2020 AUDI A3 Owner´s Manual

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 >

8V2012721BK
Wheels


tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.

ZA 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.


Z\ WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System indicator
(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
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a 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 System
indicator appears
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
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
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 in the menu
display again each time the pressures change
(switching between partial and full load pres-
sure) or after changing or replacing a tire on your
vehicle > page 338. The tire pressure monitoring >
337

Wheels

system only monitors the tire pressure you have
stored. Refer to the tire pressure label for the
recommended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 330, fig. 260.
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 tire has structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 338
— One side of the vehicle is more heavily loaded
than the other
— The wheels on one axle are more heavily loaded
than the others (for example, when towing a
trailer or when driving up and down hills)
— Snow chains are installed
— The spare tire* is installed
— Only one tire was replaced on each axle
Indicator lights
@ - loss of pressure in at least one tire > A\.
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check/correct the pressures of all four tires. Then
store the tire pressures in the menu > page 338.
is (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Tire pres-
sure: malfunction! See owner's manual. If
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.
Check/correct the pressures on all four tires and
store the pressures > page 338. If the indicator
light does turn off or turns on again after a short
period of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZX WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
instrument cluster display, reduce your
speed immediately and avoid any hard steer-
ing or braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as
possible and check the tires and their pres-
sures.


338

— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressures. You must check the
tire pressures regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions or unpaved
roads), the pressure monitor indicator may
be delayed.
— Do not use run-flat tires on your vehicle. Us-
ing them when not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
(i) Tips
—The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC/ABS
malfunction.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 326. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
—The tire pressure monitoring system can on-
ly monitor the tire pressure of the driving
tires. Check the tire pressure of the spare
wheel in the luggage compartment so that
if necessary it is ready for use.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
A change in tire pressure or a change in tires
must be stored in the system.
Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the specified
values and are adapted to the load > page 328.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Service &
checks > Tire pressure monitoring > Store tire
pressure > Yes, store now.
(i) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.

8V2012721BK
Wheels

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
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.
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
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 Infotainment system while driving
= page 340. It also compares the current tire
pressures with the stored tire pressures and gives
a warning if the tire pressure is different from
what is stored > page 340.
The system does not detect if the stored tire
pressures match the recommended tire pres-
sures. You must store the tire pressures again in
each of the following situations > page 341:
— Each time the tire pressures change, for exam-
ple when the load in the vehicle changes
— After replacing a tire
— If wheels with new wheel sensors are used

Z\ WARNING
—The tire pressure monitoring system assists
the driver in monitoring tire pressures. The
driver 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.
This could result in serious damage to the
tire and even cause the tire to burst, increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
— A tire with low pressure flexes more. This
heats the tire up too much. This could cause |>

339

Wheels


the tread to separate and even cause the tire
to burst, increasing the risk of an accident.
— The tire pressure monitoring system does
not warn about damage or defects in the
tire construction that could cause the tire to
burst, for example. Inspect your tires regu-

larly.
Note that the tire pressure also depends on the
temperature of the tire. The tire pressure increas-
es as the engine becomes warmer while driving.

Z\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 339.

@) Tips
— If tires are replaced, the sensors and valves
do not need to be removed or replaced. Only
replace the valve stem and, if necessary, the
valve and the wheel electronics. If you have
questions, see an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— An incorrect display or a malfunction in the
tire pressure monitoring system can occur
after using the tire mobility kit. Have the
sensors replaced by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 377.
Displaying tire pressures and temperatures
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
Requirement: you must be driving the vehicle.

> Select in the Infotainment system: the [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Service
& checks > Tire pressure monitoring > Display
tire pressure.

The current tire pressures are shown in green,
yellow or red numbers in the Infotainment sys-
tem:
— Green: the current tire pressure and the speci-
fied tire pressure are approximately the same.
— Yellow: the current tire pressure is lower than
the specified tire pressure.
— Red: the current tire pressure is much lower
than the specified tire pressure.
The specified tire pressure is the last tire pressure
that was stored > page 341.
340
@) Tips
The tire pressure or temperature is not dis-
played while the vehicle is stationary and in
adaptation mode. Dashes --.-- are shown in
place of the pressure and temperature.
ON ic deste oy
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
If the @ indicator light turns on, the pressure in
at least one tire is too low or new sensors were
not adapted:
@ Indicator light turns on after turning the
ignition on
The tire pressure is too low compared to the
specified pressure.
> Check and store the tire pressure(s) the next
time it is possible > page 341.
@ Indicator light turns on while driving
Wheels with new sensors were not adapted or
the tire pressure has reached a critical level com-
pared to the specified pressure.
> Avoid unnecessary steering and braking maneu-
vers.
> Adapt your driving style to the situation.
> Stop as soon as possible and check the tire(s).
> If it is possible to continue driving, see an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately and have your tire(s) re-
paired or replaced.

ZA\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information

and notes > page 339.

8V2012721BK
Wheels

Storing new tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
The tire pressure specifications must be stored
correctly for the tire pressure monitoring system
to function reliably.
It is always necessary to store the tire pressures
when the tire pressures are modified, for exam-
ple due to a change in load or when new sensors
are installed.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures of all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 330, fig. 260. Only correct and store
the pressure in tires whose temperature is ap-
proximately the same as the ambient tempera-
ture. If the temperature of the tire is higher
than the ambient air temperature, the tire
pressure must be increased approximately
3.0 PSI (0.2 bar) above the value on the sticker.
» Switch the ignition on.
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Service &
checks > Tire pressure monitoring > Store tire
pressure > Yes, store now. After storing the tire
pressures, the tire pressure monitoring system
measures the current pressures while driving
and stores them as the new specified pressures.
> If the changed tire pressures are not displayed
in the Infotainment system, drive the vehicle
for approximately 10 minutes so that the sen-
sor signal from the wheels is received again.


During this adaptation phase, --.-- is displayed
for the pressure and temperature and the tire
pressure monitoring system is only partially
available. It only provides a warning if one or
more tire pressures is below the minimum per-
mitted specified pressure.
If the @ indicator light turns on and the mes-
sage Tire pressure: wheel change detected.
Please check all tires and store pressures in
MMI also appears, the system has detected that
the position of the sensors has changed because
of a tire rotation, or that new sensors were instal-
led. Store the new tire pressures.

ZX WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 339.
Malfunctions
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system

If the tire pressure monitoring system is not
available, the a indicator light appears in the
instrument cluster display along with the mes-
sage Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual.
If the ia indicator light appears after switching
the ignition on or while driving and the @ indi-
cator light also blinks for approximately one mi-
nute and then stays on, there is a system mal-
function. The following are examples of situa-
tions that could cause a malfunction:
— If the message appears at the end of the adap-
tation phase, the system may not detect one or
several of the wheel sensors necessary for pres-
sure monitoring. This may result from one or
more wheels without wheel sensors or with in-
compatible wheel sensors being installed.
—Awheel sensor or another component has
failed.
— Using snow chains can affect the function of
the system because of the shielding effect of
the chains.
— The tire pressure monitoring system is not
available due to a malfunction.
— Transmitters with the same frequency, such as
headphones or remote-controlled devices, may
cause a temporary system malfunction due to
the strong electromagnetic field.
The ia indicator light and the message turn off
once the tire pressure monitoring system is avail-
able again. If you cannot correct the malfunction
and the ia indicator light stays on, drive imme-
diately to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
repaired.
341

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
— Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning
products if possible.
— Do not dispose of cleaning and care prod-
ucts 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 and a
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 seals on
342
side windows, doors, the hood, the luggage com-
partment lid, or the panoramic glass roof* or at
tires, rubber hoses, insulating material, the pow-
er top*, sensors*, or camera lenses*. Keep a dis-
tance of at least 16 in (40 cm).
Plug-in hybrid drive: do not direct the stream of
water towards the wall mount clip*.
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, the panoramic glass
roof*, and the power top” are closed and the
windshield wipers are off. Follow instructions
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 downward using a soft sponge or cleaning
brush. Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To reduce the risk of damaging the paint when
washing, first remove dust and large particles
from your vehicle. Insects, grease spots, and fin-
gerprints are best removed with a special cleaner
for matte finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To re-
duce the risk of 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. >