Tires, Checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 2009 Volkswagen GLI, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2008 Volkswagen GLI. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools and workshop equipment required

Tire Filling Unit VAS 5216

WARNING:

For safety reasons, all tires on the vehicle should be of the same make and tread design.
AWD vehicles must have tires of the same make and tread design. If not, the center differential could get damaged.

NOTE:

Tire inflation pressure table applies to normal tires, for all tire sizes installed at factory.

Note that the inflation specifications refer to the air pressure of cold tires. Do not reduce tire pressure when the tires are warm.

Tires pressures for the relevant model are on a sticker attached to the inside of fuel tank flap, or on driver's side B-pillar.

Adapt tire pressure corresponding to load.

Spare tire receives highest tire pressure

Note that a basic setting should be performed after every change in pressure in vehicles with tire pressure control indicator. Refer to TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING DISPLAY, PERFORM BASIC SETTING .

Winter Tires

NOTE:

Important information regarding recommended winter tires can be found in RECOMMENDED WINTER TIRES .

The tire pressures for standard tires apply as well as to winter tires.

Tires, Checking Condition

WARNING:

If damage is discovered, the tire must be examined to determine whether a new one must be installed.

Tests during Delivery Inspection:

-- Check tire tread and side walls for damage, if necessary remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws.

Tests during Inspection Service

-- Check tire tread and side walls for damage, if necessary remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws.

-- Check tire treads for cupping, feathering, one-sided tread wear, porous side walls, cracks, cuts, and rim damage.

Tires, Checking Wear Pattern

The wear pattern of the front wheels can be used to assess whether a check of the track and camber is necessary:

Feathered edges of the treads may indicate faulty toe adjustment.
One-sided tread wear is mostly caused by faulty camber.

If such wear patterns are found, determine the causes by checking the wheel alignment (repair measure).

Tires and Spare Wheel, Checking

Fig 1: Identifying Tire Tread Depth

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

-- Check tread depth

Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm

NOTE:

This value may vary for individual countries due to different legislative regulations.

The minimum tread depth is reached when the tires have worn down level with the 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators -arrows- positioned at intervals around the tire.

If the tread wear is close to the wear limits, inform customer and note findings on the repair order.