Wheels and Tyres 229
Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical Data
they have not been used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must
only be used in exceptional cases and only then when adopting an
appropriately cautious style of driving.
• Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least
replace them on both wheels of a given axle at the same time.
Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conformity with the appropriate regula-
tions.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for tech-
nical reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels
of the same type of vehicle.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design.
Each time you fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with
winter tyres - you must therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the
correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that
the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an
adequate flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities
which exist regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel
trim.
WARNING
• In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can
loosen when the car is moving - risk of accident!
• The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However,
they must never be treated with grease or oil.
• If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque,
the rim can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tight-
ening torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads
and this can result in permanent deformation of the contact
surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on
wintry roads and at temperatures below 7 °C if you fit winter tyres.
Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice and snow at a temperature
below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend, tread
pattern). This applies in particular to vehicles which are equipped with
low-profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H, V or W on wall of
tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best
handling characteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your
vehicle. The permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle
documents. Approvals may differ because of national legislation.
WARNING (continued)