2021 AUDI A4 snow chains

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
Assist systems



surroundings directly and do not become dis-
tracted.

() Note
— Obstacles may disappear from the measure-
ment range when approaching them, even if
they were already detected.
—Insome situations, the ability of the sen-
sors and cameras to detect and display cer-
tain objects may be limited.
— Objects located above the coverage area,
such as bumpers on parked cars, garage
doors that are partially open, or objects
that are hanging
— Low obstacles
— Narrow objects, such as barrier chains, fo-
liage, poles, or fences
— Projecting objects, such as trailer draw
bars
— Objects with certain surfaces and struc-
tures,
such as fabric
@) Tips
— The sensors and cameras and the areas
around them must not be obstructed be-
cause this can impair the function of the
systems that depend on them. Make sure
that the sensors and cameras are free of
snow, ice, and other deposits. Do not use
any accessories, stickers, or other objects
that extend into the range of the sensors
and cameras.
— On vehicles that have factory-installed li-
cense plate brackets on the front of the ve-
hicle, the brackets may only be replaced
with ones that are the same size and made
of the same material. Do not install any li-
cense plate brackets on the front of vehicles
that do not have factory-installed brackets.
Otherwise, the function of the system could
be impaired.
— The function of the sensors and cameras
may be limited when light and visibility con-
ditions are poor, for example when driving
into
a tunnel, when there is glare, or when
there are reflective objects.
— External ultrasonic sensors, such as those in
other vehicles, can interfere with the sen-
sors.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 99
and cameras > fig. 100 are diagrams and do
not represent a true-to-scale image of the
sensor ranges.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 284.
Locations of the sensors and cameras


[RAZ-0820

Fig. 101 Front area: sensors and cameras





Fig. 102 Rear area: sensors and cameras
Front area
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing sensors and cameras may be installed:
— Camera behind the windshield
— Peripheral cameras on the exterior mirrors
— Front peripheral camera in the radiator grille
— Front and side ultrasonic sensors
— Front radar sensors at the corners of the bump-
er >
119

8W1012721BC
Parking and maneuvering

The driver must decide if the parking space
displayed is suitable for the vehicle.
— Certain conditions near the parking space
may cause the parking process to fail, such
as if the parking space is near trees or posts,
or if the ground is covered, for example,
with gravel, snow, or ice.
@) Tips
— Ifyou did not drive past a suitable parking
space too quickly, the parking space search
can also be activated afterward by pressing
Pe.
— The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)
must not be switched off during the parking
process. If the ESC intervenes, the parking
process
will be canceled.
— You can also drive into a perpendicular park-
ing space yourself and then activate the sys-
tem. If this is the case, the front of the vehi-
cle should already be in the space @)
=> page 157, fig. 131 so that the sensors
can measure the space.
— The system is not available when certain as-
sist systems are switched on.
— If there are suitable parking spaces on both
sides of the street, for example on a one-
way street, you can change the side where
the system is searching for parking spaces
by activating the turn signal for the other
side or by pressing on that side in the center
display.
— The park systems do not provide support for
assisted parking on tight curves.
Park assist
ere eure)
Applies to: vehicles with park assist
The park assist helps you when parking and exit-
ing parking spaces after the parking space
search. The park assist takes over the steering of
the vehicle while the driver accelerates, brakes,
and monitors the vehicle's surroundings. Park as-
sist can be interrupted at any time.

ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 117.
— The driver is always responsible when enter-
ing or exiting a parking space and during
similar maneuvers.
— Do not use this function if the vehicle cannot
move freely, for example when on a vehicle
jack.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— Do not use the park assist systems when
transporting cargo that extends out of the
vehicle, when snow chains are mounted, or
when the parking space is on a hill or in-
cline.
— Park assist guides the vehicle either away
from curbs or onto them if other vehicles
are parked on the curb. Make sure that your
vehicle's tires and rims are not damaged.
Resume control of the vehicle in time or
stop the parking process if needed to pre-
vent damage.
G) Tips
Follow the legal regulations in the country
where you are located when using Park assist.
Parking with the park assists
Applies to: vehicles with park assist
Requirement: a suitable parking space must be
found and selected > page 157. The vehicle must
initially be stationary.
In the center display, arrows and symbols on the
vehicle roof 2) > page 158, fig. 133 indicate
what action is needed, such as applying the
159
>

8W1012721BC
Wheels

@) Tips
You can also use all season tires instead of
winter tires. Please note that in some coun-
tries where winter tires are required, only win-
ter tires with the 44 symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> Only install snow chains on the front wheels.
> Check and correct the seating of the snow
chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol-
low the instructions from the manufacturer.
> Note the maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Observe the local regulations.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use
snow chains.
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add
more than 0.53 in (13.5 mm) in height, including
the chain lock.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.

ZA WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
@) Note
Snow chains can damage the rims and wheel
covers* if the chains come into direct contact
with them. Remove the wheel covers* first.
Use coated snow chains.
@ Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 114.

Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface anda
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.
This results in an agile driving style. However, it
may reduce the level of comfort and increase
road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-
tion.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 245.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/cracks
on the rims.
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand-
ard tires.
Uniform tire quality grading
— Tread wear
— Traction AAABC
— Temperature ABC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width > page 236, fig. 165.
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-
perature A.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
251
>

Wheels

—The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 242. Audi recommends using
these tires.
Selene Ma e-w egy
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the system.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 245.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
monitoring > Store tire pressure > Yes, store
now.
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
254

Emergency assistance

The wheel bolts must be clean and loosen and
tighten easily. Check the contact surfaces for the
wheel and hub. Contaminants on these surfaces
must be removed before installing the wheel.

ZA\ WARNING
— Read and follow the important information
and notes under > page 242.
— Never use the hex socket in the screwdriver
handle or the hex socket wrench with the
ratchet to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.
This increases the risk of an accident, be-
cause you will not be able to achieve the cor-
rect tightening specification.
@) Note
When removing or installing the wheel, the
rim
could hit the brake rotor and damage the
rotor. Work carefully and have a second per-
son help you.
Unidirectional tires
A unidirectional tire profile is identified by arrows
on the tire sidewall that point in the running di-
rection. You must always maintain the specified
running direction. This is necessary to ensure the
tire's optimal performance in regard to adhesion,
running noise, and friction, and to reduce the risk
of hydroplaning.

To benefit fully from the advantages of the uni-
directional tire design, you should replace faulty
tires as soon as possible and restore the correct
running direction on all of the tires.
> Reinstall the caps on the wheel bolts if necessa-
ry.
> Store the vehicle tool kit in its designated
place.
> If the removed wheel does not fit in the spare
wheel well, store it securely in the luggage
compartment > page 83.
> Check the tire pressure on the installed wheel
as soon as possible.
> Correct the tire pressure and store it in the MMI
=> page 254.
266
> The wheel bolt tightening specification must be
90 ft lbs (120 Nm). Have it checked as soon as
possible with a torque wrench. Drive carefully
until then.
> Have the faulty wheel replaced as quickly as
possible.
Space-saving spare tire
Applies to: vehicles with space-saving spare tire (Compact
spare tire)
The spare tire is intended for short-term use only.
Have the damaged tire checked and replaced if
necessary by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility as soon as possible.
There are some restrictions on the use of the
compact spare tire. The compact spare tire has
been designed specifically for your type of vehi-
cle. Do not replace it with the spare tire from an-
other type of vehicle.
The compact spare tire is located in the luggage
compartment under the cargo floor cover
=> page 261.
The tire pressure must be adjusted to a specified
value listed on the tire pressure sticker
=> page 245, fig. 168.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, the use of snow chains on
the compact spare tire is not permitted.
If you have to drive with snow chains and a front
tire fails, mount the spare tire in place of a rear
tire. Install the snow chains on the rear tire that
you removed, and install that in place of the
front tire that failed.

ZA\ WARNING
— After installing a spare tire, the tire pressure
must be checked as soon as possible.
— Do not drive faster than SO mph (80 km/h)
with a compact spare tire. Driving faster
than that increases the risk of an accident.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, avoid hard
acceleration or braking and driving fast
around curves with the compact spare tire.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, never drive
with more than one compact spare tire. >

8W1012721BC
Emergency assistance


— Normal summer or winter tires must not be
mounted on the compact spare wheel rim.

() Note
Secure the spare tire in the spare tire well us-
ing
the handwheel in order to reduce the risk
of damage to other components.
Collapsible spare tire
Applies to: vehicles with collapsible spare tire
The collapsible spare tire is intended for short-
term use only. Have the damaged tire checked
and replaced if necessary by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as soon
as possible.
There are some restrictions on the use of the col-
lapsible spare tire. The collapsible spare tire has
been designed specifically for your type of vehi-
cle. Do not replace it with the collapsible spare
tire from another type of vehicle.
The collapsible spare tire is located in the lug-
gage compartment under the cargo floor cover.
Requirement: the vehicle tool kit > page 261 and
the compressor must be laid out.
Removing
> Lift the cargo floor using the handle.
> Turn the handwheel counter-clockwise and re-
move it.
> Remove the collapsible spare tire.
You must inflate the collapsible spare tire before-
hand in order to use it.
Inflating
> Remove the valve cap from the collapsible
spare tire.
> Tighten the compressor hose on the collapsible
spare tire valve.
> Connect the compressor hose to a vehicle sock-
et and switch it on.
> Let the compressor run until the specified value
on the tire pressure sticker is reached
> page 245, fig. 168 > ©.
> Screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
Returning to storage
> To release air, turn the valve insert. See an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.
> Turn the valve insert back once the air has been
released.
>» Wait several hours before placing the collapsi-
ble spare tire in the spare wheel well. Only then
will it fold down completely so that you can
store it securely.
> Then screw the valve cap back onto the valve.
> Secure the collapsible spare tire with the hand-
wheel.
>» Fold the cargo floor cover back into place.
Snow chains
Using snow chains on the collapsible spare tire is
not permitted for technical reasons.
If you have to drive with snow chains and a front
tire fails, mount the collapsible spare tire in place
of a rear tire. Install the snow chains on the rear
tire that you removed, and install that in place of
the front tire that failed.

Z\ WARNING
— Only use the collapsible spare tire in emer-
gencies and drive very carefully, especially if
it is more than six years old.
— The compressor and the hose can become
very hot during operation which increases
the risk of burn injuries.
— After installing a collapsible spare tire, the
tire pressure must be checked as quickly as
possible to reduce the risk of an accident.
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
with the collapsible spare tire. Driving faster
than that increases the risk of an accident.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, avoid hard
acceleration or braking and driving fast
around curves with the collapsible spare
tire.
— Never drive using more than one collapsible
spare tire, because this increases the risk of
an accident.
— Normal tires or winter tires must not be
mounted on the collapsible spare tire rim.

267

Index

Washing matte finish paint.............. 255
Wave band
refer to Frequency band............... 193
Weights ........ 20.0.0 cece eee eee eee
Wheel bolts « ssscs vo sssme vo sence vo avemee 9 oe

Cleaning....
Glossary of tire and loading terminology .. 238
Replacing. ......... 0. cece eee eee eee 263
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 253
Tires and vehicle load limits............ 248
Wheel.wrenelis = sens ss zeus < + cea + x seme 261
Wi-Fi
Hotspotsetti gsi s & sce 6 o soscs oa sniwace o 176
Using ahotspot............. 00.2 eee 174
Windows
Child safety lock......... 2.0.0 eee eee 44
Cleaning and removing ice............. 257
Convenience opening and closing......... 46
Defrosting............ 0. cece eee eee 93
Opening and closing.................-. 45
Power windows: « « ssc 3 cscs v 6 soevens ¥ a 45
Windshield
Cleaning.................2.20.000.00 00 58
DE@TROSEING + = same ¢ s coms 3 x eR GC BEE EF 93
also refer to Windshield................ 58
Windshield washer system........... 58, 233
Windshield wipers...............-.0000- 58
Winter operation
Gar Washes « scm « 2 sam 4 2 soon o 2 oun oo 255
Cooling systeM.......... cee cece eee 227
Defrosting the windows................ 93
Rear window defogger...........-..005 93
Removing ice from windows............ 257
Seat heating... 0... cece ee eee eee eee 92
SNOW CHAINS swe « s wep « = womys go Qe eo oe 2511,
Steering wheel heating................. 93
TiOS 0. ete 250
Vehicle battery (12 Volt).............0. 231
Windshield washer system............. 233
WINtErtIReS sriseas a 3 aeveses ao oramees 5 w mesaun oe vd 250
Wireless Apple CarPlay
refer to Audi smartphone interface...... 210
Wireless charging...............+++05- 165
300