How much do you know about your tyres? Find tips and tricks here
How much do you know about your tyres? Find tips and tricks here
Your tyres are your only contact with the road and, on average, drive once around the world: With the right pressure, you’ll even save money in the process. An array of information on tyres is available here.
Safety, comfort, petrol consumption – it all depends on your tyres
The EU tyre label tells you, which properties a particular tyre has
It has been mandatory for all brand-new tyres since July 1st 2012, and has been in effect since November 1st.
Fuel efficiency
The lower the resistance your tyres have to overcome when they’re in action, the lower the amount of energy your Volkswagen needs – and you produce less CO2. Between classes A and G, at 100 km/h this is up to 0.7 l.
Wet grip
The more efficient the wet grip of your tyres, the shorter the braking distance on wet surfaces. At 80 km/h, this increases by 3 to 7 m from one class to the next. Even if you applied the brakes fully, you would sit collide with an obstacle at a speed of up to 30 km/h.
The external rolling noise
Quiet tyres are more pleasant for you and the environment. As little at 10 dB extra is perceived as twice as loud. How loud or quiet a tyre is can be identified by the number of black sound waves.
- Three sound waves:
The external rolling noise complies with the EU limit values applicable from 2016. - Two sound waves:
The external rolling noise complies with the EU limit values applicable from 2016 or is up to 3 dB under them. - One sound wave:
The external rolling noise already complies with the EU limit values applicable from 2016 or is more than 3 dB under them.
Tyre labelling – explained in seven steps
What do the numbers on my tyres mean? Alongside the manufacturer and product name, you’ll find a range of important information on your tyres, such as tyre type, rim diameter and maximum permitted speed limit.
It is measured from sidewall to sidewall of your tyre. Passenger vehicle tyres are between 125 and 335 mm wide.
How tall is the tyre in comparison to the width of its cross-section in percent? The smaller the number, the lower the tyre sidewall.
The tyre carcass is made of fine cord fibres.
- R (radial tyre):
The cords run at a right angle to the direction of travel. - D (diagonal tyre):
The cords run diagonally. R and D tyres must not be combined. - RF (Run-Flat tyres):
Self-supporting tyres with emergency running properties.
The distance from rim edge to rim edge is measured. In general, this it 10 to 20".
