2019 AUDI Q3 service

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Wheels


not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
—If you install wheel covers on
the vehicle, make sure they al-
low enough air circulation to
cool the brake system. If they
do not, this could increase the
risk of an accident.


Tire wear/damage
B4H-0415

Fig. 150 Tire profile: treadwear indica-
tor
Tire wear
Check the tires regularly for wear.
—Inflation pressure that is too low
or high can increase tire wear
considerably.
—Driving quickly through curves,
rapid acceleration and heavy
braking increase tire wear.
—Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facili-


D Obey any applicable regulations in your
country.
ty check the wheel alignment if
there is unusual wear.
—Have the wheels rebalanced if an
imbalance is causing noticeable
vibration in the steering wheel.
If you do not, the tires and other
vehicle components could wear
more quickly.
Treadwear indicator
Original equipment tires contain
treadwear indicators in the tread
pattern, which are bars that are
1/16 in (1.6 mm) high and are
spaced evenly around the tire per-
pendicular to the running direc-
tion > fig. 150. The letters “TWI”
or triangles on the tire sidewall
indicate the location of the tread-
wear indicators.
The tires have reached the mini-
mum tread depth )) when they
have worn down to the treadwear
indicators. Replace the tires with
new ones > A.
Tire rotation
Rotating the tires regularly is rec-
ommended to ensure the tires
wear evenly. To rotate the tires,
install the tires from the rear axle
225

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. >

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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.

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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

Wheels

check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving ona signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency 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 driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
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 continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
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.
If the tire pressure monitoring indicator
appears
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
234
display with an indicator light @ and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
=> page 235. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 226, fig. 152.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
—the tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
— The tires have structural damage
— the tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 235
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
@ - Loss of pressure in at least one tire > A\.
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check and correct the pressures of all four tires
and store the pressure again > page 235.
/TPMS| (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Tire pres-
sure: malfunction! See owner's manual. If i
appears after switching the ignition on or while
driving and the @ indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster blinks for approximately one minute
and then stays on, there is system malfunction.
Try to store the correct tire pressures
= page 235. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking

83A012721BA
Wheels


maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible and
check the tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

@ Tips
— The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 223. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
Storing tire pressures
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the system.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 226.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings
& Service > Tire pressure monitoring > Store
tire pressure > Yes, store now.
@) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
235

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 required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA\ WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-
soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Preferably purchase environmentally-friend-
ly 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-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
236
seals on the side windows, doors, lids or the sun-
roof* or at tires, rubber hoses, insulating materi-
al, 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 nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield 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.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle 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 the product using a microfiber cloth. To
avoid damaging the paint surface, do not use too
much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.

ZA WARNING
— Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is
off and follow the instructions from the car
wash operator to reduce the risk of acci-
dents.