Volkswagen Jetta GLI (2014 year). Instruction — part 9

WARNING

Improper use of the trailer hitch can cause accidents and injuries. An improperly installed,
incorrect, or damaged trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the towing vehicle
and cause serious personal injuries.

Only use an undamaged, properly mounted trailer hitch.
Never repair or modify the trailer hitch.
To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists

when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball mount when you are not towing a trailer.

Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The

vehicle was not designed for these kinds of trailer hitches. The trailer hitch attachment can
fail, causing the trailer to tear loose from the vehicle.

WARNING

Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or large things can change the way the vehicle

handles, increase the distance it needs to stop safely, and cause accidents.

Always secure the load properly with suitable and undamaged straps so that the load will

not shift.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under

unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.

Trailers with a high center of gravity tip more easily than trailers with a low center of

gravity.

Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Always obey speed limits. In some areas, the speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are

lower than for vehicles without trailers. Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h; under
exceptional circumstances 60 mph - 100 km/h) when towing a trailer. This applies even if the
local speed limit is higher.

If you are driving a new vehicle or a vehicle with a new or rebuilt engine, do not tow a trailer

during the break-in period, about 600 miles (1000 km), Parts, accessories, repairs, and modifications.

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need maintenance more often because of the extra load it

has to move.

When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch ball. This helps keep the trailer hitch from

causing damage to your vehicle and to others if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Some models need a trailer hitch to tow or tow-start other vehicles. You may want to always

carry the ball mount in the vehicle after it has been removed. Be sure to stow it securely.

Technical requirements

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

Use only a weight-carrying trailer hitch designed and approved for the gross weight of the trailer you
want to tow. The trailer hitch must be suitable for your vehicle and trailer and must be securely bolted
to the appropriate place on the vehicle chassis. Use only a trailer hitch with a removable ball mount.
Always check with the trailer hitch manufacturer to make sure that you are using the correct trailer
hitch and carefully follow the hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never install a “weight-distributing” or

“load-equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for this kind of trailer hitch

⇒

.

Do not use a bumper-mounted trailer hitch

Never install a trailer hitch on the bumper or on the bumper attachments. The trailer hitch must not
interfere with the impact-absorbing bumper system. Do not make any changes to the vehicle exhaust
and brake systems. From time to time, check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely fastened.
When you are not towing, remove the trailer hitch. This helps keep the trailer hitch from causing
damage if your vehicle is hit from behind.

Engine cooling system

Towing a trailer makes the engine and its cooling system work harder. It is important that the engine
cooling system is up to the job. Make sure that the cooling system has enough coolant.

Trailer brakes

If your trailer has its own brakes, make sure it meets all regulations. The trailer brake system must
never be directly connected to the vehicle's brake system.

Safety chains

Always use safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer, Hitching up and connecting a trailer.

Trailer taillights

Trailer lights must meet all regulations, Hitching up and connecting a trailer.

Never connect the trailer lights directly to the electrical system of your vehicle.

Outside mirrors

If you cannot see the traffic behind you using the regular outside mirrors, then you must install
extended mirrors. Extended mirrors may also be required by law in some countries/states/provinces.
Always adjust the outside mirrors before driving. It's vital that you always have a clear view to the rear
of the vehicle.

Maximum power consumption for the trailer

Do not exceed the power ratings listed in the chart below.

Electrical load

Maximum power

Brake lights total

108 watts

Turn signals per side

54 watts

Side marker lights total

100 watts

Taillights total

54 watts

WARNING

An improperly installed or incorrect trailer hitch can cause a trailer to separate from the

tow vehicle and cause serious personal injuries.

If you don't have to tow a trailer any more, remove the entire trailer hitch. Always seal all

bolt holes to prevent water and deadly exhaust fumes from getting into the vehicle.

NOTICE

If the trailer lights are not connected properly, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
If the trailer uses too much electricity, the vehicle's electronics may be damaged.
Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for

the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.

If you tow a trailer frequently, Volkswagen recommends having the vehicle serviced between the

regular maintenance and inspection intervals because of the extra load it has to pull.

Hitching up and connecting a trailer

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

Safety chains

Always make sure that the safety chains are properly attached to the towing vehicle. Leave enough
slack in the chains so that you can go around corners without stretching the chains. The safety chains
must not drag on the ground, however.

Trailer taillights

Make sure that the trailer lights work properly and meet legal requirements. Do not exceed the

maximum power consumption for the trailer

⇒ page 190, Technical requirements.

WARNING

Improper connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions that affect the
entire vehicle electrical system, which can lead to accidents and serious personal injury.

Have any work on the electrical system done by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or

authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Never connect the electrical system for the trailer directly to the electrical connections for

the rear lights or to any other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to
provide power to the trailer.

NOTICE

Never attach a trailer to the vehicle or leave it attached to the vehicle when the trailer is
supported by a trailer jack or blocks. Various things (such as a change in trailer or vehicle load
or a flat tire) can lower or raise the vehicle. This subjects the trailer hitch and the trailer to
strong forces that can damage the vehicle or the trailer.

If the engine is switched off and accessories in the trailer are on and use electricity from the

vehicle, the vehicle battery will be drained as long as the electrical systems of the vehicle and the
trailer are connected.

Loading the trailer

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

Maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight

Maximum permissible trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can tow

⇒

. The tongue load or

tongue weight is the load pressing down on the trailer hitch ball mount, Maximum permissible trailer
weight.

The maximum permissible trailer weight and tongue weight for your vehicle are listed on, Maximum
permissible trailer weight in this Manual.

The trailer load and tongue weight on the type identification plate for the trailer hitch are only test
values. The vehicle-specific figures are often lower than these values. In some countries, but generally
not in the United States, the vehicle-specific figures are listed in the official vehicle documents.
Specifications in official vehicle documents always take precedence.

To help ensure optimum handling and driving safety, Volkswagen recommends always using the
maximum permissible tongue weight. If the tongue weight is too low, the vehicle and trailer will not
handle as well.

Tongue weight increases the load on the rear axle and, in turn, reduces the remaining load your
vehicle can carry, Determining the correct load limit.

Combined towing weight

Combined towing weight is the weight of the loaded towing vehicle plus the weight of the loaded
trailer.

This vehicle has not been designed to tow a Class II trailer and must never be retrofitted to tow a
Class II trailer. Always make sure that your vehicle has been designed to tow the trailer you want to
use and that it is legal to tow the trailer where you will be driving.

Loading the trailer

The weight distribution in the vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum permissible
tongue weight and make sure that the load in the trailer is evenly distributed and that it is not front-
heavy or tail-heavy:

Distribute the load in the trailer so that heavy objects are directly above the axle or as close as

possible to the axle.

Secure loads properly on the trailer.

Tire pressure

Always follow the trailer manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations for the trailer tires.

When towing, inflate the towing vehicle's tires to the maximum permissible pressure listed on the tire
pressure label, Tires and wheels.

WARNING

Exceeding the gross weight ratings for axle, tongue, vehicle, trailer or combined weight can
cause accidents and serious personal injury.

Never exceed the specified values.
Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight

Rating. Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating.

WARNING

Trailer loads that are not properly secured can shift when the vehicle is moving or braking
and suddenly change the way the vehicle handles, causing accidents and severe injuries.

Always load the trailer properly.
Always secure the load properly with suitable, undamaged straps that can be tightened so

that the load cannot shift.

Driving with a trailer

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

Headlight settings

Towing a trailer can raise the front end of the vehicle enough for the low beams to blind other road
users. If your vehicle does not have headlight range adjustment, have the headlights adjusted by an
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Vehicles with Xenon
headlights self-adjust to vehicle load and do not need manual adjustment.

Special towing considerations

If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and then firmly. This helps to

prevent sudden brake shock and helps prevent trailer wheels from locking up.

Due to the combined towing weight including the higher gross vehicle weight, the stopping distance

is longer.

Before driving downhill, especially on hills that are long or steep, shift into a lower gear (manual or

automatic transmission) so that the engine helps to brake the vehicle. Otherwise, the brake system
could overheat and might fail.

The vehicle's center of gravity and, in turn, the vehicle's handling, will change because of the trailer

load and the increased combined towing weight of the vehicle and trailer.

Weight distribution is especially bad if the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer is loaded. If you

absolutely must drive with this combination, drive with extra care and at a reduced speed.

Starting off with a trailer on hills

Depending on how steep the hill is and the combined towing weight, a parked vehicle with trailer can
roll backwards when you first start moving.

When starting off with a trailer on a hill:

Depress and hold the brake pedal (and depress and hold the clutch - manual transmission).
Shift into first gear or Drive D, Shifting.
Unlock the parking brake and gently release it while holding the unlock button. At the same time,

release the brake pedal and gradually depress the accelerator and, for a manual transmission, let out
the clutch until you can feel the car moving forward. If applicable, follow the instructions for the Hill
Hold feature, Starting assistance systems.

Do not release the parking brake lever until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your

vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress and hold the brake pedal for added
braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle “wants” to move forward.

Drive ahead slowly.

WARNING

Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.

Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or bulky items changes the way the vehicle

handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.

Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would

if you were not towing a trailer.

Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the

vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.

Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under

unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.

Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and

hard braking.

Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of swaying.
Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower

than for vehicles without trailers.

Ball mount

Fig. 89 Dimensions of the ball mount support.

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

Your vehicle is not equipped with a trailer hitch or preparations for the installation of a trailer hitch. If
you must tow a trailer, you must have the necessary electrical wiring and socket together with a
suitable trailer hitch installed. Because towing a trailer places a great deal of stress on the vehicle, the
attachment of a trailer to the vehicle and the dimensions of the receiver and ball mount are very
important so that the extra forces the vehicle has to withstand can be properly handled.

The receiver used requires both a ball mount and a ball that meet special requirements regarding
geometry and size. This applies to both the height of the ball above the surface where it attaches
⇒

fig. 89

(A)

, and the pin-to-ball distance

(B)

.

These dimensions are important because they help determine the way that the forces that arise during
towing are applied to the receiver and its attachments to the vehicle. If you buy a ball mount and ball,
make sure that they meet the following specifications.

Ball mount dimensions

The drop height

(A)

from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin on the

ball mount must be at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) and at most 2

7

/

8

inches (73 mm).

The pin-to-ball distance

(B)

from the center of the ball to the center of the hole for the securing pin

on the ball mount must be no more than 7 inches (178 mm).

The ball diameter must be no more than 1

1

/

4

inches (32 mm).

A ball mount and ball combination that does not meet these specifications can damage your vehicle

and may even fail in use

⇒

.

Never install a “weight distributing” or “load equalizing” trailer hitch on your vehicle. The vehicle is not

designed for this kind of trailer hitch

⇒

.

WARNING

An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.

Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.

CAUTION

The ball mount sticks out behind the rear bumper and can cause injury to pedestrians and
cyclists.

To reduce the risk of injury in rear-end collisions, and the risk to pedestrians and cyclists

when the vehicle is parked, always remove the ball carrier when you are not towing a trailer.

NOTICE

Never use a ball larger than 1

1

/

4

inches (32 mm) on your vehicle. The vehicle was not

designed to tow heavier trailers with a receiver larger than the specified ball. The increased
loads can damage the attachment points for the trailer hitch.

Never use an adapter to increase the size of the trailer hitch receiver from 1

1

/

4

inches

(32 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm) or more to tow a trailer that is heavier than the maximum
permissible trailer weight that your vehicle can tow.

You can use an adapter if required for the proper installation of a bicycle rack or other

similar carrier as long as the maximum weight limits are observed. When using bicycle racks
or similar carriers, make sure that the rear lights are not blocked.

Only use trailer hitches that are approved by the hitch manufacturer for your vehicle and

model.

Retrofitting a trailer hitch

Fig. 90 Dimensions and attachment points for retrofitting a trailer hitch.

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

Volkswagen recommends having the trailer hitch retrofit performed by a qualified workshop because
cooling system modifications or the installation of heat shields may be necessary. Volkswagen
recommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility before having a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle.

When retrofitting a trailer hitch, the specified distance dimensions must be strictly adhered to. Under

no circumstances may the distance from the center of the hitch ball to the surface of the road

⇒

fig. 90

(D)

be less than the specified minimum. This minimum height must be present even when the vehicle

is fully loaded and subject to the maximum tongue weight.

Distance dimensions :

(A)

Attachment points

(B)

46.2 inches (1173 mm)

(C)

at least 2.6 inches (65 mm)

(D)

13.7 – 16.5 inches (350 – 420 mm)

(E)

10.6 inches (268 mm)

(F)

26.1 inches (663 mm)

(G)

40.9 inches (1040 mm)

WARNING

Improper or incorrect connections to the vehicle electrical system can cause malfunctions
that affect the entire vehicle electrical system and cause accidents and serious personal
injury.

Never connect the electrical system of the trailer directly to the electrical connections of

the rear lights or other unsuitable power sources. Use only a suitable connector to provide
power to the trailer.

Have any trailer hitch retrofit or other work on a trailer hitch done by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

An improperly installed or unsuitable trailer hitch can cause the trailer to separate from the
towing vehicle and result in a major accident with serious personal injuries.

Maximum permissible trailer weight

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

Maximum power output

Engine

code

Transmission

Trailer

with brake

Trailer

without

brake

Tongue

weight

210 hp (155 kW) gasoline
engine

CPLA,

CPPA

2.0L

6S manual

1500 lbs

(680 kg)

1500 lbs

(680 kg)

200 lbs

(91 kg)

DSG

®

6S

automatic

1500 lbs

(680 kg)

1500 lbs

(680 kg)

200 lbs

(91 kg)

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and the Gross Axle Weight Rating must not be exceeded, even with
a trailer. These ratings are listed on the safety compliance label on the driver front door jamb,
Technical data. When a trailer is towed, the weight of the ball mount and the tongue weight of the
trailer are added to the vehicle weight, Determining the correct load limit.

The trailer weight ratings given above are valid only up to altitudes of 3000 ft (1000 m) above sea
level. The maximum permissible combined towing weight must be reduced by about 10% for every
3000 ft (1000 m), or portion thereof, of additional altitude.

WARNING

Exceeding the gross trailer weight rating and tongue weight can cause accidents and serious
personal injury.

Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the Gross Axle Weight

Rating (GAWR). Never let the combined front and rear weights exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).

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

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. 91 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, 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. 91

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

⇒ page 386, 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 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

⇒ page 222, 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), then use the replacement wheel for
a short time only, 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. 92 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. 92

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.

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.