Volkswagen Polo 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 .
In some vehicle versions, a speed warning can be set in the menu MFD (multifunction display) in the instrument cluster .
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.
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 Pressure Loss Indicator, the system has to re-learn after wheels are changed .
Volkswagen dealerships can provide details on permissible winter tyre sizes.
Tyre lettering
Fig. 149 International tyre lettering
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Tyre lettering (example)
Meaning
...
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warningsPlease heed legislation and also the permitted speed when
driving your vehicle with snow chains.
In winter conditions, snow ...
Other materials:
Indicator lamp
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
Lit up
Possible cause
Cruise control system (CCS) is controlling the speed.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check
whe ...
Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
Fig. 45 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle
heading for a brick wall
Fig. 46 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle
striking a brick wall
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warnings
The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple.
As soon a ...
Cleaning seat belts
First read and observe the introductory information
and safety warningsLarge particles of dirt on the automatic belt prevent
it from rolling back properly and thus from working effectively.
The seat belts must never be removed for cleaning purposes.
Remove dirt with a soft brush .
C ...
