2021 AUDI A7 Page 49

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absolutely necessary and drive
carefully when doing so.
—Run-flat tires* may only be
used on vehicles that were
equipped with them at the
factory > page 296.
—If you install wheel covers on
the vehicle, make sure they al-
low enough air circulation to
cool the brake system. If they
do not, this could increase the
risk of an accident.

Tire wear and damage
rr)
+
x xz + a

Fig. 171 Tire profile: treadwear indica-
tor
Tire wear
Check the tires regularly for wear.
—Inflation pressure that is too low
or high can increase tire wear
considerably.

D Obey any applicable regulations in the
country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
—Driving quickly through curves,
rapid acceleration, and heavy
braking increase tire wear.
—Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty check the wheel alignment if
there is unusual wear.
—Have the wheels rebalanced if an
imbalance is causing noticeable
vibration in the steering wheel.
If you do not, the tires and other
vehicle components could wear
more quickly.
Treadwear indicator
Original equipment tires contain
treadwear indicators in the tread
pattern, which are bars that are
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) high and are
spaced evenly around the tire per-
pendicular to the running direc-
tion > fig. 171. The letters “TWI”
or triangles on the tire sidewall
indicate the location of the tread-
wear indicators.
The tires have reached the mini-
mum tread depth !) when they
have worn down to the treadwear
indicators. Replace the tires with
new ones > A.
283

Wheels

Tire rotation
Rotating the tires regularly is rec-
ommended to ensure the tires
wear evenly. To rotate the tires,
install the tires from the rear axle
on the front axle and vice versa.
This will allow the tires to have
approximately the same length of
service life.
For unidirectional tires, make sure
the tires are installed according to
the running direction indicated on
the tire sidewall > page 310.
Hidden damage
Damage to tires and rims can of-
ten occur in locations that are hid-
den. Unusual vibrations in the ve-
hicle or pulling to one side may
indicate that there is tire damage.
Reduce your speed immediately.
Check the tires for damage. If no
damage is visible from the out-
side, drive slowly and carefully to
the nearest authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility to have the vehicle inspect-
ed.


Z\ WARNING
Tread that has worn too low or
uneven tread depths on the
tires can reduce driving safety.

284

This can increase the risk of an
accident because it has a nega-
tive effect on handling, driving
through curves, and braking,
and because it increases the
risk of hydroplaning when driv-
ing through deep puddles.
Tire pressure


B4H-0664


B8K-1151
TIRE COLD TIRE PRESSURE
PNEU _| DIMENSIONS | _ PRESSION DES PNEUS A FROID
FRONT svanT |
REAR
AnricRe |
‘SPARE ve secours |

a KPA, BM PSI
KPA, MM PSI
a KPA, Ml PSI






Fig. 173 Tire pressure label
The correct tire pressure for tires
installed at the factory is listed on
a label. The label is located on the
B-pillar > fig. 172, > fig. 173.
Use the tire pressure specified for
a normal vehicle load when the
vehicle is partially loaded > table »

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Wheels

on page 286. If driving the vehi-
cle when fully loaded, you must
increase the tire pressure to the
maximum specified pressure > A.
Checking and correcting tire
pressure
> Check the tire pressure at least
once per month and also check it
before every long drive.
> Always check the tire pressure
when the tires are cold. Do not
reduce the pressure if it increas-
es when the tires are warm.
>Refer to the sticker > fig. 173
for the correct tire pressure.
>Correct the tire pressure if nec-
esSary.
>Store the new tire pressure in
the MMI & page 293 or
> page 296.
> Check the pressure in the spare
tire*. Always maintain the maxi-
mum temperature that is speci-
fied for the tire.


—Overloading can lead to loss of
vehicle control and increase
the risk of an accident. Read
and follow the important safe-
ty precautions in > page 287.
—The tire must flex more if the
tire pressure is too low or if
the vehicle speed or load are
too high. This heats the tire up
too much. This increases the
risk of an accident because it
can cause the tire to burst and
result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
—Incorrect tire pressure increas-
es tire wear and has a negative
effect on driving and braking
behavior, which increases the
risk of an accident.



J WARNING
Always adapt the tire pressure
to your driving style and the ve-
hicle load.

@) Note
Replace lost valve caps to re-
duce the risk of damage to the
tire valves.
© For the sake of the envi-
ronment
Tire pressure that is too low in-
creases fuel consumption.
285

Wheels

Ncw dee em -])
Please note that the information Make sure that the tire designa-
contained in the following table
was correct at the time of print-
ing, and the information is sub-
ject to change. If there are any
differences, you should always
follow the tire pressure sticker
=> page 284, fig. 172.
tion on your tire matches the des-
ignation on the tire pressure label
and the tire pressure table.
The following table lists recom-
mended tire pressures in cold
tires according to the load and
the size of the tires installed.


















Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure
Engine Normal load Maximum load
(up to 3 people)
Front Rear Front Rear
PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA
AT: 245/45 R19 102H 32 | 220 | 32 | 220) 35 | 240 | 38 | 260
3.0L
255/40 R20 101Y 32 | 220 | 32 | 220) 35 | 240 | 38 | 260
6-cylinder [555/40 R20 101H 33 | 230 | 32 | 220| 36 | 250 | 39 | 270
255/35 R21 98Y 33 | 230 | 32 | 220 | 36 | 250 | 39 | 270
A7TFSle: |245/45R19 102H 32 | 220 | 35 | 240 | 35 | 240 | 42 | 290
2.0L 255/40 R20 101H 33. | 230 | 36 | 250 | 36 | 250 | 44 | 300
4-cylinder
S7: 255/40 R20 101Y 36 | 250 | 33 | 230 | 39 | 270 | 42 | 290
2.9L 255/35 R21 98Y 41 | 280 | 38 | 260 | 44 | 300 | 46 | 320
6-cylinder
RS 7: 275/35 ZR21 103Y 36 | 250 | 33 | 230 | 39 | 270 | 39 | 270
4.0L 155 mph (250 km/h)
8-cylinder®) [575/35zR21103Y | 42 | 290 | 39 | 270 | 45 | 310 | 45 | 310
174 mph (280 km/h)
275/35 ZR21 103Y 46 | 320 | 41 | 280 | 48 | 330 | 48 | 330
190 mph (305 km/h)
285/30 ZR22 101Y 39 | 270 | 36 | 250) 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
155 mph (250 km/h)
285/30 ZR22 101Y 45 | 310] 42 | 290] 48 | 330] 48 | 330
174 mph (280 km/h)
285/30 ZR22 101Y 49 | 340 | 44 | 300 | 49 | 340 | 49 | 340
190 mph (305 km/h)

a) Two people in the front, one person in the rear
>) The tire pressure depends on the maximum permitted speed for your vehicle.
286

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Z\ WARNING
Please note the important safe-
ty precautions regarding tire
pressure > page 284 and load
limits > page 287.
Tires and vehicle load limits
There are limits to the amount of
load or weight that any vehicle
and any tire can carry. A vehicle
that is overloaded will not handle
well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to
loss of vehicle control, but can al-
so damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
and sudden deflation that can
cause the vehicle to crash.

Your safety and that of your pas-
sengers also depends on making
sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-
erybody and everything in and on
the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehi-
cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(“GVWR”).
The “GVWR” includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in-
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids
plus maximum load. The maxi-
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in-
tended to carry (“seating capaci-
ty”) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-
ger at a designated seating posi-
tion and the total weight of any
luggage in the vehicle. If you tow
a trailer, the weight of the trailer
hitch and the tongue weight of
the loaded trailer must be includ-
ed as part of the vehicle load.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR”) is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle’s two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating means that the
total weight of whatever is being
carried in the vehicle (including
the weight of a trailer hitch and
the tongue weight of the loaded
trailer) is limited. The more pas-
sengers in the vehicle or passen-
gers who are heavier than the
standard weights assumed mean
that less weight can be carried as
luggage.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating >
287

Wheels

are listed on the safety compli-
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.

TN WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per-
sonal injury, and even death.
—Carrying more weight than
your vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and in-
crease the risk of the loss of
vehicle control.
—The brakes on a vehicle that
has been overloaded may not
be able to stop the vehicle
within a safe distance.
—Tires on a vehicle that has
been overloaded can fail sud-
denly, including a blowout and
sudden deflation, causing loss
of control and a crash.
—Always make sure that the to-
tal load being transported -
including the weight of a trail-
er hitch and the tongue
weight of a loaded trailer -
does not make the vehicle
heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

288
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 284, fig. 173.
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 284, fig. 173.
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 >

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Wheels

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 275, fig. 170) 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\.

ZA\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 311, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident.
Loose wheel warning
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if
one or more wheels are loose.
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning
system compares the vibration characteristics of
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes-
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location
of that wheel will be indicated.
Messages
fi Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-
hicle and check all wheel bolts!
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\.
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-
ing specification checked as soon as possible with
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For
the correct tightening specification, see
=> page 311, Finishing.
fi Wheel assessment active. Please continue
driving carefully
After this message appears and you have checked
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-
eral minutes. >
289

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.