Volkswagen Polo Service & Repair Manual: Tire Sidewall Swelling

Volkswagen Polo Service & Repair Manual / Whels, Tires, Whel Alignment / Tires, Evaluating / Tire Sidewall Swelling

A swelling in the flank of the tire indicates that the substructure of the carcass has been damaged.

Typical causes for such damage include, for example, driving over curbs at a sharp angle.

Pinching the carcass of a tire this way can damage the carcass.

The substructure of the tire is stretched so far that individual fibers in the carcass may break.

The extent of the damage depends on the speed of impact, the angle of impact, the air pressure, the axle load and the type of obstacle.

Tire Sidewall Swelling

Evidence of Pinching on the Sidewall of a Tire -arrows-

Note

Driving over curbs must be avoided!

When it cannot be avoided, curbs should be driven over very slowly at the bluntest possible angle.

Tire Sidewall Swelling

Interior View of a Tire with a Punctured Carcass.

Due to a severe impact, the carcass was pinched on the rim flange and is ruptured in the contact patch.

Tire Sidewall Swelling

Inside Tire Damage Due to Impact Damage (Double Rupture)

Double rupture -arrows- caused by pinching when driving over a curb. Often not detectable from outside.

Tire Sidewall Swelling

Cuts

Cut Caused by a Sharp-Edged Obstacle -arrow-.

Cuts

Wear Spots

A wear spot is a flat spot on the tread of the tires that can be caused by extreme braking maneuvers on subsurface such as asphalt. ...

Foreign Object Damage

Driving over hard, pointed objects like nails, screws and the like can pierce the tire. This always leads to tire damage. ...

Other materials:

Windscreen wiper lever
Fig. 72 Operating the front windscreen wiper Fig. 73 Operating the rear window wiper First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Move the windscreen wiper lever to the desired position : ⓪ Switches ...

Adjusting the head restraints
Fig. 39 Adjusting front head restraint Fig. 40 Adjusting rear head restraint First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Every seat is fitted with a head restraint. The centre rear head restraint is designed solely for use with the centre rear seat. This head r ...

Securing child seats with the top tether
Fig. 65 Retaining ring for top tether in the stowage area behind the rear seats Fig. 66 Top tether hooked over into the luggage compartment First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings Observe the child seat manufacturer's instructions when fitting or removin ...