2020 AUDI A8 cooling

4N0012721BD
Warm and cold

at low or high temperatures. You can adjust the
fragrance function > page 107.
Residual heat
The residual heat from the coolant is used to
heat the vehicle interior. To use this function,
press and hold $8 for more than two seconds
while the ignition is switched off. The function
switches off automatically after about 15 mi-
nutes.

Z\ WARNING
— You should not use the recirculation mode
for an extended period of time, because no
fresh air is drawn in and the windows can
fog when cooling mode is switched off. This
increases the risk of an accident.
— Individuals with reduced sensitivity to pain
or temperature could develop burns when
using the seat heating* function. To reduce
the risk of injury, these individuals should
not use seat heating”.



G) Note
To reduce the risk of damage to the seat heat-
ing* elements, do not kneel on the seats or
place heavy pressure on one area of the seat.
@ Tips
— If the front passenger's seat heating” is
turned on, it will not turn on again automat-
ically if more than 10 minutes have passed
between switching the ignition off and on
again.
— Only use the fragrance function* in modera-
tion and take any other passengers and ani-
mals into consideration when using the
function. An overlap of different scents or
odors could cause discomfort. If there is
discomfort, reduce the intensity or switch
the fragrance function* off. Only use fra-
grances that are approved by Audi.
Adjusting the air vents
S| a g
S| = + a

Fig. 96 Adjusting the air vents
You can open and close the air vents.
> Swipe right to open the air vents.
> Swipe left to close the air vents.
You can also press on the symbols directly to set
the air supply at a certain level or turn it off.
The levers adjust the direction of the airflow from
the vents.
Additional settings
You can adjust additional settings.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Climate control > ©.
Fragrance
Applies to: vehicles with fragrance system
Using Fragrance selection, you can select the fra-
grance and see the fill level of the fragrance.
You can select the strength of the scent with Fra-
grance level.
Footwell temperature*
You can adjust the footwell temperature for the
driver and front passenger.
Surface heating
Applies to: vehicles with surface heating
You can select if surfaces are also heated when
the seat heating is switched on. Other surfaces,
such as the door armrest and the center armrest,
may be heated, depending on the equipment.
107

Warm and cold

Air quality display
Applies to: vehicles with air quality display
You can display information about the air quality.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Climate control > Air quality.
> Applies to: Rear Seat Remote: Press AIR QUAL.
on the home screen.
Pollutant filter
A pollutant filter cleans the air in the vehicle inte-
rior when the blower is switched on.
A schematic display represents the effectiveness
of the filter. The display visualizes the amount of
pollutant particles in the vehicle interior in com-
parison to the surroundings.
@ Tips
For optimal air quality in the vehicle interior,
close all windows and doors and activate A/C
cooling mode, the AUTO function, and recircu-
lation mode.
Well
a/c] Air conditioner: increase in CO2 concentra-
tion. Ventilate vehicle. See owner's manual
Ventilate the vehicle. If this message continues
to display, stop driving as soon as you can safely
park your vehicle and contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. If this
message appears, drive to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately.
Steering wheel heating
Switching on and off
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
> Press the @ button to switch steering wheel
heating on/off.
You can also operate the steering wheel heating
using the multifunction steering wheel
=> page 40.
108
G) Tips
The steering wheel heating setting will be au-
tomatically stored in the active personal pro-
file.
Applies to: vehicles with steering wheel heating
@& Steering wheel heating: on/Steering wheel
heating: off
This message appears if you have switched the
steering wheel heating on or off.
Steering wheel heating: malfunction! See own-
er's manual
If this message appears, there is a malfunction.
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
Auxiliary climate control
Applies to: vehicles with auxiliary climate control
The auxiliary climate control system warms or
cools the vehicle interior. The vehicle will turn on
the auxiliary climate control system if needed,
depending on the last temperature that was set
with the climate control system controls. This
function can be used when the drive system is
switched off.
You can turn the auxiliary climate control system
on and off immediately in the MMI or set a timer.
Requirement: The charge level of the high-volt-
age battery must be sufficient.
@ Tips
— The temperature that the auxiliary climate
control adjusts to depends on the last tem-
perature that was set > page 104.
— Using the auxiliary climate control while
charging can also reduce the charge level of
the high-voltage battery.
— Starting or stopping the vehicle will not
switch off the auxiliary climate control auto-
matically.

4N0012721BD
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 299. 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
151
>

4N0012721BD
Checking and Filling

safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area in the vehicle. > A.


ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Allow the engine to cool.
— Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
— Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These flu-
ids (such as the freeze protection contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
— Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
— Never reach into the radiator fan. The fan is
temperature-controlled and can turn on
suddenly, even when the ignition is switched
off.
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: the coolant expansion
tank cap is equipped with a seal that must
never be removed under any circumstances
= page 277, fig. 183. If the coolant expan-
sion tank for the high-voltage system is not
sealed, please contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: the sealed cap must on-
ly be opened by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure. There
is a risk of burns
— To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in

the electronic high-voltage ignition system
when the engine is running or is starting.
— Ifa gear is engaged while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is running, do not
press the accelerator pedal inadvertently.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the
vehicle to move, and this could result in an
accident.
— If inspections or repairs must be performed
while the engine is running, moving compo-
nents (such as the ribbed belt, generator,
and radiator fan) pose an additional risk.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.


ZA\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit

275

4N0012721BD
Checking and Filling

> Wait approximately two minutes. — Because all these variables play a role, it is
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: not possible to define an oil consumption
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level. standard. Therefore, the oil level must be
> Applies to: Audi tablet: Select on the home checked regularly.
screen: VEHICLE > Oil level. — If you believe that your engine has in-
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
“min” > page 279. Service Facility to determine the cause.
Please note that an exact oil consumption
@) Note measurement must be done with the neces-
sary care and accuracy and may take time.
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
@ Tips measuring the oil consumption.
— You can find information on engine oil and
engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
audi-service-schedules.html, or call
800-822-2834.
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
The oil level indicator in the display is only an
informational display. If the oil level is too
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in-
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood.
The current oil level will be displayed on the
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on.
@ Tips
The engine oil consumption may be up to oscil NT UII
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. Consumption may be higher during the
first 3,000 miles (5,000 km). The engine oil
level must be checked regularly. It is best to
check each time you refuel your vehicle and
before long drives.
— Because of the lubrication and cooling of
the engine, combustion engines consume
oil. The oil consumption varies depending

RAZ-0013|


Fig. 184 Engine compartment: engine oil filling opening
on the engine and may change during the cover (example)
service life of the engine. Engines generally
consume more oil at the beginning during Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
the break-in period. Then oil consumption al information.
stabilizes after the break-in period.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption
depends on the quality and viscosity of the
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions,
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil
from condensation or fuel residue as well as oil > page 277.
the age of the oil also play a role. Because > Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con- > Close the hood & page 276.
sumption will increase again over time until
it may be necessary to replace worn compo-
nents.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood > page 276.
» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 184.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
279

4N0012721BD
Checking and Filling


— Drain the oil into a container designed for
this purpose that is large enough to hold the
full amount of oil in your engine.
— Engine oil is poisonous. Always store out of
reach of children.
— Prolonged contact of used engine oil with
the skin may cause skin damage. Always
wash oil off immediately with soap and wa-
ter to protect your skin.

@) Note
Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
@ For the sake of the environment
— Before changing the engine oil, make sure
you can dispose of the used engine oil cor-
rectly.
— Engine oil must always be disposed of cor-
rectly. Do not dump it in the yard, in the for-
est, or in open water, river channels, or sew-
ers.
— Have your used engine oil recycled by bring-
ing it to a used oil collection site or contact
a gas station.
Cooling system
The engine cooling system is filled with a mixture
of purified water and coolant additive at the fac-
tory. This coolant must not be not changed.
The coolant level is monitored using the B indi-
cator light. However, occasionally checking the
coolant level manually is recommended.
Messages
B Turn off engine and check coolant level. See
owner's manual
The coolant level is too low.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
coolant level > page 282.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 282. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
|_| Coolant temperature: too high. Please let
engine run while vehicle is stationary
Let the engine run at idle for a few minutes to
cool off, until the indicator light turns off.
— If the indicator light does not turn off, do not
continue driving the vehicle. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
if Coolant system: malfunction! Please turn
off engine
Do not continue driving, shut the engine off, and
switch the ignition off.
— See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
B Electric drive system: malfunction! Cooling
system. Please contact Service
There is a malfunction in the cooling system.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately.
Coolant additive
The coolant additive is made of anti-freezing and
corrosion protection agents. Only use the follow-
ing coolant additives. These additives may be
mixed with each other.



Coolant additive Specification
G12evo TL774L
G12++ TL774G
G13 TL774]

The amount of coolant additive that needs to be
mixed with water depends on the climate where
the vehicle will be operated. If the coolant addi-
tive percentage is too low, the coolant can freeze
and damage the engine. >
281

Checking and Filling





Coolant Freeze protec-
additive tion
Warm min. 40% min. -13 °F
regions max. 45% (-25 °C)
Cold min. 50% max. -40 °F
regions max. 55% (-40 °C)

@) Note
— Before winter weather begins, have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility check if the coolant additive
in your vehicle matches the percentage ap-
propriate for the climate. This is especially
important when driving in colder climates.
— If the appropriate coolant additive is not
available in an emergency, do not add any
other additive. You could damage the en-
gine. If this happens, only use water and re-
store the correct mixture ratio with the
specified coolant additive as soon as possi-
ble.
— Only refill with new coolant.
— Radiator sealant must not be mixed with
the coolant.
— Due to the risk of engine damage, the cool-
ing system should only be refilled by an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. An authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility can also pro-
vide you with important information about
the recommended coolant additive.
Checking coolant

= % [RAZ-0540]


MIN

Fig. 185 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @) markings
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al information.
282
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive Your
vehicle has two coolant expansion tanks that are
separate from each other > page 277, fig. 183.
One expansion tank for the combustion engine
and one tank for the high-voltage system. The
coolant expansion tank for the high-voltage sys-
tem is sealed and must not be opened > /\ and
of.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 276.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 277, fig. 183 using the outer
markings (2) > fig. 185. The coolant level must
be between the markings (2) when the engine is
cold. When the engine is warm it can be slight-
ly above the upper marking.
> If you add coolant to the coolant expansion
tank for the combustion engine, see
= page 281, Cooling system.
>» Plug-in hybrid drive: if coolant is missing from
the high-voltage system coolant expansion
tank, do not continue driving. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately > A\.
Adding coolant
Applies to: coolant expansion tank for combustion engine
When adding coolant to the combustion engine
expansion tank, please observe the following in-
structions.
Requirement: there must be a residual amount of
coolant in the expansion tank >@.
If you must add coolant, use a mixture of water
and coolant additive. Mixing the coolant additive
with distilled water is recommended.
> Allow the engine to cool.
> Place a large, thick towel on the coolant expan-
sion tank cap.
> Push the release button @ © fig. 185 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.

4N0012721BD
Checking and Filling

> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
=> page 281 up to the MAX marking.
> Make sure that the fluid level remains stable.
Add more coolant if necessary.
> Turn the cap to the right to tighten it until you
feel resistance a second time.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

voltage system is not sealed, please contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— When adding coolant, it may leak into the
inside of high-voltage components and
cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of


fire.


Z\ WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 274, General informa-
tion.
— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
— When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away
from children. There is a risk of poisoning.
() Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229|




ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
— The coolant expansion tank for the high-
voltage system may only be opened or filled
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
— The coolant expansion tank cap is equipped
with a seal that must never be removed un-
der any circumstances > page 277, fig. 183.
If the coolant expansion tank for the high-


Fig. 186 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 274, Gener-
al information.
Checking the brake fluid level
> Slide the cover that is located below the wind-
shield wipers on the driver's side toward the
windshield and remove the cover.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 277, fig. 183. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
oA.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
GG / @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level >
283