Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Instruction — part 11

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. 97

. 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.

Compact spare wheel

Fig. 98 In the luggage compartment: Compact spare wheel.

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

Removing the compact spare wheel

Open the luggage compartment lid and remove the floor covering.

If necessary, remove the vehicle tool kit from the center of the spare wheel

⇒ Vehicle tool kit.

Completely unscrew the handwheel in the center of the compact spare wheel

⇒

fig. 98

counterclockwise and remove the compact spare wheel.

Stowing the replaced wheel

Open the luggage compartment lid, lift up the floor covering, and remove it from 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 clockwise until the wheel is securely in place.
If necessary, return the vehicle tool kit to its location in the luggage compartment.
Return the floor covering to the luggage compartment floor.
Close the luggage compartment lid.

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.

Differences between the road tires and the compact spare

The compact spare is different in design from the road tires 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 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 compact spare wheel, check the tire pressure as soon as possible

⇒ Tire

inflation pressure in cold tires,

⇒ Tire inflation pressure in cold tires.

Check the tire inflation pressure of the compact spare whenever you check the tire pressure of the
road wheels, at least once a month. 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 compact spare wheel can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other
accident, and serious personal injury.

Never use a compact spare wheel if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.
In some vehicles, the 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 in cold tires, ⇒ Tire inflation pressure in cold tires.

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 come on

after a couple of minutes

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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

luggage compartment.

Tire labeling

Fig. 99 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:

Tire application: Passenger car

255 Nominal sidewall-to-sidewall width of tire in millimeters.

Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)

Tire belt design letter code for radial.

Rim diameter (in inches)

109 H

Load rating code and speed rating code

Tire labeling (example)

Meaning

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)

– 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.

Identification letter of the manufacturing site.

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.

TIN represents the serial number of the tire.

Tire labeling (example)

Meaning

TRACTION A

Traction rating under wet conditions (AA, A, B or C).

TEMPERATURE A

Temperature stability of the tire at increased test bench speeds
(A, B or C).

Additional numbers found on the tire could either be tire manufacturer internal labels or
country-specific labels (such as for Brazil and China).

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. Make sure you mount the tire so that it rotates in the
proper direction. The tire's performance with regard to hydroplaning, traction, noise, and wear is worse
if it is not mounted in the proper direction of rotation.

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.

Load rating code

The load index indicates the maximum permissible load per individual tire in pounds (kilograms).

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 tires.

up to 93 mph (150 km/h)

Q up to 99 mph (160 km/h)

R up to 106 mph (170 km/h)

up to 112 mph (180 km/h)

up to 118 mph (190 km/h)

U up to 124 mph (200 km/h)

H up to 130 mph (210 km/h)

up to 149 mph (240 km/h)

over 149 mph (240 km/h)

W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

Some tire manufacturers label tires with a maximum permissible 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 specifications of the original

factory-installed tires or other combinations that have been specifically 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 with 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 vehicle

are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.

Overloading tires can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, including a blowout and

sudden deflation and loss of control.

Temperature grades apply to tires that are properly inflated and not 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 vehicle significantly when driving under 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 vehicle, especially when winter road
conditions are expected. Winter tires also improve the vehicle's braking performance and help reduce
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 pattern 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 sidewall

⇒

Tire labeling.

In some vehicle models it is possible to set a speed warning in the menu in the instrument cluster

display

⇒ Volkswagen Information System.

Top speed rating and tire inflation pressure for V winter tires depend on the engine installed in your
vehicle. Be sure to ask you authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
about the maximum permissible speed and the required tire inflation pressure for the winter tires that
you plan to use.

WARNING

Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were
designed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of
control, crashes and serious personal injuries.

Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that 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 suddenly.

Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.

Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer better handling characteristics for

temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel
consumption.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button 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) and recalibration with the SET button.

If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

about permissible winter tire dimensions.

Snow chains

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 and only in tire and wheel combinations that
have been approved by Volkswagen.

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 thicker than 37/64 in. (15 mm) including
the tensioner.

Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing snow chains

⇒ . However, for

safety reasons, caps must be installed on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.

Compact spare wheel

For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare

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 to install the unidirectional tires so that they will run in the
proper direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chains before mounting 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 driving 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.

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-installed 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 improved steering response 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 shape and structure
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 rubber compounds.

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 manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that 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.

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 optional equipment.

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 system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.

Groove

The space between 2 adjacent tread 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 for that tire.

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, multipurpose passenger vehicles, 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 plies.

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel or other materials, that, 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 options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more than the
standard items they replace, and not previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These
include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, roof 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

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 purchase new tires to match the new 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 sidewalls of an inflated 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 sidewall.

Speed rating (letter code)

A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed 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 mph or (300 km/h)
“Y”.

The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall. 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 tire-
pressure warning light.

Tread

The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.

Tread rib

A tread section running circumferentially 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 show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end
of their useful life.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic 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. It gives tire buyers
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” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates
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 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. 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 weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing
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

Vehicle normal load, number
of occupants

Occupant distribution in a
normally loaded vehicle

2, 3, or 4

2 in front

2 in front, 1 in back

Tires and vehicle load limits

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 depends on making 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 Weight Rating (GVWR).

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. The maximum load includes the number
of passengers that the vehicle is intended to carry (seating capacity) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs (68 kg) for each passenger at a designated seating 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 10% 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). GVWR and GAWR are listed on the safety compliance
label on the driver door jamb. 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 vehicle can carry.

WARNING

Overloading a vehicle can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, serious
personal injury, and even death.

Carrying more weight than your vehicle was designed to carry will prevent the vehicle

from handling properly and increase the risk of the loss of vehicle 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 overloaded can fail suddenly, including a blowout and

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

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:

Locate the statement “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX LBS” on your vehicle's placard (tire inflation pressure
label)

Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.

Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

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. (1400-
750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.

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 load index specified for the tire.

UTQG classification

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

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire
sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width. Example:

Treadwear (number)
Traction: AA, A, B or C
Temperature: A, B or C

For example: Treadwear 200, Traction AA, Temperature A.

All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test course.

For example, a tire graded 150 (Treadwear-value 150) would wear one-and-one-half (1 1/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences
in road characteristics and climate.

Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test

surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance

⇒ .

Temperature

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.

The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of

performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law

⇒ .

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

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Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (2015 year). Instruction — part 11

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