VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 2003 (03) PDF Document

Conversions of wheels and tyres on your VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 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 part of 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 to be the one 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 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 road traffic regulations if converted.

Technical Conditions:

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

• Approval of combinations from the accessories trade is not possible with the certificate statement provided here.

• 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.

• When using listed combinations, 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 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 markings on your tyre’s sidewall provide important information. Here is an explanation of what each marking represents:

1 – Size code: e.g., 205/55 R 16.

2 – Position of TWIs (Tread Wear Indicators): Shows where the wear indicators are 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. A two-digit number for load and a letter for speed.

6 – Specified direction of rotation/installation: An arrow indicating the mounting direction for directional tyres.

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 meets European guidelines.

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

12 – DOT – Department of Transportation: Shows the tyre meets 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, e.g., ContiPremiumContact.

The tyre markings provide specific details about the tyre’s dimensions and capabilities.

Explanation of tyre dimensions (Example: 195/65 R 15 91V M+S):

1. 195: Tyre width in mm.

2. 65: Aspect ratio in % (height to width ratio).

3. R: Code for tyre construction, “R” indicates radial.

4. 15: Rim diameter in inches.

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

6. V: Speed rating code.

7. M+S: Winter tyre/code for all-season tyre.

Speed Rating / Maximum Speed Table:

The load rating code on the sidewall of the tyre indicates the maximum load that the tyre can bear. The following table shows the load rating codes used at VW with the corresponding maximum load capacity per tyre.

Proper tyre storage is essential to maintain their condition and safety.

Storage Room Conditions:

• The storage area should 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 rubber.

Storing Complete Wheels (Tyres on Rims):

• Tyres mounted on wheels can be stored flat and 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.

• 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. Even new or barely used tyres can show a significant reduction in wet properties and winter suitability due to ageing alone.

Recommendation:

• It is recommended not to use summer and winter tyres that are older than 6 years.

• When fitting new tyres, the spare tyre may also be used if it is in flawless condition and is not more than 6 years old.

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

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

Tyre wear is influenced by driving style, maintenance, environment, and vehicle factors. Understanding common wear patterns can help identify issues.

Types of Tyre Wear:

• One-Sided Wear: Often caused by incorrect wheel alignment (toe and camber) or a sporty driving style with fast cornering. This appears as wear on one shoulder of the tyre, often with signs of scuffing.

• Outer Shoulder Wear: A rounded outer shoulder with high wear on the outer tread blocks indicates frequent fast cornering.

• Wear in Middle of Tyre: Found on driven wheels of high-performance vehicles driven at high speeds. Centrifugal forces cause the tyre to expand more in the middle, leading to concentrated wear in the center of the tread.

• Diagonal Washout: Appears as diagonal wear spots at an angle of approx. 45° to the direction of rotation. It occurs almost exclusively on non-driven wheels and is intensified by high toe-in values and low tyre pressure.

• 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 is caused by uneven deformation of the tread blocks.

Corrective Actions:

• Ensure wheel alignment is within specified tolerances.

• Maintain correct tyre inflation pressure.

• Rotate wheels regularly (e.g., every 5,000 km) to promote even wear.

If you experience vibration or rough running, follow these steps before balancing the wheels:

1. Preliminary Checks:

• The tyre pressure must be correct.

• The tyre tread must not show one-sided wear and should be at least 4 mm deep.

• The tyre must not show any signs of damage (cuts, piercing, foreign bodies, etc.).

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

2. Conduct a Road Test:

• Drive the vehicle to identify the nature of the vibration and the speed range in which it occurs.

• Immediately after the test, raise the vehicle and mark the position of each tyre (e.g., FL for Front Left, FR for Front Right, etc.).

3. Balance Wheels on a Stationary Machine:

• Remove the wheels from the vehicle.

• Clean all contact surfaces on the wheel, hub, and balancer.

• Mount the wheel and tyre on the balancer, preferably using a centering system like VAS 5271 for 100% accurate centering.

• Check for radial and lateral runout of the wheel and tyre. If runout is excessive but there are no flat spots, it may be the cause.

• If runout is within tolerance, balance the wheel until the display reads 0 gram. More than 60 grams of weight per tyre should not be used. If more is needed, “matching” the tyre and rim may be required.

4. Re-install Wheels and Final Road Test:

• Bolt the wheel to the vehicle, first hand-tightening the lowest bolt to about 30 Nm, then the remaining bolts diagonally to 30 Nm to center the wheel.

• Lower the vehicle and use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque in a diagonal sequence.

• Carry out a final road test to confirm the vibration is gone.

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 phenomenon called “conicity” or taper. Follow this strategic rotation guide for non-directional tyres to diagnose and remedy the issue.

Step 1: Initial Road Test

• Perform a road test to determine if the vehicle pulls to one side and, if so, which side.

Step 2: Interchange Front Wheels

• If the vehicle pulls, interchange the front wheels.

• Carry out another road test.

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

• If the vehicle now pulls to the other side, proceed to Step 3.

• If the vehicle still pulls to the same side, proceed to Step 4.

Step 3: (If vehicle pulls to other side) Reverse one front tyre

• Reverse one of the front tyres on its rim (so the direction of rotation is reversed).

• Carry out a road test. If it travels straight, the process is complete (END).

• If it does not travel straight, interchange the front and rear wheels and test again. If it still doesn’t travel straight, contact Product Support.

Step 4: (If vehicle still pulls to the same side) Interchange front and rear tyres

• Interchange the front and rear tyres.

• Carry out a road test.

• If it now pulls to the other side, proceed to Step 5.

• If there is no change, check the alignment of the front and rear wheels and adjust if necessary. If the alignment is correct, contact Product Support.

Step 5: (If vehicle now pulls to other side) Identify problematic axle

• Interchange the front wheels again (back to their original front positions).

• Carry out a road test.

• If it does not travel in a straight line, the issue is with the rear axle. Mount new tyres on the front axle and re-test.

• If it travels in a straight line, the issue is with the front axle. Mount new tyres on the front axle and re-test.

For vehicles with unidirectional tyres, the process is simpler: interchange front and back wheels, test, and if the problem persists, renew one tyre at a time on the front axle, testing after each replacement.

The following table outlines the approved wheel and tyre combinations for the VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 2003, model years 2003 to 2006, based on engine output.

* Note: 225/45 R 17 91H/V/W tyres on 7 J x 17 rims with an offset of 47 are permitted only on vehicles with sports running gear and wheel housing extensions (FLAPS).

The following table outlines the approved wheel and tyre combinations for the VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN 2003, model years 2007 to 2010, based on engine output.

* Note: 225/45 R 17 tyres on 7 J x 17 rims with an offset of 47 are permitted only on vehicles with sports running gear and wheel housing extensions (FLAPS).

** Note: 225/40 R 18 tyres on 7 1/2 J x 18 rims with an offset of 49 are permitted only on vehicles with sports running gear, a rear axle camber value of -1°20′, and wheel housing extensions (FLAPS) on the rear axle.