Volkswagen Touareg (2015 year). Instruction — part 13

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 facto-

ry-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 circum-

ference), 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 condi-
tions 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 tem-
peratures 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 side wall

⇒

Tire labeling.

In some vehicle models it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFI 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.

All-wheel drive (4MOTION)

Vehicles with all-wheel drive and standard road 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 information and directions

⇒ Snow chains.

WARNING

Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were de-
signed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of con-
trol, 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 con-
sumption.

If factory-installed wheels and/or tires are replaced when installing winter tires, make sure that

the wheels are equipped with sensors that are compatible with the factory-installed Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS) and that the tires are also compatible with the system

⇒ Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS). If new tires are not identical to those that were removed and require
different cold tire inflation pressure, the tire inflation pressure values must be reprogrammed for the

TPMS. Please see your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

⇒

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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 when driving on roads and highways. This
applies even to all-wheel drive vehicles (4MOTION). Snow chains may be used only in the follow-
ing tire and wheel rim combinations:

Tire dimensions

Rim

235/65 R17

7 1/2 J x 17 ET 55

Tire dimensions

Rim

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 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.

Collapsible spare

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

⇒ Collapsible spare tire.

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 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 vehi-
cle.

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.

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 trans-
mission, 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

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.

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

⇒ Tire labeling. You

may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

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.

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 show, 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. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a guaran-
tee 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 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, acces-
sory 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 capaci-
ty, number of
occupants

Vehicle normal
load, number of
occupants

Occupant dis-
tribution in a
normally load-
ed vehicle

2,3 or 4

2

2 in front

Designated
seating capaci-
ty, number of
occupants

Vehicle normal
load, number of
occupants

Occupant dis-
tribution in a
normally load-
ed vehicle

5

3

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 ex-
ceeded. 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'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 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:

1.

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)

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 lug-
gage 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 car-
go and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (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 and luggage load capacity 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 vehi-
cle.

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 side-
wall 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 tread wear 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 (Tread wear-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 genera-
tion 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 perfor-

mance 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.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light (telltale)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses a pressure sensor in each wheel. Signals from the
sensors are transmitted to the TPMS.

The TPMS checks the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving and warns if there is a loss of
pressure while the vehicle is moving. Pressure loss that is 25 % or more of the benchmark value
programmed into the system is signaled by the indicator light (telltale), by acoustic warnings, and by
text messages in the instrument cluster display.

More information:

Volkswagen Information System
Transporting
Braking and parking
Exterior care and cleaning
Tires and wheels
Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications
Consumer Information

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury or even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop and inspect the tires.
Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect

the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, includ-

ing a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The

recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker on the driver door

⇒ Tires and

wheels.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct

cold tire pressure specified for the tires installed on the vehicle.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Always inflate

the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.

Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.
Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,

resulting in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure 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.

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel immediately, drive carefully

and at reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed

the information and all WARNINGS regarding Tires and wheels

⇒ Tires and wheels.

NOTICE

The wheel electronics are attached to special aluminum valves on the wheels. These valves

are screwed on rigidly. Never bend the valves “into position” when checking and adjusting tire
pressure.

Missing valve stem caps can cause damage to the valves as well as to the TPMS sensors.

To help prevent damage, always use valve stem caps like those originally installed at the facto-
ry. The caps must be screwed on tightly. Do not use metal valve stem caps.

Do not use “comfort valve caps”. They do not seal properly and can damage the sensors.
When switching to different tires, make certain the valves and sensors are not damaged.
When replacing the valve cores, use only nickel-plated replacement cores.
The batteries in the wheel electronics have a life of up to 10 years. It is not possible to

replace the batteries. The entire device must be replaced.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Dispose of the wheel electronics and the old batteries in an environmentally responsible manner.

Batteries of the type used in the wheel electronics may contain Perchlorate Material. Special handling

may apply. See http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hadardouswaste/perchlorate. Obey all applicable legal re-
quirements regarding proper disposal.

Do not rely solely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Check your tires regularly to

make sure they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks,
and blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have not penetrated into
the body of tire itself.

When you take delivery of the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is calibrated

for the factory-recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the tires on your vehicle, as shown on the

label inside the driver door

⇒

fig. 111

.

For replacement tires that require a different inflation pressure, the TPMS must be adjusted to the

new pressure specification by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility. Only one value can be entered for each tire partial or full load; see the tire inflation pressure

label on the driver door pillar

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

To help prevent damage to the sensor and valve, do not put excessive force on the valve when

checking the tire pressure. Do not try to bend the valve.

If sensors have to be replaced, have the valves changed at the same time.
The tire valve gaskets must be replaced whenever a tire is mounted on the rim. Your authorized

Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility has a valve seal and gasket kit for this
purpose. Always make sure that a valve seal and gasket kit is also used whenever a sensor is re-
placed.

If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a “warm” tire, fill the tire with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa)

more than the pressure specified on the tire pressure label.

When the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one tire is too low, carefully check the

pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be deter-
mined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.

A Declaration of Compliance with the United States FCC and Industry Canada regulations is found

on of this manual.

There may be differences between the pressure readings from a tire pressure gauge and the

pressures registered by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The electronic TPMS is more
accurate.

If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the workshop that the vehicle is equipped

with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that has sensors in the wheels.

New tires may expand slightly the first time they are driven at high speeds, which can trigger a

tire pressure warning. Remember that tire pressure can only be properly measured when the tire is

“cold”

⇒ Tires and wheels.

Indicator light (telltale)

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

Lights

up

Display
text

Possible cause or

meaning

⇒

Proper response

FLAT TIRE Rapid loss of pres-

sure in one or more
tires. At least one tire
has a pressure below
20.3 psi (1.4 bar) or a
loss of tire pressure
greater than
2.9 psi/min
(0.2 bar/min).

Stop! Reduce speed

immediately! Stop the
vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so. Avoid fast
cornering and hard brak-
ing!

Check all tires for external
damage and embedded
objects. Check the infla-
tion pressure of all 4 tires.
If you are sure it is not
necessary to change a
tire right away, drive at
reduced speed to the
nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility .

CHECK

TIRE

PRESSURES

Critical loss of pres-
sure of 25% or more
in at least in one or
more tires (compared
with benchmark
pressure setting) with
the pressure more
than 7.25 psi
(0.5 bar) below the
specified value.

Immediately check the tire
inflation pressure of all
tires. If you are sure it is
not necessary to change
a tire right away, drive at
reduced speed to the
nearest authorized
Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen
Service Facility.

Flashes

Display
text

Possible cause or

meaning

⇒

Proper response

–

Possible communi-

Switch the source of in-

Flashes

Display
text

Possible cause or

meaning

⇒

Proper response

(Intermittently

while driv-

ing.)

cation problem be-
tween a sensor and
the system. This
may be caused by
interference from a
nearby radio trans-
mitter (such as a
mobile phone or
other broadcast de-
vice) that uses the
same frequency
range. The indicator
light should stop
flashing as soon as
you are far enough
away from the de-
vice causing the
interference.

terference off.

–

There is a system
malfunction if the
indicator light flash-
es for about
65 seconds and then
stays on continuous-
ly.

If the tire pressure is
correct but the indicator
light stays on or keeps
flashing after you switch
the ignition off and on
again, have an author-
ized Volkswagen dealer
or an authorized
Volkswagen Service Fa-
cility check the system.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury, or even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop the vehicle as soon

as it is safe to do so and inspect all tires.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect

the handling of the vehicle and its stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, including

a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The

recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver's door

⇒

fig. 111

.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct

cold tire inflation specified for the tires installed on the vehicle. Always set and maintain the
correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. 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.

Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires in-

stalled of the vehicle; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb

⇒ Tire infla-

tion pressure.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex more, letting them get too hot, which

can result in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

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

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change the tire or wheel immediately, drive at

reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as re-
quired.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS, always read and

heed the information and all WARNINGS in the section “Tires and wheels” (see Index).

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.