Tire Maintenance/Replacement Guide

Ready for new tires?

Pacific Volkswagen factory-trained techs know which tires will help your VW perform best, based on your vehicle's specific handling and performance requirements.

Wheels and tires approved by Volkswagen are specially matched to your model and support a smoother safer ride. When replacing tires, remember:

• Improper or mismatched tires can contribute to a serious accident.
• Mixing tire types can reduce their grip on the road and lead to less control
• Buy the size and type of tires specified by Volkswagen and recommended by Pacific Volkswagen.

When you get your tires from Pacific Volkswagen, you not only get a competitive price and impeccable service, you also get the benefit of Road Hazard Coverage.* Should a pothole, nail, or other destructive form of road debris ruin one of your tires—no worries. Unlike most tire warranties, this one has you covered for 24 months.** Replacement tires from Pacific Volkswagen are covered 100% for the first year, 50% the second year. And, flat tire repair is covered, too.

Tire pressure and fuel economy

By making sure your tires are properly inflated, you will cut down on fuel consumption while driving. Proper air pressure can improve your gas mileage by more than 3.3%.*** Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires is as important as giving your engine a tune-up. Under inflation of your tires is evident by excessive wear on the outer parts of the tire. And over inflation of your tires will show excessive wear at the center of the tread. The result for both of these conditions is a marked decrease in gas mileage.

Tire safety

The single greatest cause of tire damage is improper inflation. Your tires lose pressure over time, which causes unnecessary stress, irregular tread wear, and poor gas mileage.

• Tires will typically lose air at the rate of one pound a month. In winter, a tire will lose one pound of pressure for every 10 degree drop in temperature. So be sure to check your tires monthly or more often during the winter.
• A tire can lose up to half its air pressure and not appear to be flat.
• Under inflation is the most common cause of tire failure and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation, or a "blowout," causing loss of vehicle control and risk of serious injury.
• The best time to check tire pressure is when the tires are cold. Required cold tire inflation pressure is listed on your vehicle's doorjamb or in your owner's manual.

True life

Your driving habits have a lot to do with your tire mileage and safety. To get the most out of your tires:

• Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns.
• Do not run over curbs when you're parking.
• Never operate your vehicle at speeds greater than the speed rating on your tires.

Tire wear

The original tires on your VW have built-in wear indicators evenly spaced around the circumference of the tire. When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, the tread wear indicator will appear, telling you it's time to replace your tires.

• Another effective way to check tires is to use a penny. Put the President's head in one of the treads. If part of his head is covered, you're okay. If you can see all of the President's head, it's time to replace your tires.
• Worn tires can cause your vehicle to skid and hydroplane.
• Tires showing cuts, bald spots, or other damage, may lead to tire failure and loss of vehicle control.

Wheel and tire replacement

Wheels and tires approved by Volkswagen have been specially matched to your Volkswagen and contribute to the driving characteristics and safety of your vehicle.

• Installing improper or mismatched tires on your VW can lead to a serious accident.
• Mixing tire types will adversely affect road holding and can lead to loss of vehicle control.
• When you replace your tires always purchase the size and type of tires specified by Volkswagen.

Tire care

Check your tires periodically for uneven or excessive wear and remove objects such as stones, nails, or glass that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes or cuts and inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bruising, and other signs of damage or excessive wear.

• Properly balanced wheels improve tire wear and extend tire tread life.
• Rotating your tires is the best way to achieve uniform wear and get the most out of your tires. Please refer to your Volkswagen Factory Recommended Vehicle Maintenance Schedule to see when your tires are due for their next rotation.
• Wheel alignment provides safe vehicle control and a comfortable ride.
• Correct air pressure is critical for achieving maximum tire performance. Make sure all your tires are inflated to the air pressure specified by Volkswagen, or the tire manufacturer

Tire considerations

Before choosing which VW tire is right for you, there are two important factors you need to consider: tread life and speed rating.

• The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires and establish ratings for tread wear. The tread wear rating numbers are assigned by the manufacturers based on field tests and are most accurate when comparing tires from the same brand. For example, a tire grade of 150 wears 50% longer than a tire graded 100. The actual performance of the tire can vary depending on conditions, but a tire's tread life ratings can help you better understand how long a tire will last before it needs to be replaced.
• Speed ratings are based on tests to determine how fast you can go safely on a set of tires. The letter assigned to the tire represents the maximum speed. And chances are your tires will be rated for much higher speeds than you'll ever go, but the speed rating system is still a useful number to familiarize yourself with. The faster a tire can go, the softer the rubber compound—which grips dry pavement better-so the tire will wear out faster than a slower rated tire.

Talk to your Service Consultant about a tire inspection

The best way to make sure your tires are in good shape is to come in for a tire inspection. We'll check the pressure of your tires and make sure they're properly inflated. We'll check the sidewalls to see if there's any cracking, bruising, or bubbling. We'll check the tread pattern and tread depth to see if your tires need to be rotated, or if they need to be replaced.

We know tires, and we know your Volkswagen. Don't wait. For all your Volkswagen tire needs, stop by Pacific Volkswagen today.

The factory-trained technicians at Pacific Volkswagen consider every detail. So you can get the very most out of your vehicle—from the ground up.