2020 AUDI A6 winter tires

Driving

off the engine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.
i P button: malfunction! Auto P when engine
off. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the "P" button on the
selector lever. The “P” gear is automatically en-
gaged when you turn off the engine. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
fl Danger of rolling away! P not possible.
Please apply parking brake
The parking lock was released using the emer-
gency release > page 98 or can no longer be en-
gaged. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
the malfunction corrected.
Move selector lever to automatic position
The transmission has switched out of tiptronic
mode. Switch back to automatic mode with the
selector lever > page 97.
Drive system
A new vehicle must be broken in within the first
1,000 miles (1,500 km) so that all moving parts
work smoothly together, which helps to increase
the service life of the engine and other drive com-
ponents.
Do not drive higher than two-thirds of the maxi-
mum permitted engine RPM during the first 600
miles (1,000 km) and do not use full accelera-
tion. The engine can be increased RPM gradually
during the next 300 miles (500 km).
Conventional and mild hybrid drive system
Applies to: vehicles with a conventional drive system or a mild
hybrid drive system
Vehicles with a conventional or mild hybrid drive
system are powered by a combustion engine. It
uses fuel to recover energy.
100
Vehicles with a mild hybrid drive system have ad-
ditional battery technology.
Sait ele didn aat nel a ede eA

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:
— Turn off electrical equipment that is not need-
ed, for example seat heating*.
— Anticipate upcoming traffic situations while
driving to avoid unnecessary acceleration and
braking.
— Avoid driving at high speeds.
— Avoid adding extra weight to the vehicle if pos-
sible, for example by not leaving roof racks or
bike racks installed when they are not needed.
— Make sure the tire pressure is correct.
— Have maintenance performed regularly on the
vehicle.
— Do not drive with winter tires during the summ-
er.
— Do not let the engine run while the vehicle
parked.
— Use the Start/Stop system.
— Utilize the engine braking effect.
— Avoid driving short distances when possible.
@ Tips
The amount of noise produced by the vehicle
can increase significantly when driving with a
sporty style. Show respect to others around
you and the environment with the way you op-
erate your vehicle, especially at night.
Energy management
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent ener-
gy management system for distributing electrici-
ty. This significantly improves the starting ability
and increases the vehicle battery life.
(Gi) Tips
— If you drive short distances frequently, the
vehicle battery may not charge enough

4K0012721BD
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 255. 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
115
>

4K0012721BD
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 following
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 > (<3) > Speed
warning.
@ Tips
Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Applies to: vehicles with speed warning system
ey Manually set XX speed limit warning
threshold exceeded
The stored speed was exceeded.
Camera-based traffic
sign recognition
Applies to: vehicles with camera-based traffic sign recognition

Fig. 96 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 26.
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 119 is cov-
ered, for example by dirt or stickers. Cleaning
information > page 266
— If the traffic signs are completely or partially
covered, for example by trees, snow, dirt, or
other vehicles
123

4K0012721BD
Wheels

Wheels Wheels
and Tires
General information
> Check your tires regularly for
damage, such as punctures,
cuts, cracks, and bulges. Remove
foreign objects from the tire
tread.
>If driving over curbs or similar
obstacles, drive slowly and ap-
proach the curb at an angle.
>Have faulty tires or rims re-
placed immediately.
>Protect your tires from oil,
grease, and fuel.
>Mark tires before removing
them so that the same running
direction can be maintained if
they are reinstalled.
>Lay tires flat when storing and
store them ina cool, dry location
with as little exposure to light as
possible.

A WARNING
—Never drive faster than the
maximum permitted speed for
your tires. This could cause the
tires to heat up too much. This
increases the risk of an acci-
dent because it can cause the
tire to burst.


—Always adapt your driving to
the road and traffic condi-
tions. Drive carefully and re-
duce your speed on icy or slip-
pery roads. Even winter tires
can lose traction on black ice.

() Note
—Please note that summer and
winter tires are designed for
the conditions that are typical
in those seasons. Audi recom-
mends using winter tires dur-
ing the winter months. Low
temperatures significantly de-
crease the elasticity of summ-
er tires, which affects traction
and braking ability. If summer
tires are used in very cold tem-
peratures, cracks can form on
the tread bars, resulting in
permanent tire damage that
can cause loud driving noise
and unbalanced tires.
—Burnished, polished or
chromed rims must not be
used in winter driving condi-
tions. The surface of the rims
does not have sufficient corro-
sion protection for this and
could be permanently dam-
aged by road salt or similar
substances.
245

4K0012721BD
Wheels

@) US DOT number (TIN) and
manufacture date
The manufacture date is listed on
the tire sidewall (it may only ap-
pear on the inner side of the tire):
DOT... 2219...
means, for example, that the tire
was produced in the 22nd week of
the year 2019.
Audi Original Tires
Audi Original equipment tires
with the designation “AO” have
been specially matched to your
Audi. When used correctly, these
tires meet the highest standards
for safety and handling. An au-
thorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility will be
able to provide you with more in-
formation.
(Q) Mud and snow capability
“M/S” or “M+S” indicates the tire
is suitable for driving on mud and
snow. /\ indicates a winter tire.
Composition of the tire cord
and materials
The number of plies indicates the
number of rubberized fabric lay-
ers in the tire. In general: the
more layers, the more weight a
tire can carry. Tire manufacturers
must also specify the materials
used in the tire. These include
steel, nylon, polyester and other
materials.
@ Maximum permitted load
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and
pounds that the tire can carry.
@ Uniform tire quality grade
standards for treadwear,
traction and temperature
resistance
Treadwear, traction, and tempera-
ture ranges > page 262.
@ Running direction
The arrows indicate the running
direction of unidirectional tires.
You must always follow the speci-
fied running direction
=> page 277.
Maximum permitted
inflation pressure
This number indicates the maxi-
mum pressure to which a tire can
be inflated under normal operat-
ing conditions.
247

4K0012721BD
Wheels

differently even if they are the
same size > (\.
>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.


Z\ WARNING
—Do not use steel rims that are
17 inches or larger. Otherwise,
damage to the vehicle and an
accident could result.
—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.

253

4K0012721BD
Wheels

& Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See
owner's manual
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

ZA WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-
trol, which increases the risk of an accident.
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im-
mediately and avoid any hard steering or
braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible
and check the wheel bolts.
— Check your wheels for damage. Have the
damaged wheels checked and/or replaced
immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the message may be delayed.
— The driver is responsible for ensuring that

the wheels are attached correctly.
G) Tips
— The loose wheel warning system can also
stop working when there is an ESC malfunc-
tion.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
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 245. 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 255.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.16 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter tires
also decrease greatly as the tire ages, regardless
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.
(i) 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 4 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 0.40 inch (10.5 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.
261

Wheels

If the tire pressure monitoring indicator
appears
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
display with an indicator light (J and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
= page 264. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 255, fig. 165.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
— The tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
— The tires have structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 264
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
If the @ indicator light turns on, there is a loss
of pressure in at least one tire .> A\ Check the
tires and replace or repair if necessary. Check and
correct
the pressures of all four tires and store
the pressure again > page 264.
ia Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual
if io appears after switching the ignition on or
while driving and the @ indicator light in the in-
strument cluster blinks for approximately one
264
minute and then stays on, there is system mal-
function. Try to store the correct tire pressures
= page 264. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

G) Tips
—The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
—The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 252. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the MMI.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=>page 255.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure >