Tires And Wheels; Tires - Audi TT 2012 Owner's Manual

Tires and \NheeLs
Tires and wheels
Tires
General notes
Tires may be the [east appreciated and most
abused parts of a motor vehicle.
Tires may be the least appreciated and most
abused parts of a motor vehicle. Tires are,
however, one of the most important parts of a
vehicle, particularly considering the compara-
tively small patch of rubber on each tire that
assures that all-important contact between
you, your vehicle and the road.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure, ma king
sure that your vehicle and its tires do not have
to carry more weight than they can safely han-
dle, avoiding damage from road hazards and
regularly inspecting tires for damage includ-
ing cuts, slashes irregular wear and overall
condition are the most important things that
you can do ta help avoid sudden tire failure in-
cluding tread separation and blowouts.
Avoiding damage
Ifyou have ta drive over a curb or similar ob-
stacle, drive very slowly and as close as possi-
ble at a right angle ta the curb.
Always keep chemicals including grease, ail,
gasoline and brake fluid off the tires.
Inspect the tires regularly for damage (cuts,
cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign
bodies embedded in the treads.
Storing tires
Mark tires when you remove them ta indicate
the direction of rotation. This ensures you to
be able to mount them correctly when you re-
install them.
When removed, the wheels or tires should be
stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark place.
Store tires in a vertical position ifthey are not
mounted on rims, in a horizontal position if
they are mounted on ri ms.
New tires
New tires have to be broken in
q
lA.
The tread depth of new tires may vary, accord-
ing ta the type and make of tire and the tread
pattern.
Hidden damage
Damage ta tires and rims is often not readily
visible. Ifyou notice unusual vibration or the
vehicle pulls ta one side, this may indicate
that one of the tires has been damaged. The
tires must be checked immediately by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or qualified workshop.
Unidirectional tires
A unidirectional tire can be identified byar-
rows on the sidewall, that point in the direc-
tion the tire is designed to rotate. You must
follow the specified direction of rotation. This
is necessary so that these tires can develop
their optimum characteristics regarding grip,
road noise, wear and hydroplaning resistance.
For more information
q
page 229.
A
WARNING
New tires or tires that are old, worn or
damaged cannat provide maximum con-
trol and braking ability.
- New tires tend ta be slippery and must
be broken in. To reduce the risk of losing
control, a collision
a~
serious personal
injuries, drive with
speci~
care for the
first 350 miles (s60 km).
- Driving with worn or damaged tires can
lead ta loss of control, sudden tire fail-
ure, including a blowout and sud den de-
flation, crashes and serious personal in-
juries. Have worn or damaged tires re-
placed immediately.
- Tires age Even ifthey are not being used
and can fail suddenly, especially at high
speeds. Tires that are more than 6 years
old can only be used in an emergency
and then with special care and at low
speed.
_ Never mount used tires on your vehicle if
you are not sure of their "previous histo-
ry." Old used tires may have been dam-
agedeventhoughthedamagecannotbe
seen that can lead to sudden tire failure
and loss of vehicle control.
Glossary of tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
means the combined weight (in excess of
those standard items which may be replaced)
of automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats,
radio, and heater, ta the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equip-
ment (whether installed or not).
Aspect ratio
means the ratio of the height to the width of
the tire in percent. Numbers of 55 or lower in-
dicate a low sidewall for improved steering re-
sponse and better overall handling on dry
pavement.
Bead
means the part of the tire that is made of
steel wires, wrapped or reinforced by ply cards
and that is shaped ta fit the rim.
Bead separation
means a breakdown of the bond between
components in the bead.
Cord
means the strands forming the plies in the
tire.
Cold tire inflation pressure
means the tire pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer for a tire of a designated
size that has not been driven for more than a
COuple of miles (kilometers) at low speeds in
the three hour period before the tire pressure
is measured or adjusted.
Tires and \NheeLs
- Ifyou notice unusual vibration or ifthe
vehicle pulls ta one si de when driving, al-
ways stop as soon as it is safe ta do sa
and check the wheels and tires for dam-
age.
Curb weight
means the weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the maximum
capacity offuel, oil, and coolant, air condi-
tioning and additional weight of optional
equipment.
Extra load tire
mea~s
a tire designed ta operate at higher
loads and at higher inflation pressures than
the corresponding standard tire. Extra load
tires may be identified as "XL" , "xl", "EXTRA
LOAD", or "RF" on the sidewall.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (uGAWR
U
)
means the load-carrying capacity of a single
axle system, measured at the tire-ground in-
terfaces.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (uGVWR")
means the maximum totalloaded weight of
the vehicle.
Groove
means the space between two adjacent tread
ribs.
Load rating (code)
means the maximum load that a tire is rated
ta carry for a given inflation pressure. You
may not find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
Maximum load rating
means the load rating for a tire at the maxi-
mum permissible inflation pressure for that
tire.