2020 AUDI Q3 tow

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
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.

ZA 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 >@®.
102

Z\ WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed
@) 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.
ey Teale met ada)
Towing capacity

Never exceed the maximum permitted weights
=> page 262.
In some scenarios, the load in trailer mode can
be reduced due to the permitted towing weight.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The specified towing weights only apply at eleva-
tions up to 3,200 ft (1,000 m) above sea level. As
the elevation increases, the motor power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 ft (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.

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Trailer towing

Having the tongue weight too low affects the ve-
hicle's handling. For driving safety, always using
the maximum permitted tongue weight is recom-
mended, but not exceed it. Distributing the cargo
in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 262.
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 224. 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
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
103
>

Trailer towing

there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
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.

104

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Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sica eel delay
ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
= page 106 or page 107.



@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving.
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.
— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
@) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.
— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 102.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.



105

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Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 90 Lever: switching on the cruise control system
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The ICRUISE| or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, it may shut off automatically.
Preselecting or activating a cruise control
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/C)
=> page 111, fig. 90.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position @ while driving, or:
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gs or El indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
111

Driver assistance

Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in increments, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 111, fig. 90.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, press and hold the lever to-
ward @)/().
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> Once you release the accelerator pedal, the sys-
tem will adjust back to the stored cruise control
speed.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The indicator light will be
displayed and the cruise control speed will be
saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 111, fig. 90.
>» Press the brake pedal.

ZA\ WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.

112
See mea
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When you switch the system off completely, the
cruise control speed will be deleted.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 111, fig. 90, or:
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gi / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Adaptive speed/cruise
assist
General information
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the adap-
tive cruise assist may consist of the following
functions:
The adaptive speed/cruise assist (called only
adaptive cruise assist in the vehicle display and in
the rest of the Owner's Manual) consists of a
speed and distance control system. It assists the
driver by both regulating the speed and main-
taining the set distance to the vehicle driving
ahead, within the limits of the system. If the sys-
tem detects a vehicle driving ahead, the adaptive
cruise assist can brake and accelerate your vehi-
cle within the limits of the system. On open roads
with no traffic, it functions like a cruise control
system. The stored speed is maintained. When
approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the adaptive
cruise assist automatically brakes to match that
vehicle's speed and then maintains the set dis-
tance as much as possible. As soon as the system
does not detect a vehicle driving ahead, adaptive
cruise assist accelerates up to the set speed.

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Driver assistance

Using adaptive cruise assist
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

RAZ-0096

RAZ-0344)



Fig. 96 Operating lever: changing the speed
Switching on
> To switch on the adaptive cruise assist, pull the
lever up to position @ until it engages.
Storing the speed and activating regulation
If you have switched the system on, you can set
the current speed as the “regulated speed” and
activate regulation:

> Press the [SET] button @). The set speed is indi-
cated with a marking in the speedometer (@)
=> page 114, fig. 93 and shown in the instru-
ment cluster > /\.
> To store the speed when stationary, the brake
pedal must also be pressed.

You can set any speed between 20 mph
(30 km/h) and the maximum possible speed
range @» & page 114, fig. 93.
Pausing cruise control
The cruise control can be paused at any time
while driving or when stationary.

2) Depends on the country and engine
> Press the lever away from you in the direction
of the arrow to pause the cruise control. Or
> Press the brake pedal.
The A indicator light turns off
Resuming regulation
The previously set speed can be resumed at any
time after a pause.
> To resume cruise control while driving, pull the
lever
toward you in the direction of the arrow.
> To resume cruise control when stationary, pull
the lever toward you in the direction of the ar-
row while pressing the brake pedal.
Changing the speed
> To increase or decrease the set speed in incre-
ments, tap the lever in the @)/@) direction.
> To increase or decrease the set speed quickly,
hold the lever toward () or () until the mark-
ing in the speedometer @) > page 114, fig. 93
has reached the desired speed.
Preselecting a speed
You can also preselect the speed when adaptive
cruise assist is not active by moving the lever in
the desired direction @)/©). Activate the previ-
ously selected speed by pulling the lever toward
you in the direction of the arrow.
Switching off
If you do not want to use the adaptive cruise as-
sist for a longer period of time, you can switch it
off.
> To switch off the adaptive cruise assist, push
the lever away from you to position © until it
engages.
The indicator light and the set speed will turn off.
Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— The activated adaptive cruise assist is only
an assist system, and the driver is still >



115

Driver assistance


responsible for controlling the vehicle. The
driver is especially responsible for braking,
starting to drive, controlling the speed, and
maintaining the distance to other vehicles.
— Turn on the adaptive cruise assist only if the
surrounding conditions permit it. Always
adapt your driving style to the current visu-
al, weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— Switch the adaptive cruise assist off tempo-
rarily when driving in turning lanes or high-
way exits. This prevents the vehicle from ac-
celerating to the stored speed when in these
situations.

ZA WARNING
If you press the SETK2) button when driving
at speeds below 20 mph (30 km/h), then 20
mph (30 km/h) will be set because that is the
minimum speed that can be set. If no vehicle
is detected ahead of you, the vehicle will ac-
celerate up to that speed.


@ Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— If you switch the ignition or the adaptive
cruise assist off, the stored speed is erased
for safety reasons.
— When the adaptive cruise assist is switched
on, the ESC and the ASR are switched on au-
tomatically.
— The system cannot be switched off if the
road exceeds the maximum possible grade
for safe operation.
— If you signal to pass and the adaptive cruise
assist suggests a passing maneuver, the
adaptive cruise assist will accelerate just be-
fore changing lanes to shorten the distance
to the vehicle driving ahead.
116
Setting the distance
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

B4M-0234


Fig. 97 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher
the speed, the greater the distance that is need-
ed.
> Tap the rocker switch to display the distance
that is currently set.
> To increase or decrease the distance in incre-
ments, tap the switch again toward G) or ().
The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for
example with the indicator light. In the Driv-
er assistance display, a graphic display is shown
instead of the indicator lights > page 114,
fig. 94. The display matches the functions of the
indicator lights.
When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the
adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and
then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle
driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive
cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed
that you have set.
The following distances can be set: