VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996 (01) PDF Document

When converting wheels and tyres on your VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996, you must observe the following legislative and technical conditions:

Legislative Conditions:

• If the wheel and tyre size, including the load index and speed symbol, is listed in the vehicle’s General Type Approval (GTA) or EU operating permit, it can be fitted without any issue.

• It is not required to have the specific combination listed on your registration certificate fitted. Any combination approved in the vehicle’s GTA or EU operating permit may be used.

• If the wheels or tyres are not included in the relevant GTA or EU permit, the vehicle will no longer meet road traffic regulations if converted without proper certification.

• The use of genuine disc-type wheels on a vehicle for which they have not been allocated is not permissible.

Technical Conditions:

• Only Volkswagen genuine disc-type wheels are covered in this guide.

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

• When using listed wheel and tyre combinations, you must adhere to the associated tyre inflation pressures found on the sticker inside the fuel tank flap or in the vehicle’s tables.

• Ensure there is sufficient clearance between the wheels/tyres and the wheel housing, suspension, and braking system in all operating conditions.

• 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.

The markings on a tyre’s sidewall provide important information about its specifications. Here is a breakdown of the key markings:

1. Size code: e.g., 205/55 R 16. This indicates the tyre’s width, aspect ratio, construction type, and rim diameter.

2. Tread Wear Indicators (TWIs): Shows the position of the wear indicators within 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. The number is the load index, and the letter is the speed rating.

6. Direction of rotation: An arrow indicates the specified installation direction for directional tyres.

7. Manufacturer code / date of manufacture (DOT code): Identifies the manufacturer’s plant, tyre size, and model. It also includes the production date. For tyres made since 01.01.2000, the last four digits represent the week and year of production (e.g., 0100 is the 1st week of 2000).

8. E number: Approval number certifying that the tyre meets European guidelines.

9. DOT – Department of Transportation: Certifies that the tyre meets standards for the USA.

10. Country of origin: Where the tyre was manufactured.

Understanding the tyre size and speed ratings is crucial for safety and performance.

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

Speed Rating / Maximum Speed Table:

The load rating, or load index (LI), is a number on the tyre’s sidewall that corresponds to the maximum load in kilograms that a single tyre can support. You must ensure the tyres fitted to your vehicle have a load rating that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications.

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of your tyres. Follow these guidelines:

Storage Room Conditions:

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

• Stored tyres must not come into contact with fuel, oil, grease, or chemicals under any circumstances, as this can damage the rubber.

Storage of Complete Wheels (Tyres on Rims):

• Complete wheels can be stored flat, stacked one on top of the other.

• Ensure the tyres are clean and dry before storing.

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

Storage of Tyres without Wheels:

• Tyres without wheels are best stored standing vertically.

• Stacking tyres without wheels for long periods can press them together, making them difficult to fit later.

• If storing vertically, it is recommended to turn them every 14 days to avoid developing flat spots.

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

• It is recommended not to use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years. The original properties, especially the adhesion of winter tyres, deteriorate with age.

• When fitting new tyres, a spare tyre may be used if it is in flawless condition and is not more than 6 years old. Combining an old spare with new tyres can adversely affect handling.

• Tyres must always be renewed when the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm is reached or if there is visible mechanical damage.

• All VW vehicles are factory-fitted with four identical tyres. For safety, tyres of the same make and tread pattern should be mounted on each axle. Vehicles with four-wheel drive must always be equipped with four tyres of the same size, construction, tread pattern, and make.

You can determine the age of a tyre from its DOT number on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture.

If your vehicle 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. Follow this troubleshooting procedure.

Test Conditions:

• Check all suspension components for damage.

• Check and correct tyre pressure.

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

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

• Perform a road test on a level, straight road with no crosswind.

Strategic Rotation of Wheels (Non-Directional Tyres):

Strategic Rotation of Wheels (Unidirectional Tyres):

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

2. If it pulls, interchange the front and back wheels on the same side (do not swap sides).

3. Perform another road test. If it travels straight, the problem is solved. If it still pulls, the issue is with one of the front tyres.

4. First, renew one tyre on the front axle and test again. If the issue persists, renew the other front tyre.

5. If the vehicle still does not travel straight, check the front and rear wheel alignment.

To ensure wheels are properly secured, follow these steps:

Preparation:

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

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

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

Fitting Wheels:

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

Note on revised wheel bolts for VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996 from model year 2001:

• Vehicles from model year 2001 use revised wheel bolts (part no. 7M3 601 139 B) with a silver-coloured coating and a loose collar. These bolts are not permitted on vehicles made up to model year 2000.

• The wheel rims from vehicles produced up to model year 2000 are not permitted on vehicles from model year 2001 or later.

The following tables show the approved standard, modification, and winter tyre combinations for the VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996 (Type 7M, model years 1996-2000). Always observe the notes regarding specific equipment.

* Note on 215/55 R 16 93H tyres: These are not permissible on Syncro and 1.9l 85 kW TDI vehicles.

The following are the recommended summer tyres and tread patterns for the VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996. It is advised to use these specific combinations for optimal performance and safety.

The following are the recommended winter tyres and tread patterns for the VOLKSWAGEN SHARAN 1996. Using these specific combinations is advised for safe winter driving.