Volkswagen Passat (2015 year). Instruction - part 12

over 149 mph (240 km/h)

W up to 168 mph (270 km/h)

up to 186 mph (300 km/h)

Some tire manufacturers label tires with a maximum permissible road speed above 149 mph
(240 km/h) with the letter combination “ZR.”

WARNING

Using incorrect or unmatched tires and/or wheels or improper tire and wheel combinations
can lead to loss of control, collision and serious personal injury.

Always use tires, wheels and wheel bolts that meet the specifications of the original facto-

ry-installed tires or other combinations that have been specifically approved by the vehicle
manufacturer.

All 4 wheels must be fitted with radial tires of the same type, the same size (tread circum-

ference), and the same tread pattern. Driving with different tires reduces vehicle handling and
can lead to a loss of control.

Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the tires installed on your vehicle

are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.

Overloading tires can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, including a blowout and

sudden deflation and loss of control.

Temperature grades apply to tires that are properly inflated and not over- or underinflated.

Winter tires

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Winter tires improve the handling characteristics of your vehicle significantly when driving under wintry
road conditions. Summer tires have less traction on snow and ice because of their design (width,
rubber composition, tread design). Volkswagen strongly recommends that you always have winter
tires or all-season tires installed on all 4 wheels on your vehicle, especially when winter road condi-
tions are expected. Winter tires also improve the vehicle's braking performance and help reduce
stopping distances during winter weather. Volkswagen recommends installing winter tires once tem-
peratures are below +45 °F (+7 °C).

Winter tires are no longer suitable for winter driving once the tread pattern is worn down to a depth of
3/16 in (4.8 mm). In addition, winter tire performance decreases with age - independent of the tread
profile depth.

When using winter tires:

  Obey state and country-specific legal requirements.
  Install winter tires on all 4 wheels.
  Use winter tires only under wintry road conditions.
  Only use winter tires with dimensions approved for the vehicle.
  Use only winter tires of the same tire belt design, the same dimensions (tread circumference), and

the same tread design.

Follow speed restrictions according to the winter tire's speed rating code letter

⇒

Speed restrictions

Winter tires are certified up to a top speed identified by speed rating code letters on the side wall

⇒

Tire labeling.

In some vehicle models it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFI menu in the instrument cluster

display (Multi-Function Indicator - MFI)

⇒ Volkswagen Information System.

Top speed rating and tire inflation pressure for V winter tires depend on the engine installed in your
vehicle. Be sure to ask you authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility
about the maximum permissible speed and the required tire inflation pressure for the winter tires that
you plan to use.

WARNING

Driving faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires on your vehicle were de-
signed can cause sudden tire failure including a blowout and sudden deflation, loss of con-
trol, crashes and serious personal injuries.

Winter tires have a maximum speed rating that may be lower than your vehicle's maximum

speed.

Never drive faster than the maximum speed for which the winter tires installed on your

vehicle are rated because tires that are driven faster than their rated speed can fail suddenly.

Never exceed the maximum load rating for the winter tires installed on your vehicle.

Install summer tires promptly in the spring. Summer tires offer better handling characteristics for

temperatures above +45 °F (+7 °C). They are quieter, do not wear as quickly, and reduce fuel con-
sumption.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever you

remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement
wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not

change

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

If necessary, ask your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility

about permissible winter tire dimensions.

Snow chains

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Obey local regulations as well as the applicable speed limits when driving with snow chains.

Snow chains improve forward motion, traction and braking characteristics under wintry conditions.

Snow chains may be used only on the front wheels and only in the following tire and wheel
combinations:

Tire dimensions

Rim

215/60 R16

6 1/2 J x 16 ET 44

Please contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility about
appropriate wheel, tire and snow chain dimensions.

If possible, use only chains with low profile links that are not thicker than 37/64 in (15 mm) including
the tensioner.

Remove center hubcaps and decorative rim rings before installing snow chains

⇒

. However, for

safety reasons, caps must be installed on the wheel bolts. These are available from authorized
Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities.

Compact spare

For technical reasons, snow chains cannot be used on the compact spare

⇒ Compact spare wheel,

Compact spare wheel.

If you must use snow chains and have a compact spare wheel mounted, move the compact spare
wheel to the rear axle if a front tire has to be replaced. The tire taken off the rear axle can then be
used to replace the flat front tire. Be sure to install the unidirectional tires so that they will run in the
proper direction. Volkswagen recommends installing the snow chains before mounting the wheel to
the vehicle.

WARNING

Using the wrong snow chains or installing snow chains improperly can cause accidents and
severe personal injuries.

Always use the proper snow chains.
Follow the installation instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.

Never exceed the permissible speed limit when driving with snow chains.

NOTICE

Remove snow chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise, the chains can damage the

tires, impair vehicle handling and can be quickly worn down.

Snow chains can scratch or damage wheel rims if they have direct contact with the rims.

Volkswagen recommends using coated snow chains.

Glossary of tire and loading terminology

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Accessory weight

The combined weight (in excess of those standard items which may be replaced) of automatic trans-
mission, electro-mechanical power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, radio, and
heater, to the extent that these items are available as factory-installed equipment (whether installed or
not).

Aspect ratio

The ratio of sidewall height to tire width, expressed as a percentage. A number of 70 (0.7:1 or 70%) or
lower indicates a low-profile tire with a shorter sidewall for improved steering response and better
overall handling on dry pavement.

Bead

The part of a tire made of steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cords, with the shape and structure
to ensure proper fit to the wheel rim.

Bead separation

A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead.

Carcass

The tire structure, except tread and sidewall rubber which, when inflated, bears the load.

Chunking

The breaking away of pieces of the tread or sidewall.

Cord

The strands of material forming the plies in the tire.

Cord separation

The parting of cords from adjacent rubber compounds.

Cracking

Any parting within the tread, sidewall, or inner liner of the tire extending to cord material.

Cold tire inflation pressure

The tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a specified size that has not
been driven for more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in the 3 hour period before the
tire pressure is measured or adjusted.

Curb weight

The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, air conditioner, and additional weight of optional equipment.

Extra load tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding
standard tire.

Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

The load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, measured where the tire contacts the ground.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.

Groove

The space between 2 adjacent tread ribs.

Load rating (code)

The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure. You may not find this
information on all tires because it is not required by law.

Maximum load rating

The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.

Maximum loaded vehicle weight

The total of:

  Curb weight
  Accessory weight.
  Vehicle capacity weight.
  Production options weight.

Maximum (permissible) inflation pressure

The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated. Also called “maximum inflation
pressure.”

Normal occupant weight

Means 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the number of occupants seated in the vehicle up to the total
seating capacity of your vehicle.

Occupant distribution

The placement of passengers in a vehicle.

Outer diameter

The diameter of a new, properly inflated tire.

Overall width

Total width measured at the exterior sidewalls of an inflated tire, including the additional width of
labeling, decorations, or protective bands or ribs.

Passenger car tire

A tire intended for use on passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, and trucks, that have a
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Ply separation

A parting of rubber compound between adjacent plies.

Pneumatic tire

A mechanical device made of rubber, chemicals, fabric, and steel or other materials, that, when
mounted on an automotive wheel, provides the traction and contains the gas or fluid that sustains the
load.

Production options weight

The combined weight of installed regular production options weighing over 5 lbs (2.3 kg) more than the
standard items they replace, and not previously considered as curb weight or accessory weight. These
include, for example, heavy-duty brakes, ride levelers, heavy-duty battery, and special trim.

Radial ply tires

A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at substantially 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread.

Recommended inflation pressure

Reinforced tire

A tire designed to operate at higher loads and at higher inflation pressures than the corresponding
standard tire.

Rim

The outer edge of a wheel upon which the tire beads are seated.

Rim diameter

The nominal diameter of the wheel's tire bead seating surface. If you change your wheel size, to
wheels of a different diameter, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheels.

Rim size

Designation means rim diameter and width.

Rim type designation

The industry or manufacturer's designation for a rim by style or code.

Rim width

The nominal distance between wheel rim flanges.

Section width

The linear distance between the exteriors of the sidewalls of an inflated tire, excluding elevations due
to labeling decoration, or protective bands.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the bead and the tread.

Sidewall separation

The parting of the rubber compound from the cord material in the sidewall.

Speed rating (letter code)

A standardized letter code indicating the maximum speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for
extended periods of time. The ratings range from 93 mph or 150 km/h (“P”) to 186 mph or (300 km/h)
“Y”.

The speed rating letter code, where applicable, is molded on the tire sidewall

⇒ Tire labeling. You

may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

A system that detects when at least one of a vehicle's tires is underinflated and illuminates a low tire-
pressure warning light.

Tread

The portion of a tire that normally touches the road.

Tread rib

A tread section running circumferentially around a tire.

Tread separation

Tire failure caused by the tread pulling away from the tire carcass.

Tread wear indicators (TWI)

Raised areas within the main tread grooves that show, visually, when tires are worn and near the end
of their useful life

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)

A tire information system developed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that is designed to help buyers compare tires. UTQG is not a safety rating, nor is it a guaran-
tee that a tire will last for a certain number of miles or perform a certain way. It gives tire buyers more
information to compare with factors such as price, brand loyalty and dealer recommendations. Under
UTQG, tires are graded by the tire manufacturers in 3 areas: tread wear, traction and temperature
resistance. UTQG information is molded into the tire sidewalls.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

A tire's serial number. It begins with the letters “DOT” (“Department of Transportation”) and indicates
that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters indicate the plant where the
tire was manufactured. The last four numbers represent the week and year of manufacture.

For example, the numbers 1709 mean that the tire was produced in the 17th week of 2009. Any other
numbers are marketing codes used by the tire manufacturer. This information is used to help identify
affected consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.

Vehicle capacity weight

The total rated cargo, luggage and passenger load. Passenger load is 150 lbs (68 kilograms) times the
vehicle's total seating capacity (as listed on the label inside the driver door).

Vehicle maximum load on the tire

The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the maximum loaded
vehicle weight (GAWR) and dividing by 2.

Vehicle normal load on the tire

The load on an individual tire that is determined by taking each axle's share of the curb weight, acces-
sory weight, and normal occupant weight (distributed according to the table below) and dividing by 2.

Wheel size designation

Wheel rim diameter and width.

Occupant loading and distribution for vehicle normal load for various designated seating
capacities

Designated seating capacity,

number of occupants

Vehicle normal load, number

of occupants

Occupant distribution in a

normally loaded vehicle

2, 3 or 4

2 in front

2 in front, 1 in back

Tires and vehicle load limits

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

There are limits to the load any vehicle or any tire can carry. A vehicle that is overloaded will not
handle well and is more difficult to stop. Overloading can damage important parts of the vehicle.
Overloading can also lead to blowout, sudden loss of pressure or other tire failure that can cause loss
of control.

Your safety and the safety of your passengers depends on making sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes everybody and everything in and on the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

The GVWR includes the weight of the basic vehicle, all factory-installed and other accessories, a full
tank of fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids plus maximum load. The maximum load includes the number
of passengers that the vehicle is intended to carry (seating capacity) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs (68 kg) for each passenger at a designated seating position and the total weight of any lug-
gage in the vehicle. If you tow a trailer, the weight of the trailer hitch and the tongue weight of the
loaded trailer must be included as part of the vehicle weight. At altitudes above 3000 ft (1000 m),
combined towing weight (vehicle plus trailer) must be reduced by 10% for every 3000 ft (1000 m).

The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum load that can be carried at each of the
vehicle's 2 axles (by the front or rear tires). GVWR and GAWR are listed on the safety compliance
label on the driver door jamb. Your vehicle has 5 total seating positions: 2 in the front and 3 in back.
Each seating position has a safety belt. Because there is an upper limit to your vehicle's total weight
(GVWR), the weight of whatever is being carried (including the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue
weight of the loaded trailer) is also limited. More passengers, or passengers who are heavier than the
assumed 150 lbs (68 kg), mean that less weight can be carried as luggage or other cargo. The tire
pressure label on your Volkswagen also lists the maximum combined weight of all of the occupants
and luggage or other cargo that the vehicle can carry.

WARNING

Overloading a vehicle can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, serious
personal injury, and even death.

Carrying more weight than your vehicle was designed to carry will prevent the vehicle

from handling properly and increase the risk of the loss of vehicle control.

The brakes on a vehicle that has been overloaded may not be able to stop the vehicle in a

safe distance.

Tires on a vehicle that has been overloaded can fail suddenly, including a blowout and

sudden deflation, causing loss of control and a crash.

Always make sure that the total load being transported - including the weight of a trailer

hitch and the tongue weight of a loaded trailer - does not make the vehicle heavier than the
vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

Determining the correct load limit

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Never overload tires. The following example illustrates how to determine the combined weight of all
vehicle occupants and luggage or other vehicle payloads. Never overload the vehicle!

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:

Locate the statement “THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD

NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX LBS” on your vehicle's placard (tire inflation pressure

label)

Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehi-

cle.

Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.

For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers

in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-

750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That

weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in

Step 4.

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit:

If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.

Consult this Manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity

of your vehicle.

Check the tire sidewall to determine the load index specified for the tire.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Indicator light (telltale)

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with the SET button

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
sensors to indirectly check the tire pressure of all 4 tires while you are driving. The sensors monitor the
tread circumference (rolling circumference) and vibration characteristics of the individual tires. TPMS
warns if there is a significant loss of pressure in one or more tires while the vehicle is moving. Pres-
sure loss is signaled by the indicator light (described below) as well as by acoustic warnings and
text warnings in the instrument cluster display if your vehicle has this display (Multi-Function Indicator -
MFI).

The original benchmark pressure is the recommended maximum load cold tire inflation pressure for
the tires that come with your vehicle. This pressure is listed on the tire pressure label on the driver

door jamb

⇒ Tire inflation pressure inside the fuel filler flap ⇒ Tire inflation pressure. After adjusting

the tire pressures in all 4 tires, you must confirm and store the new cold inflation pressures by pressing
the SET button, which changes the benchmark pressure to match the current pressure of the tires on

your vehicle

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with the SET button.

Recalibrating the TPMS to reset the benchmark cold tire inflation pressure with proper use of the SET

button is explained below

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with the SET

button.

More information:

  Volkswagen Information System
  Transporting
  Braking, stopping and parking
  Exterior care and cleaning
  Tires and wheels
  Parts, accessories, repairs and modifications
  Consumer Information

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury or even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop and inspect the tires.
Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect

the handling of the vehicle and stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, includ-

ing a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The

recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the driver door

⇒ Tire infla-

tion pressure inside the fuel filler flap

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct

pressure.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Always inflate

the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires installed on the vehicle.

  Always maintain correct cold tire inflation pressure so that TPMS can do its job.
  Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
  Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,

resulting in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

Excessive speed and/overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure and loss of

control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle

will not handle well.

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change a wheel immediately, drive carefully

and at reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as
required.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS always read and heed

the information and all WARNINGS regarding

⇒ Tires and wheels.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever

you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire

pressure does not change

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with

the SET button.

WARNING

Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no

warning despite dangerously low tire pressure

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

and recalibration with the SET button.

Underinflation increases fuel consumption and tire wear.

Do not rely solely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Check your tires regularly to make

sure they are properly inflated and have no signs of damage, such as punctures, cuts, cracks, and
blisters. Remove any objects that become embedded in the tire tread but have not penetrated into the
body of tire itself.

When you take delivery of the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is calibrated for the

factory-recommended cold tire inflation pressure for the tires on your vehicle, as shown on the label

inside the fuel filler flap

⇒ Tire inflation pressure inside the driver door ⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

The system must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever you remove and remount or

change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or replacement wheels and tires are

identical to those that were removed and even if the tire pressure does not change

⇒ Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with the SET button.

If you have to adjust the tire pressure on a warm tire, fill the tire with 2.0 - 4.35 psi (20 - 30 kPa)

more than the pressure specified on the tire pressure label inside the fuel filler flap

⇒Tire inflation

pressure inside the driver door Tire inflation pressure.

If the TPMS determines that the air pressure in at least one tire is too low, carefully check the

pressure in all 4 tires with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Low tire pressure usually cannot be deter-
mined by looking at the tire. This is especially true of low-profile tires.

If you have work done on your wheels or tires, inform the workshop that the vehicle is equipped

with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

New tires may expand slightly the first time they are driven at high speeds, which can trigger a

tire pressure warning. Remember that tire pressure can only be properly measured when the tire is

“cold”

⇒ Tires and wheels.

Only replace old tires with tires that have been approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle type.

Indicator light (telltale)

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Lights up

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Lights up and a chime sounds once:

The inflation pressure of one or more

tires is significantly lower than the

benchmark pressure set by the driver -

or a tire has structural damage. De-

pending on vehicle equipment, the

message Please check tires! will

appear in the instrument cluster display.

Stop safely as soon as possible!

Reduce speed immediately! Avoid fast

cornering and hard braking!

Check the condition and inflation pressure

of all tires. Have damaged tires replaced.

Flashes

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Flashes

Possible cause or meaning

⇒

Proper response

Flashes for about 70 seconds and then

stays on:

System malfunction.

Check and, if necessary, adjust the tire

inflation pressure in all 4 tires. If the tire

pressure is correct, switch the ignition off

and back on. If the indicator light flashes

again and then stays on or does not go out

after checking and adjusting the air pres-

sure in all 4 tires and pressing the SET

button, take the vehicle to an authorized

Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility. Have the

system checked.

When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function
check. They go out after a few seconds.

WARNING

Incorrect tire pressures and/or underinflation can cause sudden tire failure, loss of control,
collision, serious personal injury, or even death.

When the warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster, stop the vehicle as soon

as it is safe to do so and inspect all tires.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can cause increased tire wear and can affect

the handling of the vehicle and its stopping ability.

Incorrect tire pressure and/or underinflation can also lead to sudden tire failure, including

a blowout and sudden deflation, causing loss of vehicle control.

The driver is responsible for the correct tire pressures for all tires on the vehicle. The

recommended tire pressure values are listed on a sticker inside the fuel filler flap

⇒ Tire infla-

tion pressure inside the driver door

⇒ Tire inflation pressure.

The TPMS can only work correctly when all tires on the vehicle are filled to the correct

cold tire inflation pressure. Always maintain the correct cold tire inflation pressure so that
TPMS can do its job.

Using incorrect tire pressure values can cause accidents or other damage. Check the

pressure in all 4 tires when the tires are still cold. Never reduce air pressure in warm tires to
match cold tire inflation pressure.

Always inflate the tires to the correct specified cold tire pressure values for the tires in-

stalled on the vehicle; see the tire inflation pressure label on the driver door jamb

⇒ Tires

and wheels.

Always inflate tires to the recommended and correct tire pressure before driving off.
Driving with underinflated tires causes them to flex (bend) more, letting them get too hot,

which can result in tread separation, sudden tire failure, and loss of control.

Excessive speed and/or overloading can cause heat build-up, sudden tire failure, and loss

of control.

If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the tires will wear prematurely and the vehicle

will not handle well.

If the tire is not “flat” and you do not have to change the tire or wheel immediately, drive at

reduced speed to the nearest service station to check the tire pressure and add air as re-
quired.

When replacing tires or wheel rims on vehicles equipped with TPMS, always read and

heed the information and all WARNINGS in the section

⇒ Tires and wheels.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System must be recalibrated using the SET button whenever

you remove and remount or change any wheel or tire on the vehicle, even if the reinstalled or
replacement wheels and tires are identical to those that were removed and even if the tire

pressure does not change

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with

the SET button.

WARNING

Improper use of the SET button can cause the TPMS to give false warnings or to give no

warning despite dangerously low tire pressure

⇒ Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

and recalibration with the SET button.

WARNING

Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to
break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.

Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

NOTICE

Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.

If the ignition is switched on, an acoustic warning sounds when low tire pressure is detected. If a

system malfunction is detected, no acoustic warning sounds.

Driving for a longer period of time on rough roads or with a dynamic and sporty style can make

the TPMS system temporarily unavailable. The indicator light will come on, signaling a malfunction, but
will go out again once the road condition or driving style changes.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and recalibration with the SET
button

Fig. 133 In the glove compartment: SET button for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indirectly checks the tire pressure of all 4 tires
while you are driving by using the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) sensors to monitor the tread circum-
ference (rolling circumference) and vibration characteristics of the individual tires.

The tread circumference of a tire can change:

  If a tire's inflation pressure is too low.
  If the tire's tread is damaged or the tire is structurally damaged.
  If one side of the vehicle is more heavily loaded than the other.
  If there is more weight on one axle than the other (such as when towing a trailer).
  If a compact spare wheel has been mounted.
  If a wheel was replaced on each axle.
  If a tire was changed.
  If the tire pressure was changed, or wheels were rotated or replaced, but the TPMS was not reset.

If there are snow chains on the tires. Using snow chains can cause the system to give false warn-

ings because snow chains increase tire circumference.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not react at first or may not react at all when you are
driving in a sporty manner, or on snow-covered or unpaved roads, when you are driving with snow
chains, or in certain other situations. A change in the tread circumference of a tire is signaled by the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicator in the instrument cluster (telltale).

The tire pressure recommended for the tires originally installed on the vehicle is on a sticker on the

driver door jamb

⇒ Tires.

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle plac-
ard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires).

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly
underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's respon-
sibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately 1 minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups
as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.

Resetting and recalibrating the benchmark tire pressure

The SET button for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is in the glove compartment

⇒

fig. 133

. The

SET button resets the benchmark tire pressure used by the TPMS to the current tire pressure in the
tires based on the circumference of the tires. To reset the TPMS, switch on the ignition and then press
and hold the SET button until you hear a confirmation chime. The chime usually sounds after a couple
of seconds. The SET button must be pressed for at least 2 seconds but no more than 30 seconds
each time the tire pressure in one or more tires has been adjusted or after one or more tires has been
changed, exchanged, or repaired. The new tire pressures are stored in the system only after at least
20 minutes of normal driving.

If you use the SET button to reset the benchmark tire pressure when your tires do not have the correct
tire pressure, this will prevent the TPMS from working properly. It may then give false warnings or may
not give any warning even if the tire pressure is too low.

For this reason, it is vital to make certain that all 4 tires are inflated to the correct pressure
when they are cold before pressing the SET button. Cold tire tires are tires that have not been
driven more than a couple of miles (kilometers) at low speed within the last 3 hours.

Use the SET button to reset the benchmark TPMS pressure in the following situations:

After installing tires on your vehicle that have recommended cold tire inflation pressures that are

different from the tires that were taken off.

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