2021 AUDI A4 towing

Wheels

be five 150 lbs. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650
lbs.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex-
ceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculat-
ed in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to de-
termine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
>Check the tire sidewall
(=> page 236, fig. 165) to deter-
mine the designated load rating
for a specific tire.
Wheel bolts and rims
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
easily.
Rims
Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel
covers* consist of multiple pieces. These compo-
nents were bolted together using special bolts
and a special procedure. You must not repair or
disassemble them > A\.
250

ZA WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 266, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident.
Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-
cause of their construction (width, compound,
tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction
on ice and snow.

> Use winter tires on all four wheels.
> Only use winter tires that are approved for your
vehicle.
> Please note that the maximum permitted
speed may be lower with winter tires > A\ in
General information on page 235. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 245.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.16 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter tires
also decrease greatly as the tire ages, regardless
of the remaining tread.
@) For the sake of the environment
Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate
time, because they provide better handling
when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer
tires cause less road noise, tire wear, and fuel
consumption.

Emergency assistance

> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
>» When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 261 and the
spare tire > page 266.
>» Switch the ignition off.
> Turn the wheel bolt approximately one turn to
the left. To achieve the required torque, hold
the end of the wheel wrench*. If the wheel bolt
will not loosen, press carefully on the wheel
wrench* with your foot. Hold onto the vehicle
securely while doing this and make sure your
footing is stable.

ZA\ WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack*. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
with the flat tire.


Removing the caps



@

=
(G)
me
as
Fig. 173 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
?
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 173.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.
Loosening the wheel bolts
©
i=
x © a


Fig. 174 Wheel: loosening the wheel bolts
> Slide the wheel wrench* from the vehicle tool
kit all the way onto the wheel bolt.
264

ZA WARNING
To reduce the risk of an accident, only loosen
the wheel bolts gently one turn before raising
the vehicle with the vehicle jack*.

Raising the vehicle
Applies to: vehicles with vehicle jack

© & Ss
g
= % oo


Fig. 176 Sill: positioning the vehicle jack
> Place the vehicle jack from the vehicle tool kit
ona firm surface. Use a flat, stable support if
necessary. Ona slippery surface such as tile,
you should use a non-slip pad such as a rubber
mat > A\.
> Find the marking on the sill that is closest to
the tire that will be changed > fig. 175. Behind
the marking, there is a lifting point on the side
sill for the vehicle jack.
> Turn the handwheel to raise the vehicle jack un-
der the lifting point on the side sill until the

8W1012721BC
Emergency assistance

Connecting the positive cable (red) to the
positive terminal
> Open the cover on the positive terminal
> fig. 179.
1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to
the jump-start pin @ © fig. 180 on your vehi-
cle.
2. Attach the other end of the positive cable
(red) to the positive terminal @ on the pow-
er source.
Connecting the negative cable (black) to the
negative terminal
3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black)
to the negative terminal @) on the power
source.
4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump-start pin @) on the vehi-
cle.
Starting the engine
>» Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the cover on the positive terminal.

ZA WARNING
— Never connect the jump start cable directly
to your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment.
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components
that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
— The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.

— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other


vehicle's engine compartment.
() Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.
G) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.

Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
269
>

Emergency assistance

Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA\ WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.

@) Note
— If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
special carrier.
— If the vehicle is towed by a tow truck at the
axle that is not permitted, this can cause se-
vere damage to the transmission.
— The vehicle must not be tow started for
technical reasons.
G) Tips
— If the power supply is interrupted, then it
will not be possible to move the selector
lever out of the "P" position. The parking
lock must be released using the emergency
release before towing the vehicle
=> page 100.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 146 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship,
or other type of transportation,
270
or when towing the vehicle. This can prevent
an undesired intervention from the pre
sense* system.
— Follow the local legal regulations for tow-
ing.
Read and follow the important information under
=> page 269.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loop > page 271.
> Make sure the towing cable is not twisted. Oth-
erwise it could disconnect from the towing loop
while towing.
> Switch the emergency flashers on in both
vehicles > page 53. However, do not do this if it
prohibited by law.
Towing vehicle (front)
> Only start to drive when the towing cable is
taut.
> Press the brake pedal very carefully.
> Avoid sudden braking or driving maneuvers.
Vehicle being towed (rear)
» Make sure the ignition is switched on so that
the steering wheel is not locked and so that you
can use the turn signals, the horn, and the
windshield wipers if needed > A\.
> Switching it off before the vehicle has stopped
may impair the function of the brake booster
and power steering. You would then need to
use more force to steer and brake the vehicle.
> Release the parking brake > page 106.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.

ZA\ WARNING
— Never tow a vehicle using a tow bar or tow-
ing cable if the vehicle does not have electri-
cal power.
— If the vehicle runs out of power while it is
being towed, stop towing the vehicle imme-
diately and consult an authorized Audi deal-

er or qualified repair facility.

8W1012721BC
Emergency assistance

Rear towing loop


Fig. 181 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right rear of the bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 261.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 181. The cap will loosen from the bump-
er.
> Tighten the towing eye as far as it will go into
the mount. Use a suitable object to tighten the
towing eye completely and securely in the
mount.
>» After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.


If the towing loop is not tightened until it
stops when installing, the threads may be
pulled out when towing the vehicle and result
in an accident.


Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.
271

8W1012721BC

Repaltiseti. «. ico + 0 mass ov caw ¥ viemees ae os 261
Service life... . ee eee eee eee 244
TIVE PreSStiriws s < sews s ¢ eege & e ees ¥ Bo 245
Tire pressure monitoring system.... 252, 253
Tire pressure table.................00. 247
Tire pressure (trailer mode)............ 115
Treadwear indicators... 0000s sonia a een 244
Unidirectional................... 237, 266
Uniform tire quality grading............ 251.
Tires and wheels
Glossary of tire and loading terminology .. 238
Tires and vehicle load limits............ 248
Toll Module
refer to Integrated Toll Module......... 125
ToolS. 1... eee eee eee 261
Top tether anchor (securing the child safety
S@at) 6. eee eee 80
Touch display
Adjusting the brightness................ 19
Operating « « ses 2 6 mes 2 o waws s wawe we ¥ vrs 17
TOWING: + « sams 2 & eee 2 & emis 2 o pewE 2 & Bee 269
TOWING OOD. seavers «x omens ¢ x ees Fo ER a 2 oe 271
Towing protection monitoring............. 36
TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 253
Traffic incidents
refer to Online traffic information....... 190
Traffic information « secsia 2 2 wioww s owen ws acre 191,
Online traffic information.............. 190
Tiraffic famiassist 5 novos» sorte wo exes « + swore 138
Traffic light information................ 123
Traffic sign recognition................. L21
Traffic SIGNS ie: = ¢ sews + y saws 3 e ewes § ea 124
Trailer towing sc < = eee ¢ » meen 2s eee 2 ees 115
Tongue weights . visws ss sensu < w came + « eesue 115
Trailer load... 2... eee eee eee eee 115
TURMHASSISE
yess « os suneoe « 0 eestor 0 staneas a exo 146
TUM SIQMAlS eriiios oe evaens wo cnavene +o vara + renin 52
U
Uniform tire quality grading............. 251
Unlocking and locking................--. 33
BYsFEMMGTECONECOL,. cece os viaceue wo aussene © vane 38
Using the lock cylinder................. 36
With Audi connect vehicle control........ 39
With the central locking switch.......... 35
With the convenience key............... 38
Update (software) ..............2--000. 213
USB
Adapter... 0.2... ce eee eee eee eee eee 165
USB charging port..............00000005 82
USB drive
Supported types/formats.............. 207
USB stick
refer to Audi music interface........... 202
Users
LOCAL USERS sisi so eaume 6 o even © & swans #8 sere 30
myAudi users... 2.22... eee eee eee 30
Using residual heat..............00. 0000 93
V
Waletiparking siciss < «cosas no nests x 6 oneness « a ai 48
Vanity Mitotic o 3 wis 6 wanen 0 + acme & 6 coven 57
Vehicle
Care/cleaning............ cece eee eee ee 255
Dimensions .............000-.00 ee eee 286
Identification data...............0 000s 286
OUP ORSCNVICE coctine x 2 mses oo onesie wo aetne «6 260
Raising... 6... eee eee eee eee 264
StartiniG ce: « + aces « = wens 5 2 eee & o eee eo 95
Unlocking and locking...............05. 38
Vehiclescaresisns oo sca ee acer oo owen +o ons 255
Vehicle control services.............00.. 175
Vehicletdata labe@leys : « sw 2 «ewe 2 eames 2 2 2 286
Vehicle identification number............ 286
Vehicle jack... 22... ee eee eee ee eee 261
LITLINIG POINES: « o cews ¢ « www oo ews eo eee 264
Vehicle keys: « « see ys sees 4s sews se ews 33; 37
Vehicle starting system................. 103
Vehicle tool kit...............0000000-. 261
Ventilation...................0.0000 08 90
VIEW button... 2.6... eee eee eee eee 13
WoiGemalss x sas os snasnne ow winnsne 6 avateae ow « 168
Voice recognition system ...........ee sees 26
External... 6.0.0... cece eee eee ee 27
Operating’: « « ase < paves & HR B= ERE a oe 26
Ww
Warning lights
refer to Indicator lights...............0.. 7
299