2020 AUDI A4 ESP

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Certain requirements must be met when towing
a trailer.

Trailer hitch
Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
112
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > ©.
() Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 237. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust >

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Trailer towing

them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
@) Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 13. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

113

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Safety precautions

ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Keep in mind that Audi pre sense front can
apply the brakes unexpectedly. Always se-
cure any cargo or objects that you are trans-
porting to reduce the risk of damage or in-
jury.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
> page 115.

@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving.
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System limitations
ZA WARNING
— The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.

— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
G) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.


— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.

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Driving information

— If traffic signs do not conform to the standard
format
— If traffic signs are damaged or bent
— If traffic signs are displayed on sign holders
with electronic signs
— If the traffic signs or the roadways have
changed, and the navigation data is no longer
up-to-date

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and respect
the limits of the assist systems, sensors,
and cameras > page 114.
— Under some circumstances, traffic sign rec-
ognition may not detect traffic signs correct-
ly or detect them at all. As a result, the sys-
tem may not display the correct speed limit
or any speed limit.

@ Tips
— Traffic sign recognition does not adapt your
vehicle's speed to match the speed Limit.
— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either mph
or km/h, depending on the country.
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Accessing traffic sign recognition
> Select in the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
Setting a traffic sign based speed warning
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > Speed warning.
You can select a warning threshold. If it is ex-
ceeded, then the current detected speed limit
will be shown in the display with an exclamation
point for the duration that it is exceeded and it
will blink for a short time.
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Traffic sign recognition: unavailable. Camera
view limited due to environm. conditions
The camera’s visual field is covered. Clean the
windshield.
Traffic sign recognition: currently limited.
See owner's manual
This message appears if navigation system data
is not available, for example on newly-construct-
ed roads. The speed limit display will be tempo-
rarily limited, which increases the risk of an incor-
rect display. If this message continues to appear,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.
No traffic sign information available
Depending on the area, there is no valid naviga-
tion data and no speed limits were detected. This
may also appear if there is a recommended
speed, but no speed limit (for example when
driving on and off the expressway).
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system may not function correctly so it has
been switched off. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
If this message appears on vehicles without cam-
era-based traffic sign recognition, then the traffic
light
information function is currently unavaila-
ble. See > page 121.
119

Driving information

Traffic light information
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information

Fig. 109 Instrument cluster: traffic light information dis-
play
The traffic light information gives you a speed
recommendation in order to reach the next traffic
light when it is green @, or it informs you of the
wait time at the next red light 2). Once traffic
light data is received, the traffic light information
will be displayed in the instrument cluster and in
the head-up display*. If the vehicle is in an area
with traffic light information but cannot receive a
traffic light signal, then a gray traffic light sym-
bol will be displayed @).
General information
The traffic light information is subject to system
limitations and may be unavailable or only parti-
ally available in the following situations:
—If the permitted speed limit is exceeded
— If driving below a certain speed limit
—If the next traffic light is less than approxi-
mately 100 feet (30 m) away
— Ifthe estimated wait time at a red light is less
than four seconds
—If there is no traffic light data available
— If emergency response vehicles or public transit
systems are active
— If traffic lights are in construction zones or be-
ing serviced
— If there are warnings from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition*
— If the camera-based traffic sign recognition” is
malfunctioning or not available
— If the data connection has been interrupted
120
— If data transmission is deactivated in the priva-
cy settings
— If the subscription has expired
If this is the case, the menu item will be grayed-
out or it will not be possible to select it.

ZA\ WARNING
— When traffic light information is shown, al-
so always pay attention to the traffic situa-
tion, the distance to other vehicles, and the
area around the vehicle. The driver is always
responsible for assessing the traffic situa-
tion.
— Always adapt your speed to the current
weather, road and traffic conditions. The dis-
played information must never cause you to
ignore legal traffic regulations and pose a
safety risk.
— Regardless of the traffic light information,
you should always monitor your speed using
the speedometer and make sure you are ad-
hering to the legal speed limit.
— The traffic light information does not adjust
your vehicle's speed to the speed recom-
mendation shown in the display.
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.

(i) Tips
— Traffic light information was only available
in select cities at the time this manual was
printed.
— Traffic light information is not available na-
tionwide.
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— Incorrect values from the camera-based
traffic sign recognition* or outdated naviga-
tion system* map data can result in missing
or incorrect display images.
— Certain traffic lights can automatically ad-
just to the current traffic situation. If this
occurs, the display of traffic light informa-
tion can change suddenly.

8W1012721BB
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Units of measurement and language set-
tings are displayed based on how they were
set in the MMI system settings > page 206.
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Switching traffic light information on and
off
The system and be switched on and off in the
MMI.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > Traffic light in-
formation.
Accessing traffic light information
> Select in the instrument cluster: vehicle func-
tions tab > Traffic signs.
@) Tips
If another tab or another function is selected
in the instrument cluster, the traffic light in-
formation will appear in the status bar on the
instrument cluster.
Applies to: vehicles with traffic light information
Malfunction! See owner's manual
The system could not be configured, for example
due to a network malfunction. Switch the igni-
tion off and shut down the vehicle to restart the
system. Wait several minutes until the vehicle
has shut down completely and then switch the
ignition back on.
Function currently unavailable. See owner's
manual
There is a temporary system malfunction. Check
if one or more of the following situations applies
and correct the issue if necessary:
— Traffic light information is switched off
Driving information
— Data transmission is deactivated
— The vehicle is not equipped with traffic sign rec-
ognition.
— There is no valid license
— Traffic light information is not available in that
area
Lap timer
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer
You can record and evaluate lap times with the
lap timer. You can operate the lap timer using the
multifunction steering wheel > page 12.
Opening the lap timer
> Select in the instrument cluster: Vehicle func-
tions tab > J button > Lap times.
An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display”.

ZA WARNING
Your focus should always be on driving your
vehicle safely. As the driver, you have com-
plete responsibility for safety in traffic. To re-
duce the risk of an accident, only use the lap
timer functions in such a way that you always
maintain complete control over your vehicle in
all traffic situations.
@ Tips
You can retrieve information from the trip
computer while the lap timer stopwatch is
running.
Lap times and timing
Applies to: vehicles with lap timer

Requirement: the lap timer must be open
> page 121.
Timing laps
> To start timing manually, select Start lap 1 in
the menu.
> To start timing automatically as soon as you be-
gin to drive, select Start lap 1 by driving off or
Start by driving off in the menu. >
121

8W1012721BB
Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 110 Lever: switching on the cruise control system
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @).
The ICRUISE| or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may
shut off automatically.


etal Rome ladle Rogen)
yet -t-te)
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward (@)/G)
=> page 123, fig. 110.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gl or indicator light in the instrument
cluster. >
123

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Driver assistance

Situation symbols
Depending on vehicle equipment, the following
symbols may be shown. The symbols indicate the
situation to which the efficiency assist is respond-
ing.
Some symbols only appear if Predictive messag-
es are switched on, and some symbols only ap-
pear if Predictive control is switched on and Audi
adaptive cruise control* is actively regulating the
vehicle.


Symbol |Description

Slow down
(predictive messages only)
Adjustment to curves along route
(predictive control only) Additional
symbols are shown in the Driver as-
sistance display.
Speed limit
Speed limit
Exit ahead
Intersection ahead
Traffic circle ahead

ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras > page 114.

@ Tips
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— The system only detects traffic signs that
specify a speed limit.
— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either
km/h or mph, depending on the country.
— Except for the road network, which is re-
corded in the navigation system’s map infor-
mation, certain functions may not be availa-
ble.
— Certain settings are automatically stored
and assigned to the remote control key be-
ing used.
Predictive messages
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
The symbol BS appears in the instrument cluster
display if efficiency assist recommends removing
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Additional symbols that indicate the situation to
which the efficiency assist is reacting are shown
in the Driver assistance display > page 125, Sit-
uation symbols.
Requirements
— The cruise control system* or Audi adaptive
cruise control* must not be actively regulating.
— The vehicle speed must be at least 20 mph
(30 km/h).
— The remaining distance until the situation is
reached must be large enough to allow the sys-
tem to react to the situation.
Switching messages on and off
Depending on vehicle equipment, you may be
able to switch the predictive messages on or off.
Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Efficiency assist > Predictive messages.

Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when efficiency assist is switch-
ed on. The driver is always responsible for
assessing the traffic situation.
(i) Tips
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.

125