2021 AUDI A7 brake light

4K8012721BF
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @®.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 284. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
135
>

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
— Conventional drive system:Before driving
downhill a long distance on a steep hill, de-
crease your speed and select a lower gear.
This makes use of the engine braking effect
and reduces the load placed on the brakes.
— Plug-in hybrid drive: Before driving downhill
a long distance on a steep hill, decrease
your speed and use the recuperation braking
effect > page 101. This reduces the load on
the brakes.
@ Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 99 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The Gia or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.


ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may


shut off automatically.


Preselecting or activating a cruise con
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 151, fig. 99.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever
toward position @ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gg or kl indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
151
>

Driver assistance

An additional indicator will appear in the head-up
display*.
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @/@) & page 151, fig. 99.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward @)/G).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and the regulated speed must be activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> To resume the stored regulated speed, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The [Ud or [RM indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward @) (not locked into place)
=> page 151, fig. 99, or
> Press the brake pedal.
152

ZA WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.
See me Lai
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When you switch the system off, the cruise con-
trol speed will be erased.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 151, fig. 99, or
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gir / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Accelerator pedal feedback > page 97.
— Interactive accelerator > page 97.
— Predictive messages > page 153.
— Predictive control > page 162, Adjusting the
adaptive cruise assist.

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

Situation symbols
Depending on vehicle equipment, the following
symbols may be shown. The symbols indicate the
situation to which the efficiency assist is respond-
ing.
Some symbols only appear if Predictive messag-
es are switched on, and some symbols only ap-
pear if Predictive control is switched on and
adaptive cruise assist* is active.


Description
Slow down
(predictive messages only)
Adjustment to curves along route
(predictive control only) Additional
symbols are shown in the Driver as-
sistance display.

Speed limit
(example)
Speed limit
Speed limit
Speed limit removed
Exit ahead
Intersection ahead
Traffic circle ahead
(predictive control only) If the indica-
tor light turns on in green and red, it
is indicating that there is a difference
between the speed limit and the set
speed.

Z\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
—Incertain situations, the recuperation may
brake proactively. However, the recuperation
braking effect is limited. Always be ready to

brake to reduce the risk of an accident.

@) Tips
— The functions depend on the navigation da-
ta* being up-to-date and correct identifica-
tion by the traffic sign recognition*.
— The system only detects traffic signs that
specify a speed limit.
— The display in the instrument cluster is
based on the units of measurement used for
speed in the country where the vehicle is be-
ing operated. As a result, a display of 50 in
the instrument cluster can mean either mph
or km/h, depending on the country.
— Except for the road network, which is re-
corded in the navigation system’s map infor-
mation, certain functions may not be availa-
ble.
Predictive messages
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
The symbol BS appears in the instrument cluster
display if efficiency assist recommends removing
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Additional symbols that indicate the situation to
which the efficiency assist is reacting are shown
in the Driver assistance display > page 153.
Requirements
— The cruise control system* or the adaptive
cruise assist* controls must not be active.
— The vehicle speed must be at least 20 mph
(30 km/h).
— The remaining distance until the situation is
reached must be large enough to allow the sys-
tem to react to the situation.
Switching Predictive messages on or off
Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Charging & Efficiency > Efficiency assist
> Predictive messages.

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when efficiency assist is >

153

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

no longer be detected, and the adaptive cruise
assist may accelerate unexpectedly.
— The system does not react to a stationary vehi-
cle in the same lane if it expects that you can
easily drive around the stationary vehicle by
turning the steering wheel.
— The system cannot react to stationary objects,
such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam, es-
pecially when traveling at high speeds.
— The system has a limited ability to detect
vehicles that are a short distance ahead, off to
the side of your vehicle, or moving into your
lane.
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance,
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be
detected late or not detected at all.
— The system does not respond to people, ani-
mals, or objects that are crossing or approach-
ing from the opposite direction.

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Display overview
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

Ss S| 3 | 19) | S| cc|

Fig. 102 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ -@) inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
@- @, you can find more detailed informati
about the system. The displays depend on th
country and equipment.
Display in the speedometer
on
e
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@® Available speed range for adaptive cruise as-
sist (example)
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
=> page 17.
Messages and settings
Your vehicle
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Messages and settings
Set target distance
©©QOCCO® If you fall below the set distance, the dis
tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.
Lane departure warning availability
©® Availability of lane guidance for adaptive
cruise assist
Indicator lights
BA - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
aA - The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The system controls
speed and distance from the vehicle driving the
ahead, and accelerates and brakes automatically.
Ia] - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
B - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
155
>

Driver assistance

B.- The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance from a vehicle driv-
ing ahead. You must intervene > page 162, Driv-
er intervention request.
> 4] ~ Lane guidance is active.
- Lane guidance is switched on but not active.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi virtual cockpit
> 4] - The limits of the system have been reached.
Take over steering.
A ff A - The indicator light turns on if the
steering intervention request is providing a warn-
ing. Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel so you can be ready to steer at any time
=> page 158.

ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
Using adaptive cruise assist
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist



RAZ-0096


B4M-0232




Fig. 104 Operating lever: changing the speed

D_ Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)
156
Switching on
> To switch on the adaptive cruise assist, pull the
lever up to position @ until it engages.
Storing the speed and activating regulation
If you have switched the system on, you can set
the current speed as the “regulated speed” and
activate regulation:

> Press the [SET] button (2). The set speed is indi-
cated with a marking in the speedometer @)
=> page 155, fig. 101 and shown in the instru-
ment cluster > /\.
> To save the speed while the vehicle is station-
ary, also hold the brake pedal down.

You can set any speed between 15 mph
(20 km/h)» and the maximum possible speed
range @) > page 155, fig. 101.
Pausing cruise control
The control can be stopped at any time:
>» While driving or when the vehicle is stationary:
Press the lever away from you in the direction
of the arrow. Or
» While driving: Press the brake pedal.
The A indicator light turns off.
Resuming regulation
The previously set speed can be resumed at any
time after a pause.
> To resume cruise control while driving, pull the
lever toward you in the direction of the arrow.
> To resume cruise control when stationary, pull
the lever toward you in the direction of the ar-
row while pressing the brake pedal.
Changing the speed
> To increase or decrease the set speed in smaller
increments, briefly tap the lever toward () or
© to the first level.
> To increase or decrease the set speed in larger
increments, briefly tap the lever toward @) or
© to the second level.
> To increase or decrease the set speed quickly,
hold the lever toward G) or () until the

4K8012721BF
Driver assistance

predictive control is indicated by a message when
the adaptive cruise assist is first activated.
Incident symbols indicate the situation to which
predictive control is reacting > page 153, Situa-
tion symbols.
Requirements
— Predictive control is switched on in the MMI
=> page 162.
— The adaptive cruise assist must be actively reg-
ulating > page 156.
— The system can only react to speed limits that
are 15 mph (20 km/h)» or higher.
Display in the speedometer
The display depends on vehicle equipment and is
not available in all layouts”.
@ The marking shows the set speed (regulated
speed that was set by the driver or by predic-
tive control).
@ Audi virtual cockpit: The red band shows the
difference between the speed limit and the
set speed.
® Audi virtual cockpit: The gray band shows the
amount the vehicle speed is planned to drop
below the set speed due to the road layout.
Overriding control
The driver can override the predictive control at
any time by pressing the accelerator or brake
pedal. If the system changes the vehicle speed to
adapt to speed limits, you can change the speed
using the lever > page 156, fig. 104.
Messages
If and a message with Adaptive cruise assist:
Predictive control is displayed when there is a
malfunction, the efficiency assist functions are
unavailable or 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. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 140 and try to turn the system on
again later.

) Analog instrument cluster: 20 mph (30 km/h)
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

A WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 138.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when predictive control is
switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
—The system does not consider “right of way”
rules and does not respond to traffic lights,
so lack of driver attention in these situations
can increase the risk of an accident.
— The speed when driving through curves may
be different from what you as a driver would
do or may not be suitable for the weather
and road conditions. If necessary, apply the
brakes and reduce the selected speed to be
maintained in the Adjustment to curves
along route setting to reduce the risk of an
accident.
@) Tips
— Predictive control can exceed or drop below
the maximum permitted speed. The driver
is responsible for adhering to the permitted
speed limit.
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Ifa speed limit is detected, the marking @
of the set speed limit will be adjusted even
if the adaptive cruise assist is not actively
regulating.
— Control by the system depends on which
adaptive cruise assist driving program is set
or on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
— After switching on the ignition and first
driving onto a freeway or similar road

159

Driver assistance

without a speed limit, the system will regu-
late the speed to 80 mph (130 km/h)».
Then the system adjusts to the last speed
set by the driver.
— There is no adaptation to speed limits when
driving through highway interchanges and
when driving on or off the expressway.
— The system can fail to provide control or the
control may be faulty if the values from the
camera-based traffic sign recognition* are
incorrect or the navigation system map data
is outdated.
— When route guidance is switched on, the
system adapts to the route provided by the
navigation system. Driving without route
guidance or leaving a route can result in
faulty control.
Tae ema Keita)
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist


B4M-0234


Fig. 107 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher
the speed, the greater the distance that is need-
ed.
> Tap the rocker switch to display the distance
that is currently set.
> To increase or decrease the distance in incre-
ments, tap the switch again toward @) or ().
The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for
example with the fg indicator light. In the Driv-
er assistance display, a graphic display is shown
instead of the indicator lights > page 155,


D_ In certain countries.
160
fig. 102. The display matches the functions of
the indicator lights.
When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the
adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and
then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle
driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive
cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed
that you have set.
The following distances can be set:

Meaning

The time between is approximately 1
second. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 92 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(28 m/h).
The time between is approximately 1.3
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 118 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(36 m/h).
The time between is approximately 1.8
seconds. This setting meets the general
recommendation of “half the speed
shown on the speedometer”. This cor-
responds to a distance of approximate-
ly 164 feet (50 m) when traveling at
62 mph (100 km/h).
The time between is approximately 2.4
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 219 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(67 m/h).
The time between is approximately 3.6
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 328 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph (100
km/h).
nv
HN)


ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and

cameras > page 138.