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.
Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Certain requirements must be met when towing
a trailer.
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.
112
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 > ©.
() 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
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
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 237. 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 >
8W1012721BB
Trailer towing
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
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.
113
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.
— Keep in mind that Audi pre sense front can
apply the brakes unexpectedly. Always se-
cure any cargo or objects that you are trans-
porting to reduce the risk of damage or in-
jury.
— 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 115.
@ 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.
114
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.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.
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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. 110 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, the regulating functions may
shut off automatically.
etal Rome ladle Rogen)
yet -t-te)
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 (@)/G)
=> page 123, fig. 110.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> 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 Gl or indicator light in the instrument
cluster. >
123
Driver assistance
An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display*.
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @)/G) > page 123, fig. 110.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward @)/C).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/C).
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 Gg or {§8) 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 123, fig. 110, or
> Press the brake pedal.
124
ZA WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.
Seem Lola
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 123, fig. 110, or
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gir / §) 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.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Predictive messages > page 125.
— Predictive control > page 126.
8W1012721BB
Driver assistance
and road conditions. If necessary, apply the
brakes and reduce the selected speed to be
maintained in the Adjustment to curves
along route setting to reduce the risk of an
accident.
G) Tips
— Predictive control can exceed or drop below
the maximum permitted speed. The driver
is responsible for adhering to the permitted
speed limit.
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Ifa speed limit is detected, the marking @
= page 128 of the set speed limit will be ad-
justed even if Audi adaptive cruise control is
not actively regulating.
— Control by the system depends on which
adaptive cruise control driving program is
set or on the selected Audi drive select*
mode.
— After switching on the ignition and first
driving onto a freeway or similar road with-
out a speed limit, the system will regulate
the speed to 80 mph (130 km/h)). Then
the system adjusts to the last speed set by
the driver.
— There is no adaptation to speed limits when
driving through highway interchanges and
when driving on or off the expressway.
— The system can fail to provide control or the
control may be faulty if the values from the
camera-based traffic sign recognition” are
incorrect or the navigation system map data
is outdated.
— When route guidance is switched on, the
system adapts to the route provided by the
navigation system. Driving without route
guidance or leaving a route can result in
faulty control.
D_ In certain countries
Audi adaptive cruise
control
General information
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control
Depending on vehicle equipment, Audi adaptive
cruise control may consist of the following func-
tions:
Within the limits of the system, the adaptive
speed
and distance control assists the driver in
controlling the speed and the set distance to the
vehicle driving ahead. If the system detects a ve-
hicle driving ahead, the adaptive cruise control
can brake and accelerate your vehicle within the
limits of the system. On open roads with no traf-
fic, it functions like a cruise control system. The
stored speed is maintained. When approaching a
vehicle driving ahead, the adaptive cruise control
system automatically brakes to match that vehi-
cle's speed and then maintains the set distance
as much as possible. As soon as the system does
not detect a vehicle driving ahead, adaptive
cruise control accelerates up to the stored speed.
In stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle may brake to a
full stop and then may also start driving again
automatically under certain conditions.
Applies to: vehicles with traffic jam assist: In
traffic jams or in stop-and-go traffic, the traffic
jam assist can assist the driver to stay within the
lane detected by the system > page 134.
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist: Predic-
tive control can adjust the set speed based on
traffic and road conditions > page 126.
ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.
G) Tips
For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see > page 275.
127
Driver assistance
Limitat
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control
B8V-0630
Fig. 111 Example: vehicle changing lanes and stationary
vehicle
B4M-0093
Fig. 112 Example: driving into a curve
In some situations, the adaptive cruise control
function is limited and you must assume control
of the vehicle when necessary, for example by ap-
plying the brakes.
— When driving into a curve > fig. 112 and out of
acurve, the system may react to a vehicle in the
neighboring lane and apply the brakes. You can
override the system by pressing the accelerator
pedal briefly.
— The system works with the various sensors and
cameras in the vehicle. Vehicles can only be de-
tected once they are within the area and range
covered by the sensors > page 115, fig. 104.
— When driving around tight curves, a vehicle
driving ahead that was previously detected may
no longer be detected, and the system may ac-
celerate unexpectedly.
— The system does not react to a stationary vehi-
cle in the same lane if it expects that you can
easily drive around the stationary vehicle by
turning the steering wheel.
128
— The system cannot react to stationary objects,
such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam, es-
pecially when traveling at high speeds.
— The system has a limited ability to detect
vehicles that are a short distance ahead, off to
the side of your vehicle, or moving into your
lane.
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance,
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be
detected late or not detected at all.
— The system does not respond to people, ani-
mals, or objects that are crossing or approach-
ing from the opposite direction.
ZA\ WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.
Fig. 114 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
(4) - @, you can find more detailed information
abour the system. The displays depend on the
country and equipment.
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Driver assistance
Display in the speedometer
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@®) Available speed range for the adaptive cruise
control (example)
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
> page 15.
Messages and settings
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Set target distance
If you fall below the set distance, the dis-
tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.
Your vehicle
Availability of Audi active lane assist
OOO
COO®
Availability of traffic jam assist
Indicator lights
BA - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
B- The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The system controls the
speed and distance from the vehicle driving
ahead, and accelerates and brakes automatically.
Al - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
B - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
A - The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance to a vehicle driving
ahead. You must intervene > page 133, Driver in-
tervention request.
ZX WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 114.
Operating Audi adaptive cruise control
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control
[RAZ-0096
B4M-0232
Fig. 116 Operating lever: changing the speed
Switching on
> To switch on the adaptive cruise control, 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 (2). The set speed is indi-
cated with a marking in the speedometer (@)
=> page 128, fig. 113 and shown in the instru-
ment cluster > /\.
> To save the speed while the vehicle is station-
ary, also hold the brake pedal down.
129
>