2021 AUDI A4 brakes

Driving dynamic


these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.

Gi) Tips
The ABS and ASR only function correctly when
all four wheels have a similar wear condition.
Different tire sizes can lead to a reduction in
engine power.
The So button (or 2, depending on the model)
for controlling the ESC is located in the center
console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the oF button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
When ESC is limited, allroad models switch to
Offroad mode. All other model versions switch to
Sport mode. Sport mode is particularly suited for
driving on an even road surface. Offroad mode is
designed for uneven terrain or loose ground.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the Sor
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.
114
ZA\ WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
(i) Tips
— If you select the Audi drive select* Offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
BB /ABS} / B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual

There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
it a blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-
ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indi-
cator light stays on, the ESC has been switched
off due to system needs. The indicator light turns
off when the system is fully functional.

8W1012721BC
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
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 > @®.
CG) 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 245. 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
115
>

Trailer towing

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.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals 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.
116
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 14. 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.

8W1012721BC
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. 105 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position ©.
The Gia 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.



estate Rem lad lite: Rag ena)
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 @)/G)
=> page 127, fig. 105.
> 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 Gg or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster. >
127

Driver assistance

An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display*.
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @)/G) > page 127, fig. 105.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward @)/G).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
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 the regulated speed must be activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> To resume the stored regulated speed, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The [Ud or [RM indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward @) (not locked into place)
=> page 127, fig. 105, or
> Press the brake pedal.
128

ZA WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.
See me Lai
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When you switch the system off, the cruise con-
trol speed will be erased.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 127, fig. 105, or
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gir / 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.
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 129.
— Predictive control > page 133.

Driver assistance


switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
@ Tips
— 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.
— When a route is planned using the naviga-
tion system*, then system displays messag-
es based on an assumed route. Without
route guidance, the system displays mes-
sages based on an assumed route.
— The wording of the message may vary de-
pending on the selected Audi drive select*
mode and the selected gear.

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
130
jam assist can assist the driver to stay within the
lane detected by the system > page 138.
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist: Predic-
tive control can adjust the set speed based on
traffic and road conditions > page 133.

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 117.
@) Tips
The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations > page 284.

Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control



Fig. 106 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. 106 and out of
a curve, 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 118, fig. 99.
— 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.

8W1012721BC
Driver assistance

— The system does not react to a stationary vehi- @ - @, you can find more detailed information
cle in the same lane if it expects that you can about the system. The displays depend on the
easily drive around the stationary vehicle by country and equipment.
turning the steering wheel.
— The system cannot react to stationary objects, Display th thespeedsmeter
such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam, es- @ Marking for the set speed
pecially when traveling at high speeds. @ Current vehicle speed
— The system has a limited ability to detect © Available speed range for the adaptive cruise
vehicles that are a short distance ahead, off to control (example)
the side of your vehicle, or moving into your
iane: Image in the Driver assistance display
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo- The display only appears when the Driver assis-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance, tance display is open in the on-board computer
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be > page 16.
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.
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.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 117. Your
vehicle
Availability of Audi active lane assist
©O©©OQ®
COG®
Availability of traffic jam assist


Indicator lights
BI alo A - The speed/distance control is active. No
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
RAZ-0205. a - 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.
A - 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. BI 3 9) nN | fac 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.
aA - The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance from a vehicle driv-
Fig. 108 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display ing ahead. You must intervene > page 137, Driv-
er intervention request. >

Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ -@ inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
131

Driver assistance

Messages
If and a message with Predictive control is
displayed when there is a malfunction, the effi-
ciency assist functions are unavailable or 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 119 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 Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 117.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when predictive control is
switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
— The system does not consider “right of way”
rules and does not respond to traffic lights,
so lack of driver attention in these situations
can increase the risk of an accident.
— The speed when driving through curves may
be different from what you as a driver would
do or may not be suitable for the weather
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.

@ 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

D_ In certain countries
134
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Ifa speed limit is detected, the marking @
= page 131 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.
Setting the distance
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control


B4M-0234


Fig. 111 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher >