2020 AUDI A5 towing

Stowing and using


— Never exceed the permitted axle and load
and vehicle weight > page 284.
— Never secure a child safety seat to the tie-
downs.
— Never leave your vehicle unattended, espe-
cially if the luggage compartment lid is
open. Children could enter the luggage com-
partment and close the luggage compart-
ment lid from the inside. This creates the
risk of fatal injury, since the children would
be locked in and may not be able to escape
by themselves.
— Do not allow children to play in or on the ve-
hicle. Close and lock the luggage compart-
ment lid as well as all other doors when you
leave
the vehicle.
— Never transport passengers in the luggage
compartment. Every passenger must be cor-
rectly secured with the safety belts in the
vehicle > page 72.
— Be careful when releasing the backrest and
folding
it forward. To reduce the risk of be-
ing pinched, pay attention and check when
folding backrests forward.
— The backrest must be securely latched so
objects cannot slide forward out of the lug-
gage compartment during sudden braking.
— The backrest must be latched securely to en-
sure that the safety belt is protecting the
center seating position.
— Always pull forward on the backrest to make
sure it is check if it is correctly locked in
place.



© Note
—To reduce the risk of damage, move the rear
head restraints down before folding the rear
backrests forward = page 71.
— When folding the backrest forward, make
sure the outer safety belts are in the belt
guide recess so that they do not get pinched
in the backrest lock and damaged. Other ob-
jects
should be removed from the rear
bench seat to protect the backrest from
damage.
— To reduce the risk of damaging the front
seats, make sure there is enough space be-
tween the front seat and the rear seat
90
equipment when folding the center backrest
forward.
— If you move the front seat back when the
rear seat backrest is folded forward, you
could damage the head restraints on the
rear seat.
— Make sure that the heating grid strips for
the rear window defogger are not damaged
by abrasive objects.
G) Tips
— The tire pressure must be adapted to the
load > page 244.
— You can purchase straps at specialty stores.

ggage compartment cover
Applies to: vehicles with luggage compartment cover
| Bw-0198
|
Fig. 87 Luggage compartment: cover when the luggage
compartment lid is open

Fig. 88 Luggage compartment: cover behind the rear
bench seat
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
Removing and installing the luggage
compartment lid cover
> To remove the cover, turn the knob to a hori-
zontal position.

8W7012721BA

Stowing and using

> Pull the cover out of the retainers in the direc- > Fold the backrest back up again until it locks in-
tion of the arrow & fig. 87. to place and the red marking (8) is no longer
> To install the cover, slide it upward onto the re- visible.
tainers and let it lock into place.
» Turn the knob to a vertical position. Folding the center rear backrest forward and
backward
Removing and installing the cover behind Applies to: Sportback
the rear bench seat > Pull on the upper release lever @ and fold the
> To remove the cover, pull it in the direction of backrest forward @).
the arrow ° fig. 88. » Fold the backrest backward until it locks into
> Release it upward. place.
> To install the cover, insert the left and right Applies to: vehicles with lockable backrests in the rear and a
sides of the cover into the mounts on the side lockable pass-through.
trim panel. To prevent access to the luggage compartment
> Slide the cover forward until it locks into place. from the vehicle interior, the backrest can be
locked with the mechanical key © when it is
Increasing the size of the vehicle interior latched in place and the pass-through can be
Applies to: vehicles with folding backrests locked = page 92. You can only enlarge the lug-
gage compartment if the backrest is not locked.
oO r2) Rg
“ 0 oO Increasing the size of the luggage

compartment
Applies to: vehicles with release lever in the luggage compart-
ment

a s
e 3 S 8
B8W-0118
NVI


Applies to: Coupe:
Fig. 91 Luggage compartment: release lever
B8W-0265
Fig. 90 Center backrest: folding in* the center backrest
The rear seat backrests can be folded forward ei-
ther separately* or together.
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.


Folding the outer* rear backrests forward
and backward
Applies to: Cabriolet:
Fig. 92 Luggage compartment: release lever
> Pull the release lever (A) in the direction of the
arrow and fold the backrest forward.
91

Stowing and using

The rear seat backrests can be folded forward ei- Cargo net
ther separately* or together. Applies to: vehicles with luggage compartment net
Follow the safety precautions > page 89. Use the cargo net (2) to secure lighter objects in
the luggage compartment
> Applies to: Coupe:To fold the left/right backrest
forward, pull the left/right lever ©@/@ > Fold the clip for the tie-downs upward.
© fig. 91 in the direction of the arrow. To fold » Attach the hooks for the cargo net to the tie-
the center backrest* forward, pull the smaller downs.
release lever (3).
> Applies to: Cabriolet: To fold the backrest for-
ward, pull the release lever > fig. 92 in the di- Applies to: vehicles with pass-through
rection of the arrow.
> To set up the backrest again, fold it back until it
locks or the red marking (8) > page 91, fig. 89
is no longer visible.
Tie-downs and luggage comp

Fig. 95 Backrest: pass-through release
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
> To release the pass-through, turn the lock on
the backrest.
> Fold the pass-through cover down.
@) Tips
The pass-through can be locked and unlocked
from within the luggage compartment. This
prevents any access to the luggage compart-
ment from the vehicle interior.

al. eum Ld
Fig. 93 Luggage compartment: location of the tie-downs

Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
Tie-downs
There are tie-downs (a) in the luggage compart-
ment to secure pieces of luggage and objects.
> Use the tie-downs to secure the cargo.
92

8W7012721BA
Stowing and using



Juels ]

Fig. 96 Luggage compartment: cargo mat spread out
lengthwise

Fig. 97 Luggage compartment:
lengthwise cargo mat

L) crosswise cargo mat /


The cargo mat protects the luggage compart-
ment and bumper from dirt and scratches. You
can use both sides of the cargo mat.
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
> To protect the luggage compartment and
bumper when loading and unloading objects,
lay the cargo mat out lengthwise with the
backrests folded down or upright > fig. 96.
> After loading or unloading, fold up the cargo
mat and close the luggage compartment lid.
> To also protect the side trim panels, lay the car-
go mat out widthwise.

> To divide the loading surfaces into separate sec-
tions > fig. 97, fold the cargo mat.
> Only store the cargo mat if it is dry.
You can save room by storing the cargo mat at
the sides of the luggage compartment.
Roof rack

Applies to: vehicles with roof rack mount

BeW-0245
Applies to: Coupe
Fig. 98 Roof: mounting points

BaWw-0244
Applies to: Sportback
Fig. 99 Roof: mounting points
If luggage or cargo is to be carried on the roof,
you must observe the following:
— These roof racks are the basis for a complete
roof rack system. Only roof racks that are suita-
ble for your vehicle may be used. Roof racks and
attachments from the Audi Genuine Accesso-
ries program are recommended.
— Make sure the roof rack is mounted on the vehi-
cle only at the specified locations.
— Note the permitted axle load, permitted total
weight, and permitted roof load of your vehicle
=> page 284. The roof load is the total of the
weight of the roof rack, the attachments and
the cargo you are carrying. However, you must >
93

Stowing and using

also note the permitted load of the carrier sys-
tem being used.

— Follow the installation instructions provided
with the roof rack system. If you do not se-
cure the roof rack system and objects on the
roof correctly, they could come loose from
the vehicle and cause an accident.
— The risk of an accident increases when using
a roof rack system, because it changes the
driving characteristics by shifting the center
of gravity and/or the increasing the surface
area exposed to wind. You may need to
adapt your driving style and speed to the
current conditions.
Make sure that the luggage compartment lid
and the panoramic glass roof* do not come in-
to contact with objects on the roof when they
are open.
Energy usage will increase because of the in-
creased wind resistance. Remove the roof rack
when you are no longer using it.

Driving

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 112. 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 229.
Messages
Ge / @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
fs / © and B 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-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
BRENG / ) Warning! No brake booster function
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.
HG / | 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
110
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.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the indicator
light Ea / ® turns on briefly to check the
function. If the indicator light does not turn on,
there is a system malfunction.
if fie /@) stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@® - There was a heavy load on the brakes. Fol-
low the instructions in the message to utilize the
engine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

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.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The ©) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Setting: pull the © switch.

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.