2020 AUDI A3 coolant

Checking and Filling

> With the door open, pull the lever > below
the instrument panel in the direction of the ar-
row > fig. 246.
> Raise the hood slightly > A\.
> Press the rocker switch under the hood upward
> fig. 247. This releases the catch.
> Open the hood.
Closing the hood
> Push the hood down until you override the
force of the strut.
> Let the hood fall lightly into the latch. Do not
press it in. > /\.
Message
2 Warning! Hood is not locked. Stop vehicle
and check the lock
The hood latch is not locked correctly. Stop im-
mediately and close the hood.


AN WARNING
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— For safety reasons, the hood must always be
latched securely while driving. Because of
this, always check the hood after closing it
to make sure it is latched correctly. The hood
is latched if the front corners cannot be lift-
ed.
— If you notice that the hood is not latched
while you are driving, stop immediately and
close it, because driving when the hood is
not latched increases the risk of an accident.
— If the hood is not latched completely, it
could fly up while you are driving and ob-
struct your vision.


D) The &> symbol on the lever was still being designed at
the time this manual was printed.
306

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

Engine compartment overvie

The most important check points.
~ R
S| 8
> 2) ao

Fig. 248 Typical location of the reservoir, engine oil dipstick, and engine oil filler opening
Follow the safety precautions > page 304.
Coolant expansion tank (£) > page 312
Engine oil dipstick > page 308

) Engine oil filler opening (27) > page 308

(4) Sticker* for engine oil specification
=> page 307
Brake fluid reservoir (CO) > page 313

Jump start point (+) under a cover
=> page 316, > page 364
@) Applies to: vehicles with the vehicle battery
in the engine compartment: Vehicle bat-
tery (+) under the battery cover > page 316,
=> page 364
(8) Body ground point (-) > page 316,
=> page 364
Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 317
Fuse housing > page 360

) Applies to: vehicles with jump start point (+):
The engine oil dipstick, the engine oil filling
opening, and washer fluid reservoir may be locat-
ed in different places within the engine compart-
ment, depending on the engine version.
(i) Tips
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Note the information for the coolant expan-
sion tank in > page 312 and for the vehicle
battery (+) in > page 365.
Engine oil
If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
front
of the engine compartment > page 307,
fig. 248.
If the recommended engine oil is not available, in
an emergency you may add a maximum of 1
307
>

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling


— Maintain enough distance when you are re-
moving the oil drain plug. While doing this,
keep your forearm parallel to the ground to
reduce the risk of hot oil dripping down your
arm.
— Drain the oil into a container designed for
this purpose that is large enough to hold the
full amount of oil in your engine.
— Engine oil is poisonous. Always store out of
reach of children.
— Prolonged contact of used engine oil with
the skin may cause skin damage. Always
wash oil off immediately with soap and wa-
ter to protect your skin.
@) Note
Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.

() For the sake of the environment
— Before changing the engine oil, make sure
you can dispose of the used engine oil cor-
rectly.
— Engine oil must always be disposed of cor-
rectly. Do not dump it in the yard, in the for-
est, or in open water, river channels, or sew-
ers.
— Have your used engine oil recycled by bring-
ing it to a used oil collection site or contact
a gas station.
Cooling system
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the fac-
tory. This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored through the B in-
dicator light > page 311. However, occasionally
checking the coolant level manually is recom-
mended.
Messages
BB Turn off engine and check coolant level! See
owner's manual
|| Stop vehicle and check coolant level! See
owner's manual
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 311.
Plug-in hybrid drive*: refer to > page 312.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 312. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
gg Coolant temperature too high! Please let en-
gine run while vehicle is stationary
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to
cool off, until the indicator light turns off.
— If the indicator light does not turn off, do not
continue driving the vehicle. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only use the follow-
ing coolant additives. These additives may be
mixed with each other.




Coolant additive Specification
Gl12evo TL774L
G12++ TL774G
G13 TL774)

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where
the vehicle will be operated. If the coolant addi-
tive percentage is too low, the coolant can freeze
and damage the engine.

Coolant Freeze protec-
additive tion
Warm min. 40% min. -13 °F
regions max. 45% (-25 °C)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

CG) Note
— Before the start of winter, have an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
311
>

Checking and Filling

Facility check if the coolant additive in your
vehicle matches the percentage appropriate
for the climate. This is especially important
when driving in colder climates.
— If the appropriate coolant additive is not
available in an emergency, do not add any
other additive. You could damage the en-
gine. If this happens, only use water and re-
store the correct mixture ratio with the
specified coolant additive as soon as possi-
ble.
— Only refill with new coolant.
— Radiator sealant must not be mixed with
the coolant.
— Due to the risk of engine damage, the cool-
ing system should only be refilled by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. An authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
@® Tips
Applies to: RS models: In certain weather
conditions, moisture such as rain or snow may
evaporate on the radiator after stopping the
vehicle. This may cause steam to escape from
the front of the vehicle.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive


Fig. 251 Engine compartment: coolant expansion tank
Your vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks
that are separate from each other:
@) expansion tank for gasoline engine and elec-
tric motor.
@®): expansion tank for the high-voltage area.
312
The expansion tank (@) must not be opened
oA.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 305.
> Always check the coolant level in both coolant
expansion tanks (@) and @) using the outer
markings.
> When you fill coolant in the expansion tank (A),
please refer to > page 311, Cooling system.
> Do not drive any farther if the coolant level in
the expansion tank (@) is low. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately > A\.

ZA WARNING
— Read and follow the warnings in
=> page 304, General information before
opening the hood and checking the coolant
level.
— The expansion tank (8) may only be opened
and filled by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Coolant can enter the inside of the high-
voltage battery when filling the expansion
tank @) and cause a short circuit, which in-
creases the risk of fire.

Checking coolant

RAZ-0539


MIN

Fig. 252 Engine compartment - coolant expansion tank
(diagram): @ cover; @) markings
Observe the safety precautions > page 304, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the engine coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 305.

8V2012721BK
Checking and Filling

> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 307, fig. 248 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 252. The coolant level must
be between the markings (2) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
Adding coolant
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive:
Your vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks
that are separate from each other. The smaller of
the two expansion tanks must not be opened
= page 312. Read and follow the important safe-
ty precautions > A\ in Coolant on page 312.
Requirement: there must be a residual amount of
coolant in the expansion tank >@).
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cover.
> Remove the cover (@) © fig. 252 carefully to the
left > AX.
» Add the correct mixture ratio of coolant
> page 311 up to the upper marking @
> fig. 252.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Close the cap securely.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
—When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away

from children. There is a risk of poisoning.

@) Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229)



Z\ WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 304, General informa-
tion.


Fig. 253 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 304, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the brake fluid level
Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 307, fig. 248. The brake fluid level
must be between the MIN and MAX markings
>A.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically. >
313

Wheels

Glossary of tire and loading
terminology
Accessory weight
means the combined weight (in
excess of those standard items
which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steer-
ing, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and
heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not).
Aspect ratio
means the ratio of the height to
the width of the tire in percent.
Numbers of 55 or lower indicate a
low sidewall for improved steer-
ing response and better overall
handling on dry pavement.
Bead
means the part of the tire that is
made of steel wires, wrapped or
reinforced by ply cords and that is
shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation
means a breakdown of the bond
between components in the bead.
322
Cord
means the strands forming the
plies in the tire.
Cold tire inflation pressure
means the tire pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer for a tire of a designated
size that has not been driven for
more than a couple of miles (kilo-
meters) at low speeds in the three
hour period before the tire pres-
sure is measured or adjusted.
Curb weight
means the weight of a motor ve-
hicle with standard equipment in-
cluding the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, air condi-
tioning and additional weight of
optional equipment.
Extra load tire
means a tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at higher in-
flation pressures than the corre-
sponding standard tire. Extra load
tires may be identified as “XL”,
“xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF” on
the sidewall.

8V2012721BK
Wheels

installed accessories, a full tank
of fuel, oil, coolant and other flu-
ids plus maximum load. The max-
imum Load includes the number
of passengers that the vehicle is
intended to carry (“seating ca-
pacity”) with an assumed weight
of 150 lbs. (68 kg) for each pas-
senger at a designated seating
position 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 included 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.

Z\, 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


333

Index

Connections
refer to Media.............0000ee 211,219
Consumer information.................. 374
Consumption
Reducing... .. eee cece eects 81
Consumption (fuel) .............0 22. 22
Contacts... eee eee 178
Additional directory...............0008 232
Importing/exporting sie sso es www a es 179
Memory capacity............. 00 eeaee 180
Storing as destination................. 196
Control buttons (operating the MMI)...... 148
Control knob with joystick function (MMI op-
GSUGI cue « 5 meee ¢ 5 AER E HAWS FOE NOOSR EG RE 151
Convenience key........... 0 cee eevee eee 26
Unlocking and locking...............005 28
Convenience opening and closing
Windows OF TOP. «svc < s cocne to axcnoue «0 ot 34
Convertible child safety seats............ 285
Convertible locking retractor
ACEIVAEING ie © secscus i 2 eoecene © > severe © anes © 290
Deactivating........... 0.0.00 -e eee eee 291
Using to secure a child safety seat....... 290
Coolant temperature display.............. 15
Cooling mode......... 6... cee eee ee eee 66
Cooling system
Adding CoOlant’s sass «i eaums ¢ x eau § ya 312
Checking coolant level................ 312
Coolant....... 2... cee eee eee eee 311
Cruise control system..............000. 115
Cup
holders. ........ 0. cece eee ee eee 59
CUPFENECONSUMPEIOM sic. wo crore wo cesses ov esmue 22:
D
Data plains serine so ema o 6 amend + 6 eae + was 187
Data PrivaGy’s » mews ¢ » asws 4 y news 3 wien os 372
Date wos ¢ x gems zx aney 7 REE SE PES GF OR 230
Date display’: + sans « = woe » 2 eaems ¢ 2 eeem x 230
Daytime running lights.................. 43
Declaration of compliance............... 377
Defrosting (windows) .................... 67
DEF (instrument cluster) .............000. 14
Demo mode
refer to Presentation mode..
Determining correct load limit

384
Digital COMPASS « asi « 2 wee v eeveren v muwe we 52
Digital Rights Management.............. 211
DimMensionStes « 2 awop a sume ¢ 2 ean ao mews 3 379
Dimming the exterior mirrors............. 48
Dimming the rearview mirror............. 48
Directory
referto Contacts cas s < news sy ewe se eee 178
Display ices s eaew ws Ree s & PORE oo BoE «ee 1/
Cle ANING iar 2 sosuiie 2 o eomnae eens a mace eo 345
Infotainment system display....... 147, 231
INStrumentclUSter » sce + some es yew ey xe 20
Multifunction steering wheel............ 17
Disposal cvs ¢ seven oo mows ss nen + wees & 374
DIStaNC® sees x » seeps © & ayer § o we 5 Fee 22
Doors
Child safety lock. ssss 2s mess + ewan » ween « 33
Door contact switch. ............0.000-. 46
Mechanically unlocking and locking....... 30
Driver information system
Changing viewS..+:- ssesss esse ee eevaes 17
Economy tips (analog instrument cluster)... 23
Efficiency program.............00ee eee 23
Energy consumers (Audi virtual cockpit)... 22
Trip computer (analog instrument cluster.. 22
Trip computer (Audi virtual cockpit) ....... 22
ViGWhers « 5 aguas y 2 eeune yo eee GE ReWE x E aes 19
Driver seating position.................. 238
Drives
referto Medias. ss cree ecnes sc es 211, 219
Drive select
refer to Audi drive select................ 91
Driversysteny's «esa oo esemws oo oeosee & o omen woe 78
Driving down hills................000000. 89
Driving Safely; : secs 2s sees es eee ce eens 237
Driving through water...............00-- 90
Driving time... 0.2... eee eee ee eee 22
Driving tips
Driving through water...............0-. 90
Efficient driving «2 wees « ows 2 vimana sare 81
Uphill and downhill.................04. 89
Driving track. . 2... eee eee 89
Drivingup hill ste: s «sews » & sowane © & aocaeave o # snare 89
Dust filter
refer to Pollutant filter................. 65
DVD drive (media drives)................ 212