Tire Requirements

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Tire Performance Pie Chart

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

A - Wet braking behavior

B - Comfort

C - Steering precision

D - Driving stability

E - Tire weight

F - Service life expectancy

G - Rolling resistance

H - Hydroplaning

The pie chart represents the tire's performance. It shows how the extent of the demands A through H could be distributed in tire construction and rubber compound.

The improvement of one characteristic leads to the worsening of another one.

Example:

The improvement of wet braking behavior -A- leads to losses in comfort -B-, rolling resistance -G- and service life expectancy -F-.

The service life expectancy of car tires depends not only on the rubber compound and the tire construction. The operating conditions, circumstances specific to the vehicle and the driving style all have a strong influence on the tire's service life.

With modern vehicles and appropriate engines, especially gentle and economical but also extremely sporty driving is possible. Service life of 5000 to 40000 km and even more is possible.

NOTE:

Driving style is the decisive influencing factor on the life of the tires.