compartment.
Unhook the floor covering and fold it back down onto the floor of the luggage compartment.
Close the rear hatch.

If the replaced wheel does not fit in the spare wheel well, stow it securely in the luggage compartment
on top of the floor covering.

If the spare wheel is different from the road wheels

If the spare is different from the road wheels, a compact spare wheel, for example, or if the road
wheels are winter tires, the spare wheel 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 your 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 compact spare wheel

⇒ Snow chains.

After installing the spare wheel or compact spare wheel, check the tire pressure as soon as

possible

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

Check the tire inflation pressure of the spare or compact spare whenever you check the tire pressure
of the road wheels, at least once a month. Inflate a spare wheel to the cold tire pressure specified for
the vehicle's road wheels on the tire pressure label; inflate a compact spare wheel to the cold tire
pressure specified for the compact spare on the tire pressure label or on a separate label for the
compact spare, if there is one.

WARNING

Improper use of a spare wheel or a compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a
crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.

Never use a spare wheel or compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the

wear indicators.

In some vehicles, the spare wheel or compact spare wheel is smaller than the original tire.

A smaller compact spare wheel is identified with 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 compact spare wheel. Avoid full-throttle

acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!

Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) if a compact spare wheel is installed on the front

axle (drive axle).

Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact

spare tires are designed for brief use only.

Regularly check the U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) to determine the age of the

compact spare wheel

⇒ Tire labeling. Tires age even if they are not being used and can fail

suddenly, 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 compact spare wheel must always be secured with the wheel bolts provided by the

factory.

Never drive using more than one compact spare wheel.
After installing the compact spare wheel, the tire pressure must be checked as soon as

possible

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

Snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare wheel. If you must use snow chains

and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare wheel to the rear axle if a
front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be used to replace the
flat front tire. Be sure you do not change the tire's direction of rotation. Install the snow
chains on the full-sized road tire.

NOTICE

When the spare wheel or compact spare is being used, the TPMS indicator light can light up

after a couple of minutes

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

If possible, attach the spare wheel, compact spare wheel, or the wheel you took off the vehicle

securely in the luggage compartment.

Tire labeling

Fig. 107 International tire labeling.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Knowing about tire specifications makes it easier to choose the correct replacement tires. Radial tires
have specifications marked on the sidewall.

Tire labeling (example)

Meaning

Brand, Logo

Manufacturer

Tire name

Individual tire designation of the manufacturer.

P255 / 55 R 18

Dimensions:

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)

109 H

Load rating code

⇒ and speed rating code.

Tire labeling (example)

Meaning

XL

Indicates “reinforced” tire (heavy-duty)

M+S or M/S

Indicates Mud and Snow capability (also M/S)

⇒ Winter tires.

RADIAL TUBELESS

Tubeless radial tire.

E4 ...

Labeling according to international regulations (E) including
number of the approving country. The multi-digit approval number
is listed next.

DOT BT RA TY5 1709

Tire identification number (TIN)

7

– In some cases the

manufacturing date is only on one side of the tire:

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 provided by the manufacturer.

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
(51 PSI)

United States maximum permissible inflation pressure.

ROTATION

Rotation direction (unidirectional tires)

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 220

Relative service life expectancy of the tire referenced to a U.S.-
specific standard test.

7

TIN represents the serial number of the tire.