
Wheels and tyres 244
– 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.Tyre pressure and vehicle loading
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle
is carrying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifica-
tions for a maximum load. The tyre inflation pressures are listed on
a sticker on the end face of the driver's door ⇒page 243, fig. 231.
However, if you prefer an extra-smooth ride and the vehicle is not
fully loaded, you can select the tyre pressure for a normal load (no
more than three people travelling in the vehicle). However, should
you wish to drive with a full load you must increase the tyre pressure
to the specified maximum.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. Correct inflation
pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The pres-
sures should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
Do not forget the spare wheel* when checking the tyre pressures.
Keep the spare tyre inflated to the highest pressure required for the
road wheels.
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 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.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 244 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Wheels and tyres245
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Tread wear indicators
The tread wear indicators show the condition of the tyre
treads.The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear
indicators” ⇒fig. 232 running across the tread. Depending on the
make, there will be 6 to 8 of them spaced at equal distances around
the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI”
or a triangle) indicate the positions of the tread wear indicators.
The minimum tread depth required by law in Germany is 1.6 mm
(measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Other specifications may apply in export countries.
WARNING
To avoid putting safety at risk, the tyres must be replaced at the
latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.•
Especially in difficult driving conditions such as wet or icy
roads, it is important that the tyres have sufficient tread depth.
The tread depth should same on the tyres of both the front and the
rear axles.
•
The decrease in driving safety due to insufficient tread depth is
particularly evident in vehicle handling, when there is a risk of aquaplaning in deep puddles of water and when driving through
corners. Braking is also adversely affected.
•
The speed has to be adapted accordingly, otherwise there is a
risk of losing control over the vehicle.
Changing wheels roundTo ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be
changed round from time to time according to the system
⇒fig. 233. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.Replacing wheels and tyres
It is important to use the correct wheels and tyres when
replacement is necessary.– All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type,
size (rolling circumference) and preferably the same
tread pattern.
– If possible, tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and
not individually (i.e. both front tyres or both rear tyres
together).
Fig. 232 Tyre tread:
Tr e a d w e a r i n d i c a t o r s
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 233 Changing
wheels round
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 245 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help 256If you need the tools, the Tyre Mobility System or the jack*, you will
have to open the floor panel and take out the spare wheel*
⇒page 256.
The tool kit includes:•
A hook for removing hub caps
•
Pin for mounting a wheel
•
Screwdriver with reversible blade
•
Tool for changing bulbs
•
Interchangeable socket (Torx socket for changing bulbs)
•
Crank handle for jack
•
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts*
•
Jack*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts
•
Towline anchorage
Some of the parts listed are only fitted on certain models or are
optional extras.
Before stowing the jack* again, wind down the arm of the jack as far
as it will go.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to
tighten the wheel bolts. It is not possible to tighten the bolts with
the required torque – risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing
wheels on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting
heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of injury.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack - risk of
accident.
•
If work has to be done under the veh i cl e , e n su re t h a t i t is sa fe l y
supported on stands designed for the purpose, otherwise there is
a risk of injury.
Applies to vehicles: with compact temporary spare wheelCompact temporary spare wheel*The spare wheel is carried in the wheel well under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment. It is only
intended for temporary use over short distances.Taking out the spare wheel
– Lift the floor panel by the plastic handle ⇒fig. 238.
– Hook the handle onto the luggage compartment weath-
erstrip.
– Turn the centre plastic knob ⇒fig. 238 anti-clockwise.
– Take out the spare wheel.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Securing the defective wheel in the spare wheel
well
– Place the wheel in the spare wheel well and secure it with
the plastic knob.
– Unhook the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
Fig. 238 Spare wheel
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 256 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help 258The TMS can be used at outside temperatures down to – 20 °C.
WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
•
Vehicle handling could be impaired.
•
Tyres which have been sealed using the TMS are only suitable
for temporary use. Damaged tyres must be renewed.
•
The TMS must NOT be used,
−on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
−if the wheel rim has been damaged
−if you have been driving with very low pressure or a
completely flat tyre
•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is
not possible with the sealing compound.
•
Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes,
skin or clothing.
•
If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse
the eyes or skin affected with clean water.
•
Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre
sealant.
•
Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!
•
If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately
rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
•
Do not induce vomiting. Immediately contact a doctor!
•
If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immedi-
ately.
•
Keep the sealant away from children.
For the sake of the environment
Used bottles of sealing compound can be returned to an Audi dealer
for disposal.
Note
•
If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you
can pull it off like a piece of foil.
•
Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can.
Have the sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
Repairing a tyrePreparations
– If you have a flat tyre, stop the car well away from moving
traffic.
– Apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle moving acci-
dentally.
–Engage first gear (manual gearbox) or move selector
lever to position P (automatic gearbox).
Fig. 240 Repairing a
tyre
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 258 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help 260•
Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is
not possible with the sealing compound.
•
If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar after driving about 10
minutes, the tyre is too badly damaged. Do not drive on. You
should obtain professional assistance.Caution
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a gradient.
Note
•
Do not use the compressor for longer than 6 minutes at a time,
as it could overheat. When the compressor has cooled down, you
can use it again.
•
If tyre sealant should leak out, leave it to dry and then pull it off
like foil.
•
After carrying out a tyre repair remember to buy a new tyre
sealant can at a qualified workshop. This will ensure that the Tyre
Mobility System is operative again.
•
Please observe the relevant regulations.
Changing a wheelPreparations
Some preparations are necessary before changing a
wheel.– If you have a flat tyre, stop the car well away from moving
traffic. Choose a location that is as level as possible.– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in
a safe place (for instance behind the roadside crash
barrier).
– Apply the parking brake to stop the vehicle moving acci-
dentally.
–Engage first gear (manual gearbox) or move selector
lever to position P (automatic gearbox).
– When towing a trailer: unhitch the trailer from your
vehicle.
– Take the tools ⇒page 255 and the spare wheel*
⇒page 256 out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in moving traffic, switch on the hazard
warning lights and place the warning triangle in a visible location.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel oppo-
site the wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object
under it to prevent the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe the relevant regulations.How to change a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.–Pull off the hub cap. Also refer to ⇒page 261, “Hub
caps”.
WARNING (continued)
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 260 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help 262
Loosening
–Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel
bolt
7).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as possible and
turn the wheel bolts about one turn anti-clockwise
⇒page 261, fig. 242 -arrow-.
Tightening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel
bolt7).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as possible and
tighten the bolt firmly by turning clockwise.
WARNING
To avoid accidents, the wheel bolts should only be loosened
slightly (about one turn) before raising the vehicle with the jack*.
Note
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to
loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.
•
If the wheel bolt is very tight, it may be possible to loosen it by
pushing down the end of the spanner carefully with your foot. Hold
on to the car for support and take care not to slip.
Raising the vehicle
The vehicle must be raised with the jack* to remove the
wheel.Each jacking point is marked by a recess underneath the
vehicle ⇒fig. 243.
– Place the jack underneath the jacking point closest to
the wheel being changed. Make sure the base plate is
flat on the ground.
– Wind up the jack by the knob until the claw of the jack
completely surrounds the seam on your vehicle
⇒fig. 244.
7)An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts*
⇒page 264.
Fig. 243 Changing a
wheel: Jacking pointsFig. 244 Changing a
wheel: Jack
AA
AB
AC
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 262 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help263
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Now fit the crank handle onto the jack by inserting it
in the opening on the knob ⇒page 262, fig. 244. Turn the
crank handle clockwise or anti-clockwise to secure it in
place.
– Raise the vehicle by winding the crank handle until the
defective wheel is clear of the ground.Recesses at the front and rear of the door sills mark the jacking
points ⇒page 262, fig. 243. There is one jacking point for each
wheel. The distance from the jacking points to the wheel arches is
approximately 20 cm at the front and 40 cm at the rear. The jack may
only be applied at the seam of the jacking points shown.
An unstable surface under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off
the jack. Always provide a firm base for the jack on the ground. If
necessary use a large, strong board or similar support. On a hard,
slippery surface (such as tiles) use a rubber mat or similar to prevent
the jack from slipping.
WARNING
•
Prevent the base of the jack from slipping – risk of injury.
•
The car can be damaged if the jack is not applied at the correct
jacking points. There is also a risk of injury since the jack can slip
off suddenly if it is not properly engaged.
Taking off the wheel and putting on the spare wheel
Step-by-step instructions for taking off the wheel and
putting on the spare wheel.Change the wheel as described below after loosening the
wheel bolts and raising the vehicle with the jack*.
Taking off the wheel
–Using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle
(provided in the vehicle's tool kit) ⇒fig. 245, unscrew the
wheel bolt nearest to the top and place the bolt on a
clean surface.
AD
Fig. 245 Changing a
wheel: Hexagonal
socket in screwdriver
handle to turn the
wheel bolts after they
have been loosenedFig. 246 Changing a
wheel: Mounting pin in
wheel bolt hole nearest
to the top
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 263 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10

Self-help 264
– Screw in the mounting pin (provided in the vehicle's tool
kit) by hand in place of the wheel bolt ⇒page 263,
fig. 246.
– Then unscrew the other wheel bolts as described above.
– Take off the wheel. The mounting pin stays where it is.
Putting on the spare wheel
– Put on the spare wheel, using the mounting pin to guide
it into place.
– Screw in the wheel bolts and tighten them lightly using
the hexagonal opening in the screwdriver handle.
– Then unscrew the mounting pin and tighten the
remaining wheel bolt lightly.
– Carry out the steps required after you have changed the
wheel ⇒page 261, “After changing a wheel”.The wheel bolts should be clean and turn easily. Before putting on
the spare wheel, inspect the condition of the wheel and hub
mounting surfaces. These surfaces must be clean before mounting
the wheel.
The wheel bolts are easier to remove from the wheel rim if you use
the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle. The reversible
screwdriver blade should be removed as a precautionary measure
when the tool is used for this purpose.
Note the direction of rotation when putting on a tyre with direc-
tional tread pattern ⇒page 264.
Note
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to loosen
or tighten the wheel bolts.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern must be mounted so
that they rotate in the correct direction.A directional tread pattern is identified by arrows on the sidewall
pointing in the forward running direction. Always note the direction
of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This is important so
that these tyres can give maximum grip and avoid excessive noise,
tread wear and aquaplaning.
Drive carefully should you ever have a puncture and have to mount
the spare wheel so it rotates in the wrong direction. This is because
the tyre will not give optimum performance. Bear this in mind
particularly when driving on wet roads.
To benefit from the advantages of tyres with this type of tread
pattern, the defective tyre should be replaced and refitted as soon
as possible so that all tyres again rotate in the correct direction.Applies to vehicles: with anti-theft wheel boltsAnti-theft wheel bolts
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel
bolts.
Fig. 247 Anti-theft
wheel bolt with
adapter
document_0900452a8179700c.book Seite 264 Donnerstag, 22. März 2007 10:19 10