flat tire AUDI A3 2020 Owner´s Manual

Wheels


heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Determining correct load
Tani
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 330, fig. 259.
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 330, fig. 259.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
334
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 320, fig. 257) 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.

8V2012721BK
Wheels


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 indicator
(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.
If the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
indicator appears
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
display with an @ indicator light and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored in the menu
display again each time the pressures change
(switching between partial and full load pres-
sure) or after changing or replacing a tire on your
vehicle > page 338. The tire pressure monitoring >
337

Wheels

system only monitors the tire pressure you have
stored. Refer to the tire pressure label for the
recommended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 330, fig. 260.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
— The tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
—The tire has structural damage
— The tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 338
— One side of the vehicle is more heavily loaded
than the other
— The wheels on one axle are more heavily loaded
than the others (for example, when towing a
trailer or when driving up and down hills)
— Snow chains are installed
— The spare tire* is installed
— Only one tire was replaced on each axle
Indicator lights
@ - loss of pressure in at least one tire > A\.
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check/correct the pressures of all four tires. Then
store the tire pressures in the menu > page 338.
is (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Tire pres-
sure: malfunction! See owner's manual. If
appears after switching the ignition on or while
driving and the @ indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster blinks for approximately one minute
and then stays on, there is system malfunction.
Check/correct the pressures on all four tires and
store the pressures > page 338. If the indicator
light does turn off or turns on again after a short
period of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZX WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
instrument cluster display, reduce your
speed immediately and avoid any hard steer-
ing or braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as
possible and check the tires and their pres-
sures.


338

— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressures. You must check the
tire pressures regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions or unpaved
roads), the pressure monitor indicator may
be delayed.
— Do not use run-flat tires on your vehicle. Us-
ing them when not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
(i) Tips
—The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC/ABS
malfunction.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 326. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
—The tire pressure monitoring system can on-
ly monitor the tire pressure of the driving
tires. Check the tire pressure of the spare
wheel in the luggage compartment so that
if necessary it is ready for use.
Storing tire pressures
Applies to: vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring System in-
dicator
A change in tire pressure or a change in tires
must be stored in the system.
Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the specified
values and are adapted to the load > page 328.

> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > left control button > Service &
checks > Tire pressure monitoring > Store tire
pressure > Yes, store now.
(i) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.

8V2012721BK
Wheels

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 ona 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.
Applies to: vehicles with tire pressure monitoring system
The tire pressure monitoring system monitors
the pressure in the four tires when driving.
The system uses sensors that measure the tem-
perature and pressure in the tires. The data is
sent from these sensors to the control module by
radio frequency.
The tire pressure monitoring system shows the
current pressures and temperatures of the tires
in the Infotainment system while driving
= page 340. It also compares the current tire
pressures with the stored tire pressures and gives
a warning if the tire pressure is different from
what is stored > page 340.
The system does not detect if the stored tire
pressures match the recommended tire pres-
sures. You must store the tire pressures again in
each of the following situations > page 341:
— Each time the tire pressures change, for exam-
ple when the load in the vehicle changes
— After replacing a tire
— If wheels with new wheel sensors are used

Z\ WARNING
—The tire pressure monitoring system assists
the driver in monitoring tire pressures. The
driver is responsible for having the tires in-
flated to the correct pressure.
— Do not change the tire pressure when the
temperature of the tire is extremely high.
This could result in serious damage to the
tire and even cause the tire to burst, increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
— A tire with low pressure flexes more. This
heats the tire up too much. This could cause |>

339

Emergency assistance

sistance Equipment

Trunk escape latch
Applies to: vehicles with trunk escape latch (Sedan and Cab-
riolet)
In case of an emergency, the rear lid can be
opened from the inside using the trunk escape
latch.
2 3 S
ne = & yo
B8V-0379


Fig. 262 Luggage compartment: vehicle tool kit, tire mobi-
lity kit and vehicle jack* placement


Fig. 261 Luggage compartment: Trunk escape latch
B8V-0609

> Push the latch in the direction of the arrow un-
til the lock releases.
The trunk escape latch inside the rear lid is made
of fluorescent material to glow in the dark.

Z\ WARNING
The trunk escape latch is to be used only in an
emergency.
General information
> Park the vehicle as far as possible from moving
traffic in the event of a breakdown. In the event
of a flat tire, park the vehicle on a level surface.
If you are ona steep hill, be especially careful.

» Set the parking brake. Fig. 263 Luggage compartment: cargo floor folded up
> Place the selector lever in the “P” position. (versions 1 and 2)
> Switch the emergency flashers on.
> Have the passengers exit the vehicle. They
should move to a safe place, for example be-
hind a guard rail.
Vehicle tool kit, cargo floor cover and side
panel
Applies to: vehicles with version 1
_ The vehicle tool kit, tire mobility kit* and the
A WARNING compressor® are located in the luggage compart-
ment, separated in the side panels @)
) > fig. 262.

Pay attention to the steps above. They are for
your protection and the for the safety of other
drivers. > To open the side panel, turn the lock and re-
move the cover @)* / (

der the cargo floor cover (


348

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance

Setting up the tire mobility kit
> Open the cover @ on the compressor)
> fig. 266.
» Remove the connector (4) and pressure hose (5)
with pressure gauge from the housing.
> Install the compressor pressure hose (5) onto
the flange © of tire sealant bottle ().
> Insert the sealant bottle with the flange at the
bottom into the opening @) on the compressor
cover.
> Remove the valve cap from the faulty tire.
> Install the filler hose @) on the valve @)
> fig. 267.
> Connect the plug @) > fig. 266 to a socket in
the vehicle.
>» Switch the ignition on.
Inflating a tire
> Move the switch (8) > fig. 267 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 that tire pressure is not reached, drive your
vehicle approximately 33 ft (10 m) forward or
backward so that the sealant can be redistribut-
ed inside the tire.

AX 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.

@ Tips
Do not operate the compressor for more than
six minutes continuously, or it can overheat.

D_ The compressor may look different. However, the way it is
operated is generally the same.
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.
351

Emergency assistance

Replacing wheels
Before changing a wheel
Observe the following precautions for your own
and your passenger's safety when changing a
wheel.
>» After you experience a tire failure, pull the car
well away from moving traffic and try to reach
level ground before you stop > A\.
> All passengers should leave the car and move
toa safe location (for instance, behind the
guardrail) > A\.
> Engage the parking brake to prevent your vehi-
cle from rolling unintentionally > A\.
> Move selector lever to position P > /\.
> If you are towing a trailer, unhitch the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Take the jack* > page 348 and the spare tire*
=> page 357 out of the luggage compartment.

ZA\ WARNING
You or your passengers could be injured while
changing a wheel if you do not follow these
safety precautions:
— If you have a flat tire, move a safe distance
off the road. Turn off the engine, turn the
emergency flashers on and use other warn-
ing devices to alert other motorists.
— Make sure that passengers wait in a safe
place away from the vehicle and well away
from the road and traffic.
—To help prevent the vehicle from moving
suddenly and possibly slipping off the jack*,
always fully set the parking brake and block
the front and back of the wheel diagonally
opposite the wheel being changed. When
one front wheel is lifted off the ground,
placing the Automatic Transmission in P
(Park) will not prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing.
— Before you change a wheel, be sure the
ground is level and firm. If necessary, use a
sturdy board under the jack”.
— Always store the vehicle tool kit, the jack*
and the replaced tire in the luggage com-
partment > page 60.

352
G) Tips
Obey all laws.
Changing a wheel
When you change a wheel, follow the sequence
described below step-by-step and in exactly that
order.
1. Remove the decorative wheel cover*. For
more details see also > page 353, Decorative
wheel covers or > page 353, Wheels with
wheel bolt caps.
2. Loosen the wheel bolts > page 353.
3. Locate the proper mounting point for the
jack* and align the jack* below that point
=> page 354.
4. Raise the car with the jack* > page 354.
Remove the wheel with the flat tire and then
install the spare > page 355.
6. Tighten all wheel bolts lightly.
Lower the vehicle with the jack*.
8. Use the wheel bolt wrench and firmly tighten
all wheel bolts > page 353.
9. Replace the decorative wheel cover*.
wn
=

ZA WARNING
Always read and follow all WARNINGS and in-
formation > A\ in Raising the vehicle on
page 355 and > page 356.
After changing a wheel
A wheel change is not complete without the do-
ing the following.


> Always store the vehicle tool kit, the jack* and
the replaced tire in the luggage compartment
=> page 60.
> Check the tire pressure on the spare wheel im-
mediately after mounting it.
> As soon as possible, have the tightening tor-
ques on all wheel bolts checked with a torque
wrench. The correct tightening torque is
90 ft lb (120 Nm).
> Have the flat tire replaced as soon as possible.

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance


» Wind the jack up further until the flat tire — Do not raise the vehicle until you are sure
comes off the ground > A\. the jack is securely engaged.
— Passengers must not remain in the vehicle
when it is jacked up.
— Make sure that passengers wait in a safe
place away from the vehicle and well away
from the road and traffic.
Position the vehicle jack only under the designat-
ed lifting points on the sill > fig. 271. There is ex-
actly one location for each wheel. The jack must
not be positioned at any other location > AS ©.


An unstable surface under the jack can cause the — Make sure jack position is correct, adjust
vehicle to slip off the jack. Always provide a firm as necessary and then continue to raise
base for the jack on the ground. If necessary the jack.
place a sturdy board or similar support under the
jack. On hard, slippery surfaces (such as tiles) @) Note
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack
from slipping owl, Do not Lift the vehicle by the sill. Position the
vehicle jack only at the designated lifting
A WARNING points on the sill. Otherwise, your vehicle will
be damaged.

— You or your passengers could be injured
while changing a wheel if you do not follow
Peon es imteen ene: Taking the wheel off/installing the spare
— Position the vehicle jack only at the desig- Follow these instructions step-by-step for chang-
nated lifting points and align the jack. ing the wheel.
Otherwise, the vehicle jack could slip and
cause an injury if it does not have suffi-
cient hold on the vehicle.
— A soft or unstable surface under the jack
may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Always provide a firm base for the jack on
the ground. If necessary, use a sturdy
board under the jack.
— On hard, slippery surface (such as tiles)
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the
jack from slipping.
— Only raise your vehicle with the vehicle
jack provided by the factory. If you use a
vehicle jack for another vehicle, your vehi-
cle can slide and cause injury.
— Changes in load can affect the height of
the vehicle.
— Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised, which could cause an accident.
— Support the vehicle securely with appro-
priate stands if work is to be performed
underneath the vehicle; otherwise, there is
a potential risk for injury.
—To help prevent injury to yourself and your
passengers:
2 R + 4
0 a

Fig. 273 Changing a wheel: using the screwdriver handle
(with the blade removed) to turn the bolts
6 &
Tt
“ oO oO

~
Fig. 274 Changing a wheel: alignment pin inside the top
hole

After you have loosened all wheel bolts and
raised the vehicle off the ground, remove and re-
place the wheel as follows:


355

Emergency assistance

Removing the wheel
>» Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver
handle to completely remove the topmost
wheel bolt and set it aside on a clean surface
> fig. 273.
> Screw the threaded end of the alignment pin
from the tool kit hand-tight into the empty bolt
hole > fig. 274.
> Then remove the other wheel bolts as described
above.
> Take off the wheel leaving the alignment pin in
the bolt hole >@).
Putting on the compact spare wheel
> Lift the spare wheel and carefully slide it over
the alignment pin to guide it in place >@.
> Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver
handle to screw in and tighten all wheel bolts
slightly.
> Remove the alignment pin and insert and tight-
en the remaining wheel bolt slightly like the
rest.
> Turn the jack handle counter-clockwise to lower
the vehicle until the jack* is fully released.
> Use the wheel bolt wrench to tighten all wheel
bolts firmly > page 353. Tighten them cross-
wise, from one bolt to the (approximately) op-
posite one, to keep the wheel centered.
@) Note
When removing or installing the wheel, the
rim
could hit the brake rotor and damage the
rotor. Work carefully and have a second per-
son help you.
G) Tips
Never use the hexagonal socket in the handle
of the screwdriver to loosen or tighten the
wheel bolts.
— Pull the reversible blade from the screwdriv:
er before you use the hexagonal socket in
the handle to turn the wheel bolts.
— When mounting tires with unidirectional
tread design make sure the tread pattern is
pointed the right way > page 356.
— The wheel bolts should be clean and easy to
turn. Check for dirt and corrosion on the
356
mating surfaces of both the wheel and the
hub. Remove all dirt from these surfaces be-
fore remounting the wheel.
Tires with unidirectional tread design
Tires with unidirectional tread design must be
mounted with their tread pattern pointed in the
right direction.
Using a spare tire with a tread pattern
intended for use in a specific direction
When using a spare tire with a tread pattern in-
tended for use in a specific direction, please note
the following:
— The direction of rotation is marked by an arrow
on the side of the tire.
— If the spare tire has to be installed in the incor-
rect direction, use the spare tire only tempora-
rily since the tire will not be able to achieve its
optimum performance characteristics with re-
gard to aquaplaning, noise and wear.
— We recommend that you pay particular atten-
tion to this fact during wet weather and that
you
adjust your speed to match road condi-
tions.
— Replace the flat tire with a new one and have it
installed on your vehicle as soon as possible to
restore the handling advantages of a unidirec-
tional tire.
Notes on wheel changing
Please read the information > page 326 if you
are going to use a spare tire which is different
from the tires on your vehicle.
After you change a tire:
— Check the tire pressure on the spare immedi-
ately after installation.
— Have the wheel bolt tightening torque
checked with a torque wrench as soon as pos-
sible by your authorized Audi dealer ora
qualified service station.
— With steel and alloy wheel rims, the wheel
bolts are correctly tightened at a torque of
90 ft lbs (120 Nm).

8V2012721BK
Emergency assistance

— If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded
and difficult to turn while changing a tire,
they should be replaced before you check the
tightening torque.
— Replace the flat tire with a new one and have
it installed on your vehicle as soon as possi-
ble. Remount the wheel cover.
Until then, drive with extra care and at reduced
speeds.

ZA WARNING
— If you are going to equip your vehicle with
tires or rims which differ from those which
were factory installed, then be sure to read
the information > page 326.
— Always make sure the damaged wheel or
even a flat tire and the jack* and tool kit are
properly secured in the luggage compart-
ment and are not loose in the passenger
compartment.
—Inan accident or sudden maneuver they
could fly forward, injuring anyone in the ve-
hicle.
— Always store damaged wheel, jack* and
tools securely in the luggage compartment.
Otherwise, in an accident or sudden maneu-
ver they could fly forward, causing injury to
passengers in the vehicle.



Spare tire
General information
Applies to: vehicles with space-saving spare tire (Compact
spare tire)
Fig. 275 Luggage compartment: cargo floor folded up
(versions 1 and 2)

BFV-0231



Fig. 276 Compact spare tire
The spare tire > fig. 276 is intended for short-
term use only. Have the damaged tire checked
and replaced if necessary by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as soon
as possible.
There are some restrictions on the use of the
compact spare tire. The compact spare tire has
been designed specifically for your type of vehi-
cle. Do not replace it with the spare tire from an-
other type of vehicle. >
357