Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual:  Introduction to the subject

In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:

⇒ Indicator light (telltale)  

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System and recalibration with the MFI 

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) sensors to indirectly check the tire pressure of all four tires while you are driving. The sensors monitor the tread circumference (rolling circumference) and vibration characteristics of the individual tires. TPMS warns if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires while the vehicle is moving. Pressure loss is signaled by the indicator light (described below) as well as by acoustic warnings and text warnings in the instrument cluster display if your vehicle has this display (Multi-Function Indicator - MFI).

The original benchmark pressure is the recommended maximum load cold tire inflation pressure for the tires that come with your vehicle. This pressure is listed on the tire pressure label on the driver door jamb ⇒ Tire inflation pressure . By pressing the SET button, you can change the benchmark pressure to match the current pressure of the tires on your vehicle. After adjusting the tire pressures in all 4 tires, you can confirm the new cold inflation pressures by storing them in the appropriate menu in the MFI and change the benchmark pressure to match the current pressure of the tires on your vehicle.

Recalibrating the TPMS to reset the benchmark cold tire inflation pressure is explained below ⇒ Resetting and recalibrating the benchmark tire pressure .

More information:

• Volkswagen Information System ⇒ Volkswagen Information System 

• Transporting ⇒ Driving tips 

• Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ Braking, stopping, and parking 

• Caring for vehicle exterior ⇒ Exterior care and cleaning 

• Tires and wheels ⇒ Tires and wheels 

• Accessories, replacement parts, repairs and changes ⇒ Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications 

• Consumer information ⇒ Consumer information 

Warning

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control, collision, serious personal injury or even death.

• When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop and inspect the tires.

• Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability.

• Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, including a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

• The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door ⇒ Tire inflation pressure 

• The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct pressure.

• Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.

• Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.

• Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.

• Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot, resulting in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

• Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat buildup, sudden tire failure and loss of control.

• If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle will not handle well.

• If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel immediately, drive carefully and at reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as required.

• When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed the information and all WARNINGS regarding Tires and wheels⇒ Tires and wheels .

• The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the MFI whenever you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change ⇒ Resetting and recalibrating the benchmark tire pressure .

Warning

Improper use of the MFI reset function can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no warning despite dangerously low tire pressure. ⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System and recalibration with the MFI 

Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Do not rely solely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have not penetrated into the body of tire itself.

When you take delivery of the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is calibrated for the factory-recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the tires on your vehicle, as shown on the label inside the driver door ⇒ Tire inflation pressure .

• The system must be recalibrated in the appropriate menu in the MFI whenever you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change ⇒ Tire inflation pressure .

• If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a warm tire, fill the tire with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa) more than the pressure specified on the tire pressure label ⇒ Tire inflation pressure .

• If the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one tire is too low, carefully check the pressure in all four tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be determined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.

If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the workshop that the vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

New tires may expand slightly the first time they are driven at high speeds, which can trigger a tire pressure warning. Remember that tire pressure can only be properly measured when the tire is cold ⇒ Tire inflation pressure .

Only replace old tires with tires that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.