2020 AUDI Q3 tow

Stowing and using


If necessary, stow the luggage compartment
cover under the double cargo floor
=> page 76. Remove the side inserts to do
this.
Increasing the size of the luggage
compartment
Applies to: vehicles with folding backrests

Fig. 71 Backrest: strap
The rear seat backrests can be folded forward ei-
ther separately or together.
Follow the safety precautions > page 74.
> If necessary, slide the rear bench seat forward
=> page 57.
> To fold the backrest forward, pull the strap @).
> Fold the backrest forward until it locks into
place.
> To fold the backrest back, pull the strap.
> After the transport, fold the backrest up until it
locks into place.
Pass-through
Applies to: vehicles with pass-through

Ew
Fig. 72 Center backrest: release button
Follow the safety precautions > page 74.
76

> To fold the center backrest forward, press the
release button ().
>» After the transport, fold the center backrest up
until it locks into place.
Tie-downs and cargo net


Fig. 74 Luggage compartment: cargo net stretched out
Follow the safety precautions > page 74.
Tie-downs
There are tie-downs (@) in the luggage compart-
ment to secure pieces of luggage and objects.
> Use the tie-downs to secure the cargo.
Cargo net
Applies to: vehicles with luggage compartment net
Use the cargo net (2) to secure lighter objects in
the luggage compartment
> Unfold the bracket for the front tie-downs.
» Attach the hooks for the cargo net to the tie-
downs.
Double cargo floor
Applies to: vehicles with double cargo floor
Tools or other objects can be transported under
the double cargo floor.

83A012721BB

Stowing and using

> Lift the cargo floor up using the handle. — Make sure the roof rack is mounted on the vehi-
> Lock the cargo floor at the side mounts. cle only at the specified locations @.
> Remove the side inserts if necessary. — Note the permitted axle load, permitted total
weight, and permitted roof load of your vehicle
© page 262. The roof load is the total of the
Applies to: vehicles with adjustable cargo floor weight of the roof rack, the attachments and
the cargo you are carrying. However, you must
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
Fig. 75 Luggage compartment: lowering the cargo area
floor
a roof rack system, because it changes the
The cargo floor can lower to expand the storage driving characteristics by shifting the center
area in the luggage compartment. 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.
Roof rack Make sure that the luggage compartment lid
General information and the panoramic glass roof do not come in-
Applies to: vehicles with roof rack mount to contact with objects on the roof when they
are open.
> To lower the cargo floor, lift it at the handle (4).
> Pull the cargo floor slightly back and then push
it forward again to position 2) or GB).


Energy usage will increase because of the in-
creased wind resistance. Remove the roof rack
when you are no longer using it.


Fig. 76 Roof rail: 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.
77

Driving

The selected driving program is displayed in the
instrument cluster.
—D (Drive): normal driving mode
—S (Sport): sporty driving mode
If you select the Dynamic mode in Audi drive se-
lect*, the “S” driving program will be activated.
When the ignition is switched off, the driving pro-
gram may be reset to “D”.
To switch between the current driving program
and “S”, push the selector lever toward the rear.

Z\ WARNING
— Before starting to drive, check if the desired
gear is displayed next to the selector lever.
— Always secure your vehicle from rolling
away. Press the brake pedal or shift to “P”.
When leaving the vehicle, also set the park-
ing brake.
— Power is still transmitted to the wheels
when the engine is running at idle. To pre-
vent the vehicle from “creeping”, you must
keep your foot on the brake in all selector
lever positions (except "P" and "N") when
the engine is running.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, do not
press the accelerator pedal when changing
gears if the vehicle is stationary and the en-
gine is running.
— Never select the “R" or "P” gears while driv-
ing. Doing so could cause an accident.
— The vehicle can roll even if the ignition is
switched off.

@ Tips
If you shift between “D” and “R” within one
second, you do not need to press the brake
pedal. This makes it possible to “rock” if it is
stuck, for example.
86
Manual shifting

RAZ-0406


Fig. 81 Center console: shifting manually with the selector
lever

RAZ-0003



—
Fig. 82 Steering wheel: shift paddles*
You can shift the gears manually when in “D”
mode. The transmission must be in tiptronic
mode.
Shifting with the selector lever
You can shift into manual shifting mode while the
vehicle is stationary or while driving.
> To switch to manual shifting mode, tilt the se-
lector lever toward the front passenger's side
> fig. 81. “M” will be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster.
> Upshifting: push the selector lever forward (@).
> Downshifting: push the selector lever toward
the rear ©).
> To switch back to automatic mode, tilt the se-
lector lever toward the driver's side.
Shifting with the shift paddles
Applies to: vehicles with shift paddles
> Upshifting: press the @) shift paddle > fig. 82.
> Downshifting: press the ©) shift paddle.
> To switch back to automatic mode, press and
hold the () shift paddle or push the selector
lever toward the rear.

83A012721BB
Driving

If you stop using the shift paddles temporarily,
the transmission will switch back to automatic
mode. To keep shifting manually, tilt the selector
lever toward the front passenger's side.
@ Tips
— The transmission only allows manual shift-
ing when the engine speed is within the per-
mitted range.
— The transmission automatically shifts up or
down before critical engine speed is
reached.
Accelerator pedal
You can accelerate the vehicle using the accelera-
tor pedal. If you press the accelerator pedal all
the way down, the engine’s full power will be
used and you will reach maximum acceleration,
also called “kick-down”.
ZX WARNING
The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle
could swerve on slick or slippery road surfaces
when using kick-down, which increases the
risk of an accident.


Manually releasing the parking lock



Fig. 83 Selector lever: removing the shifter boot

RAZ-0491 le



Fig. 84 Selector lever: releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
The emergency release is located under the selec-
tor lever shift gate on the left side. Using the
emergency release can be complicated. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
You will need the screwdriver from the vehicle
tool kit to release it > page 240. Use the flat side
of the reversible screwdriver blade.
Removing the shifter boot
> Set the parking brake to secure your vehicle
from rolling away. If this is not possible, secure
your vehicle from rolling using another meth-
od.
> Switch the ignition off.
> To loosen the shifter boot, carefully insert the
flat side of the screwdriver sideways into the
slit near the shifter boot > fig. 83.
> Carefully pry the shifter boot out with the
screwdriver while gripping the boot at the fold
with your hand and pulling it upward and out
until all four corners are released > fig. 84.
> Fold the shifter boot up around the shifter
knob.
Releasing the parking lock using the
emergency release
> Use the screwdriver to press the yellow release
button downward.
> At the same time, press the unlock button on
the selector lever and move the selector lever
to the “N” position.
Attaching the shift cover
> Clip the shift cover back into the shift gate.
87
>

Driving

Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.

Z\ WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.

@) Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
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 94. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
G) 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-
92
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 209.
Messages
GRG / GD Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
ES/ Gana 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\.
GG U © 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.
EG if @ 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
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.

Driving

> An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

Z\ WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
Messages
Gg / © Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ERG / ) Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake
There
is a malfunction in the parking brake. If the
message appears while stationary, check if the
parking brake is released and can be reset. If this
is the case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message continues to appear, if the park-
ing brake cannot be released, or if the message
appears while driving, then stop the vehicle on
level ground and shift to “P”. Do not continue
driving. See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ww Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and shift to “P”.
94
fa / Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
a / {Q) Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal to release the parking brake.
Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
Please note the following when driving on in-
clines and hills:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 85. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.
— Use the hill descent assist if necessary
=>page 95

Z\ WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill
climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you |>

Driving dynamic

the driving situation. The settings depend on the
selected Audi drive select* mode.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load

ZA\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
©) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.
Werle
| 8 | Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving\

There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
speed. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
98
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when
the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
Messages
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
|@—e| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
|e —e| Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.

ZA\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident. >

Driving dynamic

brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that
would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

physical laws. This is especially important on
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should
immediately alter your speed to match the
road and traffic conditions. Do not let the in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-
ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the



ZA WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural

100
risk of a collision.
@) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in engine power.

— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The So button is located above the selector lev-
er in the center console.
The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
— Driving downhill while braking on loose ground
— Driving with axle articulation
Limiting ESC (Offroad mode)
—To limit the ESD, press the £20 button briefly.
The Fj indicator light turns on.