2021 AUDI A8 towing

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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.
Conventional drive system: Downshift before
driving on hills to utilize the engine braking ef-
fect SA.
Plug-in hybrid drive system: Reduce the speed
and use the recuperation braking effect
=> page 114 to relieve the brakes > 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.

149

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Driver assistance

vehicle has been driven faster than 3 mph (5
km/h) at least once since the ignition was
switched on.
— The Audi pre sense side functions may also
switch off if there is a malfunction in the in-
tersection assistant*.
Saeed
Applies to: vehicles with swerve assist
The swerve assist can help you to steer the vehi-
cle around an obstacle detected in a critical area.
If you avoid an obstacle after the acute warning,
then swerve assist assists you by specifically
braking individual wheels and applying slight
steering adjustment to correct the steering
wheel angle as long as you are actively steering.
The swerve assist is available at speeds between
approximately 30 mph and 90 mph (50 km/h -
150 km/h).

ZA WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
— Swerve assist does not react to pedestrians,
animals, crossing objects, and objects not
detected as vehicles.
@) Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.

— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Se
Applies to: vehicles with turn assist
When turning left, turn assist can help to reduce
the risk of a collision with an oncoming vehicle by
using braking action to keep your vehicle in its
lane. The function is only available when the turn
signal is turned on and at speeds up to maximum
of 6 mph (10 km/h).

D In certain countries.

ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 150.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.
@ Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.

— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Oe Tire PAU sm dees)
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI > page 153. You can adjust Audi pre sense
functions to your preferences. The adjustment
options depend on the vehicle equipment.
> 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 >
181

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 290, fig. 187) 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\.
304

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 323, 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 323, Finishing.
fl 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.

Emergency assistance

> 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 317 and the
spare tire > page 323.
» Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

ZA\ 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.

Removing the caps


nb oD i)
ail z a

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é
Fig. 196 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 196.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.
320

Tada more) bed
Applies to: vehicles with anti-theft wheel bolts



B4H-0470

Fig. 197 Anti-theft wheel bolt with cap and adapter
You need a special adapter in the vehicle tool kit
to remove the anti-theft wheel bolts.
> Remove the cap @).
> Slide the adapter @) all the way onto the anti-
theft wheel bolt @.
> Slide the wheel wrench* from the vehicle tool
kit all the way onto the adapter @).
> Loosen the wheel bolt > page 320.
@ Tips
Note the code number for the wheel bolt
adapter and store it in a safe place separate
from the vehicle. If you need a replacement
adapter, contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility and give them
the code number.
Loosening the wheel bolts

B4S-0221

Fig. 198 Wheel: loosening the wheel bolts

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Emergency assistance

4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the jump-start pin @) on the vehi-
cle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red cover on the positive terminal.

Z\ 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 onlyifatow >
325

Emergency assistance

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.
@) 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
(50 km), then transport the vehicle on a
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 112.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 181 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 325.


326
Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 327,
=> page 327.
> 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 61. 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.
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 121.
> 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.

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Emergency assistance

Front towing loop

Rear towing loop

fry 3 o 2
i a


Fig. 205 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 317.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 205. 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.
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.
BFV-0306


Fig. 206 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop
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 317.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 206. 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.
> After using, place the towing loop back in the
vehicle tool kit.

ZA WARNING
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.

ZA WARNING
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.

G) Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.
G) Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.
327

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Index

Tightening specification
Wheel bolts ......... 0... c cece eee 323
Tightening specification (wheel bolts) ..... 323
THING sscsnirs so secenis w sneer ow emmers 3m etme wo a 16
Timer (high-voltage battery)............. 136
tiptronic
refer to Manual shifting............... 111
Tire Mobility System (tire repair set)....... 317
THROS cesses x oi ores wu enews woo cranes + areas aw SK 289
Loose wheel warning...........0+e00ee 304
Low-profile tires.............02..000- 306
REPalnisetis sccm 2 3 mow @ & wemew & wasn ao one 317
Replacing.......... 0... c eee eee eee 319
SOPVICE lif@ns = s eee ¢ x eae 3 vawed HawH 298
TIRE PKESSUNE iiss so somes oo ase ov Reem we woKs 299
Tire pressure monitoring system.... 307, 308
Tire pressure table...........-..00000- 300
Tire pressure (trailer mode)............ 147
Treadwear indicators... . 0.0.6.0 ee 298
Unidirectional..................0. 291, 322
Uniform tire quality grading............ 306
Tires and wheels
Glossary of tire and loading terminology .. 292

Tires and vehicle load limits............ 302
Toll Module
refer to Integrated Toll Module......... 161
oo) Ca 317
Tool tipS.... 2... eee eee eee eee ee 20
Top tether anchor (securing the child safety
SGat) ¢ suche 7 § See od SOBRE Fo See sD ed 92
Touch display
Adjusting feedback............---..00-5 20
QPeKating « « ssessie 2 x care oo cea o seauew we > were 18
TOWING §: & & sxise @ & aves @ & aeawein & o wean @ & waK 325
TOWING OOP sves « & wave x e waves ¢ @ wow 2 2 327
Towing protection monitoring............. 44
TPMS
Tire pressure monitoring system........ 308
Traffic incidents
refer to Online traffic information....... 239
Traffic information « sic. <6 cane v weve wo eee 240
Online traffic information.............. 239
Traffic light information................ 157
Traffic sign recognition................. 155
Traffic SiQMScsic 2% arcu oa axeueve x a oeeneve w+ oer 158
Trailer mode
Air suspension ..........000ec cence eee 147
Trailer towing...........-.. cee eee eee eee 147
Tongue weight............eeceeeeeeee 147
Trailer load « « seas + + sewn 2 2 ees vo ew ve 147
TUNM@ASSISE « esc s sree: & s eevem ¢ 2 ene s x Be 181
Turtsignals = sess <2 wee = 2 eee s = HeieR gx oes 59
U
Uniform tire quality grading............. 306
Unlocking and locking................5-5 41
By remote control.............--e0eeee 46
Using the lock cylinder..............005 44
With Audi connect vehicle control........ 47
With the central locking switch.......... 43
With the convenience key............... 46
Update (software) ........ 0. cece ee eee 264
Upright positions « scsi se ess s cows s 6 vere 76
USB
Adapters « s escciis « eoasane 2 wasire a eases @ 2% 212
USB charging ports. « secs ¢ « sores & o arenes ¥ « ave 94
USB drive
Supported types/formats.............. 258
USB stick
refer to Audi music interface........... 252
Users
LOCALUSEtS sas x s anwe ¢ § earee FE Sates GS eae 38
MYAUGPUSEDSiscs: «osm oo ees oo een eo oer 38
Using residual heat.................-.. 103
V
Valet parking sxc ¢ s exes ze wewu 2 e owen 2 ee 55
Vanity MOF ccs < = seas + nen & ¥ axes ¢ ¢ Rees 65
Vehicle
Care/cleaning . es: : sesee s seeeaseewnas 310
DIMeNSIONS asco « 2 meses « 2 msn + 6 oom @ Ho 343
Identification data................... 343
Out Of S@FVICE cares sy ces sv ees ve eee ee 316
RaiSigss « cassis x 0 senxie 9 v aaeniue 6 9 cxsee @ nave 321.
Starting.......... 06. c eee ee eee eee 107
TRANS POFt wes s x eee su eeee o Bee 2 REE 125
Unlocking and locking............-...-- 46
Vehicle:car@ssiox «msn os ean oo wenn = # oes 310
Vehicle control services..............--- 224
Vehicle data label............. eee eee ee 343
Vehicle identification number............ 343