2007 AUDI R8 winter tyres

Driver information system31
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Resuming the lap time session laterWhen you have evaluated the lap times, you can resume the
session and continue recording lap times later.
– Keep pressing the button until the lap timer
appears ⇒page 30, fig. 27.
– Press the top part of the rocker switch to start recording
a new lap time.
– To record further lap times, repeat the procedure
described earlier ⇒page 29, “Recording further lap
times”. To evaluate the overall results, refer to ⇒page 30,
“Finishing the session and evaluating or resetting lap
times”.Speed warning functionApplies to vehicles: with speed warning functionIntroduction
The speed warning function can help you keep below a
pre-set maximum speed.
The speed warning function will warn you if the vehicle exceeds the
pre-set maximum speed. The system gives an audible warning
signal if the set speed is exceeded by about 10 km/h. A warning
symbol will also appear in the display ⇒fig. 28.
The speed warning function has two different warning levels*,
which operate independently and serve slightly different purposes:
Speed limit warning 1

With speed limit warning 1, the maximum speed can be changed
while driving. The speed limit that has been set remains stored until
the ignition is switched off.
The speed limit warning symbol
 for speed warning 1 ⇒fig. 28
will appear in the display if you exceed the pre-set speed. It goes out
again if the speed is reduced below the set speed limit.
The symbol also goes out if the speed is increased to more than
about 40 km/h above the set speed for at least 10 seconds. However,
this does not cancel the speed limit that was originally set.
Setting speed limit warning 1 ⇒page 32.
Speed limit warning 2

With speed limit warning 2, the speed limit can only be changed or
cleared when the ignition is switched off. You are recommended to
store this speed limit warning if you always wish to be reminded of
a particular speed limit. This could be when driving in countries
with general speed limits, or if you need to keep below a particular
speed when winter tyres are fitted, etc.
The speed limit warning symbol
 for speed warning 2 will appear
in the display if you exceed the pre-set speed. Unlike speed limit
warning 1, the warning symbol only goes out once the road speed
has dropped below the stored value again.
Setting speed limit warning 2 ⇒page 32.
Reset
Fig. 28 Display: Speed
warning
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Intelligent technology 136front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed
to turn the steering wheel.
The power steering does not function when the engine is switched
off. In this case the steering wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary,
this will place an excessive load on the power steering system. In
this case, the power steering system will make noises. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
Do not keep the steering in the full-lock position for longer than
15 seconds when the engine is running – this could cause damage
to the power steering system.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is
switched off (for instance when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to
a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The
container for the fluid is located in the engine compartment. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power
steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at
the Inspection Service.
Four-wheel drive (quattro®)On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all
four wheelsGeneral notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is distributed to all
four wheels. The distribution of power is controlled automatically
according to your driving style and the road conditions. Also refer
to ⇒page 132.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction
in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we
still recommend that winter tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will
give a better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars
with four-wheel drive ⇒page 171, “Snow chains”.
Replacing tyres
The dimensions of the wheels and tyres used on four-wheel drive
vehicles must comply with the manufacturer's specifications
⇒page 168, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.
WARNING
•
Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your
speed to suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.
•
The braking ability of your car is limited by the grip of the tyres.
In this respect, your car is no different from a car without four-
wheel drive. So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slip-
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Care of vehicle and cleaning145
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
WARNING
•
Do not wash the vehicle with the ignition switched on – risk of
accident.
•
Do not clean the underside of the car or inside the wheel arches
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on
sharp metal parts.
•
Take care when washing the car during the winter: moisture
and ice on the brakes may affect braking efficiency – this could
cause an accident.Caution
•
Compare the track width of your vehicle with the distance
between the guide rails for the wheels in the car wash. Otherwise
there may be a risk of damaging the wheel rims and tyres.
•
Compare the ground clearance of your vehicle with the height of
the guide rails for the wheels in the car wash to prevent any damage
to the underside.
•
Compare the width of your vehicle with the available width when
entering and driving through the car wash.
•
Retract the exterior mirrors to avoid damage. Electrically retract-
able exterior mirrors must NOT be folded in or out by hand. Always
use the electrical power control.
•
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight – otherwise the paint
can be damaged.
•
Do not use insect sponges, or abrasive household sponges, etc.
– they can damage the surfaces.
•
The headlights should only be washed with water – do not wipe
them with a dry cloth or sponge. It is best to use soapy water.
•
Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the water out in a direct
stream. This could damage the tyres – even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special wash bays. This prevents
oily water from getting into the public drains. In some districts,
washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.Waxing and polishingWaxi ng
Waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paint-
work.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advis-
able to protect the paint with a coat of wax at least twice a year.
In the summer, you will find it is much easier to remove dead insects
(which accumulate on the bumper and front lid) if the car has been
waxed recently.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the
gloss cannot be brought back by putting on wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not
contain wax compounds to seal the paint.
Caution
Matt painted and plastic parts must not be treated with wax or
polish.Ornamental trim and mouldingsThe metal brightwork on the body is made of aluminium rather than
chrome (for environmental reasons).
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Wheels and tyres169
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Understanding the tyre designations makes it easier to choose the
correct tyres. For example, radial ply tyres have the following tyre
designations marked on the sidewall:
235 / 35 R 18 91 Y
This contains the following information:
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall
(possibly only on the inner side of the wheel):
DOT ... 1010...
means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 10th week of
2010.
Please note that with some types of tyres, the actual tyre size can
differ from the nominal size marked on the tyre (for instance 235/35
R 18 91 Y), and there may be significant differences in the contours
of the tyres, even though the tyres are marked with the same
nominal size designation. When replacing the tyres, it is therefore
important to make sure that the actual size of the new tyres does
not exceed the dimensions of the factory-approved makes of tyre.
Failure to observe this requirement can affect the clearance needed
for the tyres. This could result in contact between the tyres and
suspension components or bodywork. The brake lines could also be
damaged and the vehicle's safety could be severely impaired ⇒.
When using tyres with the maximum permitted nominal dimen-
sions, this can also void the vehicle's registration.If you use tyres that are approved by Audi you can be sure that the
actual tyre dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. If you decide
to fit a different type of tyre, you must obtain the appropriate manu-
facturer's certificate from the tyre retailer to confirm that the tyres
are suitable for your vehicle. Keep this certificate in a safe place.
Your local Audi R8 dealer will be able to advise you on which tyres
may be fitted to your vehicle.
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must always be
fitted with tyres of the same type, make and tread pattern, as other-
wise the driveline can be damaged by continuous variations in the
wheel speeds. For the same reason, only use a spare wheel with the
same tyre dimensions as the normal road wheels.
It is not permissible to use a wheel which is of a type different to
those already fitted on the vehicle (for instance when using winter
tyres) - even if you have a puncture.
It is best to have all servicing of wheels and tyres performed by a
qualified workshop. They have the necessary special tools and
replacement parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
WARNING
•
It is very important to ensure that the tyres you have chosen
have adequate clearance. When selecting replacement tyres, do
not rely entirely on the nominal tyre size marked on the tyre; with
some makes of tyre the effective tyre size can differ significantly
from the nominal dimensions, even though the tyres have the
same size designation. Inadequate tyre clearance can result in
damage to the tyres or the vehicle, causing a serious safety risk. It
may also invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public
roads.
•
Avoid running the car on tyres that are more than 6 years old.
If you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra
care at all times.
235
Tyre width in mm
35
Height/width ratio in %
R
Tyre construction: Radial
18
Rim diameter in inches
91
Load rating code
Y
Speed rating code letter
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Wheels and tyres 170•
If wheel trims are fitted after the car is purchased, ensure that
there is an adequate flow of air for cooling the brakes.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country
concerned.
Note
•
Tyres with the “R0” mark are specially matched to your Audi. We
recommend that you use these tyres only. Your Audi R8 dealer or
specialist retailer will gladly provide you with further information.
•
Never mount used tyres if you are not sure of their previous
history.
•
For technical reasons it is not normally possible to use wheel
rims from other vehicles. In some cases this also applies to rims
from other vehicles of the same model.
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts are designed to suit the rims on your car.The wheel bolts are matched to the rims. When installing different
wheels (for instance alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres) it is
important to use the correct wheel bolts with the right length and
correctly shaped bolt heads. This is essential for the secure fit of the
wheels and for the proper function of the brake system.
Audi R8 dealers have full information on the technical requirements
when installing or changing tyres, rims or wheel trims.
The wheel bolts should be clean and turn easily.
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel bolts*
⇒page 182.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will significantly improve the car's handling
in winter road conditions.–Use only radial ply winter tyres.
– Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
– Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for
your vehicle.
– Please note that the maximum permissible speed for
winter tyres may be lower than for summer tyres.
– Also note that winter tyres are no longer effective when
the tread is worn down.
– After fitting the wheels you must always check the tyre
pressures. The correct tyre pressures are listed on the
sticker on the driver's door pillar ⇒page 167.In winter road conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the
car's handling. Due to their type of construction (width, rubber
compound, tread pattern), summer tyres give less grip on ice and
snow. This applies particularly to vehicles equipped with wide
section tyres or high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y on the side-
wall).
Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for your vehicle.
The sizes of the winter tyres approved for your vehicle are listed in
the vehicle's documents (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC
document
3)). The vehicle documents vary depending on the
country of residence. Also refer to ⇒page 168.
Winter tyres are no longer fully effective when the tread is worn
down to a depth of 4 mm.
WARNING (continued)
3)COC = Certificate of conformity
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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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Index 208Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167, 172
Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . . . 172
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 36
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Tyres
Inflation pressures . . . . . . . . . . . 167, 172
Tread wear indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . 172
Tyre service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167UUniversal transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Unleaded fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44VVehicle battery
SeeBattery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle data sticker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . 196
Vehicles with automatic gearshift
SeeR tronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Voltmeter display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
WWarning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Audi magnetic ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Clutch overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . 19
Electronic stabilisation program . . . . . 16
Emission control system . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Engine management (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . 16
No R gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Red symbols in central display . . . . . . 33
Seat belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Selector lever defective . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Tyre pressure monitoring system . 16, 36
Yellow symbols in central display . . . . 33
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Washer fluid level low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Weights
SeePerformance, weights and
dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Wheel imbalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147, 166
Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166Windows
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
De-icing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Windows (electric)
SeeElectric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Windscreen washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Changing blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Service position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Winter conditions
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Care of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Defrost function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Winter operation
Seat heating (air conditioner) . . . . . . . 80
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Wiper and washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Wiper blades
SeeWindscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
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