2020 AUDI Q7 towing

4M1012721BA
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 > @.

ZA 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.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 298.
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 engine 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.
For driving safety, always using the maximum
permitted tongue weight is recommended, but
not
exceed it. Distributing the cargo in the trailer >
115

Trailer towing

correctly will help to achieve this weight. Having
the tongue weight too low affects the vehicle's
handling.
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 298.
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 256. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The tire pressure must be increased an additional
3 PSI (0.2 bar) for towing loads over 6,600 lbs
(3,000 kg).
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.
116
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.
The turn signals are activated in trailer mode if
the & indicator light blinks. If a turn signal on
the trailer or on the vehicle fails while in trailer
mode, the indicator light will not blink twice as
fast to indicate this.
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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 108
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >,
=> page 109.
For vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch,
the air suspension trailer mode will automatically
switch on if you connect the trailer cable to the
socket.
For vehicles with a retrofitted trailer hitch, you
must switch on the air suspension trailer mode
manually.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch it off again when you are no longer towing
a trailer.
When using carrier systems that are mounted di-
rectly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can also
switch trailer mode off manually.

4M1012721BA
Trailer towing

If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 109.
You can also increase ground clearance by select-
ing the Audi drive select* offroad or allroad
modes > page 108.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no Longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

IX WARNING
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
® Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function 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.
Pe MO le
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
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.

117

Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Safety precautions

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 119.

@ 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. The settings could have been
changed, for example, by other drivers or if
another personal profile was used.
118
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.
G) 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 115.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.

4M1012721BA
Driver assistance

@) 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.
ae
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).

Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
— 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 121.
You can adjust the Audi pre sense functions to
your preferences. The settings depend on the ve-
hicle equipment.

D_ In certain countries
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (@}) > Audi pre
sense.
Possible settings:
— Turn assist
— Swerve assist
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.
Messages
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 120 and try to turn on the sys-
tems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
149

4M1012721BA
Driver assistance

located in the area that is critical for a lane
change. For example:
— If the lanes are narrow or if you are driving on
the edge of your lane. If this is the case, the
system may have detected a vehicle in another
lane that is not adjacent to your current lane.
— If you are driving through a curve. Side assist
may react to a vehicle that is in the same lane
or one lane over from the adjacent lane.
— If side assist reacts to other objects (such as
roadside structures like guard rails).

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
— The display may not appear on time when
vehicles are approaching or being passed

very quickly.

G) Tips
— If the window glass in the driver's door or
front passenger's door has been tinted, the
display in the exterior mirror may be incor-
rect.
— These systems are not available in trailer
towing mode. There is no guarantee the sys-
tems will switch off when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch. Do not use these functions
when towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.
Oe Ree
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 121. If the system is activated, the
displays will turn on briefly when the ignition is
switched on.
Adjusting the brightness
You can adjust the brightness of the display in
the exterior mirror. The settings depend on the
vehicle equipment.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > (€}) > Side as-
sist > Brightness.
The display brightness is automatically adapted
to the ambient light. If the automatic adaptation
has already reached the upper or lower limit, no
change will be apparent when the setting is
changed, or it will only become visible when the
ambient light changes. Adjust the brightness to a
level where the display in the information stage
will not disrupt your view ahead. If you change
the brightness, the display will briefly show the
brightness level in the information stage.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
iff or Eg is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the side assist and exit warning system
functions may be unavailable 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 sensor area in the ve-
hicle rear and try to turn the systems on again
later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
151

Driver assistance

Exit warning Switching the exit warning on and off
rr — The system can be switched on and off in the
ple Ted |) at Cela)
MMI & page 121.
Applies to: vehicles with exit warning system

A WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 118.
— Always pay attention to traffic and to the
area around your vehicle. The exit warning
system does not replace the attention of the
vehicle occupants. The vehicle occupants are
always responsible for opening the doors
and exiting the vehicle.
— The exit warning system does not respond
to people and cannot warn you about every
type of approaching objects, such as cyclists.
Always monitor the traffic as well as the ve-
hicle's surroundings with direct eye contact.
— The display may not appear in time when
vehicles are approaching very quickly.
— The exit warning system does not react to
stationary objects or pedestrians.




Fig. 125 Front door: warning strip (diagram) — The exit warning system will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is pulled too far into
General information the parking space so that it is hidden by ad-

jacent vehicles.
Within system limits, the exit warning system
can detect traffic approaching from behind such 6) »
as vehicles, and provide assistance based on this VJ Tips
information when you are exiting the vehicle — The exit warning system can be available for
=> fig. 124. The system uses the data from the ra- up to approximately three minutes after un-
dar sensors at the rear corners of the vehicle. locking the vehicle and opening the door as
well as after switching off the ignition. Then
Displays and warnings the displays flash briefly and the system
If you pull a door handle while the vehicle is sta- switches off.
tionary and an object classified as critical is ap- — The system is not available when towing a
proaching, the warning strip @ and the display trailer. There is no guarantee the system
on the exterior mirror (2) will light up on the cor- will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
responding side of the vehicle. er hitch. Do not use these functions when
towing a trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.
If the door is opened, the displays on that side
will flash. If another road user that is classified
as critical is approaching while a door is already
open, the displays on that door will turn on.
The same messages apply for the exit warning
system and side assist > page 151.
152

Parking and maneuvering


your vehicle is pulled too far into the park-
ing space so that it is hidden by adjacent
vehicles.

Gi) Tips
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
— Once an automatic brake activation occurs,
the system cannot initiate another activa-
tion for several seconds.
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— If there is an acoustic warning signal from
the rear cross-traffic assist, then the park-
ing aid may not warn you of detected obsta-
cles under certain circumstances.
— The system is not available when the vehicle
detects that you are towing a trailer. There
is no guarantee the functions will be deacti-
vated when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
Do not use these functions when towing a
trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 295.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 135
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
164