2021 AUDI A6 towing

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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* comfort mode > page 112
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 114.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 114.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 114.
Applies to: allroad: You can also increase ground
clearance by selecting the Audi drive select* off-
road or allroad modes > page 112.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.
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ZA\ WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
C) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function 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.
Pie Rie Relig
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.

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Trailer towing

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.

121

Driver assistance

» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > (<3) > Audi pre
sense.
Setting the prewarning
You can adjust the warning time for the prewarn-
ing individually (Early/Medium/Late) or switch
the prewarning off.
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If you feel that the prewarnings ap-
pear too early, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
@ Tips
— If the system is switched off, it switches on
again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again).
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
re is displayed when there is a malfunction,
the Audi pre sense functions may be unavailable
or may be 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. Bring the vehicle to a full stop,
switch the ignition off, and clean the area in front
of the sensors > page 124.
If the message still appears after switching the
ignition on again, have an authorized repair facili-
ty correct the malfunction as soon as possible.

D_Incertain countries.
154
Side assist
Description
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
al 3
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Fig. 113 Driving situations and exterior mirror display
General information
Side assist monitors the blind spot and traffic in
the adjacent lanes behind the vehicle. Within sys-
tem limits, side assist can detect traffic that is
approaching from behind and provide a warning
when you are changing lanes and turning. The
system uses the data from the radar sensors at
the rear corners of the vehicle.
The side assist is active at walking speeds and
higher. If an object that is classified as critical is
approaching, the display in the exterior mirror @
on the corresponding side of the vehicle will light
up.
Driving situations
The system can provide warnings about the fol-
lowing risks:
@ Approaching vehicles: a vehicle may be clas-
sified as critical in some cases, even if it is
farther away. The faster a vehicle

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Wheels

Determining correct load
Talis
Use the example below to calcu-
late the total weight of the pas-
sengers and luggage or other
things that you plan to transport
so that you can make sure that
your vehicle will not be overload-
ed.
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-
PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX
LBS” on your vehicle’s placard
(tire inflation pressure label)
=> page 266, fig. 169.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and pas-
sengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX”
pounds shown on the sticker
=> page 266, fig. 169.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
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 257, fig. 166) 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\.
271
>

Emergency assistance

> Inflate the tire to between 29 psi (200 kPA)
and 36 psi (250 kPA) and read the pressure on
the gauge.
> If this tire pressure is not reached, remove the
filler hose. Drive slowly approximately 33 feet
(10 m) forward or in reverse so that the sealant
can be distributed in the tire. Inflate the tire
again> A\.

Z\ WARNING
— Read and follow the manufacturer's safety
precautions on the compressor and in the in-
structions on the bottle of sealant.
— Ifa tire pressure of 29 psi (200 kPA) cannot
reached after inflating for 6 minutes, then
the tire is too severely damaged. Do not con-
tinue driving.
— If the tire cannot be repaired with the tire
sealant, see an authorized Audi dealer or au-

thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.

@ Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.
Once the compressor has cooled, you can con-
tinue to use it.
Completing
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit
> Affix the sticker that says "max. 50 mph (max.
80 km/h)" that is provided with the tire mobili-
ty kit within the driver's field of vision.
> Stop the vehicle after driving for about 10 mi-
nutes and check the tire pressure.
> If the tire pressure is lower than 19 psi (130
kPA), then the tire is too severely damaged. Do
not continue driving.

ZX WARNING
Pay attention to the following after repairing
the tire:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).
— Avoid hard acceleration or braking and driv-
ing fast around curves.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.

288

— If the tire is too severely damaged, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.

(@) For the sake of the environment
You can give the used tire sealant bottle to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for disposal.
G) Tips
Remember to obtain a new bottle of sealant
from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility after repairing a tire.
Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 286.
> 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 286 and the
spare tire > page 292.
> Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Select
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Air suspension: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

ZX 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.

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Emergency assistance

> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red 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.
@) 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.
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.
C) 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

295

Emergency assistance

(50 km), then transport the vehicle ona
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.
@) 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 101.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 153 when
loading the vehicle onto a vehicle carrier,
train, ship, or other type of transportation,
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 295.
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 296,
=> page 297.
> 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 56. 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.
296

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 107.
> 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.
Front towing loop


Fig. 183 Front bumper: installing the towing loop
The threaded opening for the towing loop is lo-
cated on the right side of the front bumper.
> Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 183. 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.

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Emergency assistance

>» 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.
Rear towing loop


RAZ-0217

RAZ-0734


Fig. 185 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
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 286.
> Press the cap or reflector inward with brief,
firm pressure > fig. 184 or > fig. 185. The cap
or reflector will release from the bumper.
> 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.
297