2020 AUDI A3 tires

Wheels


—Do not use run-flat tires on
your vehicle. Using them when
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 and damage

B4H-0415

Fig. 258 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.


) Obey any applicable regulations in the
country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
328
—Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facili-
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. 258. 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.

8V2012721BK
Wheels

Tire rotation
Applies to: RS models: Tires may
only be rotated if the tires on the
front and rear axles are the same
size > A.
Rotating the tires regularly is rec-
ommended to ensure the tires
wear evenly. To rotate the tires,
install the tires from the rear axle
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 356.
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
uneven tread depths on the
or
tires can reduce driving safety.
This can increase the risk of an
accident because it has a neg-
ative effect on handling, driv-
ing through curves, and brak-
ing, and because it increases
the risk of hydroplaning when
driving through deep puddles.
—Applies to: RS models: De-
pending on the equipment,
the widths of the standard
summer tires may be different
on the front and rear axles.
The wider tires are mounted
on the front axle. The tires
must not be rotated.

329

Wheels

SU c=w yee)
oO oS
o 2
Pd e ]
Fig. 259 Driver's side B-pillar: tire pres-
sure label


B8K-1151


ARRIERE
‘SPARE

DE SECOURS


Fig. 260 Tire pressure label
The correct tire pressure for tires
mounted at the factory and for
the spare tire* is indicated on a la-
bel. The label is located on the B-
pillar > fig. 259, > fig. 260. The
location may vary depending on
the model.
Use the tire pressure specified for
a normal vehicle load when the
vehicle is partially loaded > table
on page 331. If driving the vehi-
cle when fully loaded, you must
increase the tire pressure to the
maximum specified pressure > A.
330

Checking and 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. 260
for the correct tire pressure.
>Correct the tire pressure if nec-
essary.
> Store the new tire pressure in
the Infotainment system
> page 338 or > page 341.
> Check the pressure in the emer-
gency tire*/spare tire*. Always
maintain the maximum temper-
ature that is specified for the
tire.

Z\ WARNING
Always adapt the tire pressure
to your driving style and the ve-
hicle load.
—Overloading can lead to loss of
vehicle control and increase
the risk of an accident. Read
and follow the important safe-
ty precautions in > page 332,
Tires and vehicle load limits. |»

8V2012721BK
Wheels


—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.
@ 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.
Ncw deem] 1c
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
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








follow the Ei pressure sticker tires according to the load and
= page 330, fig. 259. the size of the tires installed.
Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure
Engine Normal load Maximum load
(up to 2/3* people)”
Front Rear Front Rear
PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA
A3 sedan: 225/40 R18 92Y 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 36 | 250 | 36 | 250
2.0L 225/45 R17 91H 33. | 230 | 30 | 210 | 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
4-cylinder 225/40 R18 92H 36 | 250 | 33 | 230 | 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
235/35 R19 91Y 33 | 230 | 30 | 210 | 38 | 260 | 41 | 280
S3 sedan: 225/40 R18 92Y 38 | 260 | 35 | 240 | 42 | 290 | 42 | 290
2.0L 225/40 R18 92H 38 | 260 | 35 | 240 | 41 | 280 | 41 280
4-cylinder — [335/35R1991Y | 39 | 270 | 36 | 250 | 44 | 300 | 44 | 300 |p

331

Wheels











Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure
Engine Normal load Maximum load
(up to 2/3* people)?
Front Rear Front Rear
PSI | kPA | PSI kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA
RS 3sedan: /|235/35R1991Y 39/ | 270/ | 35/ | 240/ | 44/ | 300/ | 39/ | 270/
2.5L 44>) | 300%) | 395) | 2705) | 46>) | 3205) | 445) | 3005)
5-cylinder 255/30 R19 91Y 39/ | 270/ | - - 44/ | 300/ - -
445) | 3005) 465) | 320»)
A3 Cabriolet: |225/40 R18 92Y 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260 38 260
2.0L 225/45 R17 91H 33. | 230 | 30 | 210 | 39 | 270 | 39 | 270
4-cylinder 225/40 R18 92H 38 | 260 | 35 | 240 | 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
235/35 R19 91Y 42 | 290 | 39 | 270 | 45 | 310 | 45 310
A3 Sportback | 205/55 R16 91V 35 | 240 | 35 | 240 | 36 | 250 39 270
e-tron: 225/40 R18 92Y 33 | 230 | 33 | 230 | 36 | 250 39 270
ae 225/45R1791H | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260
4-cylinder
225/40 R18 92H 36 | 250 | 36 | 250 | 41 | 280 | 41 280

@) Vehicles with four seating positions: two people in the front, Vehicles with five seat-
ing positions: two people in the front, one person in the rear
5) The value before the forward slash applies to vehicles with a maximum speed up to
155 mph (250 km/h); the value after the slash is for up to 174 mph (280 km/h).

Z\ WARNING
Please note the important safe-
ty precautions regarding tire
pressure > page 330 and load
limits > page 332.
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

332
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
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 >

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

8V2012721BK
Wheels

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\.

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 352, After changing a
wheel.
— 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 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 319. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 330.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.157 inch (4 mm). The characteristics of winter
tires also decrease greatly as the tire ages, re-
gardless 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.
@) 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 44 symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> 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 0.53 inch (13.5 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.

ZA 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 and wheel
covers* if the chains come into direct contact

335
>

Wheels

with them. Remove the wheel covers* first.
Use coated snow chains.
@) Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 94.
Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface anda
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 330.
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.
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 320, fig. 257.
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-
perature A.
336
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, Band 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
SA.
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.

ZA WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction >