Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: New and replacement tires

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

New tires

• Drive a vehicle with new tires especially carefully for the first 350 miles (560 km) because the tires must first be broken in. Tires that are not broken in have reduced traction⇒  and braking performance ⇒ .

• Install only radial tires only of the same make, same dimensions (tread circumference), and similar tread profile on all 4 wheels.

• The tread depth of new tires can differ between tire models and manufacturers because of different design features and tread design.

Replacing tires

• Tires should be replaced in pairs and not individually (both front tires or both rear tires at the same time) ⇒ .

• Replace tires only with tires that have the same specifications, including width and diameter, load and top speed rating as the tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model.

• Never use tires that are larger or wider than the dimensions of the tires approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle and model. Larger tires could scrape and rub on the vehicle body or other parts of the vehicle.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) considerations

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 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 pressure monitoring system (TPMS) .

Warning

New tires tend to be slippery and must be broken in.

• Always drive with special care for the first 350 miles (560 km) to help reduce the risk of losing control, a collision, and serious personal injuries.

Warning

Tires must have the required clearance. Tires that do not have enough clearance can rub against parts of the vehicle body, suspension, and brake system, causing brake system failure, tread delamination, and sudden blowouts.

• Always make sure that new tires are not larger than the tires approved for your vehicle and that the new tires do not rub against parts of the vehicle.

Note

• When switching to different tires, make certain the valves are not damaged.

• Never drive without valve stem caps. The valves could be damaged.

Always dispose of old tires in accordance with legal requirements.

If the replacement wheel is different from the tires that you have mounted on your vehicle (for example winter tires or wider, low-profile tires, or a compact spare), then use the replacement wheel for a short time only, and drive cautiously.

• Replace it with a tire matching the others on your vehicle as soon as possible.

Although tire size specifications can be the same, the actual dimensions may differ from those nominal values for different tire makes, or the tire contours may be significantly different.