VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 (02) PDF Document

Conversions of wheels and tyres on your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 can only be carried out under certain conditions. The following points must be observed:

Legislative Conditions:

• If the size of the wheel and tyre, along with the load index and speed symbol, is included in the vehicle’s General Operating Permit (GTA) and EU operating permit/type approval, this combination can be fitted without any problem.

• It is not necessary for the wheel and tyre combination specified in the registration certificate part I to be fitted. All combinations approved in the vehicle GTA or EU operating permit/type approval may be fitted to the vehicle.

• For conversions recommended by VOLKSWAGEN AG, there are no general operating permits in accordance with § 22 StVZO (German road traffic and licensing regulations).

• If the wheels and/or tyres are not included in the relevant vehicle GTA or EU operating permit/type approval, the vehicle will no longer meet the requirements of the road traffic regulations if converted.

Technical Conditions:

• The wheel and tyre combinations and conversions listed refer exclusively to Volkswagen genuine disc-type wheels.

• Approval of wheel and tyre combinations from the accessories trade is not possible with the certificate statement attached in the PDF.

• Tubeless radial tyres may only be fitted to rims with a safety hump feature on the shoulder.

• Tyres with run-flat properties (reinforced sidewalls) may only be used on disc-type wheels with an extended hump and on vehicles with a tyre pressure monitoring system.

• If the listed wheel and tyre combinations are used, the associated tyre inflation pressures must be adhered to. These can be found on the sticker inside the tank flap or in the vehicle’s tables.

• Sufficient clearance to the wheels and tyres at parts of the wheel housing, suspension, and braking system is assured if the notes and specifications are observed.

• Unless otherwise stated, snow chains may only be fitted to the drive wheels. On all-wheel drive vehicles, only the front wheels may be fitted with snow chains (with the exception of the Touareg).

• For technical reasons, some vehicles may require additional wheel housing extensions (flaps) on the wing or bumper when using certain wheel and tyre combinations.

The markings on the tyre sidewall of your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 provide important information. Here is a breakdown of what they mean:

Explanation of tyre dimensions:

1 – Tyre width

2 – Aspect ratio in %

3 – Code for tyre construction „R“ indicates radial

4 – Rim diameter designation

5 – Load rating code/load index (LI)

6 – Speed rating code

7 – Winter tyre/code for all-season tyre

Speed rating/maximum speed:

The load rating code (Load Index or LI) on the sidewall of your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009’s tyre indicates the maximum load that the tyre can bear. The following table shows the load rating codes used at VW with their corresponding maximum load capacities.

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009’s tyres.

Storage Room Conditions:

The storage room should be:

• dark

• dry

• cool

• ventilated

WARNING: Stored tyres must not come in contact with fuel, oil, grease, or chemicals under any circumstances. Otherwise, the material in the tyre will be damaged by chemical reactions which are not always visible. As a result, dangerous situations can occur when the car is driven.

Storing Complete Wheels (Tyres on Rims):

Tyres mounted on wheels can be stored flat, stacked one upon the other. Ensure the tyres are clean and dry. The inflation pressure should be increased to a maximum of 3 bar.

Storing Tyres without Wheels:

Tyres without wheels are best stored standing vertically. If tyres are stacked for a long period, they will be pressed together, making them more difficult to fit. If storing tyres vertically, it is recommended to turn them every 14 days to avoid flat spots.

Tyre ageing is an important safety consideration for your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tyres age due to physical and chemical processes, which can impair their function. Tyres stored for long periods harden and become brittle faster than tyres in constant use.

• Even visually flawless, new, or barely used tyres with sufficient tread depth, which are older than six years, may show a significant reduction in wet-weather properties and winter suitability due to ageing.

• It is recommended not to use summer and winter tyres that are older than 6 years. Winter tyres, in particular, lose their adhesion properties as they age.

• The tyre age can be determined from the DOT designation on the sidewall, which includes the production date.

How to read the DOT number for production date:

• Example up to 31.12.1999: DOT ….. 5 0 9 < signifies the 50th week of 1999.

• Example from 01.01.2000: DOT ….. 0 1 0 0 signifies the 1st week of 2000 (the last two digits are the year).

Recommendation for Spare Tyres:

When new tyres are fitted, the spare tyre may also be used if it is in flawless condition and not more than 6 years old. Combining a spare tyre that is several years old with new tyres can have an adverse influence on car handling.

Use of Winter Tyres:

• For driving in winter, it is recommended that your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 be equipped with winter tyres in the sizes recommended in the certificate statements.

• As a basic rule, all tyre sizes listed in the vehicle documents can also be used as winter tyres.

• The handling characteristics may be affected by the use of winter tyres. Therefore, adapt your speed to the changed handling characteristics and road conditions.

• For the best possible handling, winter tyres must be fitted on all wheels.

• The suitability of winter tyres with less than 4–5 mm of tread depth for winter operation is limited. Some countries require a tread depth of at least 4 mm.

• It is recommended to replace winter tyres after no more than six years, as their special “winter properties” decline with age.

Use of Snow Chains:

• Snow chains must be fitted to driven wheels only.

• On all-wheel drive vehicles, only the front wheels may be fitted with snow chains.

• It is not possible to use snow chains with all wheel and tyre combinations. Refer to the vehicle tables of the certificate statement for notes.

• If no particular type is specified, small-link chains may be used. These, including the fastener, must not protrude more than 15 mm beyond the wheel’s tread and inner wall.

• The maximum speed permitted by law when driving with snow chains is 50 km/h.

• Snow chains should be removed when there is no snow on the road to avoid adverse effects on handling and unnecessary wear.

The service life of the tyres on your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 is heavily influenced by your driving style and proper tyre maintenance.

Driving Style Effects on Tyre Wear:

• Steady Driving: Driving at 180 km/h causes 9 times more wear than driving at 100 km/h.

• Braking: Heavy braking (e.g., deceleration of 0.4 x g) can cause 2000 – 3000 times more wear than allowing the vehicle to roll to a stop.

• Acceleration: Driving off with wheels spinning causes 100 – 200 times more wear than driving off gently.

• Cornering: Doubling the cornering speed increases tyre wear 16-fold. For example, driving through a 150m radius curve at 100 km/h causes 16 times more wear than at 50 km/h.

Tyre Maintenance – Tyre Pressure:

The correct tyre pressure is crucial for tyre life. Underinflated tyres flex more, leading to increased heat, rolling resistance, and wear. The table below shows the effect of tyre pressure on tyre life, based on the specified standard pressure for the vehicle load.

If tyre pressure is too high, it will result in poor rolling comfort and increased wear across the centre of the tread.

Rough running in your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 can have several causes, often related to the wheels and tyres. Tyre wear is not always even, leading to slight imbalances that affect smooth running.

Before Balancing Wheels:

Ensure the following requirements are met:

• The tyre pressure is correct.

• The tyre tread does not show one-sided wear and is at least 4 mm deep.

• The tyre shows no signs of damage (cuts, piercing, foreign bodies, etc.).

• The wheel suspension, steering, and shock absorbers are in perfect condition.

• A road test has been conducted.

Procedure for Balancing Wheels:

1. Conduct a Road Test: Before balancing, drive the vehicle to identify the nature of the vibration and the speed range at which it occurs. Immediately after the test, raise the vehicle and mark the positions of the tyres (e.g., FL for front left, FR for front right, etc.).

2. Clean Surfaces: Dirt and rust on the contact surfaces, the centre of the wheel, and the recess on the inside of the wheel can distort balancing results. Clean these areas thoroughly before mounting the wheel on the balancer.

3. Mount on Balancer: Clamp the wheel onto the stationary wheel balancing machine. Use a proper centring system (like VAS 5271) to ensure the wheel is 100% centred and clamped without damage.

4. Check True Running: Rotate the wheel on the balancer. Check that the indicator lines on the sidewall run evenly and that the body of the tyre runs true. If there is lateral or radial runout, it may be the cause of the issue.

5. Balance the Wheel: Balance the wheel and tyre. The balancer display should indicate 0 grams. Note that more than 60 grams of weight per tyre should not be used. If more is required, “matching” the tyre and rim may be necessary.

6. Bolt the Wheel to the Vehicle:

• First hand-tighten the lowest wheel bolt to about 30 Nm.

• Then tighten the remaining wheel bolts diagonally to about 30 Nm to centre the wheel on the hub.

• Lower the vehicle onto its wheels.

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque in a diagonal sequence.

7. Carry out a final road test to confirm the vibration is resolved.

If your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 is pulling to one side, it can be caused by the running gear, but experience shows that in 90% of cases, the tyres are the cause due to a characteristic called “conicity”. Follow these steps to diagnose and remedy the issue.

1. Preliminary Checks and Road Test:

• Check all suspension components on the front and rear axles for damage.

• Check tyre pressure and correct if necessary.

• Check tyres for external damage (punctures, cuts, bubbles, flat spots).

• Perform a road test on a level, straight, ungrooved road without a crosswind to confirm the vehicle pulls to one side and determine which side it pulls to.

2. Strategic Rotation of Wheels (for non-directional tyres):

Mark the tyres before starting (e.g., FR, FL, RR, RL).

• Step 1: Interchange the front wheels. Carry out another road test.

• If the vehicle now travels in a straight line, the problem is solved. The process ends.

• If the vehicle now pulls to the other side, proceed to the next step.

• If the vehicle still pulls to the same side, interchange the front and rear wheels. If it still pulls to the same side, check wheel alignment. If alignment is correct, contact Product Support.

• Step 2 (if it pulls to the other side): Interchange the front wheels back to their original positions. Then, reverse one front tyre on its rim (so its direction of rotation is reversed). Carry out a road test.

• If the vehicle travels straight, the problem is solved. The process ends.

• If the vehicle does not travel straight, proceed to interchange the front and rear wheels and continue the diagnostic process as outlined in the service manual flow chart.

For Unidirectional Tyres:

The process is different as tyres cannot be reversed on the rim. The primary steps involve interchanging front and back wheels, renewing one tyre, and then the other if necessary, followed by a wheel alignment check if the issue persists.

Properly changing or fitting the wheels on your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009 is crucial for safety. Always perform the following checks and follow the instructions.

Checks Before Fitting:

• Ensure the contact surfaces on the brake disc are free of corrosion and dirt.

• Ensure the contact surface and centring seat on the inner side of the wheel (rim) are free of corrosion and dirt.

• Ensure the concave seats in the wheel bolt holes and the threads of the wheel bolts are free of corrosion, dirt, oil, or grease.

• Check that the wheel bolts can be easily screwed in by hand. The thread of the wheel bolt must not contact the bore in the brake disc. If it does, turn the brake disc relative to the hub.

WARNING: Damaged, badly corroded, or difficult-to-remove wheel bolts must be renewed.

Fitting Wheels Procedure:

1. When fitting the wheel, screw in all wheel bolts uniformly by hand.

2. Tighten the wheel bolts in a diagonal sequence to approximately 30 Nm.

3. Lower the vehicle to the floor and tighten all wheel bolts diagonally to the specified torque using a torque wrench.

WARNING: Do not use an impact driver when screwing in the bolts.

When using a temporary or spare wheel on your VOLKSWAGEN GOLF PLUS 2009, please observe the following important safety notes:

• The spare wheel is intended only for temporary use over short distances. It must be replaced by a normal wheel as quickly as possible.

• After fitting the temporary spare wheel, check the tyre pressure as soon as possible.

• Always observe the speed warning on the temporary spare wheel (e.g., “MAX 80 km/h” or “MAX 50 mph”).

• Avoid full acceleration, hard braking, and driving fast through curves.

• Never drive with more than one spare wheel or temporary spare wheel at a time.

• The use of snow chains on the temporary spare wheel is not permitted for technical reasons.

• If it is necessary to travel with snow chains, the temporary spare wheel must be fitted on the rear axle, even if the front tyre was damaged. The now-available rear wheel must then be fitted in place of the defective front wheel.