Table of Contents > Wheels and tires > Tire characteristics

VW ID.4 2023 Owner's Manual ➜ Tire characteristics

8. Activate the vehicle’s drive system.  
9. Insert the 12-volt plug fig. 176  
into a 12-volt-socket in the vehicle Sockets in the vehicle.  
10. Switch the compressor on with the ON and OFF switch fig. 176  
.
11. Leave the compressor running until 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi/200 – 250 kPa) is reached. Maximum run time: 8 minutes⇒  
.
12. Switch off the compressor.  
If a tire pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi/200 – 250 kPa) cannot be reached  
1. Unscrew the tire inflation hose of the tire inflation bottle from the tire valve.  
2. Drive the vehicle around 10 m (approx. 33 ft) forward or backward so that the sealing agent is distributed in the tire.  
3. Screw the compressor tire inflation hose directly onto the tire valve and repeat the inflation process.  
4. If the required tire pressure still cannot be achieved, the tire is too badly damaged. The tire cannot be sealed with the tire mobility set. Do not continue driving  
. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
Continuing Your Journey  
1. Disconnect the compressor and unscrew the tire inflation hose from the tire valve.  
2. Immediately drive at a maximum of 80 km/h (50 mph), if a tire pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar (29 – 36 psi/200 – 250 kPa) has been reached.  
3. After driving for ten minutes, check the tire pressure.  
Check after 10 minutes of driving  
1. Park the vehicle on level and solid ground at the next safe opportunity, in a parking lot for example.  
2. Connect the tire filler hose fig. 176  
again and read the tire pressure off the tire pressure gauge fig. 176  
.
1.3 bar (19 psi/130 kPa) and less:  
1. Do not continue driving! The tire cannot be adequately sealed with the tire mobility set ⇒  
. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized  
Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.  
20 psi/140 kPa (1.4 bar) and above:  
1. Readjust the tire pressure to the correct value.  
2. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility at a maximum of 80 km/h (50 mph). Volkswagen  
recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
3. Have the damaged tire replaced at an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an  
authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.  
WARNING  
The tire inflation hose and the compressor may become hot during pumping and can cause burns if touched.  
Protect your hands and skin from hot parts.  
Do not place the hot tire inflation hose or compressor on flammable materials.  
Allow the tire inflation hose and compressor to cool before you put them away.  
WARNING  
If the damaged tire cannot be adequately sealed with the tire mobility set, the tire will lose air while driving.  
This could cause tire failure, loss of vehicle control, accidents, and serious injuries and death.  
If the tire cannot be pumped to at least 2.0 bar (29 psi/200 kPa), the damage is too great. The sealing agent cannot seal the tire. Do not continue driving  
and instead seek professional assistance.  
Do not continue driving if the tire pressure is 1.3 bar (19 psi/130 kPa) or less after 10 minutes of driving. Instead, seek professional assistance.  
NOTICE  
The compressor can overheat and become damaged if it is used for too long.  
Switch the compressor off after it has been running for eight minutes at the most.  
Allow the compressor to cool down for several minutes before switching it on again.  
Tire characteristics  
Tire labeling and tire classifications  
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Fig. 177 International tire labeling.  
fig. 177Tire labeling (example), meaning  
Individual manufacturer tire designation.  
Product name  
The tire conforms to the legal requirements of the Department of  
DOT  
Transportation in the USA, which is responsible for tire safety standards.  
Tire identification number (TIN – may only be on the inner side of the tire) and  
production date:  
Code for the factory that produced the tire and  
JHCO CHWS 2213  
JHCO CHWS  
2213  
specifications from the tire manufacturer for the tire  
size and tire characteristics.  
Production date: 22nd week in the year 2013.  
Information for the end consumer about comparative values for specified base tires (standardized test procedures) Customer information:  
Relative service life expectancy for the tire, based on a US-specific standard  
test. A tire with the specification 280 will wear 2.8 times more slowly than a  
standard tire with a tread wear value of 100. The tire performance depends on  
TREADWEAR 280  
the usage conditions and may differ significantly from the standard values  
depending on the driving behavior, maintenance, different road conditions, and  
climate conditions.  
Wet braking capability of the tire ( AA, A, B or C). The wet braking capability is  
measured under controlled conditions on certified test courses. Tires marked  
TRACTION AA  
with C have low traction performance. The traction value assigned to tires is  
based on straight-line traction test and includes neither acceleration and  
cornering, nor hydroplaning and traction under maximum load.  
Temperature stability of the tire at high speeds on the test stand (A, B or C).  
Tires marked with A and B exceed the legal requirements. The temperature  
rating is based on the tires being inflated to the correct pressure and not  
overinflated. Excess speed, incorrect tire pressure, and overinflation either  
alone or in combination can cause heat to build up and cause tire damage.  
TEMPERATURE A  
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fig. 177Tire labeling (example), meaning  
Load index and speed rating .  
88 H  
Rotation and arrow  
Tire running direction code .  
Or: Outside  
Code on the outside of the tire .  
US limit for the maximum inflation pressure.  
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 psi/3.51 bar)  
Code for tires that can be used in the winter (mud and snow tires) Winter  
tires. Studded tires are marked with an E after the ꢀS.  
M+S or M/S or  
TWI  
Indicates the location of the tread wear indicator Monitoring the tread depth.  
Manufacturer.  
Brand name, logo  
Symbol for Volkswagen Genuine tires Handling tires.  
Country of manufacture.  
Made in Germany  
023  
Country-specific code for China (China Compulsory Certification).  
Country-specific code for Brazil.  
Identification according to international regulations with the number of the  
country that issued the approval. Approved tires in accordance with ECE  
regulations are marked with an E. Tires in accordance with EU regulations are  
marked with an e. The multi-digit approval number follows that.  
E4 e4 0200477-b  
RADIAL TUBELESS  
Tubeless radial tires.  
Size designation:  
P
195  
65  
R
Code for passenger vehicles.  
Tire width from one sidewall to the other in mm.  
Height and width ratio in %.  
P 195 / 65 R 15 XL  
Belt construction code for radial.  
Rim diameter in inches.  
15  
XL  
Reinforced tires (“Extra Load”).  
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1235 LBS)  
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON  
US load capacity for the maximum load per tire.  
Specification for the components of the tire body.  
1 layer rayon.  
TREAD 4 PLIES  
Specification for the components of the running surface.  
In the example, there are the following 4 layers under the running surface: 1  
rayon layer, 2 steel belts, and 1 nylon layer.  
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLON  
The labeling is on both sides of the tire. In some cases, certain codes may only be on one side of the tire, such as the tire ID number and the production date.  
Other digits that may be present are part of the internal labeling from the tire manufacturer or country-specific labeling.  
Low-profile tires  
Compared to other tire-rim combinations, low-profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls. Low-profile tires improve  
handling performance and precision. However, they may reduce the level of comfort when driving on roads in poor condition.  
Unidirectional tires  
The sidewalls on unidirectional tires are marked with arrows. The specified running direction must be followed. This ensures the optimum running characteristics.  
If a tire is mounted opposite from the specified running direction, drive more carefully because the tire is not being used the way it was designed to be used. The tire  
must be replaced or mounted in the correct running direction as soon as possible.  
Asymmetrical tires  
Asymmetrical tires factor in the behavior of the inner and outer areas of the tread pattern. The sidewalls on asymmetrical tires are marked as the inner and outer  
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side. Maintain the correct position of the tire on the rim.  
Tire load  
The tire load index indicates the maximum load of an individual tires in kilograms.  
Some examples:  
78  
425 kg (936 lbs)  
462 kg (1018 lbs)  
487 kg (1073 lbs)  
515 kg (1135 lbs)  
545 kg (1201 lbs)  
560 kg (1234 lbs)  
615 kg (1355 lbs)  
630 kg (1388 lbs)  
650 kg (1433 lbs)  
690 kg (1521 lbs)  
730 kg (1609 lbs)  
775 kg (1708 lbs)  
800 kg (1763 lbs)  
825 kg (1818 lbs)  
850 kg (1873 lbs)  
875 kg (1929 lbs)  
900 kg (1984 lbs)  
81  
83  
85  
87  
88  
91  
92  
93  
95  
97  
99  
100  
101  
102  
103  
104  
Speed rating  
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed that may be driven with the tire.  
P
Q
R
S
T
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)  
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)  
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)  
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)  
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)  
U
H
V
W
Y
Z
max. 200 km/h (125 mph)  
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)  
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)  
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)  
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)  
above 240 km/h (149 mph), depending on manufacturer also ZR.  
5) The TIN is the tire serial number.  
UTQG tire classification  
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and maximum section width.  
Example:  
Treadwear (number)  
Traction AA, A, B or C  
Temperature A, B or C  
For example: Treadwear 200, Traction AA, Temperature A.  
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.  
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Treadwear  
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.  
For example, a tire graded 150 (Treadwear-value 150) would wear one-and-one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.  
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving  
habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.  
Traction  
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled  
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.  
Temperature  
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under  
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.  
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.  
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B  
and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.  
WARNING  
The traction class assigned to this tire is based on traction tests when braking straight ahead and does not take account of the properties when accelerating,  
driving around curves, hydroplaning or at maximum traction.  
WARNING  
The temperature class for this tire is based on a tire being inflated to the correct pressure and not being overinflated. Excess speeds, insufficient tire pressure,  
and overinflation either alone or in combination can cause heat to build up and cause potential tire failure.  
Tire load and vehicle load, determining the correct load  
Vehicles and tires have a limited load capacity. An overloaded vehicle is difficult to steer and brakes less effectively. Overloading your vehicle can also cause  
damage to the vehicle and tires, such as tire blowouts and sudden pressure losses.  
To ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers, never exceed the maximum vehicle weight. This is specified as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating  
(GVWR).  
The GVWR includes the weight of your vehicle including all additional equipment, all fluids and its maximum load. The maximum load includes the number of  
people that can travel in the vehicle (number of seats) with an average weight of 150 lbs (68 kg) per person, and also luggage. In trailer mode, the weight of the  
trailer and the trailer tongue weight rating must be included in calculations.  
The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum axle load per axle. The GVWR and GAWR are listed on the safety certificate on the B-pillar on the  
driver's side.  
Your vehicle has either 4 (2 front, 2 rear), 5 (2 front, 3 rear), 6 (2 front, 2 center, 2 rear) or 7 (2 front, 3 center, 2 rear) seats, depending on the type of vehicle. Each  
seat has a safety belt. As there is an upper limit to the GVWR, the maximum load also has an upper limit. Traveling with a full vehicle or with passengers heavier  
than 150 lbs (68 kg) per person will reduce the remaining possible load.  
The tire inflation pressure label for your vehicle also specifies the maximum weight.  
Determining the correct tire load  
Never overload tires. The followingexample illustrates how to determinethe combined weight of all vehicleoccupants and luggage or othervehicle payloads. Never  
overload thevehicle!  
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.  
Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.  
Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.  
The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there  
will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)  
4.  
5.  
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and  
luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.  
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Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:  
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the  
available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.  
6.  
Check the tire sidewall to determine the load index specified for thetire.  
WARNING  
Exceeding the maximum vehicle weight can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and cause accidents resulting in severe and/or fatal injuries.  
Never exceed the maximum load or the maximum vehicle weight as per the GVWR.  
Glossary of tire and load terminology  
Accessory weight: The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic transmission, electro-mechanical power  
steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installe  
or not).  
Aspect ratio: The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. A number of 50 (0.5:1 or 50%) means that the cross-sectional height is 50% of  
the tread width. A shorter sidewall can improve steering response and provide better overall handling, for example, on dry pavement.  
Bead: The part of a tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, with the shape and structure to ensure proper fit to the wheel rim.  
Bead separation: A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.  
Carcass: The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.  
Chunking: The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.  
Cord: The strands of material forming the plies in the tire.  
Cord separation: The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.  
Cracking: Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.  
Cold tire inflation pressure: The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not been driven for more than a  
couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the tire pressure is measured or adjusted.  
Curb weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, air conditioner, and additional weight  
of optional equipment.  
Extra load tire: A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.  
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.  
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.  
Groove: The space between 2 adjacent tread ribs.  
Load rating code: The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. You may not find this information on all tires because it is not  
required by law.  
Maximum loaded vehicle weight: The total of:  
Curb weight.  
Accessory weight.  
Vehicle capacity weight.  
Production options weight.  
Maximum (permissible) inflation pressure: The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Also called “maximum inflation pressure.”  
Normal occupant weight: Means 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the number of occupants seated in the vehicle up to the total seating capacity of your vehicle.  
Occupant distribution: The placement of passengers in a vehicle.  
Outer diameter: The diameter of a new, properly inflated tire.  
Overall width: Total width measured at the exterior sidewalls of an inflated tire, including the additional width of labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.  
Passenger car tire: A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of  
10,000 pounds or less.  
Ply: A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.  
Ply separation: A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.  
Pneumatic tire: A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel or other materials, that, when mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the  
traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the load.  
Production options weight: The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more than the standard items they replace,  
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and not previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy-duty battery, and  
special trim.  
Radial ply tires: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.  
Recommended inflation pressure: The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not been driven for more tha  
a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the tire pressure is measured or adjusted.  
Reinforced tire: A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding standard tire.  
Rim: The outer edge of a wheel upon which the tire beads are seated.  
Rim diameter: The nominal diameter of the wheel's tire bead seating surface. If you change your wheel size, to wheels of a different diameter, you will have to  
purchase new tires to match the new wheels.  
Rim size: Designation means rim diameter and width.  
Rim type designation: The industry or manufacturer's designation for a rim by style or code.  
Rim width: The nominal distance between wheel rim flanges.  
Section width: The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due to labeling decoration, or protective bands.  
Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread.  
Sidewall separation: The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.  
Speed rating (letter code): A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The  
ratings range from 93 mph (150 km/h) “P” to 186 mph (300 km/h) “Y”. The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall. You may not  
find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.  
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underinflated and illuminates a low tire-pressure warning light.  
Tread: The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.  
Tread rib: A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.  
Tread separation: Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.  
Tread wear indicators (TWI): Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end of their useful life.  
Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that is designed  
to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a guarantee that a tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It gives tire  
buyers more information to compare with factors such as price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations. Under UTQG, tires are graded by the tire manufacturer  
in 3 areas: tread wear, traction and temperature resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire sidewalls.  
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates that the tire meet  
all federal standards. The next 2 numbers or letters indicate the plant where the tire was manufactured. The last 4 numbers represent the week and year of  
manufacture. For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other numbers are marketing codes used by the tire  
manufacturer. This information is used to help identify affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.  
Vehicle capacity weight: The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the vehicle's total seating capacity (a  
listed on the label inside the driver door).  
Vehicle maximum load on the tire: The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the maximum loaded vehicle weight (GAWR)  
and dividing by 2.  
Vehicle normal load on the tire: The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the curb weight, accessory weight, and normal  
occupant weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing by 2.  
Wheel size designation: Wheel rim diameter and width.  
Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating capacities:  
Designated seating capacity, number of occupants  
Vehicle normal load, number of occupants  
Occupant distribution in a normally loaded vehicle  
2, 3, or 4  
5, 6, or 7  
2
3
2 in front  
2 in front, 1 in back  
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