VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006 (03) PDF Document

Tyres are high-tech products adapted to the requirements of modern vehicles like the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006. Proper care, maintenance, and service are essential for safety, performance, and comfort throughout the tyre’s service life.

Vehicle safety is the top priority. An optimal compromise for safety must be found for various operating conditions such as differing speed ranges, winter and summer use, and wet and dry roads.

Proper adjustment of the axle geometry during wheel alignment is crucial for the maximum service life of the tyre. The wheel alignment must always be within the specified tolerance range.

It’s important to determine whether problems are caused by the tyre or by other components. Normal wear and tear will alter a tyre’s characteristics, which can result in rolling noises or rough running. These are symptoms of normal wear and do not constitute a defect.

When converting wheel and tyre combinations on your VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006, the following legislative and technical conditions must be observed:

Legislative Conditions:

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

• It is not necessary for the wheel and tyre combination specified in the registration certificate to be fitted. Any combination approved in the vehicle’s GTA or EU operating permit may be fitted.

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

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

Technical Conditions:

• The listed combinations refer exclusively to Volkswagen genuine disc-type wheels.

• Approval of combinations with wheels from the accessories trade is not possible with the provided certificate statements.

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

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

• 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 wheel housing, suspension, and braking system parts is assured if notes and specifications are observed.

• Unless stated otherwise, 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).

The sidewall of a tyre on your VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006 contains various identification markings providing useful information:

1 – Size code: e.g., 205/55 R 16.

2 – Position of TWIs (Tread Wear Indicators): Shows the location of wear indicators in the tread.

3 – Manufacturer (trade name): The brand of the tyre.

4 – Construction: “Radial” for radial cord direction and “Tubeless” for tubeless tyres.

5 – Load capacity index / speed rating: e.g., 91 H.

6 – Specified direction of rotation/installation for tyre.

7 – Maximum permissible load: Data for North America.

8 – Maximum permissible tyre pressure: Data for North America.

9 – Number of plies in the tread and sidewalls and material information.

10 – E number = Approval number: Indicates the tyre fulfils European guidelines.

11 – Manufacturer code / date of manufacture: Plant, size, model, and date of manufacture.

12 – DOT – Department of Transportation: Tyre fulfils US standards.

13 – Marking for Brazil.

14 – Marking for China.

15 – Country of origin: e.g., Made in Germany.

16 – Safety notes for use or fitting of tyre.

17 – Relative expected service life – abrasion resistance: Based on a US standard test.

18 – Rating of wet-braking traction, A, B or C: According to a US test.

19 – Rating of temperature resistance, A, B or C: According to a US test.

20 – Identifying tyres with run-flat properties: e.g., self-supporting run-flat.

21 – Tread pattern: e.g., ContiPremiumContact.

The tyre markings provide detailed information about the tyre’s dimensions and capabilities. Here is a breakdown:

Explanation of Tyre Dimensions (Example: 195/65 R 15 91 V)

1 – Tyre width: 195 (in mm)

2 – Aspect ratio in %: 65

3 – Code for tyre construction: “R” indicates radial

4 – Rim diameter designation: 15 (in inches)

5 – Load rating code/load index (LI): 91

6 – Speed rating code: V

7 – Winter tyre/code for all-season tyre: M + S (if applicable)

Speed Rating / Maximum Speed

The load rating code, or load index (LI), is found on the sidewall of the tyre and 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 important to maintain the quality and safety of your tyres.

Storage Room Conditions:

• The storage area should be dark, dry, cool, and ventilated.

WARNING: Stored tyres must not come into contact with fuel, oil, grease, or chemicals. These substances can damage the tyre material, leading to dangerous situations when driving.

Storing Complete Wheels (Tyres on Rims):

• Tyres mounted on wheels can be stored flat and stacked on top of one another.

• Ensure the tyres are clean and dry before storing.

• The inflation pressure should be increased to a maximum of 3 bar.

Storing Tyres without Wheels:

• Tyres without wheels are best stored standing vertically.

• To avoid flat spots, it is recommended to turn them every 14 days.

Tyres age due to physical and chemical processes, which can impair their function. Here are key points regarding tyre ageing:

• Tyres stored for long periods harden and become brittle faster than tyres in constant use.

• It is recommended not to use summer and winter tyres that are older than 6 years, as their properties, especially adhesion, deteriorate.

• A spare tyre may be used if it is in flawless condition and not more than 6 years old.

• For safety, tyres of the same make and tread pattern should be mounted on the same axle.

How to Determine Tyre Age:

The tyre’s age can be determined from the DOT number on the sidewall.

• Example of a DOT number to 31.12.1999: DOT ….. 5 0 9 < – The first two digits (50) are the week of production, and the last digit (9) is the year (1999). The triangle indicates the 1990s.

• Example of a DOT number from 01.01.2000: DOT ….. 0 1 0 0 – The first two digits (01) are the week of production, and the last two digits (00) are the year (2000).

A tyre has to meet numerous requirements, and different types of tyres will meet these to varying degrees. Improving one characteristic often has a negative effect on another. The main requirements are:

A – Wet braking properties

B – Driving comfort

C – Steering accuracy

D – Driving stability

E – Tyre weight

F – Life expectancy

G – Rolling resistance

H – Aquaplaning

For example, an improvement in wet braking properties (A) can lead to a reduction in driving comfort (B), rolling resistance (G), and life expectancy (F). The life expectancy of a tyre is heavily influenced by its rubber composition, design, conditions of use, and driving style.

Driving style is the most significant factor influencing tyre wear and service life. Here’s how different actions impact wear:

I. Speed (Steady Driving)

Higher speeds increase wheel slip and wear exponentially.

II. Braking

Most wear is caused during braking. Hard braking significantly increases wear.

III. Acceleration

Aggressive acceleration causes high wheel slip and wear.

IV. Cornering

A sporty driving style with higher cornering speeds greatly increases wear. Doubling the cornering speed increases wear 16-fold.

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is critical for tyre life and safety. Under-inflation increases flexing, heat, and rolling resistance, which leads to accelerated wear and poses a safety risk. The following table illustrates the effect of tyre pressure on tyre life.

If tyre pressure is too high, it results in poor rolling comfort and increased wear in the centre of the tread. Always maintain the tyre pressure specified by the manufacturer.

To correctly measure the tyre tread depth:

1. Measure the depth in the main tread channels, not at the Tread Wear Indicators (TWIs).

2. Measure at the points where the tyre is most worn.

3. The position of the TWIs is marked on the tyre shoulder by a “Δ”, “TWI”, or the manufacturer’s logo.

4. The TWI bars have a height of 1.6 mm, which is the legal minimum tread depth in Germany. Different values may apply in other countries.

5. Always measure at the deepest point of the tread channel; the TWIs should not be included in the measurement.

Rough running can be caused by uneven tyre wear, which creates slight imbalances in a previously balanced wheel. To ensure optimal safety, smooth running, and even wear, it is recommended to have the wheels and tyres balanced at least twice during the tyre’s service life.

Before balancing wheels, ensure the following:

• Tyre pressure is correct.

• Tyre tread is not showing one-sided wear and is at least 4 mm deep.

• The tyre has no signs of damage (cuts, piercing, 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 to identify the nature of the vibration and the speed range in which it occurs.

2. Immediately after the road test, raise the vehicle and mark the tyre positions (e.g., FL, FR, RL, RR).

3. Remove the wheels and clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and hub.

4. Mount the wheel on a stationary wheel balancing machine, preferably using a centring system like VAS 5271 for 100% accuracy.

5. Check for true running of the wheel and tyre. If there is lateral or radial runout, it may be the cause. Check runout against specified tolerances.

6. If runout is within tolerance, balance the wheel. No more than 60 grams of weight per tyre should be used. If more is needed, “matching” the tyre and rim may be required.

7. Bolt the wheel back onto the vehicle, tightening bolts in a diagonal sequence to the specified torque.

8. Carry out another road test to confirm the issue is resolved.

For technical reasons, 100% true running is not possible. Manufacturers allow a precisely determined tolerance for radial and lateral runout.

Tolerances for wheels with tyres:

Tolerances for wheel rims only:

If measured values exceed these specifications, acceptably smooth running cannot be attained.

If your vehicle pulls to one side, the cause is often related to the tyres, a phenomenon known as “conicity” or “tyre pull”. This is caused by a slight offset of the tread relative to the tyre’s geometric centre, creating a lateral force.

Test Conditions:

• Perform a road test on a level, straight, and un-grooved road without any crosswind.

• Check all suspension components for damage.

• Ensure tyre pressures are correct.

• Check tyres for external damage, punctures, or improper repairs.

• Ensure all tyres are of the same type, manufacture, and tread pattern.

Troubleshooting Procedure for Non-Directional Tyres:

1. Perform a road test to confirm which side the vehicle pulls to.

2. Interchange the front wheels and perform another road test.

• If the vehicle now travels straight: The issue is resolved. END.

• If the vehicle now pulls to the other side: One of the front tyres is causing the pull. Proceed to the next step.

• If the vehicle still pulls to the same side: The cause is likely not the front tyres. Proceed to interchange front and rear wheels.

3. If pulling to the other side occurred, reverse one of the front tyres on its rim (so its direction of rotation is reversed) and test again. This can help isolate the specific tyre causing the issue.

4. If the issue persists, systematically rotating the wheels (front to rear, diagonally) or mounting new tyres on the front axle can help diagnose and resolve the problem.

Troubleshooting Procedure for Unidirectional Tyres:

1. Perform a road test to confirm which side the vehicle pulls to.

2. Interchange the front and rear wheels on the same side (maintaining direction of rotation) and perform another road test.

• If the vehicle travels straight: The issue is resolved. END.

• If the vehicle does not travel straight: Proceed to the next step.

3. Renew one tyre on the front axle and test again.

4. If the problem continues, renew the other tyre on the front axle.

5. If the vehicle still pulls to one side, check the front and rear wheel alignment. If alignment is correct, contact Product Support.

The following tables provide the wheel and tyre specifications for the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006 saloon based on engine output.

1.6l 75 kW; 1.6l 85 kW petrol engines; 1.9l 77 kW TDI; 2.0l 88 kW TDI; 2.0l 90 kW TDI diesel engines

2.0l 110 kW petrol engine

The following tables provide the wheel and tyre specifications for the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2006 Variant based on engine output.

1.6l 75 kW; 1.6l 85 kW petrol engines; 1.9l 77 kW TDI; 2.0l 88 kW TDI; 2.0l 90 kW TDI diesel engines

2.0l 110 kW petrol engine