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".
Indicates the maximum tyre load in combination with its maximum speed. For example, 670 kg are permitted for a value of 94.
The permitted maximum speed limit can be seen in combination with the load index. The load capacity of the tyres may sink at high speeds.
You’ll find the so-called DOT number on at least one of the tyre sidewalls. DOT stands for “Department of Transportation”, i.e. the date of manufacture. Here, the last four digits are relevant. The first two digits indicate the week of production in calendar weeks and the last two indicate the production year.
The right minimum tread depth
Tyre tread
How do you measure the tread depth? In the rough tread grooves of your tyres you’ll find small 1.6 mm tall projections – they represent the mandatory minimum tread depth. By looking at these in comparison with your tyres, you’ll see how worn your tyres are. You can also put a 1 euro coin in the grooves – the gold edge is 4 mm wide. Our minimum tread depth recommendation for winter tyres.
How deep should my tyre tread be?
The deeper the tread of your tyres, the more effective they are at draining off water and protecting you from aquaplaning. Even if the tread depth is just less than 4 mm, your tyre will have considerably less grip on a wet road. The reason: The profile no longer drains water properly and your tyres lose contact with the road. Don’t take the risk – make sure you get new tyres fitted when the tread is too shallow. We recommend a 3 mm tread with summer tyres and 4 mm with winter tyres.
Winter tyres on a snowy surface
Braking distance at 50 km/h until a complete stop.
- 8 mm tread depth
New tyres. - 4 mm tread depth
Recommended safety. - 1.6 mm tread depth
Heavily worn tyres.
There are many layers hidden inside your car tyre
Every tyre is made up of a contact surface and a tyre substructure
Contact surface and tyre substructure (carcass)
- Tread – for an effective grip on the road and for taking up and draining water
- Jointless bandage – enables high speeds
- Steel cord belts 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 wall – protects against lateral damages
- Apex – supports driving stability and steering behaviour and comfort response
- Steel core – ensures a firm fit to the rim
- Tyre bead reinforcement – supports driving stability and precise steering behaviour
Cutting-edge technology for efficiency and safety
Top quality for performance and comfort
Quality, driving comfort and design are the top priorities when it comes to our Volkswagen Genuine Complete Wheels. Follow the entire production process here: from the initial design to the final quality control.
Our complete wheels go through a wide range of stages before finally becoming your companion out on the road:
- Development
- Production process
- Test procedure
- Assembly