What wheels - wheels and tires are used in Volkswagen Polo sedan cars, how to choose them correctly
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I wonder what a modern car would do without reliable rubber tires and light, but strong, rims? He would probably have to learn to fly. Indeed, the speed, comfort and safety of movement on the roads depends on which wheels are installed on the car. If we also take into account the peculiarities of the Russian road surface, it becomes clear why Russian motorists should choose the right tires and change the tires on their cars in time. Not only the appearance of the car depends on the quality and weight of the discs, but also the durability of the rubber and suspension.
What information you need to know before choosing wheels for Volkswagen Polo
The German car brand from the VAG concern, produced in Russia, has found a lot of fans. Along with some disadvantages, the Volkswagen Polo has many more advantages. These include such as the relatively low cost of the car and its chassis, adapted to Russian roads. The wheels are one of the main components of the chassis, providing reliable contact with the road surface and good softness. The components of a modern wheel are a rim, a tire and a decorative cap (optional). These parts must fit together and meet the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.
All about wheels
In order for the car to behave well on the road surface, it is necessary that the rims fully comply with the suspension parameters installed in a particular brand of car. Modern cars run on two main types of wheels: steel and alloy wheels. In turn, the group of light alloys is subdivided into cast and forged.
Features of steel wheels
Most budget models leave the factories on steel rims. They are made by stamping from sheet steel, followed by welding of two parts - a plate and a rim. The main disadvantages of such structures:
- Great weight compared to alloy wheels. This degrades the performance of the car.
- Weak resistance to corrosion, which is most susceptible to discs with coatings made by electrophoresis using enamel.
- Unattractive appearance, poor balancing due to inaccuracies in manufacturing.
Steel wheels also have positive qualities, including:
- Low cost due to the simplicity of manufacturing technology.
- High strength and ductility. Under impact external action, the disks do not break, but are deformed. This improves the safety of the vehicle.
- The ability to eliminate deformations during impacts. The rolling method can eliminate dents, as well as weld small cracks.
Advantages and disadvantages of alloy wheels
Made from lightweight aluminum and magnesium alloys. The low weight has a positive effect on the operation of the suspension in the area of its unsprung mass. The smaller this mass, the better the handling of the car and the responsiveness of the suspension to bumps and pits in the road surface. So, the main advantages of cast and forged light-alloy rollers:
- light weight;
- better cooling capacity of brake discs due to good ventilation;
- high manufacturing precision, contributing to good balancing;
- good resistance to corrosion created by a film of aluminum dioxide on the surface of the discs;
- good appearance, allowing you to do without caps.
The main disadvantages of cast alloy wheels:
- brittleness caused by the granular structure of the material;
- higher price compared to steel rollers.
The main drawback is fragility, forged wheels are deprived. They are the lightest and most durable, do not split or crack when struck. But you have to pay for this with a higher price of these rinks. Optimal in terms of "price-quality-characteristics" are light-alloy aluminum wheels. They are most popular with Russian motorists.
Marking
In order to choose the right rim, you need to know how it is marked. For all varieties of rinks there is a single marking. For example, let's take one of the markings of the original alloy wheel for VW Polo - 5Jx14 ET35 PCD 5 × 100 DIA 57.1. So:
- The combination 5J - the first digit 5 means the width of the disk, expressed in inches. The letter J informs about the shape of the profile of the flanges of the disk. Original wheels for VW Polo can also be 6 inches wide. Sometimes in the marking there may be a letter W in front of the number.
- The number 14 is the diameter of the disc, expressed in inches. For the same car, it can vary, since this value depends on the size of the tire being mounted. Some markings allow the letter R in front of the number.
- ET 35 - disk offset. It represents the distance from the plane of the disc attachment to the plane of symmetry of the rim, expressed in millimeters. Depending on the design, the overhang can be either positive or negative. In disks for the Volkswagen Polo, the overhang is 35, 38 or 40 mm.
- PCD 5×100 - the number and diameter, expressed in millimeters, along which the holes for the mounting bolts are located. 5 holes are drilled in the VAG disks, located around a circle with a diameter of 100 mm. This parameter is also called bolt pattern.
- DIA 57.1 is the diameter of the centering lug of the wheel hub, expressed in millimeters. Sometimes it is displayed in the marking with the letter D. For Volkswagen Polo, the size of the central hole in the disk cannot be less than 51.7 mm. A minimum upward deviation is allowed.
- H (HAMP) - translated means a ledge or hillock. Indicates the presence of the collars needed to secure the beads of tubeless tyres. When one lug is present, this parameter is displayed as H. If there are two lug, which is necessary to install RunFlat tires with reinforced sidewalls, then the marking should be H2.
It should be remembered that when the disk offset changes, the operating conditions of all suspension units change. Therefore, do not go beyond the values recommended by the automaker. Knowing what the disc markings mean, you can avoid making the wrong choice when buying wheels for the Volkswagen Polo.
Everything you need to know about tires
The wheel tire is a complex and multifunctional product. Rubber must provide:
- good contact with the road surface;
- reliable vehicle control;
- efficient acceleration and braking of the car.
It is from the slopes that the patency of the car in conditions of poor road terrain, as well as the fuel consumption and the nature of the noise produced during movement, depend. Modern tires differ in several ways:
- diagonal and radial, with different design features;
- chamber and tubeless, with different options for sealing the internal space;
- summer, winter, all-weather, cross-country, depending on the pattern and shape of the treadmill.
Design features
Today, radial tires prevail on the market, diagonal tires are almost never produced due to their outdated design and short service life. The design differences are due to the location of the cord material, which gives the rubber strength and flexibility. The cord is a thin thread made of viscose, cardboard or cotton. For their manufacture, thin metal wire is also used. This material is becoming increasingly popular with manufacturers and motorists.
Below are the characteristics of the main components of radial tires:
- The frame is the main component that receives loads from the outside and compensates for air pressure in the cavity from the inside. The quality of the frame determines the strength characteristics of the slope. It is a rubberized cord thread, which is laid in one or more layers.
- Breaker is a protective layer located between the carcass and the tread layer. Protects the entire structure from damage, adding strength to it, and also prevents frame delamination. It consists of layers of metal cord wire, the space between which is filled with artificial rubber.
- The protector is a thick layer located on the outside. It contacts the road surface, transferring forces to it during acceleration and braking. Its surface has the form of a relief covered with patterned grooves and protrusions. The shape and depth of this pattern determine the conditions in which the tire is best used (summer, winter or all-weather tires). The protector on both sides ends with mini-sidewalls or shoulder zones.
- Sidewall - that part of the tire, which is located between the shoulder areas and the bead. They are usually marked. They consist of a frame and a relatively thin rubber layer that protects against external influences and moisture.
- The onboard zone is responsible for fastening to the rim and sealing the internal space if the slope is tubeless. In this rigid part, the carcass cord is wrapped around a ring made of rubberized steel wire. On top of this ring, a rubber filler cord closes, which provides an elastic transition from the hard ring to the soft sidewall rubber.
As you can see, the device of modern tires is quite complicated. It is this complexity, which is the result of many years of searching, trial and error, that provides a large resource for using rubber - more than 100 thousand kilometers.
Tire marking
Rubber produced in Europe is marked in accordance with a single standard. For reference, we will use the marking of one of the varieties of tires installed on the Volkswagen Polo conveyor sedan - 195/55 R15 85H:
- 195 - tire profile width, expressed in millimeters;
- 55 - the ratio of the height to the width of the profile in percent, when calculating the height is 107.25 mm;
- R is an index giving information about the radial arrangement of the cords;
- 15 - disk rim diameter in inches;
- 85 - the value of the index characterizing the load capacity of the tire 515 kg;
- H is an index that determines the maximum speed of 210 km / h at which the wheel can be operated.
Along with the above characteristics, there may be clarifying parameters:
- Week and year of issue, as a 4-digit sequence. The first two mean the week, the rest - the year of issue.
- Reinforced - means a reinforced type of rubber.
- Outside - this inscription is applied on the outside of tires with an asymmetric tread pattern, so as not to be confused during installation.
- M&S - tires should be used in muddy or snowy weather.
- R + W - designed for driving on roads in winter (road + winter).
- AW - designed for any weather.
Instead of lettering for weather conditions, tires can be marked with symbols (rain, snowflakes). In addition, the brand name and tire model, as well as the country of manufacture, are stamped on the sidewalls.
What wheels fit the Volkswagen Polo sedan, how to choose wheels and tires
The automaker installs three types of discs on Volkswagen Polo sedan cars: stamped with a cap 14 "and 15", as well as light alloy 15".
Alloy wheels are part of the Highline's premium package. They come with tires with sizes 195/55 R15 and 185/60 R15. Steel wheels 6Jx15 ET38 are included in the Comfortline car kit and are mounted together with 185/60 R15 tires. Highline wheels are also suitable for this modification. The budget Polo Trendline series boasts only 14-inch steel wheels and 175/70 R14 wheels.
For cars manufactured before 2015, the following VAG alloy wheels are suitable:
- 6RU6010258Z8–6Jx15H2 ET 40 Riverside, price - from 13700 rubles. and higher;
- 6R0601025BD8Z8-6Jx15H2 ET 40 Estrada, cost - from 13650 rubles;
- 6R0601025AK8Z8-6Jx15H2 ET 40 Spokane, price - from 13800 rubles;
- 6C0601025F88Z-6Jx15H2 ET 40 Novara, cost - from 11 thousand rubles.
The first code in the list is the catalog number. If the Polo sedan was released after 2015, you can add the following to the above disks:
- 6C06010258Z8–6Jx15H2 ET 40 Tosa, from 12600 rubles and more;
- 6C0601025LFZZ–6Jx15H2 ET 40 5/100 Linas, minimum price — 12500 rubles.
For winter operation, the automaker recommends 5Jx14 ET 35 wheels with 175/70 R14 tires.
Selection of non-original wheels
The Russian market offers a lot of drives from third-party manufacturers. For example, Russian-made 5Jx14 ET35 alloy wheels can be purchased at a price of 2800 rubles per 1 piece. Size 6Jx15 H2 ET 40, made in Russia, will cost a little more, from 3300 rubles.
Those car owners who want to change the appearance of their car, purchase alloy wheels with wider rims, up to 7 inches wide. The rim diameter can also be increased to 17 inches, but then you will have to pick up low-profile rubber on it. The bolt pattern should remain the same - 5/100 or 5x100. The diameter of the DIA center hole should match the original (57.1mm) or be slightly larger, but complete with set rings to help eliminate the difference in the diameter of the hub and the disc bore.
Overhangs larger than 40 are best avoided, although larger rims will also work. The automaker recommends not to do this, because the loads on the chassis will change, the car will also behave differently. With a larger offset, the tires will be located deeper, the wheel track will become smaller. There is a danger that when turning, the rubber will come into contact with the front fender liner. With a smaller offset, the tires will move outward. With such changes, you need to carefully select the size of the tires.
The choice of car tires on the market is huge. There are slopes of Russian and foreign production, which differ significantly in quality, mileage and cost. For safe driving, every Russian car owner must have two sets - summer and winter tires.
If you want to buy summer tires for 14- or 15-inch wheels that will fit the Volkswagen Polo sedan, you can choose from so many offers. The price starts, on average, from 3 thousand rubles apiece. The more famous the manufacturer, the higher the cost. For example, prices for Bridgestone tires, of various brands, start at 4500 rubles. Winter tires are sold in the same price range.
Video: how to choose wheels for a car
https://youtube.com/watch?v=dTVPAYWyfvg
Video: criteria for choosing summer tires for cars
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6lQufRWMN9g
Video: choosing winter tires for your car
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JDGAyfEh2go
Reviews of car owners about some brands of tires and wheels
Hankook car tires are great tires. My wife and I traveled on tires from this manufacturer for 6 seasons (spring, summer, autumn). Probably 55 thousand drove, exploiting in different conditions - around the city and outside the city. In general, we are delighted with these tires, they are absolutely like new. By the way, Kama rubber was only enough for us for 2 seasons. Rubber little noise, soft, road holding smart.
Bridgestone Turanza summer tires, 15 inches in diameter, were advised to me about 5 years ago by a familiar tire fitting owner with the words that they are very reliable. I then poorly understood these things, so I trusted the opinion of a professional. It turned out it was all true. Some time after that, I had an accident. A car making a left turn did not let me through the intersection, hit me in the side and threw me onto the sidewalk. I did not fly a little hood into a traffic light. At the car service, I was later told that softer tires would not have survived such an adventure. The only downside that I found is the noise of this rubber.
Michelin Energy Saver car summer tires - after using Michelin tires, I’m unlikely to switch to others. Advantages: keeps the road in bad conditions, does not make noise, wear-resistant. Disadvantages: high price, but it matches the quality. Road holding is good, even in wet weather. With repeated replacements, before the start of the season and after the end of the tire service, each time they say that among the tires I made the best choice.
Wheel disks Volkswagen Polo sedan R15. Advantages: safe, will last more than one year. Cons: Poor coverage. Original wheels 6Jx15 H2 ET 38. Maximum balancing weights (including Pirelli tires) 20-25 grams - normal, but not ideal. The main thing is that after one winter season, pitting rust appeared along the edge of the disc rim. The paintwork is not a fountain.
How to protect Volkswagen Polo wheels from theft
Not every car owner can keep his car in a garage or in a paid parking lot. Most residents of large cities are forced to leave their cars in unguarded places - in parking lots near houses. Unfortunately, such vehicles are most at risk of theft or robbery. One of the most effective ways to protect your wheels from theft is to purchase security bolts.
It is best to buy locks of complex shape that can be completely or partially drowned in a cast disk. It will be difficult to get close to such a secret bolt with a key or a chisel. Original secret bolts, manufactured by VAG, with catalog number 5Q0698137, cost from 2300 rubles. They fit all original wheels - both stamped and cast. German-made secrets from McGard, Heyner and ADL have proven themselves well.
Volkswagen Polo car owners, having read the above information, can choose wheels and tires for their cars themselves. Among the huge number of offers, you should not pay attention to cheap products, as their quality and resource of use leave much to be desired. Not only ride comfort, but also the handling and safety of the car in difficult weather conditions depend on correctly selected, high-quality wheels.
