2020 AUDI A3 brakes

8V2012721BK
Driving

strength can depend on various factors, for ex-
ample:
— If you are in tiptronic mode > page 76. Or
—If the sport driving mode "S" was selected.
Plug-in hybrid drive modes
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Adjusting the plug-in-hybrid mode
The <8" button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the <$" button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode is displayed in the instrument clus-
ter.
The active mode is displayed the first time the
one electric mode and two hybrid modes.
Hybrid driving
If the <8Y button does not turn on, you are driv-
ing in hybrid mode. The vehicle can be driven
with the combustion engine or with the electric
motor if the conditions for it have been met
=> page 79, Conditions for electric driving.
© e-tron mode: Hybrid - The electric motor and
combustion engine are working efficiently to-
gether. Hybrid mode is particularly effective for
long trips.
* e-tron mode: Battery Hold - The vehicle is
driven predominantly with the combustion en-
gine to maintain the high-voltage battery charge
level for as long as possible.
Electric driving
ed on, the <®¥ button will turn on. The vehicle
can be driven by the electric motor if the condi-
tions for this have been met > page 79, Condi-
tions for electric driving.
Conditions for electric driving
— Driving program “S” must not be selected.
— The charge level of the high-voltage battery
must be sufficient.
— The temperature of the high-voltage battery
must be adequate (outside temperatures not

below approximately 14°F / -10°C and not
above approximately 104°F / 40°C).
— The driving speed must be under approximately
80 mph (130 km/h).
— The accelerator pedal must not be pressed too
hard.
Indicator lights



Symbol |Meaning
EV mode is switched on and active.
You are driving only with electric
power.
EV mode is not available, because
the conditions for electric driving
have not been met.

The combustion engine is running.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Bat-
tery Hold is active.
The hybrid mode e-tron mode: Hy-










brid is active.
G) Tips
— When temperatures are below approximate-
ly 14 °F (-10 °C), the vehicle heat output in
EV mode is reduced in order to attain higher
ranges. If the windows fog up or a higher
heat output is desired, switch on the Hybrid
or Battery Hold mode.
— Applies to: Battery Hold mode: The high-
voltage battery charge level can still de-
crease depending on the driving behavior.
—If you select the sport driving mode "S", the
Battery Hold mode is automatically select-
ed
@
— It may be necessary for the gasoline engine
to run longer for technical reasons, such as
when condensation accumulates in the en-
gine. Driving exclusively in electric mode is
not possible in this phase.
— Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. When driving with a trailer, the
"S" selector lever position must be selected.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
Tips
79
>

8V2012721BK
Driving



Component Color Meaning
Motion arrow Green Electric driving
Orange Driving with the gasoline engine

Green-orange Driving with the gasoline engine and electric mo-
tor (boost)

Green

@®) Motion arrow

Recuperation

a) Not available in all Infotainment systems.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
RAX-0108, Range potenti
+3 miles (1)
net)
eis)
te ace aera etre)
Bt 15 mites —@)) =
Fig. 91 Range monitor

You can display the projected range of the vehi-
cle.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Range &
statistics > Range.
@ Range potential (value)
@ Range potential (graphic)
@®) Total range (graphic)
@ Total range (value)
Range potential: the value indicates an addition-
al amount of distance that can be gained by turn-
ing off certain convenience functions. The con-
venience functions with high energy usage are
listed on the display.
@) Tips
— The range can also be displayed in the in-
strument cluster in the on-board computer.
— The values given are based on the latest
consumption values.
— The range that is indicated is based on the
previous and predicted consumption values.
For example, these can be affected if con-
venience functions are turned on.
Statistics
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
You can display statistics about the trips traveled
using electric power and those using fuel. The
values are taken from the short-term memory
and long-term memory of the on-board comput-
er.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Range &
statistics > e-tron statistics.
Vehicle sound
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

The electric drive system generates considerably
less noise than a combustion engine. An artificial
engine sound is generated when driving electri-
cally so that the vehicle can be heard from the
outside when driving. The vehicle sound auto-
matically fades out at higher speeds when the
sounds from the tires and wind start increasing.

ZA WARNING
Other road users may not be able to defini-
tively hear electric vehicles when they are
driving. This increases the risk of an accident
particularly when driving in areas with little
traffic, when maneuvering, or when driving in
reverse.
aie e- Riedie liereliea lt)
driving
Your driving style greatly influences the amount
of fuel and energy consumed, the environmental
impact, and the wear on the engine, brakes, and
tires. Note the following information for efficient
and environmentally-conscious driving: >

81

8V2012721BK
Driving

Manually switching the Start/Stop system
koi
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system
If you do not wish to use the system, you can
switch it off manually.
2 +
3}
g > & oO


Fig. 93 Center console: Start/Stop system button
> To switch the Start/Stop system off/on manual-
ly, press the [| button. The LED in the button
turns on when the system is switched off.
G) Tips
If you switch the system off during a Stop
phase, the engine will start again automati-
cally.
ee melee
Applies to: vehicles with Start/Stop system


Start/stop system: deactivated. Please start
engine manually
This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
engine must be started manually.
Start/stop system: malfunction! Function
unavailable
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. If the
brake system becomes damp, for example after
driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may be
delayed. Other factors that could temporarily in-
crease the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
To ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake
system is cleaned at regular intervals. This is
done by applying the brake pads to the brake ro-
tors for a short period of time when driving at
high speeds when the windshield wipers are
switched on.
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en frequently or for long distances. This can
cause noises when braking as well as an uneven
braking effect. In this case, braking heavily sever-
al times while driving at high speeds can clean
the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style. >
8s

Driving


ZA WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not

place your foot under the brake pedal.
@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 89. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@) Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.

— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 313.
Ga i © Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
EES / & and Ef also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
86
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
EG if @ Warning! Brake servo inoperative
If the brake booster is not working, you have to
use much more force when braking the vehicle.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
EG - @® Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality. You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle from rolling by selecting “P” and set-
ting the parking brake.

ZA\ WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.

8V2012721BK
Driving


Z\ WARNING
— The parking lock may only be released using
the emergency release if the parking brake
is set. If it is not working, secure the vehicle
from rolling using the brake pedal or other
suitable means, such as blocking a front and
a rear wheel. An unsecured vehicle may roll
away, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.
Emergency release operation


®@
RAZ-0760


Fig. 95 Selector lever: release button
> Press and hold the yellow release button on the
side with a screwdriver.
> Now press the unlock button on the selector
lever and move the selector lever to the “N” po-
sition.
Special driving situations
Sy Toa AS ENA Las |
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, for example ona
driving track, the wear on all vehicle components
is greatly increased, especially on the engine,
transmission, tires, brakes, and suspension. This
can result in increased wear. Also note the fol-
lowing points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(70°C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Audi drive select* dynamic mode = page 91
— Launch Control > page 77
— Limit ESC > page 94
@® Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Driving uphill and downhill
Please note the following when driving on in-
clines and hills:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 75. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.

A WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill >

89

Driving


climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:

— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZA\ WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.
@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter.
G) Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.

90

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic


ZA\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@) Tips
If the & or El indicator light only stays on
for a short time, then you may continue driv-
ing.


ALL wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving around curves > page 94.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.

Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.


Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the I indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the BB indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the BB indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 94.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the
brake pedal indicates that the system is acting to
stabilize the vehicle.
Brake assist
The brake assist system can decrease braking dis-
tance. It increases braking power when the driver
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit-
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending
on the activated driver assistance systems, the
brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
93

Driving dynamic

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that
would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.



ZA\ WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural
physical laws. This is especially important on
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should
immediately alter your speed to match the
road and traffic conditions. Do not let the in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-

94

G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The 0 button is located above the selector lev-
er in the center console.
The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
Limiting ESC (sport mode)
—To limit the ESD, press the 0 button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the oF
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.