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Table of Contents > Rims and tires > Important information about wheels and tires

VW Tiguan 2021 Owner's Manual ➜ Important information about wheels and tires

Message: Tire pressures too low! This warning  
ripped off However, they are very important, since  
indicates that the pressure of at least one of the  
tires is critical.  
their narrow support surfaces are the vehicle's only  
contact with the road.  
1. Check the pressure of all tires and correct it ΓΏ p.  
359.  
The useful life of the tires depends on their  
pressure, their handling and their correct mounting,  
as well as the driving style.  
2. Change the wheel or continue driving at low speed  
to the nearest suitably qualified specialist  
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a  
Volkswagen dealer.  
WARNING  
New tires and old, worn or damaged tires have  
a negative effect on vehicle control and braking  
ability.  
Message: Check tire pressure. This warning  
indicates that the pressure in at least one of the  
tires is lower than it should be.  
1. Avoid long drives and high speed driving while  
this warning is displayed.  
Β· Improper handling of wheels and tires can reduce  
driving safety and lead to accidents and serious  
injuries.  
2. Check the pressure of all tires ΓΏ p. 359 and  
correct it.  
Β· Always fit radial tires of the same type, size  
(rolling circumference) and profile on all four  
wheels.  
Fault in the tire pressure monitoring system  
The control indicator flashes for approx. 1 minute,  
then stays lit yellow.  
Β· New tires have to be run in as they initially have  
reduced grip and braking capacity. To avoid  
accidents and serious injuries, drive during the  
first 600 km (370 miles) with due caution.  
One or more wheels with a tire pressure sensor have  
been fitted, but have not yet been detected.  
Β· Regularly check the pressure of the tires when  
they are cold and always maintain the  
1. Drive for a few minutes until the  
control witness.  
prescribed values. If the pressure is too low,  
the tire could get so hot while driving that the  
hard tread could detach and the tire burst.  
One or more wheels without a tire pressure sensor  
have been installed or a tire pressure sensor is faulty.  
1. Mount wheels with working sensors.  
There is a fault in the system.  
Β· Periodically check the tires for damage or wear.  
Β· Never drive with damaged tires (punctures, cuts,  
cracks or dents) or worn tires. Driving on tires  
in these conditions could result in a blowout,  
1. Switch the ignition off and on again.  
If the fault persists, go to a duly qualified  
specialized workshop. Volkswagen  
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.  
accident and serious injury. Replace worn or  
damaged tires immediately.  
There is interference between one of the sensors  
and the system. The operation of the system can be  
momentarily affected if there are transmitters nearby  
that use the same frequency band.  
Never exceed the maximum speed or the ca  
1. Disconnect or avoid the source of interference,  
e.g. For example, radio communication  
authorized load capacity of the mounted tires.  
equipment, radio frequency remote controls or toys.  
Β· The effectiveness of the driver and braking  
assistance systems also depends on the  
adhesion of the tyres.  
Important information about  
wheels and tires  
Β· If the vehicle vibrates unusually or tends to move  
to one side while driving, stop immediately and  
check the wheels and tires for damage.  
Introduction to the topic  
Β· To reduce the risk of loss of control of the  
vehicle, accident or serious injury, do not  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
Tires are the most stressed vehicle components  
and, in turn, the highest  
355  
Important information about wheels and tires  
Never loosen the screw connections on rims  
Handling of wheels and tires  
cos  
with bolt-on rims.  
Β· Do not use used wheels or tires without knowing  
their history. Used wheels and tires may be  
damaged, sometimes inconspicuously, which  
could cause tire damage, failure and loss of  
control of the vehicle.  
Please note on  
page 355.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
Β· Old tires, even if they have never been used,  
can suddenly lose air or blow out (particularly  
at high speed) and cause accidents and serious  
injuries. Do not use tires that are older than 6  
years except in an emergency, using extreme  
caution and adapting your driving style  
accordingly.  
WARNING  
Missing or improperly tightened wheel bolts  
could cause the wheel to come loose, resulting  
in loss of vehicle control, an accident and serious  
injury.  
Fig. 247 Schematic representation: scheme for  
exchanging the wheels.  
Β· Never ride with loose or missing wheel bolts.  
Volks wagen authorized tires and rims are perfectly  
harmonized.  
Use only suitable wheel bolts  
for the tire and type of vehicle in question.  
swap the wheels  
Β· Always tighten the wheel bolts with the correct  
tightening torque. If you do not have a torque  
wrench, tighten the wheel bolts with the wheel  
wrench, go immediately to the nearest duly  
qualified specialist workshop and request a  
torque check. Volkswagen recommends a  
Volkswagen dealer.  
In order for all tires to wear evenly, it is advisable  
to periodically change the wheels according to the  
diagram ΓΏ fig. 247.  
This ensures that the useful life of all tires is  
approximately the same.  
Volkswagen recommends having the wheels  
replaced by a qualified specialist workshop.  
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen dealer.  
WARNING  
If the tire is incorrectly mounted on the rim, the  
Avoid damage to rims and tires  
tire could suddenly lose air or burst while driving  
and damage the rim.  
This could cause serious accidents and fatal  
injuries.  
β€” If you climb any curb or other low obstacles,  
always do it slowly and at a right angle so that  
both front wheels touch the obstacle at the same  
time.  
Β· Only have the tires fitted to the rims by suitably  
qualified specialist workshops. Volkswagen  
recommends a Volkswagen dealer.  
β€” Check tire pressure regularly.  
β€” Regularly check the tires for damage, e.g. eg,  
that they do not have a chazo pin.  
β€” Never exceed the load capacity or maximum  
speed of the tires ΓΏ p. 362.  
β€” Have damaged or worn tires replaced  
immediately ΓΏ p. 361.  
356  
rims and tires  
β€” Avoid contact of the tires with substances  
cos are provided with the symbol and have been specially  
designed for this vehicle. Volkswagen Genuine tires meet the  
highest standards in terms of quality and driving properties  
when used correctly.  
aggressive substances (including grease, oil,  
gasoline or brake fluid) ΓΏ .  
β€” Replace missing valve caps immediately.  
β€” Remove any foreign bodies that have not yet entered the  
tire ΓΏ p. 361.  
replace tires  
β€” Replace tires at least by axles ΓΏ .  
β€” Observe all warnings from the tire monitoring system ΓΏ p.  
354, ΓΏ p. 354.  
β€” Replace old tires only with  
tires approved by Volkswagen for the type of vehicle in  
question.  
Tires over 6 years old  
β€” Never use tires whose actual size exceeds the tire  
dimensions approved by Volkswagen.  
Tires age due to physical and chemical processes, which can  
affect their function. Tires stored for a long time without being  
used age sooner than tires that are used continuously.  
Re-adapt the tire monitoring system  
After changing one or more wheels, the tire monitoring system  
must be adapted again. This also applies if the wheels are  
Volkswagen recommends having tires that are older than 6  
years replaced with new ones. This also applies to tires that  
can apparently continue to be used and whose profile has not  
yet reached the legally prescribed minimum value ΓΏ .  
exchanged, e.g. from front to rear axle ΓΏ p. 351.  
In the case of vehicles with the tire pressure monitoring  
system  
Likewise, winter or all-season tires lose a large part of their  
properties with age, regardless of the depth of tread they still  
retain.  
β€” If you want to change the wheels that were  
mounted on the vehicle at the factory, make sure  
that the new wheels have sensors that are  
compatible with the RDK ΓΏ p. 353.  
The age of a tire can be determined by looking at the date of  
manufacture ΓΏ p. 359.  
β€” For the system to detect new wheels,  
drive at a speed greater than approx. 25 km/h (15 mph) for  
some time.  
store tires  
Volkswagen recommends using a new valve and gasket kit  
whenever sensors are replaced or reused.  
β€” Always store tires in a cool, dry and, if possible, dark  
place.  
β€” Do not stand tires mounted on rims upright.  
More information about the RDK ΓΏ p. 353.  
β€” Store tires that are not mounted on rims in suitable covers to  
protect them from dirt and store them upright on the tread.  
WARNING  
Aggressive substances and liquids can cause visible and  
invisible damage to tires, which can lead to tire blowouts.  
new tires  
Β· Always prevent the tires from coming into  
contact with chemical products, oils, greases, fuels,  
brake fluid or other aggressive substances.  
β€” When you have new tires fitted, drive the first 600 km (370  
miles) with special caution, as they still have to be broken in.  
Tires that have not been broken in have reduced grip ΓΏ and  
reduced braking capacity ΓΏ .  
WARNING  
Old tires, even if they have never been used, can suddenly  
lose air or blow out (particularly at high speed) and cause  
accidents and serious injuries.  
β€” Always mount tires on all four wheels.  
that have the same structure, the same size and  
the same type of profile.  
Volkswagen Original Tire The vehicle  
Do not use tires that have more than  
6 years except in extreme emergency  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
may be fitted with original Volkswagen tires from the  
factory. These tires  
357  
Important information about wheels and tires  
ass. Keep this certificate conveniently in the vehicle.  
caution and adapting the driving style  
accordingly.  
WARNING  
New tires have to be broken in, as they initially  
have reduced grip and braking power.  
Rims and wheel bolts  
,
Please note on  
page 355.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
Β· To avoid accidents and serious injuries, drive  
during the first 600 km (370 miles) with due  
caution.  
The rims, tires and wheel bolts have been designed  
for the type of vehicle in question. Therefore, if the  
rims are changed, wheel bolts with the correct length  
and head must be used. This ensures that the  
brakes can work properly and that the vehicle runs  
with stability and safety.  
WARNING  
The wheels have to have the necessary space  
to turn from the constructive point of view. If this  
is not the case, the tires could rub against  
undercarriage components, the bodywork and the  
brake lines, which could cause failure of the brake  
system and the detachment of the tread, possibly  
resulting in tire blowout.  
For technical reasons, tires from other vehicles  
cannot generally be used. Under certain  
circumstances, this also applies to tires of the same  
type of vehicle.  
Β· Never use tires whose effective dimensions  
exceed the dimensions of tires approved by  
wheel bolts  
Always use the appropriate wheel bolts for each  
type of vehicle and always tighten them with the  
correct tightening torque ΓΏ page. 369.  
Volkswagen, or tires that rub against other parts  
of the vehicle.  
WARNING  
The tightening torque of the wheel bolts should  
be checked regularly with a properly functioning  
torque wrench ΓΏ p. 369.  
Avoid strong blows and, as much as possible, go  
over obstacles. Potholes and curbs are the most  
common cause of tire deformation. These  
deformations can damage tires and rims.  
Rims with a rim or bolt-on trim elements  
Rims with a rim or bolt-on trim elements consist of  
WARNING  
several parts. These pieces are joined together with  
special screws. Damaged rims must be replaced and  
may only be repaired by a suitably qualified specialist  
workshop. Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen  
dealer.  
If you change tires, do not damage the valves.  
Never drive without the valve caps. The valves  
can be damaged.  
Always dispose of old tires properly in  
accordance with the regulations in force  
you.  
Tire identification data  
In some countries, new-manufactured tires are  
required to display data for certain characteristics.  
The following data may appear on the rims:  
If the spare wheel is different from the ones  
fitted to the vehicle, for example when winter  
tires are fitted or if it is an emergency wheel, use it  
only briefly in the event of a breakdown and driving  
with due caution. Replace the emergency wheel  
with the normal wheel as soon as possible.  
β€” Seal of conformity  
β€” Tire size  
β€” Name of the manufacturer or brand  
In the case of tires approved by Volkswagen,  
it is guaranteed that their dimensions are  
suitable for the vehicle. In the case of other tires, the  
seller must present a manufacturer's certificate  
stating that the tire in question is also suitable for the  
vehicle.  
β€” Date of manufacture (month/year)  
- Country of origin  
β€” Manufacturing number  
β€” Lot number of the raw material  
- Product code  
358  
rims and tires  
5 Tire pressure of spare wheel, inflatable spare  
wheel or emergency wheel  
WARNING  
The use of inappropriate or damaged tires can  
impair driving safety, cause accidents and cause  
serious injuries.  
Β· Use only wheels approved for the vehicle in  
question.  
Check regularly if the tires are pre  
feel damaged and replace if necessary.  
WARNING  
Loosening and incorrectly tightening the bolts on  
rims with bolt-on rims can cause accidents and  
serious injuries.  
Β· Never loosen the threaded connections of the wheel  
studs with screwed hoops.  
Fig. 249 On the driver's door pillar: tire pressure sticker  
(or on the inside of the fuel filler flap).  
Β· Go to a specialized workshop duly  
qualified for any work that needs to be done on  
rims with bolt-on rims.  
Volkswagen recommends a Volkswagen  
dealer.  
The sticker shows the correct pressure for  
authorized tires. The sticker is located on the driver's  
door pillar ΓΏ fig. 249 or on the inside of the fuel tank  
flap.  
The appearance of the sticker may vary depending  
on the vehicle. Additional tire sizes may be listed.  
tire pressure  
,
Please note on  
page 355.  
at the beginning of this chapter,  
Incorrect tire pressure has a negative effect on  
driving behaviour, increases tire wear or even causes  
them to burst ΓΏ . Correct tire pressure is very  
important, especially at high speeds.  
Comfort tire pressure  
Depending on the vehicle, the tire pressure label  
may include a comfort pressure ΓΏ fig. 248. Comfort  
pressure increases ride comfort. When driving at  
comfort pressure, fuel consumption may increase.  
Fig. 248 Symbols on the tire pressure sticker.  
Check tire pressure  
β€” Check tire pressure at least once a month.  
A Pressure for front axle tires  
B Pressure for rear axle tires  
β€” Check tire pressure only  
mind when they are cold. The indicated pressure  
applies to the tires when they are cold. The  
pressure is always higher when the tires are hot.  
Therefore, never let air out of a hot tire to adjust  
tire pressure.  
1 Note: Check the tire pressure.  
ticos when they are cold.  
2 Tire pressure at even load  
cial  
3 Depending on the vehicle: Comfort tire pressure  
at partial load  
β€” Always adapt the tire pressure to the vehicle's  
state of load ΓΏ fig. 248.  
4 Tire pressure at full load  
na  
5 N M 0 1 2 7 6 0 A J  
β€” After adjusting the tire pressure, always screw the  
caps onto the valves  
359  
Important information about wheels and tires  
and note the information regarding the tire  
monitoring system.  
Profile depth and wear indicators  
β€” Always use the tire pressure listed on the  
corresponding sticker. Never exceed the  
maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of the  
tire.  
Please note on  
page 355.  
,at the beginning of this chapter,  
WARNING  
Incorrect tire pressure can cause them to lose  
air or burst suddenly while driving. This could  
cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.  
Β· If the pressure is too low, the tire could get so  
hot while driving that the tread could come off  
and the tire could burst.  
Β· Driving at excessive speeds or with the vehicle  
overloaded can cause excessive heating and  
sudden damage to the tires, which could even  
burst and lose the tread, which could cause loss  
of control of the vehicle.  
Fig. 250 Tire profile: wear indicators.  
Tire Tread Depth Most driving situations  
require that the tires have as high a profile as  
possible. The depth of the profile of the tires should  
be uniform in all of them, at least by axles ΓΏ . This  
applies especially when the road is wet or presents  
winter conditions.  
Β· Incorrect tire pressure reduces the service life  
of the tires and worsens the driving behavior  
of the vehicle.  
Β· Check the tire pressure regularly: at least once  
a month and also before every long journey.  
In most countries, the tires will have reached the  
minimum authorized depth limit when a profile of  
1.6 mm (1/16 inch) remains, measured in the  
grooves next to the wear indicators. Please note  
the country-specific legal provisions in question.  
Β· The tires must always have adequate pressure  
for the state of load of the vehicle.  
Β· Never reduce the increase in pressure caused  
by hot tires.  
Observe the legal provisions of the country in  
question regarding the minimum permissible tread  
depth for winter and all-season tyres.  
WARNING  
Β· Avoid tilting the pressure gauge when placing it on the valve.  
valve stem. Otherwise, the tire valve may be  
damaged.  
Tire Wear Indicators Tire wear indicators  
indicate if a tire is worn. The tires will have to be  
changed, at the latest, when the tread depth reaches  
the wear indicators.  
Β· Always drive with the valve caps fully screwed on.  
Too low tire pressure increases fuel  
consumption.  
At the bottom of the tire profile there are wear  
indicators ΓΏ fig. 250 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) tall. Its  
position is indicated by marks on the flanks of the  
tire  
ΓΏ fig. 250.  
WARNING  
Worn tires are a safety hazard and can cause  
loss of vehicle control and serious injury.  
360  
rims and tires