Volkswagen ID.4: Handling tires

• Preventing damage to the tires
• Recalibrating the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Preventing damage to the tires

• Always drive over curbs and other low obstacles slowly and at a right-angle so that both front wheels come into contact with the obstacle at the same time.
• Check the tire pressure regularly.
• Check tires regularly for damage, e.g. punctures.
• Never exceed the load index and maximum speed of the tire (→ Tire labeling and tire classifications).
• Have damaged or worn rims replaced immediately.
• Protect tires from coming into contact with corrosive materials such as grease, oil, gasoline, and brake fluid→ .
• Replace missing dust caps on the valves immediately.
• Remove any objects provided they have not punctured the inside of the tire.
• Pay attention to all warnings issued by the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (→ Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

WARNING

Corrosive fluids and materials can cause visible and invisible damage to the tires, which can cause the tires to fail.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

• Always keep chemicals, oils, grease, fuel, brake fluid, and other corrosive materials away from the tires.

Storing tires

• Only store tires in a cool, dry location that is as dark as possible.
• Do not stand tires that are mounted on rims up vertically.
• Protect tires that are not mounted on rims from dirt with suitable covers and store them standing on the tread surface.

Tires that are more than six years old

Tires age due to physical and chemical processes that affect their function. Tires that have been stored and unused for long periods of time age more quickly than tires that are used continuously.

Volkswagen recommends replacing tires that are more than six years old with new tires. This even applies to tires that may appear to be usable and whose tread depth is still greater than the minimum requirement → .

Winter and all season tires lose their characteristics to a large extent due to aging, regardless of the remaining tread depth.

The age of the tire can be determined based on the production date (→ Tire labeling and tire classifications).

WARNING

Old tires can suddenly lose air or rupture, particularly at high speeds.

This can cause accidents and fatal injuries.

• Only use tires that are more than six years old if absolutely necessary and drive with extreme caution if doing so, even if the tires have never been used.

New tires

• Drive particularly carefully during the first 600 km (370 mi) with new tires because they must be broken in. Tires that have not been broken in yet have reduced gripping abilities and braking efficiency → .
• For all wheels, use only radial tires of the same design, size (rolling circumference), and tread pattern. Exceptions when replacing wheels are different tire and rim sizes on the front and rear axle.
• The tread depth of new tires may vary between tire models and manufacturers due to different design features and tread designs.

WARNING

New tires must be broken in because they have reduced traction and braking efficiency when they are new.

This could cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Break in new tires. Drive carefully for the first 600 km (370 miles).

The size specifications for new tires may vary significantly from the actual tire dimensions for different tire brands.

Replacing tires

• At the factory, the vehicle is equipped by Volkswagen with genuine tires designed to reduce the rolling resistance as much as possible. Volkswagen Genuine tires are marked with the symbol. The specified fuel economy and range can only be achieved using these tires. When purchasing new tires, always make sure the tires are optimized for rolling resistance (→ Eco tips).
• Before buying new reduced rolling resistance tires, seek advice from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
• At a minimum, replace both tires on a single axle.
• Only replace old tires with tires that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle model.
• Never use tires whose size exceeds the measurement of tires that are approved by Volkswagen→ .

Recalibrating the Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated each time one or more wheels is replaced (→ Tire Pressure Monitoring System).

This also applies if the tires are rotated, for example from front to back. Exceptions when replacing wheels are different tire and rim sizes on the front and rear axle.

WARNING

Tires must have enough clearance from vehicle components. If there is not enough clearance, tires could rub against components of the suspension, the body, and the brake lines.

This may cause the brake system to fail, the tread to separate, and the tire to rupture, resulting in serious accidents and fatal injuries.

• Only use tires with dimensions that do not exceed the dimensions of the tire brands approved by Volkswagen and that do not rub against other components of the vehicle.

NOTICE

Driving over potholes and curbs can cause the tires to become deformed.

Damage to the tires and rims can result.

• Avoid strong impacts and drive around obstacles where possible.

NOTICE

The valves may be damaged by dirt.

• Never drive without caps on the valves.

NOTICE

The valves can be damaged when replacing wheels.

• Do not let wheels that you have removed fall on the rim.

Always dispose of old tires correctly and according to regulations.

If the spare wheel is different from the regular vehicle wheels, e.g. in the case of winter tires or a temporary spare wheel, only use the spare wheel temporarily and in the event of a breakdown, and drive especially carefully. Replace the compact spare wheel with a regular wheel as soon as possible.

Using tires approved by Volkswagen ensures that the dimensions will fit correctly on your vehicle. If other tires are used, the seller must provide a certificate from the tire manufacturer stating that the tires are suitable for the vehicle. Keep the certificate stored safely in the vehicle.