Rims; New Tyres And Replacing Tyres - Skoda Rapid Owner's Manual

162 Care and maintenance of the vehicle
WARNING
Aggressive fluids and substances can cause visible and invisible damage to
the tyres, which can lead to bursting of the tyres.
● Always keep chemicals, oils, greases, fuels, brake fluids and other aggres-
sive materials away from the tyres.
WARNING
Old tyres – even if they were never used – may suddenly lose air or burst and
cause accidents and serious injuries, especially at high speeds.
● Use tyres that are older than six years only in an emergency and with ex-
treme caution and using a careful driving style.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of old tyres properly and according to regulations.

Rims

ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 160.
Rims and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. If you retrofit
other rims, you must use matching wheel bolts of the right length and dome
shape. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the
brake system operates properly ⇒ p age 194.
For technical reasons, the rims of other vehicles usually can not be used. This may
also apply in certain circumstances to the rims of the same type of vehicle.
The tyres and rims approved by Škoda have been precisely matched to your partic-
ular vehicle model and thus contribute significantly to the good handling and safe
driving characteristics.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must always be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ p age 194.
WARNING
Using improper or damaged rims can impair safe driving and cause accidents
and serious injuries.
● Use only rims that are approved for the vehicle.
● Regularly check rims for damage and replace if necessary.

New tyres and replacing tyres

ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 160.
New tyres
● Drive especially carefully during the first 370 miles (600 km) with new tyres, as
the tyres first need to be run in. Tyres that have not been run in have reduced grip
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⇒ and braking efficiency ⇒
.
● On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circum-
ference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).
Replacing tyres
● Do not replace tyres individually, if possible, but at least by axle (both tyres of
the front axle or both tyres of the rear axle) ⇒
● Replace old tyres only with tyres approved by Škoda for the associated vehicle
type, paying attention to size, diameter, capacity and maximum speed.
● Never use tyres whose effective size exceeds the dimensions of the tyre types
approved by Škoda. Larger tyres could grind and rub on the body or other parts.
WARNING
New tyres should be run in, as new wheels initially have reduced grip and
braking efficiency.
● To avoid accidents and serious injuries, drive with appropriate caution dur-
ing the first 370 miles (600 km).
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