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Winter tyres > < Tyre storage

Golf Mk4

Tyre ageing
Tyre ageing
Tyres age as a result of physical and chemical processes, which can impair the function of the tyres. Tyres which are stored for longer periods of time harden and become brittle faster than tyres which are constantly in use on a vehicle. Older tyres may develop hairline cracks as a result of ageing. When tyres are in regular use, the constant flexing activates softeners in the rubber, preventing hardening and the development of cracks.
It is therefore important to take into account not only the tread depth, but also the age of spare tyres, stored tyres and tyres which are not permanently in use. The tyre age can be determined from in the DOT designation, which includes the production date of the tyre.
Example of a DOT number to 31.12.1999
   
DOT......509< 
     Stands for 199_
    Last digit is production year
  Week

In this example, the production date is the 50th week of 1999.
Example of a DOT number from 01.01.2000
   
DOT......0100 
    Last 2 digits is production year
  Week

In this example, the production date is the 1st week of 2000.
Recommendation
t  It is recommended not to use summer and winter tyres which are older than 6 years anymore. The original properties deteriorate due to the aging process. Winter tyres especially lose their adhesion properties.
t  When new tyres are fitted, the spare tyre may also be used if it is in flawless condition and is not more than 6 years old. The age of the tyre has a great influence on the high-speed capability of the tyre. It is possible to combine a spare tyre which is several years old with new tyres; however, this can have an adverse influence on car handling.
t  Tyres are constantly being further developed, which can lead, for example, to slight changes in the rubber compound, even if the tyres are of the same make, size and tread pattern.
t  All VW vehicles are factory-fitted with four identical tyres and wheels.
Front-wheel drive vehicles:
t  For reasons of safety, tyres of the same make and with the same tread pattern should be mounted on one axle.
Four-wheel drive vehicles:
t  Vehicles with four-wheel drive must always be equipped with four wheels with tyres of the same size, construction, tread pattern and make.
Renewing tyres
Tyres must always be renewed when:
l  the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm is reached,
l  there is visible mechanical damage
   

Winter tyres > < Tyre storage