2018 AUDI A8 warning

Wheels
sure that load limits are not ex­
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev­
erybody and everything in and on
the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehi­
cle's
Gross Vehicle Weight Rat­
ing
("GVWR").
The "GVWR" includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in­
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids plus maximum load. The maxi­
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in­
tended to carry ("seating capaci­
ty") with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen­
ger at a designated seating posi­
tion and the total weight of any
l uggage in the vehicle. If you tow
a trailer, the weight of the trailer
hitch and the tongue weight of
the loaded trailer must be includ­
ed as part of the vehicle load.
The
Gross Axle Weight Rating
("GAWR") is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle's two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle's Gross Vehi­
cle Weight Rating means that the
total weight of whatever is being
296
carried in the vehicle (including
the weight of a trailer hitch and the tongue weight of the loaded
trailer) is limited. The more pas­
sengers in the vehicle or passen­
gers who are heavier than the
standard weights assumed mean
that less weight can be carried as l uggage .
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
are listed on the safety compli­
ance sticker label located on the
driver's side B-pillar
¢ page 293,
fig. 266.
_& WARNING ~
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per­
sonal injury, and even death.
-Carrying more weight than
your vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and increase the risk of the loss of
vehicle control.
-The brakes on a vehicle that
has been overloaded may not
be able to stop the vehicle
within a safe distance.

Wheels
the available cargo and lug­gage load capacity of your vehi­
cle.
.,.Check the tire sidewall
(¢ page 283, fig. 264) to deter­
mine the designated load rating
for a specific tire.
Wheel bolts and rims
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
easily .
Rims
Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel
covers* consist of multiple pieces . These compo­
nents were bolted together using special bolts
and a special procedure. You must not repair or
disassemble
them £:=?.&. .
A WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in­
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi­
cation, see
¢page 314.
- Always keep the wheel bolts and the
threads in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
- Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
- Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident .
Winter tires
Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be­
cause of their construction (width, compound,
tread pattern) , summer tires provide less trac­
tion on ice and snow.
298
.. Use winter tires on all four wheels .
.. Only use winter tires that are approved for your
vehicle.
.. Please note that the maximum permitted
speed may be lower with winter
tires¢ _&.. An
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Serv ­
ice Facility can inform you about the maximum
permitted speed for your tires .
.,. Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
¢page 293 .
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great­
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.157 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter
tires also decrease greatly as the tire ages , re­
gardless of the remaining tread.
A WARNING
- Never drive faster than the maximum per­
mitted speed for your tires. This could cause
the tires to heat up too much. This increases
the risk of an accident because it can cause
the tire to burst .
- Always adapt your driving to the road and
traffic conditions. Drive carefully and reduce
your speed on icy or slippery roads. Even
winter tires can lose traction on black ice .
® For the sake of the environment
Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate
time, because they provide better handling
when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer
tires cause less road noise, tire wear and fuel
consumption.
(D Tips
You can also use all season tires instead of
winter tires. Please note that in some coun­
tries where winter tires are required, only
winter tires with the
& symbol may be per­
mitted.
Snow chains
-
Snow chains not only improve the driving in win­
ter road conditions, but also the braking.
.,. Only install snow chains on the front wheels. .,.

u. co .... N
" N .... 0 0 :c ' ~ Check and correct the seating of the snow
chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol­
low the instructions from the manufacturer.
~ Note the maximum speed of 30 mph (SO km/
h). Note the loc al regulations.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authori zed Audi dealer or author­
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use
snow chains .
You must remove the snow chains on roads with­
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.
A WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci­
dent.
0 Note
-Snow chains can damage the rims/wheel
covers* if the chains come into direct con·
tact with them . Remove the wheel covers*
first. Use coated snow chains.
-Using snow chains that add more than 0.4
inch (10.5 mm) of height can severely dam­
age the wheel housings and other vehicle
components.
-Do not install and use snow chains if there is
a malfunction in the adaptive air suspen­
sion, because the vehicle height will be very
low. If you drive with snow chains anyway,
the wheel housings and other vehicle com­ ponents can be severely damaged.
@ Tips
When using snow chains, it may be useful to
switch on sport mode
¢ page 128.
Low-profile tires
Appl ies to: ve hicles w ith low-profile tires
Your vehicle is equipped with low-profile tires* at
the factory . Compared to other tire/rim combina­
tions, low-profile tires offer a wider tread surface
and a larger rim diameter with shorter tire side-
Wheels
walls. This results in an agile driving style. How­
ever, it may reduce the level of comfort and in­
crease road noise when driving on roads in poor
condition.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, speed
bumps and curbs. Therefore, it is particularly im­
portan t to maintain the correct tire pressure
¢ page 293.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/
cracks on the rims.
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by
an authorized Audi dealer or authori zed Audi
Service Facility.
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand­
ard tires.
Summer tires are not suitable for cold weather,
snow or black ice. If you are driving in these con­
ditions, use winter or all season tires
¢ page 298.
Uniform tire quality grading
-Tread wear
-Traction AA AB C
-Temperature ABC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width
¢ page 283, fig. 264.
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem­
perature
A .
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades .
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
299

Wheels
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one ha lf (11/2) times as well on the govern­
ment course as a tire graded 100 .
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, howeve r, and
may depart significant ly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate .
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, Band
C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un­
der contro lled conditions on specified govern­
ment test surfaces of aspha lt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance
¢ & .
Temperature
The temperatu re grades are A (t he highest), B ,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate ­
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire
fa ilure¢ fr:. .
The grade C corresponds to a leve l of perform ­
ance which a ll passenger car tires must meet un­
der the Federa l Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher leve ls
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the mi nimum required by law.
A WARNING
-
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
t ests, and does not include acceleration, cor­
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac­
teristics.
300
A WARNING
The temperature grade for t his tire is estab­
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla­
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in comb ination , can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
A WARNING
-
-
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or under inflat­
ed .
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
(AS, S8)
ill General notes
Applies to: AS, 58
Each tire, including the spare (if prov ided),
shou ld be checked monthly when cold and inflat­
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure labe l.
(If your veh icle has
tires of a different size than the size ind icated on
the ve hicle placard or tire inflat ion pressure la­
bel , you should determ ine the proper tire infla­
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure mon itor ing system
(TPMS) that illum inates a low tire pressure tell­
tale when o ne or more of your tires is significant­
l y unde r-inflated. According ly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illum inates, you sho uld stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure . Driving on a signifi ­
cant ly under -inflated tire causes the tire to over­
heat and can lead to tire fai lure. Under-inflation
also reduces fue l eff iciency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop­ ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the dr iver's re ­
spons ibility to maintain correct t ire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure te lltale .
.,.

lL t:0 ....
"" ......
"" .... 0 0 :c ' Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPM S
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys­
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal­
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi­
mately one minute and then remain cont inuously
illuminated . This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal­
function ex ists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be ab le to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended . TPM S malfunctions
may occur for a var iety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
If the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
indicator appears
Applies to: AS, 58
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction .
Fig. 268 Instrument clus ter: indicator light with message
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor­
ing system compares the tire tread circumfer­
ence and vibration characteristics of the individu­
al tires . If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is ind icated in the instrument cluster
display with an indicator light
ti] and a message .
Wheels
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored in the Infotain­
ment system again each time the pressures
change (switching between partial and full load
pressure) or after changing or replacing a tire on
your vehicle
c:> page 302. The tire pressure mon i­
toring system only monitors the tire pressure you
have stored. Refer to the tire pressure label for
the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle
c:> page 293, fig . 267 .
Tire tread circumference and vibration character­
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn­
ing if :
- the t ire pressure in one or more tires is too low
- the tire has structural damage
- the tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored
c:> page 302
- the spare tire* is installed
Indicator lights
ti] Loss of pressure in at least one tire c:> ,&..
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check/correct the pressures of all four tires and
store the pressure again in the Infotainment sys­
tem
c:>page 302.
mm ( T ire Pressure Monitor ing System) Tire
pressure: System malfunction!. Ifm:m appears
after switching the ignition on or while driving
and the
ti] indicator light in the instrument clus­
ter blinks for approximately one minute and then
stays on, there is system malfunction. Try to
store the correct tire pressures
c:> page 302. If
the indicator light does turn off or turns on again
after a short period of time, drive to an author­
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili­
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct­ ed .
.&, WARNING
- If the tire pressure ind icator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu­
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
..,.
301

u. co .... N
" N .... 0 0 :c ' may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly . Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Description
Applies to: 58 plus
The tire pressure monitoring system monitors
the pressure in the four tires when driving.
The system uses sensors that measure the tem ­
perature and pressure in the tires . The data is
sent from these sensors to the control module by
radio frequency.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System shows the
current pressures and temperatures of the tires
in the Infota inment system
c:> page 303 . It also
compa res the current tire pressures with the
stored tire press ures and gives a warning in the
driver information system if the tire pressure is
different from what is stored
c:> page 304.
The system does not detect if the stored tire
pressures match the recommended tire pres­
sures.
- Every time the tire pressures change, for exam-
ple when the load in the vehicle changes,
- after replac ing a tire, or
- if wheels with new wheel sensors are used,
you must store the tire pressures again
c:> page 304.
A WARNING
-The tire pressure mon itor ing system assists
the driver in monitoring tire pressures. The
dr iver is responsible for having the tires in­
flated to the correct pressure.
- Do not change the tire pressure when the
temperature of the tire is extremely high.
T his cou ld result in serious damage to the
t ir e and even cause the tire to burst, in­
creasing the risk of an accide nt.
Wheels
-A tire with low pressure flexes more . This
heats the tire up too much. This could cause
the tread to separate and even cause the
tire to burst, increasing the risk of an acci­
dent.
- The Tire Pressure Monitoring System does
not warn you of damage or defects in the
tire construct ion that could cause the tire to
burst, for example. Inspect your tires regu­
larly.
@ For the sake of the environment
Low tire pressure increases fuel consumption
and tire wear.
(D Tips
-The pressure of the spare t ire* is not mon i­
tored.
- If tires are replaced, the sensors/va lves do
not need to be removed or replaced. Just re­
placed the valve stem and, if necessary, the
valve and the whee l electronics . If you have
questions, see an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
Displaying tire pressures/temperatures
Applies to: 58 plus
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
.. Select: the I CAR! funct ion button > Car systems
> Service & control > Tire pressure monitor >
Display tire pressure .
The current tire pressures are shown in green and
yellow numbers in the Infotainment system:
-Green: the current tire pressure and the spec i­
fied tire pressure are approx imately the same .
-Yellow: the current tire pressure is too low
compared to the specified tire pressure .
The specified tire pressure is the last tire pres ­
sure that was stored
c:> page 304 .
Note that the tire pressure also depends on the
temperature of the tire . The tire pressure in­
creases as the engine becomes warmer while
driv ing.
.,.
303

Wheels
~ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes ¢
page 303.
© Tips
The tire pressure or tem perature a re not di s­
played in ada pta tion mode. Da shes --.-- a re
shown in place of the press ure and tempera ­
ture .
Tire pressure loss
Applies to: 58 plus
F ig. 269 D isp lay: ind icator light wi th a message
-
If the IE indica to r li ght turns on, the p ressure in
at least one ti re is too low or new sensors were
not adapted :
RE indicator lights turns on after turning the
ignition on
The tire pressure is too low compared to the
specif ied pressure .
.,. Check and store the t ire pressure(s) the next
ti me it is poss ible¢
page 304 .
RE indicator light turns on while driving
Wheels with new senso rs were not adapted or
the t ire pressu re has reached a c ritical leve l com­
p ar ed to the specified press ure.
.,. Avo id unnecessary steering and braking maneu-
vers .
.,. Adapt you r d riving style to the situation .
.,. Stop as soon as possible and check the t ire(s) .
.,. If it i s po ssible to co nti nu e d riving, see an au-
t horized Audi dea le r or a uthorized Audi Service
Fa cility immed iate ly and have your tire(s) re­
paired or replaced.
304
A WARNING
, -
Read and fo llow the important information
and notes
¢ page 303.
Storing new tire pressures
App lies to: 58 pl us
Correctly stored tire pressure specifications are
necessary for reliable tire pressure monitoring.
.,. Check the tire pressures in all wheels .
-
.,. If necessary , correct the tire press ure according
to the specifications on the sticker on the driv ­
er's doo r
q page 291. On ly co rrect t he pressure
in t ires whose tempe rature is appro ximate ly
the same as the ambient tempera ture. If the
tempe rature of the tire is higher than the ambi­
ent air tempe rature, the t ire pressure must be
i n creased approxim ate ly 3 PSI (0 ,2 ba r) above
the val ue on the sticker .
.,. Switch the ignitio n on .
.,. Select: !CAR ! function button > Car systems >
Tire pressure mon itoring > Sto re tire pressure .
After storing, the t ire pressu re monitoring sys­
tem measures t he current t ire pressures and
s to res them as the new specif ied pressures .
.,. If the changed tire p ressures are not displayed
in the Infotainment system, d riv e the veh icle
for approximately 10 minutes so that the sen­ so r signa l from the w heels is received again.
D ur ing this adapta tion phase, --,--is displayed
fo r pressure and temperat ure and t he Tire Pres­
su re Moni toring Sys tem is on ly p arti all y av ail a­
ble: it only warns yo u if one or more of the tire
pressures is/are under t he minim um permitted
val ue. If th is is the case, the
IE indicator light
appears with a message .
A WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes
q page 303.
Malfunctions
App lies to: 58 plus
-
If the Tire Pressure Mon itoring System is not
available, t he
mm indicato r light appears in the
dr ive r informa tion system . T he
IE indica to r light .,..

Care and cleaning
Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi­
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The necessary care products can be obtained
from an authorized Audi dea ler or authorized
Audi Service Facility. Read and follow the instruc ­
tions for use on the packaging.
A WARNING
-Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
- Always store clean ing and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the r isk of poi­
sonin g.
@ For the sake of the environment
- Preferab ly purchase environmenta lly-friend­
l y cleaning products.
- Do not dispose of leftover cleaning and care
products with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve­
h icle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, r inse
off heavy deposits with
p lenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water and a microfiber cloth.
A lso, wash the underside of yo ur vehicle once
road sa lt stops being used for the season .
Pressure washers
When washing your veh icle w ith a pressure wash­
er , al ways fo llow the operating instructions pro­
vided with the press ure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
306
seals on the side windows, doors, lids or the sun­
roof* or at tires, rubber hoses, insulating materi ­
a l, sensors* or camera lenses* . Keep a distance of
at least 16 in (40 cm).
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozz les or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C) .
Automatic car washes
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshie ld wipers are
off . Follow instruc ­
tions from the car wash operator, especially if
there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Only use car washes where the vehicle remains
stationary and the washing equipmen t moves
around the vehicle when washing and drying. Car
washes that move the vehicle t hrough the car
wash using a chain are not recommended .
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicl e starting from the top and work­
ing down using a soft sponge or cleaning brush.
Use solvent -free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To avoid damaging the paint when washing, first
remove dust and large particles from your vehi ­
cle. Insects, grease spots and fingerprints are
best removed with a special cleaner for matte
finish paint .
Apply t he product using a microfiber cloth. To
avoid damaging the paint surface, do not use too
much pressure.
Rinse t he ve hicle thoroughly with wate r. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro ­
fiber clot h.
R inse the vehicl e thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.
..,..