8S1012721BE
Driving
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. In this case, park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it by engaging the
"P” gear. Contact an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
ZA WARNING
— If you do not begin driving immediately after
releasing the brake pedal, your vehicle may
begin to roll backward. Press the brake ped-
al or set the parking brake immediately.
— The hill hold assist cannot hold the vehicle
on inclines in every scenario (for example,
on slippery or icy ground).
Sporty driving
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, the wear on all ve-
hicle components is greatly increased, especially
on the engine, transmission, tires, brakes, and
suspension. This can result in increased wear. Al-
so
note the following points:
— Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Make sure to check the brake pads, tire tread,
and tire pressure (when tires are warm).
— Beforehand, warm up the engine by driving no
higher than two-thirds of the maximum permit-
ted engine RPM. The engine oil must be
brought to a minimum temperature of 158 °F
(60 °C).
— Before stopping the vehicle, allow the engine
and brakes to cool back down to a regular oper-
ating temperature by driving normally.
If necessary, use the following functions:
— Dynamic Audi drive select mode* > page 96
— Launch Control > page 86
— Limit ESC > page 105
@) Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Automatic transmission
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with an electronically-
controlled DSG transmission called S tronic. Two
independent clutches transfer the power be-
tween the engine and transmission. It allows the
vehicle to accelerate without a noticeable inter-
ruption in traction.
The transmission shifts up or down automatically
depending on which drive program is selected.
When a moderate driving style is used, the
transmission selects the most economical driving
mode. The transmission upshifts at a lower RPM
and downshifts at a higher RPM to improve fuel
efficiency.
The transmission switches to a sporty mode after
a kick-down or when the driver uses a sporty driv-
ing style characterized by quick accelerator pedal
movements, heavy acceleration, frequent
changes in speed, and traveling at the maximum
speed.
If desired, the driver can also select the gears
manually (tiptronic mode) > page 85.
a BS a $
z 5
Pog
a
Le oe
Fig. 87 Instrument cluster: selector lever positions
The Infotainment system display shows the cur-
rent selector lever position and the engaged
gear.
81
Intelligent Technology
steering wheel, and stop your vehicle in a safe lo-
cation as soon as possible. Do not continue driv-
ing. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
& Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction in the steering system.
Steering may be more difficult or more sensitive.
Adapt your driving style. Have the steering sys-
tem checked immediately by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility. Please
note that the red indicator light may turn on af-
ter restarting the engine. Do not continue driving
if it does.
@ Tips
If the a or El indicator light only stays on
for a short time, you may continue driving.
All wheel drive (quattro)
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel drive
The all-wheel drive system distributes the driving
power variably to the front and rear axle to im-
prove the driving characteristics. It works togeth-
er with selective wheel torque control, which can
activate when driving through curves
=> page 104.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
motor power. Your vehicle is exceptionally power-
ful and has excellent driving characteristics both
under normal driving conditions and on snow and
ice. Always read and follow safety precautions
>A.
Z\ WARNING
— Even in vehicles with all wheel drive, you
should adapt your driving style to the cur-
rent road and traffic conditions to reduce
the risk of an accident.
— The braking ability of your vehicle is limited
to the traction of the wheels. In this way, it
is not different from a two wheel drive vehi-
cle. Do not drive too fast because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
108
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the motor RPM does not increase
suddenly when the vehicle begins hydro-
planing. Adapt your speed to the road condi-
tions to reduce the risk of an accident.
Rear spoiler
Applies to: vehicles with retractable rear spoiler
a
id > z
oO
Fig. 113 Center console: button for the rear spoiler
The rear spoiler increases driving stability. The
rear spoiler extends automatically at speeds
above approximately 75 mph (120 km/h). It will
retract automatically when the speed drops be-
low approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can also extend and retract the rear spoiler
manually.
> Extending: press > briefly.
> Retracting: press and hold 3% when driving at
speeds up to approximately 10 mph (20 km/h).
At speeds from approximately 10 mph (20
km/h) to 75 mph (120 km/h), press 3% briefly.
Messages
If the HB or Mturns on and a corresponding
message appears, the rear spoiler may not be
able to extend due to a malfunction. This could
change the vehicle's driving characteristics at
high speeds. Do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h).
The rear spoiler may be blocked. Clean the rear
spoiler compartment > page 237, close all vehi-
cle doors and lids, and wait several minutes until
the vehicle has completely turned off. If the indi-
cator light turns on again the next time the >
8S1012721BE
Wheels
vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces
the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
> Check the tire sidewall
(= page 215, fig. 175) 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 248, 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.
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 214. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 224.
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, re-
gardless 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.
@® 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
winter tires with the 44 symbol may be per-
mitted.
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
229
Wheels
authorized Audi Service Facility to see if you may
use snow chains.
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add
more than 0.53 in (13.5 mm) in height, including
the chain lock.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.
Z\ WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
@) Note
Snow chains can damage the rims and wheel
covers* if the chains come into direct contact
with them. Remove the wheel covers” first.
Use coated snow chains.
@ Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 105.
ee ceil (mae)
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface anda
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.
This results in an agile driving style. However, it
may reduce the level of comfort and increase
road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-
tion.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 224.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/
cracks on the rims.
230
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand-
ard tires.
Uniform tire quality grading
— Tread wear
— Traction AAABC
— Temperature ABC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width > page 215, fig. 175.
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-
perature A.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and
one half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un-
der controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance
SA.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the >
8S1012721BE
Wheels
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
ZA\ WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.
ZA\ WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Z\ WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.
Tire pressure monitoring
system
(1) General notes
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire
inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is significant-
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
231