2020 AUDI A8 towing

4N0012721BD
Driver assistance

Turn assist
Applies to: vehicles with turn assist
When your vehicle is turning
The turn assist can assist you with a braking in-
tervention when starting to drive or when driving
slowly, to reduce the risk of your vehicle colliding
with an oncoming vehicle when you are making a
left turn). The braking intervention causes your
vehicle to stay in its lane. The function is only
available when the turn signal is turned on and at
speeds up to maximum of 6 mph (10 km/h).

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 154.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.
@ Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Adjusting Audi pre sense
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense

The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 157.
You can adjust the Audi pre sense functions to
your preferences. The settings depend on the ve-
hicle equipment.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Audi pre
sense.
Possible settings:
— Turn assist
— Swerve assist

2) When making a right turn in countries with left-hand drive
vehicles.
2) In certain countries
Prewarning~ - The prewarning can be switched
off or the Audi pre sense warning time can be set
(Early/Medium/Late).
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If you feel that the prewarnings ap-
pear too early, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
@) Tips
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
— If the system is switched off, it switches on
again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again”).
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
tLe [Ly
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
re or s displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the Audi pre sense functions may be un-
available or may be limited.

A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 156, fig. 117, > page 156,
fig. 118 and try to turn on the systems again lat-
er.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
185

Wheels

exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculat-
ed in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to de-
termine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
> Check the tire sidewall
(=> page 290, fig. 189) to deter-
mine the designated load rating
for a specific tire.
Wheel bolts and rims
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
easily. You will need a special adapter to loosen
the anti-theft wheel bolts* > page 319.
Rims
Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel
covers* consist of multiple pieces. These compo-
nents were bolted together using special bolts
and a special procedure. You must not repair or
disassemble them > A\.

ZA WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 322, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble

304

rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of
an accident.
Loose wheel warning
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if
one or more wheels are loose.
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning
system compares the vibration characteristics of
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes-
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location
of that wheel will be indicated.
Messages
fi Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-
hicle and check all wheel bolts!
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\.
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-
ing specification checked as soon as possible with
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For
the correct tightening specification, see
=> page 322, Finishing.
fi Wheel assessment active. Please continue
driving carefully
After this message appears and you have checked
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-
eral minutes.
& 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 >

4N0012721BD
Emergency assistance

Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 316.
> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 316 and the
spare tire > page 322.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspen-
sion: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

Z\ WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack”. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
Removing the caps
with the flat tire.



B4L-1337

&




[
Fig. 198 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 198.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.

Anti-theft wheel bolts
Applies to: vehicles with anti-theft wheel bolts
i
> all
Fig. 199 Anti-theft wheel bolt with cap and adapter


B4H-0470
v

You need a special adapter in the vehicle tool kit
to remove the anti-theft wheel bolts.
>» Remove the cap @).
> Slide the adapter @) all the way onto the anti-
theft wheel bolt @.
» Slide the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit
all the way onto the adapter @).
> Loosen the wheel bolt > page 319.
@) Tips
Note the code number for the wheel bolt
adapter and store it in a safe place separate
from the vehicle. If you need a replacement
adapter, contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility and give them
the code number.
Loosening the wheel bolts

B4S-0221

Fig. 200 Wheel: loosening the wheel bolt
319

Emergency assistance

4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump-start pin @) on the vehi-
cle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red cover on the positive terminal.

ZA WARNING
— Never connect the jump start cable directly
to your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment.
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components
that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
— The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.
— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other
vehicle's engine compartment.

@ Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.
324
G) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.
Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the
special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only ifatow >

4N0012721BD
Emergency assistance

bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

Z\ WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.
@) Note
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.

— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
@ Tips
— If the power supply is interrupted, then it
will not be possible to move the selector
lever out of the "P" position. The parking
lock must be released using the emergency
release before towing the vehicle
=> page 116.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 185 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship, or other type of transportation,
or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent
an undesired intervention from the pre
sense* system.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=> page 324.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 325,
=> page 326.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 64. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
> Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > A\.
> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 124.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.

ZA WARNING
Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or towing
cable if the vehicle does not have electrical
power.

Front towing loop
BFV-0305


Fig. 207 Front bumper: installing the towing loop
325

Emergency assistance

The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
=> fig. 207. The cap will loosen from the bump-
er.
> Tighten the towing loop in the threaded open-
ing until it stops and then tighten it with a
wheel wrench.
>» After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

Z\ WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident.
@) Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the
cover can vary.
Rear towing loop



BFV-0306

Fig. 208 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right rear of the bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 316.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
=> fig. 208. The cap will loosen from the bump-
er.
> Tighten the towing loop in the threaded open-
ing until it stops and then tighten it with a
wheel wrench.
326
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

ZA WARNING
If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident.

G) Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the
cover can vary.

4N0012721BD
Index

tiptronic
refer to Manual shifting............... 115
Tire Mobility System (tire repair set)....... 316
TPES scones ao aires & =) eeeos * wyamenpa © eyewai fo © anon 289
Loose wheel warning...........0+eeeee 304
Low-profile tires ..........-.000e-e0ee 306
REPaiSOLS « eves © a cnesere © ewes a © nteabos © are 316
Replacing........... 0.0 cee eee eee eee 319
S@rvic@ lif@ws « « game < ¢ aims < xayeu sx Hens 298
TRE; PRESSURCL en. so cessas so sewers 6 wiemuea » wrens 299
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 307
Tire pressure table ...........-.e eee eee 300
Tire pressure (trailer mode)............ 151
Treadwear indicators.................. 298
Unidirectional: « sacs « s sees sx news x 291, 321
Uniform tire quality grading............ 306
Tires and wheels
Glossary of tire and loading terminology .. 292
Tires and vehicle load limits............ 301
Tool... 6. eee 316
Tooltips. .... 6... eee eee eee eee 20
Top tether anchor (securing the child safety
S@at) 0. cee eee eee tenes 95
Touch display
Adjusting feedback...............000 ee 20
Operating « = sess 2 x, sone 2 a wanes ¥ ramen a 6 ones 18
TOWING): 5 © sore 9 © seems 3 seson 9 oom © wanes 324
Towing LOOP ese: x ¢ saws se eee se ees 325, 326
Towing protection monitoring............. 46
TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 307
Traffic iffOrination = wes + 2 cos s naee & o ow 238
Traffic jam assist
refer to Adaptive cruise assist........... 170
Traffic light information................ 161
Traffic sign recognition..............004 159
Traffic SignScw: 2 y eens = x eens yo ees 5 v eee 162
Trailer mode
Air SUSPENSION ¢ sciiss » & caus 2 o cars 2 & ears 151
Trailer mode (navigation).............. 240
Trailer towing wis + 2 sce 2 2 sence oo eee » were 151
Tongue weight.........-....000- eens 1S,
Ufailer load = cesen s 2 enwm 9 4 ama oo mee eee 151,
TUTMASSISE sees ¢ 2 iain 3 See 8s Saee a Rees 185
Turn signals ........ cece eee ee eee eee 61
U
Unable to pass........... 2.000 e eee eee 178
Uniform tire quality grading............. 306
Unlocking and locking.............-..0-- 43
By remote control................00005 48
Using the lock cylinder................. 46
With the central locking switch.......... AS
With the convenience key............... 48
Update (software) ...............00000 267
Updating stations (radio).............04. 242
Upright positions, « « snscss 6 « cesses © # cosas » ¥ eave 78
USB
Adapter... ..... cece cee eee eee 202
USB
charging port............0...0 ee eee 97
USB stick
refer to Audi music interface....... 253,254
Using residual heat................00.. 107
V
Valet parking... ... 6. ccc eee e eee ee eee 56
Vanity maior esse = « anewese + ercuene w 9 vecton wo ane 67
Vehicle
Care/cleaning .......... ese e eee eee ee 309
DIM@NSIONS sex « yews 5 o een cs we R Ge 341
Udentificationdatarss + micas s inca ae essven 341
Out of service........... 0... 315
RaiSitiG): « asws = 5 eaves 3 ¢ Sanne 4 § GES Fs 320
SUNN Gian 5s wsstm 4 o wna 5 x omermee a 7 sosoee 9S Ld.
TWANSPONE crccsie « v evenem « onemeanse © mesens @ » 129, 136
Veiclercareran x 2 ocniss + soma « 4 emo © eons 309
Vehicle control services.............000. 218
Vehicle identification number............ 341
Vehicle jack’: « cess « x sews = x eres = x eee ee: 316
Lifflag pales. so seis 2 seem x 6 enema + wes 320
Tire change mode.............--..005 319
Vehicle key... 0.0... 0. ee eee ee eee ee 43,47
WeFIGleSOUMG inne « suesons oo sxanein ao winneas © w evans 120
Vehicle start system... .. 0.0... cece eee eee 122
Wehicle:tool:Kits. & cccvese so sess eo seman a 8 oniians 316
Ventilation: « s wives ss wens s ¢ wine s ¢ eas 5 104
VIEW bUttofiies x = seuws ¢ = erwe ¢ = Gems te eee 13
VOICetia Ils « = ucugy = x weuoe © ¢ meen ¢ 2 eee 8 a 206
Voice recognition system.............0... 38
Exterfialsecues « x sem 2 ana a a name & 5 meme & 39
Openatlings. « « scsi: « sewers © snemens w @ pcsue © 6 oo 38