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A WARNING
Spilled hot liquid can increase the risk of acci
dents and injuries.
- Never drive with containers that contain hot
liquid such as coffee or tea. The hot liquid
could spill and cause burns during a colli
sion, sudden braking or other vehicle move
ment. Spilled hot liquid can also increase
the risk of accidents and injuries.
- Only use soft containers in the cup holders .
Hard cups and glasses can increase the risk
of injury during a collision.
- Never use the cup holder or the adapter as
an ashtray - this is a fire hazard.
(D Note
Beverage containers in the cup holders should
always have a lid . Otherwise, beverages could
spill and cause damage to vehicle equipment
or stain the seat covers.
Glove compartment
Fig. 58 Glove compartmen t
Opening/closing
.. To open the glove compartment, pull the han
dle in the direction of the arrow.
.. To close the glove compartment , swing the lid
upward until it clicks into place .
The glove compartment can be locked using the
vehicle key .
A WARNING
Always leave the lid on the glove compart
ment cover closed while driving to reduce the
risk of injury.
Seats and storage
Additional storage compartments
There are additional storage compartments,
compartments and holders at other locations in
the vehicle:
- In the upper part of the glove compartment.
- In the center console under the center arm -
rest* .
- On the back of the right front seat . The com
partment* can hold a maximum weight of 2 lbs
(1 kg) .
- Garment hooks on the B -pillar
c:> ,& .
A WARNING ,~ -- Do not place any objects on the instrument
panel. Objects that are not stored securely
can slide around in the vehicle while driving ,
when accelerating or braking or when turn
ing.
- Make sure that objects cannot fall out of the
center console storage compartment or oth
er compartments and into the footwell
while driving. These objects could prevent
you from braking or accelerating during
sudden braking maneuvers.
- Garments hung on the hooks must not ob
struct the driver's view . The garment hooks
are only designed for light objects. Do not hang any garments with hard, sharp or
heavy objects in the pockets on the garment
hooks . These objects could injure vehicle oc
cupants during sudden braking or in a colli
sion -especially if the airbags deploy .
-Always keep the glove compartment closed
while driving to reduce the risk of injury dur
ing a collision or heavy braking .
- Read and following the WARNINGS in
¢ page 204, Important safety instructions
on the side airbag system.
- Hang garments so that they do not obstruct
the driver's view .
- The garment hooks should only be used for
light articles of clothing. Do not leave any
heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets
that could interfere with the side airbags
unfolding and cause injuries in the event of
a collision.
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Bag hooks
Applies to vehicles: with bag hooks
Fig. 65 A3 Sportba ck luggage com part men t: bag hook s
( r igh t sid e, e xampl e)
Fig. 66 A3 Sed an luggag e compartmen t: bag hoo ks (exa m
p le )
You can also use the hooks to hang light purses ,
bags , etc.
_&. WARNING
The hooks can hold a maximum weight of 6
lbs. (3 kg). Heavier objects are not adequately
secured. There is risk of personal injury.
Seats and storage
Reversible mat
Applies to vehicles: with cargo mat
The reversible mat protects the luggage com
partment and bumper from dirt and scratches.
Fig. 67 Lugg ag e compar tment: re ve rs ib le ma t w it h back
rest folded forward (example)
You can use the reversible mat with the dirt-re
sistant side or the decorative side. After loading
or unloading, fold up the reversible mat and
close the luggage compartment lid. Only store
the reversible mat if it is dry.
Pass-through
Appl ies to vehicles: with pass-through
Fig. 68 Backrest: pass -thro ugh cover
.,. Fold the rear seat center armrest down .
.,. Fold the pass-through cover down¢
fig. 68.
_&. WARNING
- Make sure that all objects that you are
transporting in the pass-through are secure.
They could slide around during sudden brak ing maneuvers and cause injuries .
- Sharp edges on objects that are loaded must be covered for protection.
67
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Always distribute loads evenly. Make sure any
thing on the roof rack is securely tied down .
11-Always distribute the loads on the roof rack
evenly .
11-Always attach items to the roof rack securely
before you drive off.
The maximum permiss ible roof weight is
165 lb
( 7 5 kg ). The roof weight is the total of the
weight of the roof rack, the attachments and the
cargo you are carrying. You must also not exceed
the maximum load weight fo r th e roof rac k you
are using.
When us ing a roof rack system wh ich has a lower
l oad carry ing capacity, you must not use up the
to ta l maximum permissible load car rying capaci
ty specified above. Instead, you s hou ld load the
r oof rack system only to the maximum capac ity
specified by the manufacturer of the roof rack
system .
A WARNING
Weak, damaged or improper straps used to
secure items to the roof rack can fa il during
hard braking or in a collision and cause seri
ous personal injury.
- Make sure the roof rack is installed exactly
as spec ified above
c> page 68.
- Always use su itab le mounting straps for se
curing items to the roof rack to help prevent
items from shifting or fly ing forward .
- Items on the roof rack must always be se
curely mounted.
- The use of a roof rack can negatively affect
the way a vehicle handles. Cargo that is
large, heavy, bulky, long or flat will have a
greate r negative influence on the vehicle's
aerodynamics, cente r of g ravity and ove rall
hand lin g. A lways d rive slowly, avoid sudden
bra king and mane uvers when transpo rting
cargo on the roof of you r vehicle .
- Never exceed the maxim um permissible
load carrying cap aci ty of the roof of you r ve
hicle, the permissib le ax le weigh ts and the
permissible total weight of your vehicle
c> page 301, Weights.
-
Seat s and sto rage
{® For the sake of the environment
As a result of the increased wind resistance
created by a roof rack, your vehicle is using
fuel unnecessarily. So remove the roof rack
after using it.
69
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General information
Your Audi was designed primarily for passenger
transportation .
If you plan to tow a trailer, please remember that
the additional load will affect durability, econo
my and performance.
T railer towing not only places more stress on the
vehicle, it also calls for more concentration from
the driver.
For this reason, always follow the operating and
driving instructions provided and use common
sense.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch
Use a weight-carrying hitch conforming to the
gross trailer weight. The hitch must be suitable
for your vehicle and trailer and must be mounted
securely on the vehicle's chassis at a technically
sound
location . Use only a trailer hitch with a re
movable ball mount . Always check with the trail
er hitch manufacturer to make sure that you are
using the correct hitch.
Do not use a bumper hitch.
The hitch must be installed in such a way that it
does not interfere with the impact -absorbing
bumper system . No modifications should be
made to the vehicle exhaust and brake systems .
From time to time, check that all hitch mounting
bo lts remain securely fastened.
When you are not towing a trailer,
remove the
tra iler hitch ball mount . This prevents the hitch
from causing damage should your vehicle be
struck from beh ind
~ ,&. .
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
check to be sure that it conforms to all regula
tions .
Trailer mode
The trailer hydraulic brake system must not be
directly connected to the vehicle's hydraulic
brake system.
Safety chains
Always use safety chains between your vehicle
and the trailer.
Trailer lights
T ra iler lights must meet all regulations . Be sure
to check with your Aud i dea ler for correct wiring,
switches and relays .
Mirrors
If you are unable to see the traffic behind you us
ing the regular outside mirrors, then you
must in
stall extended mirrors . It is important that you
always have clear vision to the rear.
,8. WARNING
After removing the trailer hitch, do not store
it in your vehicle. In case of sudden braking,
the hitch could fly forward and injure you or
your passengers.
Operating instructions
Maximum trailer weight
A trailer for your vehicle is limited to a typical
class 1 or class 2 trailer.
Trailer load distribution Be sure the load in the trailer is held securely in
place to prevent it from shifting forward, back
ward or sideways.
Never allow a passenger to ride in a trailer~.&.
in Driving instructions on page 128.
Engine cooling system
Towing a trailer makes the engine work harder. It
is important that the cooling system's perform
ance is up to the additional load. Make sure that
the cooling system has enough fluid.
Tire pressure
When towing a trailer, inflate the tires of your
vehicle to the cold tire pressure listed under "Full ..,.
127
Trailer mod e
load" on the la bel located on the driver's side B
pillar (visib le when the door is open) . Inflate
tra iler tires to trailer and tire manufacturers'
specif ications.
Lights
Check to make sure both vehicle and t railer lights
are working p roper ly.
Safety chains
Be sure t railer safety chains are properly connect
ed from the trai le r to the hi tch on the veh icle.
L eave enough sla ck in the cha ins to permi t turn
ing corners. When yo u install safety chains, ma ke
sure they wi ll not drag on the road when yo u are
driving .
The cha ins s hou ld cross under the trailer tongue
t o prevent it from dropping in case of separation
from the h itch .
Driving instructions
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care
and consideration .
To obtain t he best poss ible handling of vehicle
and traile r, please note the fo llow ing :
.,. Do not tow a loaded trailer when your car itself
is not loaded.
.. Be especi ally ca ref ul when pass ing othe r
vehicles.
.. Observe speed limi ts .
.. Do not d rive at the maximum permissible
speed.
.. Always apply brakes early.
.. Monitor the temperature gauge .
Weight distribution
Towing a loaded t railer w ith an empty car res ults
in a high ly unstable distribution of weight . If this
cannot be avoided, drive at very low speeds on ly
to avoid the risk of losing steering control.
A "balanced" rig is easie r to operate and cont rol.
This means that the tow vehi cle should be loaded
to the extent possible and permissible, while
keep ing the tra iler as light as possib le under the
circumstances. Whenever possible, transfer
some cargo to the l uggage compartment of the
128
tow veh icle wh ile observing tong ue load require
ments and vehicle loading considerations.
Speed
The higher the speed, the mo re diff icu lt i t be
comes for the driver to con trol the r ig. Do not
drive at t he maxim um permissible speed. Reduce
you r speed even more if load, weather or wind
con dit ions are unfavorab le - partic ularly when
go ing downh ill.
Reduce vehicle speed
immediately if the trailer
shows the slightest sign of swaying.
Do not try
to stop the swaying by accelerating.
Observe speed limi ts. In some areas, s peeds fo r
vehicles towing trailers are lower than for regular
vehicles .
A lways apply bra kes early. Whe n driving down
hill, shift in to a lower gea r to use the engine
b raki ng effect to slow the vehi cle. Use of the
brakes alone ca n cause them to over heat and fai l.
Coolant temperature
The coolant temperature gauge 9 page 12 must
be obse rved caref ully. The coolant temperature
c a n incre ase if yo u drive o n long incl ines in a low
gear a t high engine speeds . Red uce your speed
immediately if the LE Ds in the top part of the dis
play turn on .
Fo r more info rm ation abou t indicator lights, re
fer to . ¢
page 20 .
A WARNING
-
Anyone not prope rly restrai ned in a moving
vehicle is at a much greate r risk in an acci
dent. Never let anyone ride in your car who is
not properly wear ing the restraints provided
by Aud i.
Trailer mode notes
Important to know
Your vehicle handles differen tly when towing a
trailer because o f the additiona l weight and di f
ferent weight distribution. Safety, performance
and economy will g reatly depend on how caref ul-
l y you load your trai ler and operate you r rig. ..,_
Driving safety
mats will prevent them from sliding into posi
tions that could interfere with the pedals or im
pair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
A WARNING
Pedals that cannot move freely can result in a
loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of
serious personal injury.
- Always make sure that floor mats are prop
erly secured .
- Never place or install floor mats or other
floor coverings in the vehicle that cannot be
properly secured in place to prevent them
from slipping and interfering with the ped als or the ability to control the vehicle.
- Never place or install floor mats or other
floor coverings on top of already installed
floor mats. Addit ional floor mats and other
coverings will reduce the size of the pedal
area and interfere with the pedals.
- Always properly reinstall and secure floor
mats that have been taken out for cleaning.
- Always make sure that objects cannot fall
into the driver footwell while the veh icle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under
the brake pedal and accelerator pedal caus
ing a loss of vehicle control.
Storing cargo correctly
Loading the luggage compartment
All luggage and other objects must be properly
s towed and secured in the luggage compart
ment.
Fig. 150 Safe load pos it io nin g: place heavy objects as low
and as far forward as possible (example) .
172
Loose items in the luggage compartment can
shift suddenly, changing vehicle handling charac
teristics. Loose items can also increase the risk of
serious personal injury in a sudden vehicle ma
neuver or in a collision.
.,. Distribute the load evenly in the luggage com
partment.
.,. Always place and properly secure heavy items in
the luggage compartment as far forward as
possible .
.,. Secure luggage using the t ie-downs provided
~ page 64.
.,. Make sure that the rear seatback is securely
latched in place.
A WARNING
Improperly stored luggage or other items can
fly through the vehicle causing serious per sonal injury in the event of hard braking or an
accident. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
- Always put objects, for example, luggage or
other heavy items in the luggage compart
ment.
-Always secure objects in the luggage com
partment using the tie-down hooks and
suitable straps .
A WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehi
cle handles . To help reduce the risk of a loss
of control leading to serious personal injury:
-Always keep in mind when transporting heavy objects, that a change in the center of
gravity can also cause changes in vehicle
handling:
- Always distribute the load as evenly as
possible.
- Place heavy objects as far forward in the
luggage compartment as possible .
- Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating specified
on the safety compliance sticker on the left
door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight
standards can cause the vehicle to slide and
handle differently .
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~page 166.
A WARNING
To help prevent poisonous exhaust gas from
being drawn into the vehicle, always keep the
rear lid closed while driving .
- Never transport objects larger than those
fitting completely into the luggage area be
cause the rear lid cannot be fully closed .
-If you absolutely must drive with the rear lid
open, observe the following notes to reduce
the risk of poisoning:
- Close all w indows,
- Close the power roof*,
- Open all air outlets in the instrument pan-
el,
- Switch off the air recirculation,
- Set the fresh air fan to the highest speed .
A WARNING
-
Always make sure that the doors, all win
dows, the power roof* and the rear lid are se
curely closed and locked to reduce the risk of
injury when the vehicle is not being used.
- After closing the rear lid, always make sure
that it is properly closed and locked.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended espe
cially with the rear lid left open. A child
could crawl into the vehicle through the lug
gage compartment and close the rear lid be
coming trapped and unable to get out. Be
ing trapped in a vehicle can lead to serious
personal injury.
- Never let children play in or around the vehi
cle.
- Never let passengers r ide in the luggage
compartment. Vehicle occupants must al
ways be properly restrained in one of the ve
hicle's seating positions.
(D Tips
- Air circulation helps to reduce window fog
ging. Stale air escapes to the outside
through vents in the trim panel. Be sure to
keep these slots free and open.
Driving safety
-The tire pressure must correspond to the
load. The tire pressure is shown on the tire
pressure label. The tire pressure label is lo
cated on the driver's side B-pillar . The tire
pressure label lists the recommended cold
tire inflation pressures for the vehicle at its
maximum capacity weight and the tires that
were on your vehicle at the time it was man ufactured. For recommended tire pressures
for normal load conditions, please see chap
ter
~ page 263.
' Tie-downs
The luggage compartment is equipped with four
tie-downs to secure luggage and other items.
Use the tie-downs to secure your cargo properly
~ page 172, Loading the luggage compartment.
In a collision, the laws of physics mean that even
smaller items that are loose in the vehicle will
become heavy missiles that can cause serious in
jury. Items in the vehicle possess energy which
vary w ith vehicle speed and the weight of the
item. Vehicle speed is the most significant factor.
For example, in a frontal collision at a speed of
30 mph (48 km/h), the forces acting on a 10-lb
(4.5 kg) object are about 20 times the normal
weight of the item. This means that the weight
of the item would sudden ly be about
200 lbs. (90 kg). You can imagine the injuries
that a 200 lbs. (90 kg) item flying freely through
the passenger compartment could cause in a col
lision like th is.
A WARNING
-Weak, damaged or improper straps used to
secure items to tie-downs can fail dur ing hard
braking or in a collision and cause serious per
sona l injury.
- Always use suitable mounting straps and
properly secure items to the tie-downs in
the luggage compartment to help prevent
items from shifting or flying forward as dan
gerous missiles .
- When the rear seat backrest is folded down,
always use suitable mounting straps and
properly secure items to the tie-downs in
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Why use safety belts?
Frontal collisions and the law of physics
Frontal crashes create very strong forces for peo
ple riding in vehicles .
Fig. 152 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a wall
Fig . 153 The vehicle crashes into the wall
CD
~ ±
cle and the passengers possess energy which var
ies with vehicle speed and body weight. Engi
neers call this energy "kinetic energy."
The higher the speed of the vehicle and the
greater the vehicle's weight, the more energy
that has to be "absorbed" in the crash.
Veh icle speed is the most significant factor.
If
the speed doubles from 15 to 30 mph (25 to
50 km/h), the energy increases 4 times!
Because the passengers of this vehicle are not us
ing safety belts¢
fig. 152, they will keep mov ing
at the same speed the vehicle was moving just
before the crash, until something stops them -
here, the wall
¢fig. 153.
The same principles apply to people sitting in a
vehicle that is involved in a frontal collision . Even
at city speeds of 20 to 30 mph (30 to 50 km/h),
the forces acting on the body can reach one ton
Safety belts
(2,000 lbs, o r 1,000 kg) or more . At greater
speeds, these forces are even higher.
People who do not use safety belts are also not
attached to their vehicle. In a frontal collision
they will also keep moving forward at the speed
their vehicle was travelling just before the crash.
Of course, the laws of physics don't just apply to
frontal collisions, they determine what happens in all kinds of accidents and co llisions.
What happens to occupants not wearing
safety belts?
In crashes unbelted occupants cannot stop
themselves from flying forward and being in
jured or killed . Always wear your safety belts!
Fig. 154 A driver not wearing a safety belt is v iolently
thrown forward
Fig. 155 A rear passenger not wearing a safety belt will fly
forwa rd and strike the
driver
Unbelted occupants are not able to resist the tre
mendous forces of impact by hold ing tig ht or
bracing themselves . Without the benefit of safe
ty restraint systems, the unrestrained occupant
will slam viol ently into the steering wheel, in
strument panel, windshield, or whatever e lse is
i n the way
¢fi g. 154. This impact w ith the vehi
cle interior has all the energy they had just be-
fore the crash.
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