Wheel Knowledge
We provide useful tips for a long tyre service life as well as important information on minimum tread depth and tyre pressure.
Rim Labelling
Discover here what the abbreviations on your rims mean, such as 7,0 J X 17, ET49, LK112/5.
Tyre Labelling
225 / 45 R 17 94 W – what do the numbers and letters mean on the tyre? Alongside the name of the manufacturer and the product, you’ll find more important information about your tyres on the side flank.
The Layers of your tyre
Car tyres are complex structures that have to withstand considerable strain. Every tyre is made up of a contact surface and a tyre substructure.
- Tread – for an effective grip on the road and for taking up and draining water
- Jointless bandage – enables high speeds
- Steel cord belt layers – optimise driving stability and rolling resistance
- Textile cord insert – maintains the shape of the tyre, even at high interior pressure
- Inner liner – renders the tyre airtight
- Side walls – protect against lateral damages
- Apex – supports driving stability, steering behaviour and comfort response
- Steel core – ensures a firm fit to the rim
- Tyre bead reinforcement – supports driving stability and precise steering behaviour
Tyre Tread
Measuring Minimum tread depth
In the rough tread grooves of the tyres you’ll find a small 1.6 mm tall projection – this represents the mandatory minimum tread depth. By looking at this in comparison with your tyres, you’ll see how worn your tyres are. You can also hold a 1 euro coin in the grooves – the golden edge is 4 mm wide and therefore corresponds to our recommended minimum tread for winter and all-weather tyres.
Braking Distance on a wet surface
We have provided a visualisation of different braking distances on a wet road for a vehicle with winter tyres compared to one fitted with summer tyres. As you can see: Greater traction means a shorter braking distance and reduced risk of an accident.
Tyre Pressure
Warning Lamp
Tyre pressure too low or tyre pressure loss indicator faulty
Is the warning lamp illuminated? Then the tyre pressure in a wheel has probably fallen or a tyre is structurally damaged. Drive more slowly, avoid any heavy steering and braking manoeuvres and check your tyres as quickly as possible. Everything is OK but the lamp is still on? Have the system checked by your workshop. You will find more information on the warning lamp in your owner’s manual.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Lower consumption and greater driving comfort
Too low a tyre pressure quickly leads to tyre damage – the reason for many accidents resulting in personal injury. Since November 2014, we have been equipping all new Volkswagen passenger car models with a tyre pressure monitoring system ex-works.