2021 AUDI Q8 tow

Wheels

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
are listed on the safety compli-
270
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.

Z\ 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 ona 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.

4M8012721BF
Wheels

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 266, fig. 168.
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 266, fig. 168.
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
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 257, fig. 165) 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\.
271
>

Emergency assistance

Inflating a tire
> Move the switch (8) > fig. 172 on the compres-
sor into position I.
> Inflate the tire to between 29 psi (200 kPA)
and 36 psi (250 kPA) and read the pressure on
the gauge.
> If this tire pressure is not reached, remove the
filler hose. Drive slowly approximately 33 feet
(10 m) forward or in reverse so that the sealant
can be distributed in the tire. Inflate the tire
again > A\.
Z\ WARNING
— Read and follow the manufacturer's safety
precautions on the compressor and in the in-
structions on the bottle of sealant.
— Ifa tire pressure of 29 psi (200 kPA) cannot
reached after inflating for 6 minutes, then
the tire is too severely damaged. Do not con-
tinue driving.
— If the tire cannot be repaired with the tire
sealant, see an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
G) Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.
Once the compressor has cooled, you can con-
tinue to use it.
Completing
Applies to: vehicles with tire mobility kit


> Affix the sticker that says "max. 50 mph (max.
80 km/h)" that is provided with the tire mobili-
ty kit within the driver's field of vision.
> Stop the vehicle after driving for about 10 mi-
nutes and check the tire pressure.
> If the tire pressure is lower than 19 psi (130
kPA), then the tire is too severely damaged. Do
not continue driving.

ZA WARNING
Pay attention to the following after repairing
the tire:
— Do not drive faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).


— Avoid hard acceleration or braking and driv-
ing fast around curves.
— The vehicle may become more difficult to
control.
— If the tire is too severely damaged, see an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.

@) For the sake of the environment
You can give the used tire sealant bottle to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for disposal.
@ Tips
Remember to obtain a new bottle of sealant
from an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility after repairing a tire.
Replacing wheels
You must complete the preparation before
changing a tire.
> Read and follow the important safety precau-
tions > page 286.
> 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 286 and the
spare tire > page 292.
> Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Select
on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings &
Service > Air suspension: wheel change.
> Switch the ignition off.

A 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.
— Applies to: vehicles with active roll stabiliza-
tion: Switch the ignition off because the sus-
pension regulation could change the vehicle |>

288

4M8012721BF
Emergency assistance

@) 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 only if a tow
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 100.
— Switch Audi pre sense* off > page 152 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 295. >

295

Emergency assistance

Preparations
> Only secure the towing cable or tow bar at the
designated towing loops > page 296,
=> page 297.
> 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 53. 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 > /\.
> 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 106.
> Select the “N” selector lever position.
> Make sure the towing cable is always taut.


Z\ 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.

296
Front towing loop

Fig. 182 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
1)


Fig. 183 Front bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
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 286.
>» Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 182 or > fig. 183. The cap will loosen
from the bumper.
> 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. >

4M8012721BF
Emergency assistance

@ Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.
Rear towing loop



Fig. 184 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop (version
1)




Fig. 185 Rear bumper: installing the towing loop (version
2)
Vehicles with a towing loop
On vehicles without a factory-installed trailer
hitch*, the towing loop threads are located on
the right rear side of the bumper.
>» Remove the towing loop from the vehicle tool
kit > page 286.
> Press the cap inward with brief, strong pressure
> fig. 184 or > fig. 185. The cap will loosen
from the bumper.
> 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.
Vehicles with a trailer hitch*
> Attach the tow bar or the towing cable to the
trailer hitch.
Vehicles with a factory-installed trailer hitch* are
not equipped with towing loop threads at the
rear.

ZX 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.
® Note
To reduce the risk of damaging the trailer
hitch*, only use suitable tow bars that are
compatible with it. If a tow bar is not availa-
ble, you can use a towing cable.
GG Tips
Depending on the model, the shape of the cap
can vary.

297

Index

Charging the battery (USB)............. 184
Charging the battery (wireless) ......... 184
Connecting a mobile phone............ 181
Dialing asnumbe t's e:csce e cco ee waneve ¥ 0 ene 187
Exterior antenna...............200005 184
Mobile device reminder signal.......... 185
Options during aphonecall............ 187
Playing music........ 0.0... eee ee eee 221
Temperature displays
refer to Sport displays...............00. 15
Temperature display (outside temperature).. 15
Temperature gauge
COOlANt sssan 2 » cqum 3 x aR ot Raw SB Meee Fe 12
Text input... 2... ee eee eee 25
Text MesSageS .....--. cee eee eee eee 189
SGttingS coms + waeu & x seeR ee NORE Ey NESE 189
also refer to Text messages............ 189
Tie2d OWNS: & soso oo sents 2 3 oes oo meme o Bem 87
Tightening specification
Wheel bolttstic si scsues emsie 6 « intaive a 6 amivine 291
Tightening specification (wheel bolts).... . 291
THM: » saees go sae ¢ © Rees oe eH ge eo eB 16
tiptronic
refer to Manual shifting................ 99
Tire Mobility System (tire repair set)....... 286
Tit@S e2cses s meses ¢ = waren 2 & weseS 3 & TE sg Re 256
Loose wheel warning.................. 272
Low-profile tires..............000 000. 273
RepainSets « awa « « worms s mem 9 be a Be 286
Replacing « srr « susnene x osercm wo sseeone o 5 wees 288
Service life... .......... 0... c eee eee 265
Tine PresSut@wes « news: = s gems & x Home EP ae 266
Tire pressure monitoring sys-
TEM eee 274, 275, 276
Tire pressure table: « sews = ¢ ses + ¢ seeps ¢ 268
Tire pressure (trailer mode)............ 118
Treadwear indicators............-..00- 265
Unidirectional; << ae. « s wees ce ewes 258, 291
Uniform tire quality grading............ 274
Tires and wheels
Glossary of tire and loading terminology.. 259
Tires and vehicle load limits............ 269
Toll Module
refer to Integrated Toll Module......... 132
TOGlSis:s s nace 2 & wea = & Seem FE Hee E x De 286
Tooltips......... 0... cee eee 20
326
Top tether anchor (securing the child safety
SQat) occ ce cee cece teen eee eee 80
Touch display
Adjusting feedback. ..............-.05. 20
OPeratinG)s « 2 vices «2 oem = 2 arene © woo vo 18
TOWI0Gise5 : wee 2 wees & x Here 5 epee 5 2 Bs 295
Towing lOOp< « ss<2 = seen < sae8 ¢ s oes 296, 297
Towing protection monitoring............. 38
TPMS
Indicator light:: « sss ¢ + sees se zeae ss ews 279
Tire pressure monitoring system.... 275,276
Traffic incidents
refer to Online traffic information....... 209
Trafficsin formations. « svesese » s sexe 1 amuse 0 0s 210
Online traffic information.............. 209
Traffic light information................ 128
Traffic sign recognition................. 126
Traffic SignS.. 0.0... eee eee eee eee 129
Trailerload cscs vs asccame vo avcnaiis ww ames ww anes 314
Trailer mode
Airsuspension..................0.005 118
Trailer towing.............. cee eee eee ee 118
Tongue weight .......... eee eee eae 118
‘Trailer load): + s see s nome & s were o x som ge 118
Trailerwiew « swan « » mess = uses x eee cs see 163
TUPMSSSISC:s sacs = 3 secne 3 8 Bane 3 2 aaceR 4 5 152
Turn signals. .... 0.0... sce eee eee eee 52
U
Uniform tire quality grading............. 274
Unlocking and locking.............-..0-- 35
BY remote control: «= scus Using the lock cylinder................. 38
With Audi connect vehicle control........ 41
With the central locking switch.......... 37
With the convenience key............... 40
Update (software) .......... 0... e eee eee 234
USB
Ad aptel inc s wana cs won a 9 eseowa «9 wwe a oe 184
USB
charging ports « « even se cwen x nen ec ee 82
USB drive
Supported types/formats.............. 228
USB stick
refer to Audi music interface........... 222