There should be a compressor in the spare wheel well to inflate the space saver tyre. To my knowledge, this is not related to the air suspension. I would think you could use this to inflate any tyre as long as the cord/hose reaches. I haven't really checked that out myself.

 

if you have air suspension, you have a inflation hose kit that hooks up to a port under the seat.

Kit looks like this and usually found under the rear seat

If you have steel suspension it will come with a compressor in the rear trunk area that connects to the 12v socket.

 

I have this setup on my 2008, just be aware when you hook up the hose to the connector under passenger seat, your dash will beep letting you know the spare tire is being filled up. You car must be on and running for the hose connector to work. After you disconnect the hose and drive, the red tire symbol and "Spare tire filling" message will go away.

 

did I see somewhere that it is for emergency use only?

I have a 160Lmp accessory unit that inflates the full size tyres pretty quickly.

 

Yes. The air suspension is high pressure but low volume.

The system doesn't like working hard.

I tried once but it failed to pump 4 tyres from 1 bar to 2.5 bar.

If you want to go offroading and want to pump all 4 tyres afterwards, invest in a 160lpm compressor. Use it while idling. 14volts as opposed to 12 volts makes a huge difference to those compressors.

 

I trust you all use the heavy duty terminals under the bonnet/hood for the compressors and not the 12V cigarette/phone charger sockets in the car . . .

 

G'day
It's a fiddly pain in the arse to use and the gauge is fragile (mine no longer works) and the hose is too short BUT the low volume concept allows at least one beer to be consumed while tyres are inflated...so not so bad...

 

Agree with all of the above. Get yourself a decent aftermarket compressor with alligator clips (for the under-bonnet terminals). I have been in the situation 4eP describes... 3 tyres done then the compressor decides to take a rest for a while. I now travel with an ARB unit with an extension hose to reach the caravan tyres. Also, the valve attachment (screw) fitting on my OEM hose is a real pain. Dub

 

My Treg stays on road for the most part, so little need for high volume pump ups in off beat places but I do agree it's worth protecting the onboard unit by not flogging the life out of it making pump up 4 nearly flat 4x4 tyres.

The onboard unit has its uses though, just last weekend my father called me, one tyre on the old trailer had gone flat. Trailer was stacked with rubbish and sitting on grass so he couldn't move it, Treg to the rescue.... We got the thing pumped up sufficiently to get it to the tyre shop.

So, as someone who doesn't carry a compressor usually it was super handy and has now become more than a mere novelty.

 

Gunna is correct. With the 2015 Touareg there is no connecting point under the driver's seat. Instead there is an 12 volt compressor in the spare wheel compartment. I too use an ARB compressor, but if stuck the supplied compressor works well.

 

I didn't realise that, looks like another feature stripped out to save cost.....

 

2015 R Lines have a separate compressor stored with the space saver. Its not connected to the air suspension. Works well but gets v hot after filling the space saver.

 

Hi, I've read somewhere that you can use the air compressor to inflate tires, is this just on some models as I don't remember reading it in the manual? Planning some beach driving soon and this would be a useful feature. Daz

Only on the T1/T2s. T3s have a closed loop air suspension.

 

Guys - Happy New Year!

Have a question, has anyone ever installed an air dryer in a T1 for the suspension if not can it be done? Even my 1969 300SEL 6.3 has one and you have to put denatured Alcohol in it.

 

I seem to recall there is one in the system already.

 

NoobyToogy - If you say there is one then I have no doubts!!! ;-)

 

All the VW literature says the dryer is integrated into the air compressor unit. It passes the air through the drier on intake and goes back through the dryer when discharged, thus extending the life of the drier material.

I *think* it is part of the head unit that is available from VW in a replacement kit with a new piston ring.