VW Tyre Pressure
Keeping your Volkswagen tyre pressure maintained is an essential part of car ownership. When you check the tyre pressure on your Volkswagen you might be thinking – what is the correct tyre pressure? Should I follow any other maintenance tips when inspecting or checking my tyres?
In this guide, we answer all essential tyre maintenance questions – read on to find out more!
Under-inflated Tyres – How do they Affect my Volkswagen?
If your Volkswagen has underinflated tyres then they will wear out quicker. There’s also more risk of a puncture as the durability of the tyre is also reduced. With an increased roll resistance, under-inflated tyres will reduce fuel economy as more force is required to turn the wheels. Also, during wet weather, the risk of hydroplaning increases by up to 30%.
Under-inflated tyres may lead to uneven tyre wear on your Volkswagen too. Reducing grip and disrupting handling. For example, if you need to swerve out of the way of an object on the road, your Volkswagen won’t react as quickly and may cause a crash. For safe and efficient driving, the tyres on your Volkswagen need to be properly inflated.
SB Autocare are Volkswagen and tyre experts and we help all our customers who come to us with tyre pressure questions. We have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to choosing the right tyres and maintaining them properly.
Volkswagen Recommended Tyre Pressures
Making sure you have the correct tyre pressure for your Volkswagen model is essential, as incorrect tyre pressures cause uneven wear, punctures and worsened fuel economy. Summer and winter tyres can also have different requirements for pressures which need to be maintained accordingly.
As most Volkswagen vehicles house the engine at the front, tyre pressures typically are higher at the front than at the rear. The higher pressure allows for optimum weight distribution.
To check the appropriate tyre pressure for your specific Volkswagen model, read the maintenance guidebook or look on the inside of the driver door or fuel filler cap where a sticker or plaque should display the appropriate pressure depending on the load.
Finding it hard to work out the appropriate tyre pressures? Reach out to our expert team at SB Autocare for assistance. We are ready to assist all Volkswagen owners with correct tyre advice and guidance.
Volkswagen Tyre Pressure Checks – All The Tools You Need
In modern Volkswagen models, each tyre has a built-in tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A sensor continuously measures the exact pressure of each tyre and informs drivers when the pressure drops below the minimum recommended level. You can check the status of your tyre pressures by going into the settings and vehicle information menu.
To access it, turn the ignition on in your Volkswagen. Then use the steering wheel controls or touch screen to find the vehicle ‘service’ menu. Choose tyre pressure and opening this setting will reveal the tyre pressure of all four tyres.
If you drive a model that does not have TPMS, or you want to do it the traditional way, you can check the tyre pressures manually. A tyre pressure gauge can be picked up online, in car parts stores, or found at your nearest petrol station.
When you’re not in your car and it’s safe, start checking the tyre pressure by taking off the valve cap from the tyre by unscrewing it to show the valve. Put the pressure gauge on the valve stem to check the pressure. Make sure to hold the gauge tightly on the valve stem for an accurate reading.
Check the recommended pressure in your maintenance guide or the sticker shown on the door and compare it against the tyre pressure reading on the gauge. If your tyre pressure is more than the recommended level, then release some air and re-check. If the reading is too low, then top up your tyres with more air and re-check until you have the correct level.
Tyre pressure readings can be influenced by a lot of different factors such as climate and temperature. Plus, your tyre pressure gauge may not be accurate or properly calibrated, nor could your measurement method. To get a more accurate understanding of your tyre pressures, then reach out to our expert team at SB Autocare. We help you adjust and maintain the correct tyre pressure in your Volkswagen.
Is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Accurate in my Volkswagen?
In your Volkswagen, the TPMS is usually accurate and reliable. The system must however be set up and calibrated properly for the tyre pressure monitoring to work correctly. At SB Autocare, we can calibrate your tyre pressure monitoring system in our workshop.
Our skilled technicians are familiar with all Volkswagen vehicles. We help many Volkswagen owners with repairs and maintenance. We conduct tyre pressure monitor system checks to eliminate any doubts for our customers. Reach out to us today if you require help with your tyre pressures.
How Road Conditions Affect Tyre Pressures and How to Adjust Accordingly
External factors like the climate affect your tyre pressures. You need to accommodate and adjust your pressures based on this. For example, high temperatures increase tyre pressures, and lower temperatures decrease them. Pressure is typically measured in Bars or PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch). To find the correct tyre pressure for your Volkswagen, check the sticker inside the driver door, or in your owner’s manual.
During the day, your tyre pressures change as you drive. Lower tyre pressures increase fuel consumption and due to heat build-up, reduces the lifetime of the tyre. High-speed driving on warm days will increase tyre pressures by up to 10 PSI (or 0.7 Bar). An important maintenance tip is to check tyre pressures once a month to aid in reducing the impact of changing climate and temperatures. If you need help adjusting and maintaining your Volkswagen tyres, reach out to our expert team at SB Autocare today!
How to extend the lifespan of your Volkswagen Tyres in Seven Steps
To ensure you are kept safe and fuel-efficient on the road, you must keep monitoring the condition and pressure of your tyres. At SB Autocare, we are your local tyre experts and help thousands of customers properly take care of their tyres.
Follow these tips to help maintain your tyres:
- Check your Volkswagen’s tyre condition: Ensure your tyres are safe by looking for bulges, cuts, or objects stuck in them that might need professional help. If you find this while driving, safely stop and switch to your spare wheel quickly.
- Look at your tyre tread depth: There’s a legal requirement for a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Going below this can lead to fines of up to £2,500 per wheel and three penalty points on your driving licence. If your tyres are close to or below this limit, it’s wise to replace them.
- Pick suitable tyres: All-weather tyres work well throughout the year in most places. But in European countries with harsh weather, you might need to switch between summer and winter tyres.
- Check wheel alignment: Wrong wheel alignment can cause uneven tyre wear. Uneven wear can harm tyres, increase fuel use, and affect how your vehicle handles.
- Watch the maximum load capacity: Overloading your vehicle can make your tyres wear out too fast and affect how it handles. Most tyres have a load index, and it’s important not to go over the specified load limit.
- Be careful around kerbs: One of the main reasons for tyre damage is hitting or going over kerbs without being careful. When you park by the road, go slowly towards the kerbs and manoeuvre carefully to avoid touching your tyres.
- Practise safe driving habits: When possible, avoid hard braking, speed up slowly, make smooth movements, and stay away from bumps, potholes, and uneven roads. Also, slow down when you come across speed bumps.
At SB Autocare, we can professionally check the condition and pressure of the tyres on your Volkswagen. Reach out to our customer service team to book your appointment!
