Wheels and tires
Introduction
Tires are the part of the vehicle that are under the most demand yet are the most underestimated. Tires are extremely important, because the small running surface
on the tires is the only point of contact that the vehicle has with the road.
The tire and rim combinations approved by Volkswagen are specifically designed for each other.
The service life of the tire depends on the tire pressure, the driving style, the way the tires are handled, and correct mounting of the tire.
Rims, tires and wheel bolts
Rims, tires, and wheel bolts are determined based on the vehicle model. Whenever another rim is installed, the wheel bolts to be used must have the correct length
and bolt head shape. This ensures that the brakes can work correctly and that the vehicle drives smoothly and safely. For technical reasons, standard rims from
other vehicles cannot be used. Under certain circumstances, this may even apply to rims for the same vehicle model. You must consult a suitably qualified
professional to replace rim/tire combinations. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
The correct wheel bolts must always be used for each vehicle model, and these bolts must always be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ Monitoring the tightening
torque.
WARNING
Handling wheels and tires incorrectly can reduce driving safety and cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Regularly check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and always maintain the specified pressure ⇒ Checking the tire pressure. If the tire pressure is
too low, the tire can heat up so much while driving that the tread separates or the tire ruptures.
Check the tires regularly for damage and wear.
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed and tire load specified for the tires fitted to your vehicle.
For all four wheels, use only radial tires of the same design, size (rolling circumference), and tread pattern. Exceptions ⇒ Replacing tires
If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
Never loosen the bolts on rims with a bolted rim ring.
WARNING
New tires or tires that are old, worn, or damaged cannot provide the maximum vehicle control and braking effect.
This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Break in new tires because they have reduced traction and braking efficiency when they are new. Therefore drive carefully for the first 600 km
(370 miles).
Never drive with tires that are worn or damaged, e.g. punctured, cut, cracked, or bulging.
If there are unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side while driving, stop immediately and check the wheels and tires for damage.
Do not use any wheels or tires if you do not know how they have been used in the past. Used wheels and tires could be damaged, even if there is no
visible damage.
Only use tires that are more than six years old if absolutely necessary and drive with extreme caution if doing so, even if the tires have never been used.
Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened enough to meet the specification, the wheel bolts and the wheel could come loose while driving. Exceeding the tightening
specification could damage the wheel bolts and threads.
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly or missing could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Always tighten the wheel bolts to the correct tightening torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the wheel bolts with the lug wrench and then
have the tightening torque checked as soon as possible by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized
Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Never drive with missing or loose wheel bolts.
Always use wheel bolts that are correct for the rim and the vehicle model.
Never grease or oil the wheel bolts and the threads in the wheel hub. Even when tightened to the specification, the wheel bolts could become loose while
driving.
Ensure the wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hubs are clean, easy to move and free of oil and grease.
Never loosen the bolts on rims with a bolted rim ring.
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WARNING
Improper installation of the tires on the rim can result in damage to the rim and cause tires to suddenly lose air or go flat while driving.
This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Always have tires installed on the rim by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends
contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Taking care of wheels and tires
Handling tires
Preventing damage to the tires
Always drive over curbs and other low obstacles slowly and at a right-angle so that both front wheels come into contact with the obstacle at the same time.
Check the tire pressure regularly.
Check tires regularly for damage, e.g. punctures.
Never exceed the load index and maximum speed of the tire ⇒ Tire labeling and tire classifications.
Have damaged or worn rims replaced immediately ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Protect tires from coming into contact with corrosive materials such as grease, oil, gasoline, and brake fluid
Replace missing dust caps on the valves immediately.
⇒
.
Remove any objects provided they have not punctured the inside of the tire ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Pay attention to all warnings issued by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System ⇒ Troubleshooting the Tire Pressure Monitoring System .
WARNING
Corrosive fluids and materials can cause visible and invisible damage to the tires, which can cause the tires to fail.
This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Always keep chemicals, oils, grease, fuel, brake fluid, and other corrosive materials away from the tires.
Storing tires
Only store tires in a cool, dry location that is as dark as possible.
Do not stand tires that are mounted on rims up vertically.
Protect tires that are not mounted on rims from dirt with suitable covers and store them standing on the tread surface.
Tires that are more than six years old
Tires age due to physical and chemical processes that affect their function. Tires that have been stored and unused for long periods of time age more quickly than
tires that are used continuously.
Volkswagen recommends replacing tires that are more than six years old with new tires. This even applies to tires that may appear to be usable and whose tread
depth is still greater than the minimum requirement ⇒
.
Winter and all season tires lose their characteristics to a large extent due to aging, regardless of the remaining tread depth.
The age of the tire can be determined based on the production date ⇒ Tire labeling and tire classifications.
WARNING
Old tires can suddenly lose air or rupture, particularly at high speeds.
This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.
Only use tires that are more than six years old if absolutely necessary and drive with extreme caution if doing so, even if the tires have never been used.
New tires
Drive particularly carefully during the first 600 km (370 mi) with new tires because they must be broken in. Tires that have not been broken in yet have reduced
gripping abilities and braking efficiency ⇒
.
For all wheels, use only radial tires of the same design, size (rolling circumference), and tread pattern. Exceptions when replacing wheels are different tire and
rim sizes on the front and rear axle.
The tread depth of new tires may vary between tire models and manufacturers due to different design features and tread designs.
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2024 VW ID.4 Owner's Manual
