2020 AUDI A3 wheel bolts

8V2012721BK
Wheels

> Audi recommends that you use
Audi Original Tires. If you would
like to use different tires, please
note that the tires may perform
differently even if they are the
same size > A.
>If you would like to equip your
vehicle with a tire and rim com-
bination that is different from
what was installed at the facto-
ry, consult with an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility before making a
purchase > A.
Because the spare tire® is differ-
ent from the regular tires instal-
led on the vehicle (such as winter
tires or wide tires), only use the
spare tire* temporarily in case of
emergency and drive carefully
while it is in use. It should be re-
placed with a regular tire as soon
as possible.
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel
drive: All four wheels must be
equipped with tires that are the
same brand and have the same
construction and tread pattern so
that the drive system is not dam-
aged by different wheel speeds.
For this reason, in case of emer-
gency, only use a spare tire* that
is the same circumference as the
regular tires.


AN WARNING
—Only use tire/rim combina-
tions and suitable wheel bolts
that have been approved by
Audi. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle and an accident
could result.
—For technical reasons, it is not
possible to use tires from oth-
er vehicles. In some cases, you
cannot even use tires from the
same vehicle model.
—Make sure that the tires you
select have enough clearance
to the vehicle. Replacement
tires should not be chosen
simply based on the nominal
size, because tires with a dif-
ferent construction can differ
greatly even if they are the
same size. If there is not
enough clearance, the tires or
the vehicle can be damaged
and this can reduce driving
safety and increase the risk of
an accident.
—Only use tires that are more
than six years old when abso-
lutely necessary and drive
carefully when doing so.

327

Wheels


heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Determining correct load
Tani
Use the example below to calcu-
late the total weight of the pas-
sengers and luggage or other
things that you plan to transport
so that you can make sure that
your vehicle will not be overload-
ed.


Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-
PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX
LBS” on your vehicle’s placard
(tire inflation pressure label)
=> page 330, fig. 259.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and pas-
sengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX”
pounds shown on the sticker
=> page 330, fig. 259.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
334
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lbs. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex-
ceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculat-
ed in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to de-
termine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
> Check the tire sidewall
(=> page 320, fig. 257) to deter-
mine the designated load rating
for a specific tire.
Wheel bolts and rims
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
easily.

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
>

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance

> Lift the cargo floor using the plastic handle @)
until the cargo floor engages behind the tabs
@ in both side panels > fig. 263 (upper image).
> Fold the cargo floor back before closing the
luggage compartment lid.
Vehicle tool kit and cargo floor cover
Applies to: vehicles with version 2
The vehicle tool kit, tire mobility kit* and com-
pressor* are stored in the luggage compartment
under the cargo floor cover @) > fig. 262.
> Engage the plastic hook () in the luggage com-
partment seal > fig. 263.
> Fold the cargo floor back before closing the
luggage compartment lid.


Z\ WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with jack
Improper use of the vehicle jack can cause se-
rious personal injuries.
— Never use the screw driver hex head to tight-
en wheel bolts, since the bolts cannot attain
the necessary tightening torque if you use
the
hex head, potentially causing an acci-
dent.
— The factory-supplied jack is intended only
for your vehicle model. Under no circum-
stances
should it be used to lift heavy
vehicles or other loads; you risk injuring
yourself.
— Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised, which could cause an accident.
— Support the vehicle securely with appropri-
ate stands if work is to be performed under-
neath the vehicle; otherwise, there is a po-
tential risk for injury.
— Never use the jack supplied with your Audi
on another vehicle, particularly on a heavier
one. The jack is only suitable for use on the
vehicle it came with.

G) Tips
The vehicle jack* does not require any mainte-
nance.
Vehicle tool kit/tire mobility kit/
eyes
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
0) Bb + 3
> i a

Fig. 264 Luggage compartment: side trim panel
The vehicle tool kit, tire mobility kit and the com-
pressor are located in the side trim panel @) and
in the luggage compartment.
G) Tips
The vehicle must not be operated without the
tire repair set.
Tire mobility kit
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions in > page 348.
> Set the parking brake.
> Move the selector lever into the "P" position.
> Check if a repair with the tire mobility kit is pos-
sible > page 349.
Using the tire mobility kit
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit

B8K-1475



Fig. 265 Tire: tire damage that cannot be repaired
349

Emergency assistance

Replacing wheels
Before changing a wheel
Observe the following precautions for your own
and your passenger's safety when changing a
wheel.
>» After you experience a tire failure, pull the car
well away from moving traffic and try to reach
level ground before you stop > A\.
> All passengers should leave the car and move
toa safe location (for instance, behind the
guardrail) > A\.
> Engage the parking brake to prevent your vehi-
cle from rolling unintentionally > A\.
> Move selector lever to position P > /\.
> If you are towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Take the jack* > page 348 and the spare tire*
=> page 357 out of the luggage compartment.

ZA\ WARNING
You or your passengers could be injured while
changing a wheel if you do not follow these
safety precautions:
— If you have a flat tire, move a safe distance
off the road. Turn off the engine, turn the
emergency flashers on and use other warn-
ing devices to alert other motorists.
— Make sure that passengers wait in a safe
place away from the vehicle and well away
from the road and traffic.
—To help prevent the vehicle from moving
suddenly and possibly slipping off the jack*,
always fully set the parking brake and block
the front and back of the wheel diagonally
opposite the wheel being changed. When
one front wheel is lifted off the ground,
placing the Automatic Transmission in P
(Park) will not prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing.
— Before you change a wheel, be sure the
ground is level and firm. If necessary, use a
sturdy board under the jack”.
— Always store the vehicle tool kit, the jack*
and the replaced tire in the luggage com-
partment > page 60.

352
G) Tips
Obey all laws.
Changing a wheel
When you change a wheel, follow the sequence
described below step-by-step and in exactly that
order.
1. Remove the decorative wheel cover*. For
more details see also > page 353, Decorative
wheel covers or > page 353, Wheels with
wheel bolt caps.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts > page 353.
3. Locate the proper mounting point for the
jack* and align the jack* below that point
=> page 354.
4. Raise the car with the jack* > page 354.
Remove the wheel with the flat tire and then
install the spare > page 355.
6. Tighten all wheel bolts lightly.
Lower the vehicle with the jack*.
8. Use the wheel bolt wrench and firmly tighten
all wheel bolts > page 353.
9. Replace the decorative wheel cover*.
wn
=

ZA WARNING
Always read and follow all WARNINGS and in-
formation > A\ in Raising the vehicle on
page 355 and > page 356.
After changing a wheel
A wheel change is not complete without the do-
ing the following.


> Always store the vehicle tool kit, the jack* and
the replaced tire in the luggage compartment
=> page 60.
> Check the tire pressure on the spare wheel im-
mediately after mounting it.
> As soon as possible, have the tightening tor-
ques on all wheel bolts checked with a torque
wrench. The correct tightening torque is
90 ft lb (120 Nm).
> Have the flat tire replaced as soon as possible.

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance

@) Tips
— If you notice that the wheel bolts are cor-
roded and difficult to turn while changing a
tire, they should be replaced before you
check the tightening torque.
— Drive at reduced speed until you have the
tightening torques checked.
— After changing a wheel, the tire pressure in
all four tires must be checked/corrected and
the tire pressure monitoring indicator must
be stored in the MMI & page 338.
Decorative wheel covers
Applies to: vehicles with decorative wheel covers

The decorative wheel covers must be removed
first to access the wheel bolts.
[841-1521
|


Fig. 268 Changing a wheel: Removing the wheel cover
Removing
> Insert the hook (provided with the vehicle tool
kit) in the hole in the wheel hub cover.
> Pull off the decorative wheel cover > fig. 268.


Wheels with wheel bolt caps
Applies to: vehicles with wheel bolts with caps

The caps must be removed first from the wheel
bolts before the bolts can be unscrewed.

B4L-1337

7
OSs
Fig. 269 Changing a wheel: removing the wheel bolt caps
Removing
> Push the plastic clip (provided with the vehicle
tool kit) over the wheel bolt cap until the inner
retainers on the clip align with the edge of the
cover.
» Remove the cap with the plastic clip (vehicle
tool kit) > fig. 269.
Refitting
> Place the caps over the wheel bolts and push
them back on.
The caps are to protect and keep the wheel bolts
clean.
Loosening and tightening the wheel bolts
The wheel bolts must be loosened before raising
the vehicle.

B8K-1481

Fig. 270 Changing a wheel: loosening the wheel bolts
353
>

Emergency assistance

Loosening
> Slide the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt as
far as it will go.
> Take tight hold of the end of the wrench handle
and turn the wheel bolts counter-clockwise
about one single turn in the direction of arrow
> fig. 270.
Tightening
> Slide the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt as
far as it will go.
> Take tight hold of the end of the wrench handle
and turn each wheel bolt clockwise until it is
seated.

Z\ WARNING
— Do not use force or hurry when changing a
wheel - you can cause the vehicle to slip off
the jack* and cause serious personal injuries.
— Do not loosen the wheel bolts more than
one turn before you raise the vehicle with
the jack*. - You risk an injury.

@® Tips
— Never use the hexagonal socket in the han-
dle of the screwdriver to loosen or tighten
the wheel bolts.
— If a wheel bolt is very tight, you may find it
easier to loosen by carefully pushing down
on the end of the wheel bolt wrench with
one foot only. As you do so, hold on to the
car to keep your balance and take care not
to slip.
354
Raising the vehicle
Applies to: vehicles with jack
The vehicle must be lifted with the jack first be-
fore the wheel can be removed.
Fe) D 8
<4 = @
oO


Fig. 272 Sill: positioning the vehicle jack
> Engage the parking brake to prevent your vehi-
cle from rolling unintentionally.
> Move the selector lever to position P.
>» Find the marking (imprint) on the sill that is
nearest the wheel that will be changed
=> fig. 271. Behind the marking, there is a lift-
ing point on the sill for the vehicle jack.
> Vehicles with a sill: Note the position of the sill
when positioning the vehicle jack > fig. 272.
>» Place the vehicle jack (vehicle tool kit) on a firm
surface. Use a flat, stable support if necessary.
On a slippery surface such as tile, you should
use a non-slip pad (such as a rubber mat) > A\.
> Turn the vehicle jack located under the lifting
point on the sill to raise the jack until its arm @)
> fig. 272 is located under the designated plas-
tic mount > A\, >@.
> Align the jack so that its arm @) ® fig. 272 en-
gages in the designated lifting point in the door
sill and the movable base (8) lies flat on the
ground. The base (8) must be vertical under the
lifting point @).

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance


» Wind the jack up further until the flat tire — Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure
comes off the ground > A\. the jack is securely engaged.
— Passengers must not remain in the vehicle
when it is jacked up.
— Make sure that passengers wait in a safe
place away from the vehicle and well away
from the road and traffic.
Position the vehicle jack only under the designat-
ed lifting points on the sill > fig. 271. There is ex-
actly one location for each wheel. The jack must
not be positioned at any other location > AS ©.


An unstable surface under the jack can cause the — Make sure jack position is correct, adjust
vehicle to slip off the jack. Always provide a firm as necessary and then continue to raise
base for the jack on the ground. If necessary the jack.
place a sturdy board or similar support under the
jack. On hard, slippery surfaces (such as tiles) @) Note
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack
from slipping owl, Do not Lift the vehicle by the sill. Position the
vehicle jack only at the designated lifting
A WARNING points on the sill. Otherwise, your vehicle will
be damaged.

— You or your passengers could be injured
while changing a wheel if you do not follow
Peon es imteen ene: Taking the wheel off/installing the spare
— Position the vehicle jack only at the desig- Follow these instructions step-by-step for chang-
nated lifting points and align the jack. ing the wheel.
Otherwise, the vehicle jack could slip and
cause an injury if it does not have suffi-
cient hold on the vehicle.
— A soft or unstable surface under the jack
may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Always provide a firm base for the jack on
the ground. If necessary, use a sturdy
board under the jack.
— On hard, slippery surface (such as tiles)
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the
jack from slipping.
— Only raise your vehicle with the vehicle
jack provided by the factory. If you use a
vehicle jack for another vehicle, your vehi-
cle can slide and cause injury.
— Changes in load can affect the height of
the vehicle.
— Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised, which could cause an accident.
— Support the vehicle securely with appro-
priate stands if work is to be performed
underneath the vehicle; otherwise, there is
a potential risk for injury.
—To help prevent injury to yourself and your
passengers:
2 R + 4
0 a

Fig. 273 Changing a wheel: using the screwdriver handle
(with the blade removed) to turn the bolts
6 &
Tt
“ oO oO

~
Fig. 274 Changing a wheel: alignment pin inside the top
hole

After you have loosened all wheel bolts and
raised the vehicle off the ground, remove and re-
place the wheel as follows:


355