VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003 (01) PDF Document

Conversions of wheels and tyres for your VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003 can only be carried out under certain conditions. The following points must be observed:

Legislative Conditions:

• If the size of the wheel and tyre, including 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 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.

• 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 on the inside of the tank flap or in the vehicle tables.

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

The sidewall of a tyre contains various identification markings providing important information. Here is an explanation of the common markings:

1 – Size code: e.g., 205/55 R 16.

2 – Position of TWIs (Tread Wear Indicators): Shows where the tread wear indicators are located 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: A number and a letter (e.g., 91 H) indicating load and speed limits.

6 – Specified direction of rotation/installation: An arrow indicating the direction the tyre should rotate.

7 – Maximum permissible load: Data for North America.

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

9 – Number of plies: Information on the number of plies in the tread and sidewalls and the material used.

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

11 – Manufacturer code / date of manufacture: An identification number for the plant, tyre size, model, and date of manufacture.

12 – DOT – Department of Transportation: Indicates the tyre fulfils standards of the US Department of Transportation.

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: The model name of the tread pattern, e.g., ContiPremiumContact.

Tyre markings provide detailed information about the tyre’s dimensions and capabilities. Here is a breakdown of a typical tyre code, for example, 195/65 R 15 91 V:

Speed Rating / Maximum Speed:

The load rating, or load index (LI), can be found on the sidewall of the tyre. It is part of the size designation (e.g., 195/65 R 15 91T). This code corresponds to the maximum load in kilograms that the tyre can bear. Use the table below to find the maximum load for the tyres used on your VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003.

Proper tyre storage is crucial to maintain their safety and performance. Follow these guidelines:

Storage Room Conditions:

• The storage room must be dark, dry, cool, and ventilated.

• Stored tyres must not come into contact with fuel, oil, grease, or chemicals under any circumstances, as these can damage the tyre material in ways that are not always visible.

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 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.

• If tyres are stored standing vertically, it is recommended to turn them every 14 days to avoid flat spots.

• Avoid stacking tyres without wheels for long periods, as they will be pressed together and become more difficult to fit.

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

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

• When tyres are in regular use, constant flexing activates softeners in the rubber, preventing hardening.

• It is important to consider not only the tread depth but also the age of spare tyres, stored tyres, and tyres not permanently in use.

• Recommendation: It is recommended not to use summer and winter tyres which are older than 6 years. The original properties, especially adhesion in winter tyres, deteriorate due to the ageing process.

• A spare tyre may be used if it is in flawless condition and not more than 6 years old. However, combining an older spare tyre with new tyres can adversely influence car handling.

Determining Tyre Age:

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

• Example of a DOT number to 31.12.1999: DOT ….. 5 0 9 < – The “50” is the week, and the “9” is the last digit of the year (1999). The “<” indicates the 1990s. This tyre was made in the 50th week of 1999.

• Example of a DOT number from 01.01.2000: DOT ….. 0 1 0 0 – The first two digits “01” are the week, and the last two digits “00” are the year (2000). This tyre was made in the 1st week of 2000.

Using Winter Tyres:

• For driving in winter, it is recommended that the vehicle be equipped with winter tyres in the sizes recommended in the certificate statements.

• All tyre sizes listed in the vehicle documents can also be used as winter tyres.

• Handling characteristics may be affected. Adapt your speed to the changed handling 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.

Using Snow Chains:

• Snow chains must be fitted to driven wheels only.

• On all-wheel drive vehicles, however, only the front wheels may be fitted with snow chains with the exception of the Touareg (rear wheels may also be fitted with snow chains).

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

• If no particular type of snow chain is specified, small-link chains may be used. These 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.

• Remove snow chains when there is no snow on the road to avoid adverse effects on handling and unnecessary wear.

A tyre’s service life is influenced by a variety of factors:

Driving style:

• Speed: Higher speeds cause significantly more wear. For example, driving at 180 km/h can cause 9 times more wear than driving at 100 km/h.

• Braking: Most wear is caused during braking. Heavy braking causes exponentially more wear than gentle braking.

• Acceleration: Driving off with wheels spinning can cause 100 to 200 times more wear than driving off gently.

• Cornering: Wear increases significantly with cornering speed. Doubling the cornering speed can increase wear 16-fold.

Maintenance:

• Tyre pressure: Incorrect tyre pressure drastically reduces tyre life. For example, a pressure of 1.0 bar instead of the specified 2.3 bar can reduce tyre life by 75%.

Environment:

• Road surface

• Ambient temperature and climate

Vehicle:

• Weight

• Dynamic toe and camber settings

Tyre use:

• Speed range

• Wet or dry

Tyre type:

• Winter or summer

To measure the tread depth correctly, follow these steps:

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

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

3. The position of the TWIs can be seen at various points on the shoulder of the tyre, often marked with “TWI”, a “Δ” symbol, or the manufacturer’s logo.

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

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

Different patterns of uneven tyre wear can indicate specific issues:

• One-sided wear: Often caused by driving style (e.g., fast cornering) or incorrect wheel alignment (toe and camber). To prevent this, ensure wheel alignment is correct and rotate the wheels regularly.

• Outer shoulder wear: A rounded outer shoulder indicates fast cornering. This is influenced by driving style.

• Wear in the middle of the tyre: This pattern is often found on the driven wheels of high-performance vehicles driven at high speeds. Centrifugal forces cause the tyre diameter to increase more in the middle of the tread, leading to increased wear there. It is not possible to counter this by reducing tyre pressure. Interchanging tyres between driven and non-driven wheels can help achieve a more even wear pattern.

• Diagonal washout: This appears as diagonal wear spots at an angle of approx. 45° to the direction of rotation, almost exclusively on non-driven wheels. It is intensified by high toe-in values and low tyre pressure. If detected early, moving the wheel to a driven axle can help. Deeper washout cannot be repaired.

• Saw-tooth wear: A stepped wear pattern on individual tread blocks that can cause increased tyre noise. It is more pronounced on non-driven wheels and with a very careful driving style. Reversing the tyre’s direction of rotation (e.g., by interchanging tyres diagonally) can reduce the saw-tooth effect.

If your vehicle pulls 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.”

Before performing a road test, check the following:

• 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 road with no crosswind.

Strategic Rotation of Wheels to Remedy Pulling:

If the complaint is justified, perform the following steps. Tyres with deeper tread should always be mounted on the front axle.

For Non-Directional Tyres:

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

2. Interchange the front wheels.

3. Carry out another road test.

• If the vehicle now travels in a straight line, the process is complete.

• If the vehicle now pulls to the other side, reverse one of the front tyres on its rim (so its direction of rotation is reversed). If that doesn’t work, interchange the front and rear wheels and test again.

• If the vehicle continues to pull to the same side, interchange the front and rear tyres and test again. If there is still no change, check the alignment of the front and rear wheels.

For Unidirectional Tyres:

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

2. Interchange the front and back wheels on the same side.

3. Carry out another road test.

• If the vehicle now travels in a straight line, the process is complete.

• If the vehicle still does not travel in a straight line, first renew one tyre on the front axle and re-test. If the issue persists, renew the other tyre on the front axle. If it still pulls, check the front and rear wheel alignment.

Tyres with run-flat properties have reinforced sidewalls that allow the vehicle to remain controllable and be driven for a limited distance even when deflated.

General Information:

• A deflated run-flat tyre can be driven to the next workshop (approx. 50 km or 30 miles) at a suitable speed (max. 80 km/h or 50 mph).

• The driver is responsible for deciding if it is safe to continue driving on a deflated tyre.

Design and Identification:

• These tyres can be identified by abbreviations on the sidewall such as DSST, Euforia, RFT, ROF, RSC, SSR, or ZP.

• They require wheel rims with a raised double hump (Extended Hump – EH2) to prevent the deflated tyre from slipping off the rim.

Requirements and Retrofitting:

• Run-flat tyres may only be used on vehicles equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system, as a loss of pressure is not always visible.

• Retrofitting is only permitted if the tyres are fitted as standard or available as an option for your specific model.

• A mixed installation with standard tyres is not permitted, even on the same axle.

Repairs:

• Tyres with run-flat properties must be replaced after they have been run deflated.

• The disc-type wheel must be checked for damage (runout, etc.) after a tyre has been run deflated.

Regular care is required to maintain the decorative appearance of alloy wheels.

Cleaning:

• Thoroughly wash off road salt and dust from brake abrasion every 2 weeks to prevent damage to the finish.

• Suitable cleaning agents include:

• Plain water or water with soft soap

• Water and essence of vinegar

• Alloy wheel cleansers without acids or strong solvents

• Do not exceed the recommended soaking time of the cleaning agent.

Damage Repair:

• If the finish is damaged (e.g., by stones), it must be repaired as quickly as possible.

Removing Adhesive Residue:

• To remove residue from glued balance weights, use alloy cleansers or a petrol-based cleanser. Do not use strong solvents or acids.

• Do not exceed the recommended soaking time for the cleanser.

• After cleaning, rinse the wheels with water.

When restoring alloy wheels, several safety-critical rules must be followed:

• Forbidden Repairs: Repairing a damaged wheel using heat treatment (like welding) or the addition/removal of material is absolutely forbidden. Damaged or deformed wheel rims, or those with cracked/deformed bolt holes, may not be repaired.

• Cracks: Wheel rims with cracks along the edges must be replaced immediately and cannot be repaired.

• Reforming: Remachining, heat treatment, and material reforming are not permissible.

• Tolerances: Before restoring, the radial and lateral runout must not exceed the manufacturer’s tolerance of 0.8 mm.

• Filling and Painting:

• Only cast alloy wheel rims (marked with AlSi xx on the inner side) may be filled with filler putty. Forged wheels may not be painted.

• Restoration is limited to painted surfaces. Bright machined wheels with only a clear coating may not be repaired.

• Only surface damage on the design surface (viewed side) may be restored.

• The depth of the restored damage must not exceed 1 mm.

• Only up to 50 mm may be removed/filled on the outer boss.

• Paint: Restoration may only be undertaken using approved and genuine paint materials.

To ensure wheels are properly secured, follow these instructions carefully:

Preparation:

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

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

• The concave seats in the wheel bolt holes and the threads of the wheel bolts must also be free of corrosion, dirt, oil, or grease.

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

Fitting Wheels:

1. Preserve the wheel centring seat against corrosion.

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

3. Tighten the wheel bolts in a diagonal sequence to approx. 30 Nm.

4. Lower the vehicle to the floor and tighten all wheel bolts diagonally to the specified torque using a torque wrench. Do not use an impact driver when screwing in the bolts.

The following are the recommended summer tyres for the VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003, correct at the time of publication.

XL means “Extra Load”.

The following are the recommended all-season tyres for the VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003, correct at the time of publication.

XL means “Extra Load”.

The following are the recommended winter tyres for the VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON 2003, correct at the time of publication.

XL means “Extra Load”.