Fuel and filling the tank153
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Closing the tank cap
– Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it clicks audibly.
– Close the tank flap.When the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly it will switch
itself off as soon as the tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more fuel
after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill the expansion chamber in
the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the
inside of the tank flap. Further notes on fuel ⇒page 152.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 198.
WARNING
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause serious burns and other
injuries.•
When filling your tank or a spare fuel canister with fuel, do not
smoke and keep away from naked flames. Risk of explosion!
•
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on using, storing and
transporting spare fuel canisters.
•
For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel
canister in the vehicle. The canister could become damaged in an
accident and leak.
•
If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel
canister, please observe the following warnings:
−Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister with the canister
placed in or on top of the vehicle. An electrostatic charge could
build up during filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite. Danger
of explosion. Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
−Insert the filler nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel
canister.−If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle
must be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps
prevent an electrostatic charge building up.
−Make sure you never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage
compartment. Fuel vapour is explosive. Risk of fatal accident!
Caution
•
If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immedi-
ately as it could otherwise damage the paintwork.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel
supply, misfiring can occur. As a result unburnt fuel can enter the
exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter(s).For the sake of the environment
Do not overfill the fuel tank – it may cause the fuel to overflow if it
becomes warm.
Note
•
Should the fuel tank flap become frozen stuck during inclimate
weather, press the middle of the flap with the palm of the hand and
try again.
•
When the fuel filler pump switches itself off, wait 5 seconds
before pulling out the fuel nozzle so that any remaining fuel flows
into the tank opening.WARNING (continued)
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Fuel and filling the tank 154Releasing the tank flap manually
The tank flap can be released manually if the tank
unlocking system should fail to operate.– Open the engine lid.
– Pull the plastic cord firmly to the left until the tank flap
springs open.
Fig. 114 Engine
compartment: Manual
release
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Checking and topping up fluids 156drive belts and alternator, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition
system. •
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery
−Do not smoke
−Never work near open flames
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the engine lid– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To close the engine lid, pull it down to overcome the
spring pressure.– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
For safety reasons the engine lid must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The engine lid must be flush with the
adjacent body panels.Engine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 116 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (
) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1
136
A2
158
A3
157
A4
160
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Wheels and tyres 166Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notes–When driving with new tyres, be especially careful during
the first 500 km.
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive
very slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the
kerb.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or
blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign bodies embedded in
the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as possible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so that they
rotate in the same direction when put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should be stored in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place.New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight away and should
therefore be “run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for
about the first 500 km. This will also help to make the tyres last
longer.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and
make of tyre and the tread pattern.Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged. Reduce speed immediately if there
is any reason to suspect that damage may have occurred. Inspect
the tyres for damage. If no external damage is visible, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always note the direction of rotation
indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip
and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Wheels with bolted rim flange*
Light-alloy wheels with a bolted rim flange consist of several
components. A special technique is applied to bolt these compo-
nents together. Apart from safety and true running this also ensures
that the wheel functions correctly and that there is no leakage.
Damaged rims must therefore be replaced; you must never attempt
to repair or dismantle them ⇒.
Wheels with bolted trim parts*
Light-alloy wheels can be fitted with interchangeable trim parts
which are attached to the rim using self-locking bolts. Should you
wish to replace damaged trim parts please contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
Never remove the bolts on a wheel with bolted rim flange* (acci-
dent risk).
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Wheels and tyres167
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Tyre service life
Correct inflation pressures and sensible driving habits
will increase the service life of your tyres.– Check the tyre pressures at least once a month.
– The tyre pressures should only be checked when the
tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres
must not be reduced.
– The pressures must be altered to suit major changes in
the load being carried.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.The service life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. The inflation pres-
sures are listed on a sticker on the driver's door pillar.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high
speeds. The pressures should therefore be checked at least once a
month and before starting a journey.
Driving habits
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing
tyres) all increase tyre wear.
Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration.Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause
excessive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the
safety of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, contact your
Audi R8 dealer.
WARNING
•
Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle
load changes.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident. Always observe the recom-
mended tyre pressures.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
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Wheels and tyres171
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing,
even if the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits
according to speed rating code letter: ⇒
In Germany vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have
an appropriate sticker attached so it is visible to the driver. Suitable
stickers are available from Audi R8 dealers and specialist retailers.
Please note regulations to this effect in your country.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable 240 km/h speed rating for
winter tyres with the letter "V" is subject to technical restrictions;
the maximum permissible speed for your vehicle may be signifi-
cantly lower. The maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating
depends directly on the maximum axle weights for your car and on
the listed weight rating of the tyres being used.
It is best to contact an Audi R8 dealer to check the maximum speed
which is permissible for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on the
basis of this information.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for the winter tyres
fitted on your car can cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle – risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon as possible; they give
better handling on roads which are free of snow and ice. Summer
tyres produce less rolling noise, do not wear down as quickly and,
most importantly, reduce fuel consumption.Snow chains
Snow chains will improve the vehicle's handling on snow-
covered roads.– Snow chains can be used on the rear wheels only.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter
conditions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with
certain wheel rim/tyre combinations.
Only use snow chains with fine-pitch links. The links must not
protrude more than 13,5 mm from the tyres (including tensioner).
Speed rating code letter
⇒page 168
Maximum speed limit
Q
160 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
(please note relevant restrictions)
Rim size
Rim offset
Tyre size
8.5Jx18
42 mm
235/40
8.5Jx19
42 mm
235/35
10.5Jx18
55 mm
285/35
10.5Jx19
55 mm
295/30
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Wheels and tyres 172Remove wheel covers (if fitted) and trim rings before attaching
snow chains. For safety reasons cover caps must then be fitted over
the wheel bolts. These are available from Audi R8 dealers.
Remove the chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise they will
impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Four-wheel drive: Where snow chains are compulsory on certain
roads, this normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow
chains may only be fitted to the rear wheels (also on vehicles with
four-wheel drive).Tyre pressure monitoring systemApplies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemIntroduction
The tyre pressure monitoring system keeps a check on the
inflation pressures of the four road wheels while you are
driving.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by
means of symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display.
The system employs sensors on the wheels. The radio signals from
these sensors are transmitted to the tyre pressure monitoring
system.
Please bear in mind that the tyre inflation pressure is also influ-
enced by the temperature of the tyre. For every 10°C increase in the
tyre temperature the pressure will normally increase by about
0.1 bar. The tyre heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the
tyre pressure will rise accordingly. For this reason, you should only
adjust the tyre pressures when they are cold (i.e. approximately at
ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably,
you should check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at
regular intervals.The tyre pressures recommended for your vehicle are given on the
sticker attached to the driver's door pillar.
Initialising the tyre pressure monitoring system
The inflation pressures for two sets of wheels (e.g. with winter and
summer tyres) are stored on your vehicle. You can change between
these two sets of wheels any number of times without re-initialising
the system.
The tyre pressure monitoring system must be re-initialised by your
Audi R8 dealer if a new set of wheels is used or the electronic
sensors are renewed.
Warning lamp
lit
If the tyre pressure is more than 0.5 bar below the reference value,
the display will show the tyre symbol
with a corresponding
message, such as Tyre pressures too low ⇒.
WARNING
•
If the warning lamp
lights up you must slow down immedi-
ately and avoid any severe braking or steering manoeuvres. As
soon as you can do so safely, stop and check the tyres and the tyre
pressures.
•
Never re-adjust the tyre inflation pressure when the tyre is hot.
This can cause serious damage to the tyre or even a blow-out,
which could result in an accident.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel consumption and tyre
wear.
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Self-help189
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data not successful. Tow-starting is an attempt to start the engine via the
movement of the wheels.
When tow-starting a vehicle with a petrol engine, do not tow it more
than a short distance, otherwise unburnt fuel can enter the catalytic
converter and cause damage.
WARNING
There is a high risk of accidents when tow-starting, as the towed
vehicle can easily be driven into the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting the vehicle, do not tow it further than 50 metres:
otherwise the catalytic converter could be damaged.To w i n g a w a y
Certain restrictions must be observed when towing your
vehicle.Please observe the notes ⇒page 187.
The vehicle can be towed with a towbar or towrope in the normal
way, with all four wheels on the ground. When doing so, please note
the following points:•
Make sure the gear lever is in neutral or the selector lever is in
the N position.
•
The vehicle must not be towed faster than 50 km/h.
•
The vehicle must not be towed further than 50 km. The reason
for this is: when the engine is not running, the gearbox oil pump
does not work and the gearbox is not adequately lubricated for
higher speeds or longer distances.
Caution
The vehicle must not be towed with the wheels lifted at either the
front or rear otherwise the gearbox may be damaged.
Note
If it is not possible to tow the vehicle as described above, or if it has
to be towed further than 50 km, it must be transported on a special
car transporter or trailer.
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