2021 AUDI A7 warning

Wheels

& Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See
owner's manual
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

ZA\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-
trol, which increases the risk of an accident.
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im-
mediately and avoid any hard steering or
braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible
and check the wheel bolts.
— Check your wheels for damage. Have the
damaged wheels checked and/or replaced
immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the message may be delayed.
— The driver is responsible for ensuring that

the wheels are attached correctly.
G) Tips
— The loose wheel warning system can also
stop working when there is an ESC malfunc-
tion.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
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 274. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
290
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 284.
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.
(i) 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 4 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 0.40 inch (10.5 mm) in height, includ-
ing the chain lock.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.

4K8012721BF
Wheels


AN 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 cov-
ers* first. Use coated snow chains.
— Do not install and use snow chains if there is
a malfunction in the air suspension*, be-
cause the vehicle height will be very low. If
you drive with snow chains anyway, the
wheel housings and other vehicle compo-
nents can be severely damaged.
@ Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 116.
Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a
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 284.
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 275, fig. 170.
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
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, Band C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un-
der controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance
SA.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
291
>

Wheels

heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A\.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher Levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

ZA\ WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.

Z\ WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

ZA\ WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.

Tire pressure monitoring
system
(1) General notes
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
292
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is significant-
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving ona signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.

4K8012721BF
Wheels

Gata e Mle a)
Eye) ye
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator

Laie Mee 1 Keds
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
display with an indicator light (J and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
= page 293. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 284, fig. 173.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
— The tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
— The tires have structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 293
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
If the @ indicator light turns on, there is a loss
of pressure in at least one tire .> A\ Check the
tires and replace or repair if necessary. Check and
correct
the pressures of all four tires and store
the pressure again > page 293.
ia Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual
fo appears after switching the ignition on or
while driving and the @) indicator light in the in-
strument cluster blinks for approximately one
minute and then stays on, there is system mal-
function. Try to store the correct tire pressures
=> page 293. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

Z\ WARNING
—If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking maneu-
vers. Stop as soon as possible and check the
tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.
Gi) Tips
— 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 281. Audi recommends using
these tires.
Storing tire pressures
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 MMI.
> 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 284.
> Switch the ignition on.
>» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
293

Wheels

monitoring > Store tire pressure > Yes, store
now.
@ Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
Tire pressure monitoring
system
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is significant-
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving ona signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-
ping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
294
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low
tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
General information
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
The tire pressure monitoring system monitors
the pressure in the four tires when driving.
The system uses sensors that measure the tem-
perature and pressure in the tires. The data is
sent from these sensors to the control module by
radio frequency.
The tire pressure monitoring system shows the
current pressures and temperatures of the tires
in the MMI while driving > page 295. It also
compares the current tire pressures with the stor-
ed tire pressures and gives a warning in the driver
information system if the tire pressure is differ-
ent from what is stored > page 295.
The system does not detect if the stored tire
pressures match the recommended tire pres-
sures. You must store the tire pressures again in
each of the following situations > page 296:
— Each time the tire pressures change, for exam-
ple when the load in the vehicle changes
— After replacing a tire
— If wheels with new wheel sensors are used

ZA WARNING
— The tire pressure monitoring system assists
the driver in monitoring tire pressures. The
driver is responsible for having the tires in-
flated to the correct pressure. >

4K8012721BF
Wheels


— Do not change the tire pressure when the
temperature of the tire is extremely high.
This could result in serious damage to the
tire and even cause the tire to burst, increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
— A tire with low pressure flexes more. This
heats the tire up too much. This could cause
the tread to separate and even cause the tire
to burst, increasing the risk of an accident.
— The tire pressure monitoring system does
not warn about damage or defects in the
tire construction that could cause the tire to
burst, for example. Inspect your tires regu-
larly.

@ Tips
—If tires are replaced, the sensors and valves
do not need to be removed or replaced. Only
replace the valve stem and, if necessary, the
valve and the wheel electronics. If you have
questions, see an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— An incorrect display or a malfunction in the
tire pressure monitoring system can occur
after using the tire mobility kit*. Have the
sensors replaced by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations
=> page 329.
Displaying tire pressures and temperatures
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
Requirement: you must be driving the vehicle.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Tire pressure
monitoring > Display tire pressure.
The current tire pressures are shown in green,
yellow, or red numbers:
— Green: the current tire pressure and the speci-
fied tire pressure are approximately the same.
— Yellow: the current tire pressure is lower than
the specified tire pressure.
— Red: the current tire pressure is much lower
than the specified tire pressure.
The specified tire pressure is the last tire pressure
that was stored > page 296.
Note
that the tire pressure also depends on the
temperature of the tire. The tire pressure increas-
es as the engine becomes warmer while driving.

Z\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 294.
@ Tips
The tire pressure or temperature is not dis-
played while the vehicle is stationary and in
adaptation mode. Dashes --.-- are shown in
place of the pressure and temperature.
Tire pressure loss
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system

If the @ indicator light turns on, the tire pres-
sure is too low compared to the specified pres-
sure. Check and store the tire pressure(s) the
next time it is possible > page 296.
@ Flat tire! Safely stop vehicle. Please check all
tires and store pressures in MMI
If the indicator light turns on and the message
appears, the tire pressure has reached a critical
level compared to the specified pressure. Avoid
unnecessary steering and braking maneuvers.
Adapt your driving style to the situation. Stop as
soon as possible and check the tire(s). If it is pos-
sible to continue driving, see an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility immedi-
ately and have your tire(s) repaired or replaced.

Z\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 294.

295

Wheels

Storing new tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
The tire pressure specifications must be stored
correctly for the tire pressure monitoring system
to function reliably.
It is always necessary to store the tire pressures
when the tire pressures are modified, for exam-
ple due to a change in load or when new sensors
are installed.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures of all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 284, fig. 173. Only correct and store
the pressure in tires whose temperature is ap-
proximately the same as the ambient tempera-
ture. If the temperature of the tire is higher
than the ambient air temperature, the tire
pressure must be increased approximately
3 PSI (0,2 bar) above the value on the sticker.
> 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.
> If the changed tire pressures are not displayed
on the MMI, drive the vehicle for approximately
10 minutes so that the sensor signal from the
wheels is received again.
During this adaptation phase, --.-- is displayed
for the pressure and temperature and the tire
pressure monitoring system is only partially
available. It only provides a warning if one or
more tire pressures is below the minimum per-
mitted specified pressure.
Wire pressure: wheel change detected. Please
check all tires and store pressures in MMI
If the indicator light turns on and the message
appears, the system has detected that the loca-
tion of the sensors has changed due to a wheel
replacement, or new sensors have been installed.
Store the new tire pressures.

ZA\ WARNING
Read and follow the important information
and notes > page 294.

296
Malfunctions
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
a Tire pressure: malfunction! See owner's
manual
If the iis indicator light appears after switching
the ignition on or while driving and the @ indi-
cator light also blinks for approximately one mi-
nute and then stays on, then there is system mal-
function. The following are examples of situa-
tions that could cause a malfunction:
— If the message appears at the end of the adap-
tation phase, the system may not detect one or
several of the wheel sensors necessary for pres-
sure monitoring. This may result from one or
more wheels without wheel sensors or with in-
compatible wheel sensors being installed.
—Awheel sensor or another component has
failed.
— Using snow chains can affect the function of
the system because of the shielding effect of
the chains.
— The tire pressure monitoring system is not
available due to a malfunction.
— Transmitters with the same frequency, such as
headphones or remote controlled devices, may
cause a temporary system malfunction due to
the strong electromagnetic field.
The ia indicator light and the message turn off
once the tire pressure monitoring system is avail-
able again. If you cannot correct the malfunction
and the iis indicator light stays on, drive imme-
diately to an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to have the malfunction
repaired.
Run-flat tires
Applies to: vehicles with run-flat tires
Run-flat tires can allow you to remain driving
when there is a loss of pressure.
Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that pro-
tect the tire if there is a loss of pressure.
If the tire pressure monitoring system indicates a
loss of pressure in one or several tires, you can
continue driving on run-flat tires for at least
20 mi (30 km). Drive to an authorized Audi dealer >

4K8012721BF
Wheels

or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the problem corrected.
Continuing to drive on run-flat tires is no
longer possible if:
— There is visible damage to the tires, such as
cracks in the sidewalls
— Strong vibrations are felt while driving, or the
tire begins to smoke due to a strong build-up of
heat
—The tire has been heavily damaged, for example
in an accident. There is a risk that parts of the
tire tread will detach and damage important
vehicle components.
—The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) is not
working or is continuously running
— The tire pressure monitoring system is not
working
If it is no longer possible to continue driving de-
spite having run-flat tires, see an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.


— Avoid full-throttle acceleration, heavy
braking, and fast cornering, because this
increases the risk of an accident.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.
— See an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for assistance if
the tire is too heavily damaged.
— Have the faulty tires replaced and the rims
checked for damage by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
— The driver is responsible for the vehicle, for
correcting the tire pressure, and for replac-
ing faulty parts. Therefore, always adjust
your driving to the current situation.


ZA WARNING
Run-flat tires may only be used on vehicles
that were equipped with them at the factory.
— The vehicle must have suspension designed
for run-flat tires and a factory-installed tire
pressure monitoring system.
— Incorrect use of run-flat tires can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents. Contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to learn if run-flat tires may
be used on your vehicle and if so, which
ones.
—If run-flat tires are used, they must be in-
stalled on all four wheels. Mixing tire types
is not permitted.
— If you have to drive when the tire pressure is
too low or there is no tire pressure, note the
following:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h)
because this increases the risk of an acci-
dent. Observe any laws specific to the
country where you are driving.

@) Tips
— Audi Original run-flat tires can be identified
by the “AOE” labeling on the tire sidewall.
— You can use the tire mobility kit* on run-flat
tires > page 305.
297