
Wheels 
  
on the front axle and vice versa. 
This will allow the tires to have 
approximately the same length of 
service life. 
For unidirectional tires, make sure 
the tires are installed according to 
the running direction indicated on 
the tire sidewall > page 245. 
Hidden damage 
Damage to tires and rims can of- 
ten occur in locations that are hid- 
den. Unusual vibrations in the ve- 
hicle or pulling to one side may 
indicate that there is tire damage. 
Reduce your speed immediately. 
Check the tires for damage. If no 
damage is visible from the out- 
side, drive slowly and carefully to 
the nearest authorized Audi deal- 
er or authorized Audi  Service Fa- 
cility to have the vehicle inspect- 
ed. 
  
Z\ WARNING 
Tread that has worn too low or 
different tread depths on the 
tires can reduce driving safety. 
This  can increase the risk of an 
accident because it has a nega- 
tive effect on handling, driving 
through curves, and braking, 
    
and because it increases the 
  
226 
  
risk of hydroplaning when driv- 
ing through deep puddles. 
Nee cela 
    
    
    
B4H-0664 
L 
Fig. 151 Driver's side  B-pillar: tire pres- 
sure label 
  
  
  
B8K-1151 
REAR armene_ Ml 
  
AVANT 
REAR   
ARRIERE 
‘SPARE 
DE SECOURS 
  
  
    a KPA, Ml PSI 
  
      
Fig. 152 Tire pressure label 
The correct tire pressure for tires 
installed at the factory is listed  on 
a label. The label is located on the 
B-pillar (driver's side) > fig. 151, 
> fig. 152. 
Use the tire pressure specified for 
a normal vehicle load when the 
vehicle is partially loaded > table 
on page 228. If driving the vehi- 
cle when fully loaded, you must 
increase the tire pressure to the 
maximum specified pressure > A. >  

83A012721BA 
Wheels 
  
Checking/correcting tire 
pressure 
>Check the tire pressure at least 
once per month and also check it 
before every long drive. 
> Always check the tire pressure 
when the tires are cold. Do not 
reduce the pressure if  it increas- 
es when the tires are warm. 
>Refer to the sticker > fig. 152 
for the correct tire pressure. 
>Correct the tire pressure if nec- 
essary. 
> Save the changed tire pressure 
> page 235. 
> Check the pressure in the spare 
tire (compact spare tire)*. Al- 
ways maintain the maximum 
temperature that is specified for 
the tire. 
  
  
the risk of an accident. Read 
and follow the important safe- 
ty precautions in > page 228. 
—The tire must flex more if the 
tire pressure is too low or if 
the vehicle speed or load are 
too high. This heats the tire up 
too much. This increases the 
risk of an accident because it 
can cause the tire to burst  and 
result in loss of vehicle con- 
trol. 
—Incorrect tire pressure increas- 
es tire wear and has a negative 
effect on driving and braking 
behavior, which increases the 
risk of an accident. 
    
  
Z\, WARNING 
Always adapt the tire pressure 
to your driving style and vehicle 
load. 
—Overloading can lead to loss of 
vehicle control and increase 
       
@) Note 
Replace lost valve caps to re- 
duce the risk of damage to the 
tire valves. 
(*) For the sake of the envi- 
ronment 
Tire pressure that is too low in- 
creases fuel consumption. 
Tire pressure table 
Please note that the information 
contained in the following table 
was correct at the time of print- 
ing, and the information is sub- 
ject to change. If there are any 
differences, you should  always 
follow the tire pressure sticker 
=> page 226, fig. 151. 
227  

Wheels 
  
Make sure that the tire designa- 
tion on your tire matches the des- 
ignation on the tire pressure label 
and the tire pressure table. 
The following table lists recom- 
mended tire pressures in cold 
tires according to the load and 
the size of the tires installed. 
  
     
  
  
     
  
      
      
Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure 
Engine Normal load Maximum load 
(up to 3 people)? 
Front Rear Front Rear 
PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA 
Q3: 215/65 R17 99H 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
2.0L 235/55R18100H | 33 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
4cylinders  /535755R18100V| 33 | 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
235/50 R19 99H 33 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
235/50 R19 99V 33 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
255/45 R19104Y | 33 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
255/40 R20101Y | 33 230 | 33 | 230 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 
                
  
AN WARNING 
Please note the important safe- 
ty precautions regarding tire 
pressure > page 226 and load 
limits > page 228. 
Tires and vehicle load limits 
There are limits to the amount of 
load or weight that any vehicle 
and any tire can carry. A vehicle 
that is overloaded will not handle 
well and is more difficult to stop. 
Overloading can  not only lead to 
loss of vehicle control, but can al- 
so damage important parts of the 
vehicle and can lead to sudden 
tire failure, including a blowout 
      
228 
@) Two people in the front, one person in the rear 
and sudden deflation that can 
cause the vehicle to crash. 
Your safety and that of your pas- 
sengers also depends on making 
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 Rating 
(“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 >  

83A012721BA 
Wheels 
  
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 
luggage 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 
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 
luggage. 
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. 
  
AN 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 in- 
crease 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. 
—Tires ona vehicle that has 
been overloaded can fail sud- 
denly, including a blowout and 
sudden deflation, causing loss 
of control and a crash. 
—Always make sure that the to- 
tal load being transported - 
including the weight of a trail- 
er hitch and the tongue 
weight of a loaded trailer - 
does not make the vehicle 
heavier than the vehicle’s 
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. 
      
229  

Wheels 
  
Determining correct load 
limit 
Use the example below to calcu- 
late the total weight of the pas- 
sengers and luggage or other 
things that you plan to transport 
so that you can make sure that 
your vehicle will not be overload- 
ed. 
Steps for Determining Correct 
Load Limit 
1. Locate the statement “THE 
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU- 
PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD 
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX 
LBS” on your vehicle’s placard 
(tire inflation pressure label) 
=> page 226, fig. 152. 
2. Determine the combined 
weight of the driver and pas- 
sengers that will be riding in 
your vehicle. 
3. Subtract the combined weight 
of the driver and passengers 
from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX” 
pounds shown on the sticker 
=> page 226, fig. 152. 
4. The resulting figure equals the 
available amount of cargo and 
luggage load capacity. For ex- 
ample, if the “XXX” amount 
equals 1400 lbs. and there will 
230 
be five 150 lbs. passengers in 
your vehicle, the amount of 
available cargo and luggage 
oad capacity is 650 lbs. 
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 
bs.) 
5. Determine the combined 
weight of luggage and cargo 
being loaded on the vehicle. 
That weight may not safely ex- 
ceed the available cargo and 
uggage load capacity calculat- 
ed in Step 4. 
6. If your vehicle will be towing a 
trailer, load from your trailer 
will be transferred to your vehi- 
cle. Consult this manual to de- 
termine how this reduces the 
available cargo and luggage 
load capacity of your vehicle. 
>Check the tire sidewall 
(=> page 217, fig. 149) 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. You will need a special adapter to loosen 
the anti-theft wheel bolts* > page 243. 
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\.  

83A012721BA 
Wheels 
  
  
ZA\ 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 245, Finishing. 
— 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. 
Loose wheel warning 
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning 
  
Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel 
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if 
one or more wheels are loose. 
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning 
system compares the vibration characteristics of 
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are 
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus- 
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes- 
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location 
of that wheel will be indicated. 
Messages 
fi Wheel bolts  loose. Please safely stop the ve- 
hicle and check all wheel bolts! 
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\. 
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the 
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten- 
ing specification checked as soon as possible with 
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For 
the correct tightening specification, see 
=> page 245, Finishing. 
fi Wheel  assessment active. Please continue 
driving carefully 
After this message appears and  you have checked 
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins 
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev- 
eral minutes. 
fi Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See 
owner's manual 
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately 
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi 
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired. 
  
Z\ WARNING 
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can 
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con- 
trol, which increases the risk of an accident. 
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im- 
mediately and avoid  any  hard steering or 
braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible 
and check the wheel bolts. 
— Check your wheels for damage. Have the 
damaged wheels checked and/or replaced 
immediately by  an authorized Audi dealer or 
authorized Audi Service Facility. 
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty 
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved 
roads), the message may be delayed. 
— The driver is responsible for ensuring that 
     
the wheels are attached correctly. 
(i) Tips 
— The loose wheel warning system can also 
stop working when there is an ESC malfunc- 
tion. 
  
— Using snow chains may result in a system 
malfunction. 
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 traction 
on ice and snow. 
> 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 > A\ in 
General information on page 216. An author- 
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa- 
cility can inform you about the maximum per- 
mitted speed for your tires. 
231 
>  

Wheels 
  
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels 
=> page 226. 
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great- 
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of 
0.16 in (4 mm). The  characteristics of winter tires 
also decrease greatly as the tire ages, regardless 
of the remaining tread. 
@) 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. 
G) 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 win- 
ter tires with the - symbol may be permit- 
ted. 
Snow chains not only improve the driving in win- 
ter road conditions, but also the braking. 
> Only install snow chains on the front wheels. 
> 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 
(50 km/h). Observe the local regulations. 
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain 
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons. 
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author- 
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use 
snow chains. 
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add 
more than 0.40 inch (10.5 mm) in height, includ- 
ing the chain lock. 
You must remove the snow chains on roads with- 
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving 
ability and damage the tires. 
232 
  
Z\ 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. 
() Note 
Snow chains can damage the rims/wheel cov- 
ers* if the chains come into direct contact 
with them. Remove the wheel covers* first. 
Use coated snow chains. 
G) Tips 
When using snow chains, it may be advisable 
to limit the ESC > page 99. 
Low-profile tires 
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires 
      
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low- 
profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a 
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls. 
This results in an agile driving style. However, it 
may reduce the level of comfort and increase 
road  noise when driving on roads in poor condi- 
tion. 
Low-profile tires can become damaged more 
quickly than standard tires when driving  over 
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and 
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to 
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 226. 
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 authorized Audi 
Service Facility. 
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand- 
ard tires.  

83A012721BA 
Wheels 
  
Uniform tire quality grading 
— Tread wear 
— Traction AAABC 
— Temperature A BC 
Quality grades can be found where applicable on 
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and 
maximum section width > page 217, fig. 149. 
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 
under controlled conditions on a specified gov- 
ernment test course. 
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one 
and one half (1 1/2) 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, however, and 
may depart significantly 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, B and C. Those grades represent the tire's 
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un- 
der controlled conditions on specified govern- 
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire 
marked C may have poor traction performance 
>A. 
Temperature 
The temperature grades are A (the 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 failure > A. 
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform- 
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un- 
der  the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels 
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than 
the minimum required by law. 
  
Z\ WARNING 
The traction grade assigned to this tire is 
based on straight-ahead braking traction 
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor- 
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac- 
teristics. 
  
  
Z\ WARNING 
The temperature grade for this 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 combination, can cause heat buildup and 
possible tire failure. 
     
ZA WARNING 
Temperature grades apply to tires that are 
properly inflated and not over or underinflat- 
ed. 
      
Tire pressure monitoring 
system 
(1) General notes 
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), 
should 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 label. (If your vehicle has 
tires of a different size than the size indicated on 
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la- 
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla- 
tion pressure for those tires). 
As  an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system 
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell- 
tale when one or more of your tires is significant- 
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire 
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and > 
233