2021 AUDI A8 tow

Care and cleaning

Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi-
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA\ WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-

soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning
products if possible.
— Do not dispose of cleaning and care prod-
ucts with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
310
seals on the side windows, doors, hood, luggage
compartment lid, or sunroof*, or at tires, rubber
hoses, insulating material, sensors*, camera
lenses*, or the laser scanner*. Keep a distance of
at least 16 inches (40 cm).
Plug-in hybrid drive: Do not direct the stream of
water towards the wall mount clip*.
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield wipers are off. Make sure that
the vehicle is still able to roll during the washing
process in the car wash. Follow instructions from
the car wash operator, especially if there are ac-
cessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle starting from the top and work-
ing downward using a soft sponge or cleaning
brush. Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To reduce the risk of damaging the paint when
washing, first remove dust and large particles
from your vehicle. Insects, grease spots, and fin-
gerprints are best removed with a special cleaner
for matte finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To re-
duce the risk of damaging the paint surface, do
not use too much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois. >

Care and cleaning




Component Situation Solution
Laser scanner Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Wheels Road salt Water
Brake dust Acid-free special cleaning solution
Exhaust tail Road salt Water, cleaning solution suitable for stainless steel, if nec-
pipes essary
Decorative parts | Deposits Mild soap solution ®, a cleaning solution suitable for stain-
and
trim
less steel, if necessary

Paint Paint damage Repair with touch-up paint

Spilled fuel Rinse with water immediately

Surface rust Rust remover, then treat with hard wax; for questions, con-
sult an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility.

Corrosion Have it removed by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.

Water no longer
beads on the surface
of clean paint
Treat with hard wax (at least twice per year)

No shine even though
paint has been pro-
tected/paint looks
poor
Treat with suitable polish; then apply paint protectant if
the polish that was used does not contain any protectant

Deposits such as in-
sects, bird droppings,
tree sap, and road
salt
Dampen with water immediately and remove with a micro-
fiber cloth

Grease-based con-
taminants such as
cosmetics or sunblock
Remove immediately with a mild soap solution ® and a soft
cloth

Carbon compo-__| Deposits clean the same way as painted parts > page 310
nents
Decorative decals | Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Audi e-tron Deposits Soft, dry towel
charging system
Wall mount clip | Deposits Soft towel with alcohol-free cleaning solution

a) Mild soap solution: maximum two tablespoons of
Interior cleaning
neutral soap in 1 quart (1 liter) of water


Component Situation Solution
Window glass Deposits Glass cleaner, then wipe dry
Decorative parts {Deposits Mild soap solution®
and
trim

312

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

Ve

ae)


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

4N0012721BF
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.

4N0012721BF
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

4N0012721BF
Index

Online services
refer toconnect.......... cece eee eee 222
Online system update.................. 264
Online traffic information............... 239
OPeniing sc» « swesius © o cwcwew w eeewesens vt euswens we eaewoue 41
Automatic luggage compartment lid...... 49
Convenience opening...............0405. 53
Fuel-fillerdoor's « s sve ¢ « weeoa ¢ 0 wanes ¥ ane 271
HOOd .... cece eee 276
Luggage compartment lid............... 49
Luggage compartment lid with foot motion . 50
Panoramic glass roof..............2000. 53
Rear window sunshade................. 55
Surishaden(root) « scons «a accuse 2 x emma oo ose 53
Sunshade (windows) ..............00005 52
Windows ......... 20. eee eee eee 52
Opening and closing
refer to Unlocking and locking........ 41, 46
Opening the charging port door.......... 134
Operating
Head-up display’: « « seis ie gees + eres + eo 33
Instrumenticluste tienes» « secre a sangse « = snees T3'
Multifunction steering wheel............ 13
Multi Media Interface............... 18,21
Rear Seat Remote..............0005 18, 28
Text input... 6.2... eee eee eee eee 25
Towchdisplay's = 2 sews « s sews & «ee ¢ eee 2 18
Voice recognition system.............-. 34
Operating¢mModes « sein «sows + wae w ¥ wae 114
Optional equipment number............. 343
Options
Medias a scasss i a susaas « o: anmwons 4 nmnuans 4 aseatas 257
Radio... ieee eee 248
Outside noise... eee eee eee eee 116
Overview: (GOCKpit):. « swine o « creme a simone « 0 scene 6
P
PaiMtCOde la . o sccvam aw seauewe & avevane & o voeaun a os 343
Paintdamagess « « wseas 6 www ve sees & o renee 312
PANIC BUGLON': ¢ mess ss wenu s y eens « ¥ ene 5 2 45
PANIG fUNCtION Se: = = sews = ¢ aeupe ¢ o ee 3 eee 45
Panoramic glass roof.......... eee ee eee 53:
Convenience opening and closing......... 53
Emergency closing............-..20-005 54
Quick opening and closing.............. 54
Parental control
DVD... oes 257
Rear Séat REMOtes s acaw 5 « meme ay wens 2 oe 28
Parkassist plUS « scas + < xan 4 e eee eRe 198
Parking... ... cece cece eee e eee 108
Parking aid... . 1.0... eee cece eee eee eee 188
Adjusting the volume................. 190
Automatic activation.................. 189
Cleaning the sensors and camera........ 311
Deactivating rear cross-traffic assist .... . 195
Parkcassist:plusiac ss scoaa «waa a 3 wien ooo 198
Parking aid plus...............02-.00. 188
Parking space search.................. 196
Peripheral
cameras............-0000-- 191
REARVICWHGAIMIEF Alcan x exessene so acenece a 0 eonsere 191
Remote controlled parking............. 202
Switching off maneuver assist.......... 208
Parking and maneuvering.............-- 188
Parking brake
refer to Electromechanical parking brake. 121
Parking heater
refer to Auxiliary climate control........ 104
Parking light Sie 2 o ccs + venues eo rece eo eoeneee 58
Parking lock emergency release.......... 112
Pass=through cscs x ¢ ogee y ees yo ewes so oe 98
Pédalsteius + 2 qeme = © aime < Roe 5 BURN FE HORE 111
Pedestrian detection..............-.00. 159
Perchlorate. ... 2.2.0.0... cece eee eee eee 338
Peripheral cameras............--0000-- 191
Phone
Connecting a second mobile device...... 210
Disconnecting a mobile device.......... 211
SO TEIIGS ssenosw 2 0 cmemeioe « oxsuemen © sitanems a oexints 218
Phonebook
refer to Directory............002--005- 216
PIN
A-digit myAudi PIN...............000488 38
Protection wssine s+ sce ww inne 6 6 anrsass ww anes 39
Playback (media) ..... 0... cess eee eee eee 253
Plug-inmhybrid drive’s « sss x x cages x « emcee a 114
Coolant.......... 00.0. e eee eee 281, 282
Power meter...........0 cece eee eee 15
Plug-in hybrid mode.................0.. 114
Podcast
refer to Online radio.............. 246, 247
Polishing ....... 0... c cece cece 312
353

4N0012721BF
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