Volkswagen Tiguan Owners Manual: Changing a wheel

Fig. 196 Changing a wheel: remove previously loosened wheel bolts using the screwdriver handle.

Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first⇒Introduction to the subject 

Removing the wheel

• Review the checklist ⇒ Preparations for changing a wheel .

• Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ Wheel bolts .

• Lift the vehicle ⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack .

• Completely unscrew and remove the previously loosened wheel bolts using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle ⇒ Fig. 196 . Place the wheel bolts on a clean surface.

• Remove the wheel.

Installing a spare tire or a compact spare wheel

If the tire is a unidirectional tire, be sure to install it in the proper rolling direction ⇒ Unidirectional tires .

• Place the spare tire or compact spare into place on the vehicle.

• Screw in all wheel bolts clockwise and tighten them slightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.

• Use the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolt.

• Place the anti-theft wheel bolt (where applicable) in position ⇒ Fig. 193②  or ③. Hand tighten it using the adapter by turning clockwise.

• Lower the vehicle with the jack.

• Use the lug wrench to firmly tighten all wheel bolts (turn clockwise) ⇒ . Do not tighten them in sequence! Tighten any wheel bolt to begin, then tighten the wheel bolt diagonally opposite the first bolt, and so forth.

• Install the wheel bolt caps, center wheel hubcap, or wheel cover, if any ⇒ Wheel covers .

Warning

Wheel bolts that are tightened or installed improperly can come loose, causing loss of vehicle control, a crash, and serious personal injury.

• Always keep wheel bolts and threads in the wheel hub clean and free of oil and grease. The wheel bolts must turn easily and must be tightened with the right torque.

• Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle only to turn the wheel bolts when they are loose, never to loosen them or tighten them firmly.

Warning

Improper use of a compact spare tire can cause loss of vehicle control, a crash or other accident, and serious personal injury.

• Never use a compact spare tire if it is damaged or worn down to the wear indicators.

• Never drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h) with a compact spare tire. Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy braking, and fast cornering!

• Never drive more than 125 miles (200 km) with a compact spare wheel that is installed on the front axle (drive axle).

• Replace the compact spare with a normal wheel and tire as soon as possible. Compact spare tires are designed for brief use only.