2020 AUDI Q7 coolant level

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

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

4M1012721BA
Checking and Filling


— Maintain enough distance when you are re-
moving the oil drain plug. While doing this,
keep your forearm parallel to the ground to
reduce the risk of hot oil dripping down your
arm.
— 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
Ea 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 240.
— If the coolant level is too low, add coolant
=> page 240. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
/_E| 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.
|| 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.
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
Gl2evo 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.




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) >

239

Checking and Filling

@) 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

= Fe [RAZ-0540]


MIN

Fig. 168 Engine compartment - Coolant expansion tank:
@ cover with release button; @ markings
Follow the safety precautions > page 233, Gener-
al information.
Checking the coolant level
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Open the hood > page 234.
> Check the coolant level in the coolant expan-
sion tank > page 235, fig. 166 using the outer
240
markings @) > fig. 168. 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.
> When you add coolant to the expansion tank,
please refer to > page 239, Cooling system.
Adding coolant
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. 168 on the
cap and carefully turn it to the left until you
feel resistance > /\.
> Push the release button again and remove the
cap completely.
> Add coolant mixed in the correct ratio
= page 239 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.

ZA\ 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 233, 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 >

4M1012721BA
Checking and Filling


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 continue driving if the coolant expan-
sion tank is empty. Do not add any coolant,
because air could enter the cooling system
and damage the engine. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229|


Fig. 169 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Follow the safety precautions > page 233, Gener-
al information.
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located under a cover
on the driver’s side.
> Lift the cover > page 235, fig. 166 at both
openings and remove it.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 235, fig. 166. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
>/.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Message
GG / © Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be changed at regular inter-
vals. Have the brake fluid changed by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty. The authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will inform you of the replace-
ment intervals.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect and
driving safety, which increase the risk of an
accident. Do not continue driving. See an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
— If the brake fluid is old, bubbles may form in
the brake system during heavy braking. This
could impair braking performance and driv-
ing safety, which increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— The brake fluid in your vehicle must meet
the standard VW 501 14 and is available at
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility. If this brake fluid is not
available, another high-grade brake fluid of
equivalent quality may be used, and it must
meet the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Stand-
ard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4, Class 6.
C) Note
— If the brake fluid level is above the MAX
marking, brake fluid may leak out over the
edge of the reservoir and result in damage
to the vehicle.


— Do not allow any brake fluid to come into
contact with the vehicle paint, because it
will corrode the paint.
241

4M1012721BA

Closing
Automatic luggage compartment lid...... 38
Convenience closing.........:0e..e500% 41
HOO « cisco a cstinee ov cose ek oa aw ar 234
Luggage compartment lid............... 37
Luggage compartment lid with foot motion . 39
Panoramic glassir00ficc:. «sce ws naenn 0 seen 41
Sunshade (roof) ...............0000000e 41
WIUTCGWS = ssae 5% eae 5b Beee & a ee ge 40
Closing aid (power closing doors).......... 30
Cockpit dimming....................005 51
Cockpit (overview) ..........-..00 eee eee 6
[6(0) (0) 2300 |-) eet er oo 297
Combustion engine................+-6- 100
Coming home/Leaving home
refer to Entry/exit lighting.............. 48
COMPAPEMENES!: » s sccwr » 0 wes 2 6 ezewens 6 0 ommets 82
Compass inthe mirror...............00-4 56
Compliance. « sevice ss weve sv exces 2 v oeae ¥ os 295
Configuration wizard.................0.. 18
CONMECEs: 5 o sue ge MeN s RES aE eee Oe 178
Data plano: « win os mosue ve cman o mane oe 183
Data Privacy..... 0... eee ee eee eee 290
Emergency Call sacs: s sens s eee: veens 184
Tnfotainmetitie. . vcs os woos oo camo 6 eae 178
Infotainment services.............---- 179
Online roadside assistance............. 185
Vehicle control services.............005 180
Connected devices
Device overview ............ 0000. e eee 226
Connections
referto Media..............0000- 210,215
Consumer information............-.0004 292
Consumption
Reducing.......... 0. eee ee eee eee ee 100
Consumption (fuel) ..............000 eee 14
Contacts
Add destination...................... 195
Importing and exporting.............. 176
Memoryscapacltyice « « scsos « « pene < « mene © 176
Opening (business card) ............... 170
Updating inthe MMI.................. 176
Convenience: key’: « scan ss wewm sy ewe + gees 30
Convenience closing...............0005 4l
also refer to Vehicle key..............-5 34
Convenience opening and closing
Windows or panoramic glass roof........ 41
Coolant temperature display.............. 13
Cooling Moder: i = iain. + meee s & aK wv eR 90
Cooling system
Adding
coolant..............2-000005 240
Checking the coolant level............. 240
COOLAHE weeny. = ¢ seuss % 2 eee 9 § eee bY ew 239
Cornering
light: =» sees ¢ 2 eese 2» ewan ss es 45
Cross traffic assist (intersection assistant) .. 153
Cruise control system............000005 130
Cup holders. ....... eee eee cece eee 81
Current consumption..............000005 14
D
Data plans... 2... eee eee eee eee 183
Data: Privatty’s « sss: + 2 sence oo secu vo ein vo 290
Date seca « 2 ssi + a ieee vn wee > OER = RR 14
SQCEIN Gl « sucnsir « ansvinns ou snenene # ¥ ecowase oo) asetn 225
Daytime running lights.................. AS
Declaration of compliance............... 295
DEF (instrument cluster) ..............004 11
Demo mode
refer to Presentation mode............. 199
Destination on the map..............0.. 191
Detailst: os sscmve o vam 2 2 aneee ao ansome 2 2 aeeeT 190
Determining correct load limit........... 260
Digital: cOMpaSs sew: : 2 sees c= reas ve een se 56
Dimensions ...........-..0 0c e eee eee ee 297
Dimming the exterior mirrors............. 52
Dimming the rearview mirror............. 52
Directory
Settings........... 002.2 eee eee eee 176
also refer to ContactS..............00. 170
Display
Gleanings « « exis = > erasers « 2 esecnie ow ears owe 269
Disposalicne is « scsswa se suns « @ mnenes oe mae ow 292
DiStaNCO rss « ¢ cams = o aaae 3 ¢ eeupe « 2 Hee x a 14
DIStanGe WARNING, ames 3 « says se gems «eR 143
Doors
Childisatety lock eric. ss cio so ween a ewes « 40
Door contact switch................200. 50
Mechanically unlocking and locking....... 33
Power closing/closing aid............... 30
Driver information system................ 12
Drives
refer toMed aise « «wees sv wwie 6 owen 21.0,.2;L5
301