2020 AUDI A5 Owners Manual

8W7012721BA
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
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
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.
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 > @.
CG) 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 244. 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
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
119
>

Trailer towing

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.
120
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.

8W7012721BA
Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sica eel delay
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 122.



@ 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.
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.
@) 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.
121

Assist systems

Surrounding area
detection
Senso camera coverage areas

B8V-0687

Fig. 109 Rearview camera coverage area
The assist systems analyze the data from various
sensors and cameras installed in the vehicle. Do
not use any assist systems if there is damage in
there area of the sensors and cameras or on the
vehicle underbody. Damage can impair the func-
tion of the sensors and cameras or cause mal-
functions. Have an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility check their func-
tion.
122

Radar sensors
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the area
surrounding the entire vehicle may be detected
> fig. 108.
The wheel sensors on the rear corners of the vehi-
cle are positioned so that the adjacent lanes to
the left and right are detected on roads with a
normal lane width.
Ultrasonic sensors
Depending on vehicle equipment, various areas
may be displayed in the MMI using the ultrasonic
sensors > fig. 108.
The range of the displays depends on the location
of the ultrasonic sensors:
@ Approximately 4 ft (1.20 m)
® Approximately 3 ft (0.90 m)
@® Approximately 5.2 ft (1.60 m)
©® Approximately 3 ft (0.90 m)
© Approximately 3 ft (0.90 m)
The side area ©) is detected and evaluated when
passing. There may have been changes to the sur-
rounding area after switching the ignition off and
on again, after opening the doors, or if the vehi-
cle is left stationary for a period of time. In this
case, the area will appear black until the area has
been detected and evaluated.
Cameras
Use the camera image on the display to assist you
only if it shows a good, clear picture. Keep in
mind that the image in the display is enlarged
and distorted. Under certain circumstances, ob-
jects may appear different and unclear on the dis-
play.
The rearview camera can only detect the area
marked in red > fig. 109. Only this area is dis-
played on the center display. > A\.
ZX WARNING
Sensors and cameras have spots in which the
surrounding area cannot be detected. Objects,
animals, and people may only be detected
with limitations may not be detected at all.
Always monitor the traffic and the vehicle's >

8W7012721BA
Assist systems



surroundings directly and do not become dis-
tracted.

@) Note
— Obstacles may disappear from the measure-
ment range when approaching them, even if
they were already detected.
—Insome situations, the ability of the sen-
sors and cameras to detect and display cer-
tain objects may be limited.
— Objects located above the coverage area,
such as bumpers on parked cars, garage
doors that are partially open, or objects
that are hanging
— Low obstacles
— Narrow objects, such as barrier chains, fo-
liage, poles, or fences
— Projecting objects, such as trailer draw
bars
— Objects with certain surfaces and struc-
tures,
such as fabric
G) Tips
— The sensors and cameras and the areas
around them must not be obstructed be-
cause this can impair the function of the
systems that depend on them. Make sure
that the sensors and cameras are free of
snow, ice, and other deposits. Do not use
any accessories, stickers, or other objects
that extend into the range of the sensors
and cameras.
— On vehicles that have factory-installed li-
cense plate brackets on the front of the ve-
hicle, the brackets may only be replaced
with ones that are the same size and made
of the same material. Do not install any li-
cense plate brackets on the front of vehicles
that do not have factory-installed brackets.
Otherwise, the function of the system could
be impaired.
— The function of the sensors and cameras
may be limited when light and visibility con-
ditions are poor, for example when driving
into
a tunnel, when there is glare, or when
there are reflective objects.
— External ultrasonic sensors, such as those in
other vehicles, can interfere with the sen-
sors.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 108
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 281.
Locations of the sensors and cameras


[RAZ-0820

Fig. 110 Front area: sensors and cameras





Fig. 111 Rear area: sensors and cameras
Front area
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing sensors and cameras may be installed:
— Camera behind the windshield
— Peripheral cameras on the exterior mirrors
— Front peripheral camera in the radiator grille
— Front and side ultrasonic sensors
— Front radar sensors at the corners of the bump-
er >
123

Assist systems

Rear area
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing sensors and cameras may be installed:
— Rearview camera in the luggage compartment
lid
— Radar sensors at the rear corners of the vehicle
— Rear and side ultrasonic sensors
@ Tips
— The locations of the sensors may differ
slightly depending on vehicle equipment.
— Some sensors are installed under vehicle
components and cannot be seen from the
outside.
124

8W7012721BA
Driving information

Driving information
Speed warning system
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
The speed warning system helps the driver to
stay below a specified maximum speed. A warn-
ing threshold can be set in the MMI for this pur-
pose.
Once the speed slightly exceeds the stored
threshold, the speed warning system will alert
the driver with an indicator in the instrument
cluster and a warning tone. Once the speed drops
below the stored maximum speed, the indicator
will turn off.
Setting a threshold is recommended if you would
like to be reminded when you reach a certain
maximum speed. Situations where you may want
to do so include driving in a country with a gener-
al speed limit or if there is a specified maximum
speed for winter tires.
@) Tips
Regardless of the speed warning system, you
should always monitor your speed using the
speedometer and make sure you are adhering
to the legal speed limit.
Setting the warning threshold
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > Speed warning.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
cy Manually set speed limit XX exceeded
The stored speed was exceeded.
Camera-based traffic
sign recognition
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition

Fig. 112 Instrument cluster: traffic sign recognition
The traffic sign recognition shows the traffic
signs detected by the front camera in the instru-
ment cluster display and in the head-up display”.
Data from the navigation system is also included
in the display. Up to three traffic signs can be dis-
played in the instrument cluster at once. The
speed limit that is currently applicable is dis-
played in the status line. If necessary, it will be
hidden if the system detects that turning right is
prohibited at a red light. The display in the head-
up display* can be switched off > page 23.
Within the limits of the system and depending
on the market, speed limit restrictions @ in
school zones, highways, construction zones, or at
night may be displayed.
Limitations
The traffic sign recognition is subject to certain
system limitations and may be unavailable or on-
ly partially available in the following situations:
— When visibility is poor, such as in snow, rain,
fog, or heavy spray
—When there is glare, for example from oncom-
ing traffic or the sun
— At high speeds
— If the camera's visual field > page 122 is cov-
ered, for example by dirt or stickers. Cleaning
information > page 254
— If the traffic signs are completely or partially
covered, for example by trees, snow, dirt, or
other vehicles
125

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

Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and respect
the limits of the assist systems, sensors,
and cameras > page 121.
— 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.
126
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition
Traffic sign recognition: currently unavaila-
ble. Camera view limited due to surroundings
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 128.