Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: Winter tyres

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

In winter road conditions, winter tyres will considerably improve the car's handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen urgently recommends the use of winter tyres or all-year tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle, particularly if winter conditions are expected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volkswagen recommends that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below +7°C (+45°F).

Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Winter tyres also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing – regardless of the tread depth.

The following applies when using winter tyres:

• Observe any country-specific legal requirements.

• Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.

• Only use in winter road conditions.

• Only use the sizes of winter tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.

• Winter tyres must have the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.

• Heed the maximum speed permitted by the speed index  .

Speed limitation

Winter tyres have a speed limitation depending on the speed index   .

Speed warning settings can be made and adjusted in the infotainment system using the button and the and Tyres function buttons   .

If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and required tyre pressure will be determined by the engine size. You must ask a Volkswagen dealership about the highest permitted speed and required tyre pressure.

Four-wheel drive (4MOTION)

Thanks to its four-wheel drive, the vehicle will have plenty of traction in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, Volkswagen still recommends that winter tyres or all-year tyres should be fitted on all 4 wheels in winter, mainly because this will give a better braking response.

Please refer to the corresponding information and notes when using snow chains   .

WARNING

• Adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.

• Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.

Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7°C (+45°F). They are quieter, do not wear so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.

In vehicles with a tyre monitoring display, the system has to re-learn after wheels are changed   .

Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.