2021 AUDI A6 engine oil

Driving

— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
106
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ZX WARNING
— Only apply the brakes for the purpose of
cleaning the brake system when road and
traffic conditions permit. You must not en-
danger other road users and increase the
risk of an accident.
— Due to the risk of injury, only have an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility work on the brake system.
Incorrect repairs could impair the function.
— Never let the vehicle roll while the engine is
stopped because this increases the risk of an
accident.
— During automatic braking maneuvers, the
brake pedal may move downward automati-
cally. To reduce the risk of injury, do not
place your foot under the brake pedal.

() Note
— Never let the brakes “rub” by pressing the
pedal lightly when braking is not actually
necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 109. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
(i) Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that
the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 251.

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Driving

Special driving situations
Sy Tae ALAL |
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, the wear on all ve-
hicle components is greatly increased, especially
on the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, and
suspension. This can result in increased wear. Al-
so note the following points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(70°C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— dynamic Audi drive select mode* > page 112
— Launch Control > page 101
— Limit ESC > page 117
@® Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
= page 99. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press
the brake pedal continuously.
— Use the hill descent assist if necessary
=>page 110
Inclinometer
Applies to: vehicles with a tilt angle display
You can display the vehicle's sideways angle and
lengthwise angle in relation to the horizon.
— Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Vehicle data.
— You may need to scroll down to the Inclinome-
ter display.
The sideways angle of your vehicle should not ex-
ceed the yellow range in the gauge. If it reaches
the red range, there is a risk that the vehicle
might tip.
The steering wheel angle, the elevation, the com-
pass direction, and the geo-coordinates of the
current vehicle position are displayed in addition
to the current vehicle angle. You will also receive
information about the maximum sideways and
lengthwise angle that was reached in the current
driving cycle. These values are reset when the ig-
nition is switched off.
Note that the accuracy of the display depends on
the driving situation.

Z\ WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill
climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function. >

109

Driving dynamic

All wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
=> page 117.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > A\.
Quattro ultra
Applies to: vehicles with quattro ultra
If the driving situation does not require all wheel
drive, then the rear section of the drivetrain will
decouple and thus save fuel. The system con-
stantly determines and anticipates if all wheel
drive is needed. This allows the rear drivetrain to
recouple shortly before it is needed.

ZA\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.

116
Sport differential
Applies to: vehicles with sport differential
The sport differential distributes the drive power
to the rear axle based on the situation. The goal
is a high level of agility and ability to accelerate
on curves. The vehicle is very responsive to steer-
ing. The settings depend on the selected Audi
drive select* mode.
Messages
7-3] All-wheel drive: malfunction! You can con-
tinue driving. Please contact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
+3} Sport differential: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
Drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction repaired.
it} All-wheel drive: too hot. Please adapt driv-
ing style. See owner's manual
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.
it] Sport differential: temperature too high.
Please adapt driving style
The transmission temperature has increased sig-
nificantly due to the sporty driving manner. Drive
in a less sporty manner until the temperature re-
turns to the normal range and the indicator light
switches of.

ZA WARNING
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility if the sport differen-
tial is faulty or malfunctioning. The repair
must be performed by trained personnel us-
ing the correct oil in order to ensure safety.

Checking and Filling

can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
If the S indicator light blinks or turns on, there
is a malfunction that is causing poor emissions
quality and that could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Drive slowly to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction corrected.
The indicator light can also turn on if the fuel fill-
er cap is not closed correctly > page 2391).
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
engine compartment
For work in the engine compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area in the vehicle. > A\.
Explanation of warnings (sticker in the engine
compartment):

Hot engine components!
@® Rotating parts!

The radiator fan can switch on at any
LS, time!

High voltage! Switch off the engine be-
5 fore coming into contact with any igni-
tion system components!




The catalytic converter can be damaged
"271 if the oil level is too high!

Always follow the instructions in the op-
erating manual.


)) Depending on the engine and country
242

ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Allow the engine to cool.
— Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
— Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These flu-
ids (such as the freeze protection contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
— Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
— Never reach into the radiator fan. The fan is
temperature-controlled and can turn on
suddenly, even when the ignition is switched
off.
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure. There
is a risk of burns
—To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
thick cloth when opening.
— Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in
the electronic high-voltage ignition system
when the engine is running or is starting.
— Ifa gear is engaged while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is running, do not
press the accelerator pedal inadvertently.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the
vehicle to move, and this could result in an
accident.
— If inspections or repairs must be performed
while the engine is running, moving compo-
nents (such as the ribbed belt, generator,
and radiator fan) pose an additional risk.

4K0012721BE
Checking and Filling


— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.



A WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain flu-
ids contained in vehicles and certain prod-
ucts of component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
— Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms.
Wash hands after handling.
® Note
When filling fluids, be sure not to add any flu-
ids to the wrong reservoirs. Otherwise severe
malfunctions and engine damage will occur.
@) For the sake of the environment
You should regularly check the ground under
your vehicle in order to detect leaks quickly. If
there are visible spots from oil or other fluids,
bring your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility to be
checked.
Opening and closing the hood
The hood is released from inside the vehicle.


Fig. 158 Footwell: release lever


RAZ-0016]





Fig. 159 Unlocked hood: lever
Make sure the wiper arms are not raised up from
the windshield. Otherwise the paint could be
damaged.
243

4K0012721BE
Checking and Filling

Engine compa ta CaN]

The most important check points.



Fig. 160 Typical location of the reservoir and the engine oil filler opening (example)
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen- Eng ine oil
eral information.
If the engine oil level is too low

@ Washer fluid reservoir (>) > page 254
@® Jump start point (+) under a cover, (-) with If you need to add engine oil, use an oil that is
hex head screw > page 254, Charging the 12 listed on the sticker. The sticker is located at the
Volt vehicle battery > page 293, Jump start- _ front of the engine compartment > page 245,
ing fig. 160. When using the engine oil listed on the
@® Coolant expansion tank (£) under a cover sticker, you can adjust the oil level as often as
> page 250 needed.
@® Engine oil filler opening ("27) > page 247 If engine oil that meets the recommended speci-
© Brake fluid reservoir (O) under a cover fication is not available, in an emergency you
=> page 251 may add a maximum of 1 quart (1 liter) of
© Sticker* for engine oil specifications ACEA C3 or API SN engine oil one time until the
=> page 245 next oil change.
The coolant expansion tank and the engine oil For more information on the correct engine oil
filling opening may be located in different places for your vehicle, contact an authorized Audi deal-
within the engine compartment, depending on er or authorized Audi Service Facility. Have the oil
the engine version. changed by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Service Facility. >
245

Checking and Filling

@ Tips
Audi recommends using engine oils provided
by Audi Genuine Parts.
Messages
Engine oil pressure
i Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 247. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Engine oil level
& Please add oil immediately.
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 246 and add engine oil
immediately > page 247.
i Add max. x qt (x l) oil. You can continue
driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 247.
Reducing the oil level
3 Please reduce oil level
There is too much oil in the engine and there is a
risk of damaging the catalytic converter or en-
gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
engine oil extracted if necessary. Avoid high en-
gine speeds, full acceleration, and heavy engine
loads.
Engine oil sensor
BS Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
246
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
3 Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
Engine warm-up request
Tf Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
@ Tips
The oil pressure warning = is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level can be checked in the MMI.
Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
>» Park the vehicle on a level surface.
> Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Switch only the ignition back on.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level.
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 247.

Checking and Filling

4K0012721BE
® Note thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to determine the cause.
Please note that an exact oil consumption
measurement must be done with the neces-
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
@ ) sary care and accuracy and may take time.
Tips An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
The oil level indicator in the display is only an Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
informational display. If the oil level is too measuring the oil consumption.
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in- — You can find information on engine oil and
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood. engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
The current oil level will be displayed on the audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on. ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
@) Tips audi-service-schedules.html, or call
The engine oil consumption may be up to 800-822-2834.
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. In RS models, the oil consumption may
be up to 1 qt/600 mi (0.8 L/1,000 km). Con-
sumption may be higher during the first
3,000 miles (5,000 km). The engine oil level
must be checked regularly. It is best to check
each time you refuel your vehicle and before
long drives.
— Because of the Lubrication and cooling of
the engine, combustion engines consume
oil. The oil consumption varies depending
on the engine and may change during the Fig. 161 Engine compartment: engine oil filling opening
service life of the engine. Engines generally covet Sxem BE)
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.

RAZ-0072|


Observe the safety precautions > page 242, Gen-
eral information.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption > Turn the engine off.
depends on the quality and viscosity of the > Open the hood > page 243.
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions, >» Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil opening > fig. 161.
from condensation or fuel residue as well as > Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
the age of the oil also play a role. Because oil > page 245.
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con- > Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
sumption will increase again over time until > Close the hood = page 243.
it may be necessary to replace worn compo- > Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
nents. the current oil level in the MMI > page 246,
— Because all these variables play a role, it is Checking the engine oil level.
not possible to define an oil consumption » Applies to: using engine oil that meets the rec-
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be ommended specification: Add some more en-
checked regularly. gine oil again if necessary.
— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
247