Lights and vision 60The windscreen washer jets are heated when the ignition is
switched on.
When the lights are switched on you should only pull the lever
briefly to wash the windscreen, otherwise the headlight washers
will also be activated. This will use an unnecessary amount of fluid
from the reservoir.
WARNING
•
Poor visibility can cause accidents. Always ensure that the
wiper blades are in good condition ⇒page 62, “Changing wiper
blades”.
•
The light sensor/ rain sensor* is only intended to assist the
driver. The driver is still obliged to manually operate the wind-
screen wipers and the lights as required depending on visibility.
•
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad
visibility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.Caution
•
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not
frozen to the glass before using the wiper for the first time. If you
switch on the wipers when the wiper blades are frozen to the glass,
this could damage both the wiper blades and the wiper motor.
•
Make sure you switch off the windscreen wiper system (lever in
position "0") before you use an automatic car wash. This will avoid
inadvertent triggering of the wipers and possible damage to the
wiper system.Note
•
Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full before starting a long
journey. Filling the reservoir ⇒page 164.
•
Worn or dirty wiper blades can cause smearing on the glass
which can also impair the effectiveness of the light sensor/ rain
sensor*. Please check the wiper blades regularly.
•
If you leave the windscreen wiper lever set to the intermittent
wipe function when the ignition is switched off, the light sensor/
rain sensor* will not be activated until you reach a road speed of at
least 6 km/h.
•
Applies to vehicles with light sensor/ rain sensor: If the wind-
screen wipers have been activated manually and it is raining, the
automatic headlights* will come on ⇒page 53, “Automatic (sensor-
controlled) headlights”. In the daytime the headlights will automat-
ically go off again once the wipers are switched off. The automatic
headlights* function is only available if the light switch is in the
“AUTO” position ⇒page 53, fig. 47.
Headlight washer systemWith the lights switched on, operate the automatic wind-
screen wash and wipe ⇒page 59, fig. 54 , and keep the
lever pulled towards you for at least 1 second.The headlight washer jets come out of the bumper automatically
(under water pressure).
Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the lenses at regular
intervals, for instance when stopping for fuel.
To ensure that the system works properly in winter, keep the nozzle
holders free of snow and remove any ice with a de-icer spray.
A5
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Care of vehicle and cleaning 146Dirt or marks on the trim mouldings should be removed with an
acid-free cleaning agent (do not use a chrome cleaner). Body polish
is also unsuitable for use on trim mouldings. The intensive cleaning
fluids often used before the car goes into a car wash may contain
alkaline substances, which can cause dull or milky patches when
they dry out.
Audi R8 dealers carry stocks of cleaning products which have been
tested and approved for use on your vehicle and which are not
harmful to the environment.Plastic partsPlastic parts will come clean with regular washing. If this is not suffi-
cient, plastic parts should only be treated with a special solvent-free
plastic cleaning agent. Do not use paint cleaners, polishes or wax on
plastic parts.Applies to vehicles: with carbon partsCarbon partsThe carbon parts on your vehicle have a painted surface. They do
not need any special care and are cleaned just like any other painted
part ⇒page 144.Paint damageMinor damage to the paint, such as scratches or stone chips, should
be touched up without delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suit-
able touch-up brushes or sprays for your car can be obtained from
an Audi R8 dealer.
The number of the original paint finish on the vehicle is given on the
data sticker ⇒page 196.If corrosion is already visible it must be thoroughly removed by a
qualified workshop.
Windows
Clear vision is an essential safety factor.The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax,
otherwise the windscreen wipers will not function properly
(juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a
window cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can
only be removed with a special cleaner. Your Audi R8 dealer will be
able to provide you with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular inter-
vals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for
waxing and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the
glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visi-
bility conditions such as light rain, low sun or when driving at
night these coatings can cause increased dazzle, which is a
serious safety hazard. Such coatings can also cause the wiper
blades to judder.
Caution
•
Remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the
scraper should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to
and fro.
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