fuel AUDI A4 2020 User Guide
Page 214 of 296
Checking and Filling
> Turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks into
place.
> Close the fuel filler door and then press on the
left side until it latches.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle can be
found on a label located on the inside of the fuel
filler door. For additional information on fuel, see
=> page 210.
For the tank capacity in your vehicle, refer to the
Technical Data > page 278.
To reduce the risk of fuel leaking out or vapors
escaping, make sure that the fuel tank is closed
correctly. Otherwise the [gg indicator light will
turn on.
If the central locking system malfunctions, there
is a fuel filler door emergency release
=> page 213.
ZA\ WARNING
Improper fueling procedures and improper
handling of fuel can lead to explosions, fires,
severe burns, and other injuries.
— Do not smoke. Keep away from open flames.
— The ignition must be switched off when re-
fueling.
— Mobile devices, radio devices, and other ra-
dio equipment should always be switched
off when refueling. Electromagnetic rays
could cause sparks and start a fire.
— If you do not insert the fuel pump nozzle all
the way into the filler tube, then fuel can
leak out. Spilled fuel can ignite and start a
fire.
— Never get into the vehicle when refueling. If
there is an exceptional situation where you
must enter the vehicle, close the door and
touch a metal surface before touching the
fuel pump nozzle again. This will reduce the
risk of electrostatic discharge that can cause
flying sparks. Sparks can start a fire when
refueling.
Z\ WARNING
Transporting fuel containers inside the vehicle
is not recommended. Fuel could leak out of
the container and ignite, especially during an
accident. This can cause explosions, fires, and
injuries.
— If you must transport fuel in a fuel contain-
er, note the following:
— Always place the fuel container on the
ground before filling. Never fill the fuel
container with fuel while it is inside or on
the vehicle. Electrostatic discharge can oc-
cur while refueling and the fuel vapors
could ignite.
— When using fuel containers made of met-
al, the fuel pump nozzle must always re-
main in contact with the container to re-
duce the risk of static charge.
— Insert the fuel pump nozzle as far as pos-
sible into the filler opening while refuel-
ing.
— Follow the applicable legal regulations in
the country where you are driving when
using, storing and transporting fuel con-
tainers.
— Make sure that the fuel container meets
the industry standards, for example ANSI
or ASTM F852-86.
1) Depending on the engine and country
212
() Note
— Remove fuel that has overflowed onto any
vehicle
components immediately to reduce
the risk of damage to the vehicle.
— Never drive until the fuel tank is completely
empty. The irregular supply of fuel that re-
sults from that can cause engine misfires.
Uncombusted fuel may enter the exhaust
system and increase the risk of damage to
the catalytic converter.
@) For the sake of the environment
— Do not overfill the fuel tank, or fuel could
leak out when the vehicle is warming up.
— Fuel should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
Page 215 of 296
8W1012721BB
Checking and Filling
@) Tips
The fuel filler door on your vehicle does not
lock if you lock the vehicle from the inside us-
ing
the central locking switch.
Fuel filler door emergency release
If the central locking system malfunctions, the
fuel filler door can be unlocked manually.
Fig. 158 Right side trim panel in the luggage compart-
ment: opening the trim panel
Fig. 159 Luggage compartment: fuel filler door emergency
release
The emergency opening mechanism is located
behind the right side trim panel in the luggage
compartment.
> Open the cover in the side panel > fig. 158.
> To unlock the fuel filler door, loosen the loop
from the retainer and then pull on the loop
carefully > fig. 159 >@).
> Press on the left side of the fuel filler door to
open it > page 211, fig. 156.
® Note
Only pull on the loop until you feel resistance.
You will not hear it release. If you continue to
pull, you could damage the emergency re-
lease mechanism.
Emissions control
system
General information
ZA\ WARNING
The temperature of the exhaust system is
high, both when driving and after stopping
the engine.
— Never touch the exhaust tail pipes once they
have
become hot. This could result in burns.
— Do not park your vehicle over flammable
materials such as grass or leaves because
the high temperature of the emissions sys-
tem could start a fire.
— Do not apply underbody protectant in the
exhaust system area, because this increases
the risk of fire.
(ele) Nidtml alg
Follow the safety precautions > page 213, Gener-
al information.
The vehicle may only be driven with unleaded
gasoline, or the catalytic converter will be de-
stroyed.
Never drive until the tank is completely empty.
The irregular supply of fuel that results from that
can cause engine misfires. Uncombusted fuel
could enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage to the catalytic
converter.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
If the S indicator light blinks or turns on, there
is a malfunction that is causing poor emissions
quality and that could damage the catalytic con-
verter. Drive slowly to an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility to have the
malfunction corrected.
213
Page 216 of 296
Checking and Filling
The indicator light can also turn on if the fuel fill-
er cap is not closed correctly > page 211).
Engine compartment
General information
Special care is required if you are working in the
motor compartment
For work in the motor compartment, such as
checking and filling fluids, there is a risk of in-
jury, scalding, accidents, and burns. For this
reason, follow all the warnings and general
safety precautions provided in the following in-
formation. The engine compartment is a dan-
gerous area in the vehicle. > A.
ZA WARNING
— Turn the engine off.
— Switch the ignition off.
— Set the parking brake.
— Select the “P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Allow the engine to cool.
— Keep children away from the engine com-
partment.
— Never spill fluids on a hot engine. These flu-
ids (such as the freeze protection contained
in the coolant) can catch fire.
— Avoid short circuits in the electrical system.
— Never reach into the radiator fan. The fan is
temperature-controlled and can turn on
suddenly, even when the ignition is switched
off.
— Never open the hood when there is steam or
coolant escaping from the engine compart-
ment, because there is a risk that you could
be burned. Wait until no steam or coolant is
escaping.
— The cap on the coolant expansion tank must
never be opened when the coolant is hot.
The cooling system is under pressure. There
is a risk of burns
—To protect your face, hands, and arms from
hot steam or coolant, cover the cap with a
— Do not remove the engine cover under any
circumstances. This increases the risk of
burns.
— Due to the risk of electric shock, never touch
the ignition cable or other components in
the electronic high-voltage ignition system
when the engine is running or is starting.
— Ifa gear is engaged while the vehicle is sta-
tionary and the engine is running, do not
press the accelerator pedal inadvertently.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will cause the
vehicle to move, and this could result in an
accident.
— If inspections or repairs must be performed
while the engine is running, moving compo-
nents (such as the ribbed belt, generator,
and radiator fan) pose an additional risk.
— Set the parking brake first and select the
“P” (Park) selector lever position.
— Always make sure that no parts of the
body, jewelry, ties, loose clothing, and
long hair can be caught in moving engine
components. Before any work, always re-
move any jewelry and/or ties, tie back long
hair, and make sure all clothing fits close
to the body to reduce the risk of anything
becoming caught in engine components.
— Pay attention to the following warnings list-
ed when work on the fuel system or on the
electrical equipment is required.
— Do not smoke.
— Never work near open flames.
— Always have a working fire extinguisher
nearby.
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Limit your exposure to exhaust and chemi-
cals to as short a time as possible.
thick cloth when opening.
ZA\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
1) Depending on the engine and country
214
Page 219 of 296
8W1012721BB
Checking and Filling
Audi recommends
Sbastrol | ZIDIGE Prarzssional
Audi recommends using the LongLife high-per-
formance engine oil from Audi Genuine Parts.
I Tet
Engine oil pressure
i Turn off engine. Oil pressure too low
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 217.
— If the engine oil level is too low, add engine oil
=> page 218. Only continue driving once the in-
dicator light turns off.
— If the engine oil level is correct and the indica-
tor light still turns on, turn the engine off and
do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Engine oil level
Applies to: vehicles with oil level warning
3 Please add oil immediately
Stop driving and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level > page 217 and add engine oil
immediately > page 218.
2 Please add max. x qt (x I) oil. You can con-
tinue driving
Add the amount of oil shown immediately
=> page 218.
Reducing the oil level
3 Please reduce oil level
There is too much oil in the engine and there is a
risk of damaging the catalytic converter or en-
gine. Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility immediately to have
engine oil extracted if necessary. Avoid high en-
gine speeds, full acceleration, and heavy engine
loads.
Engine oil sensor
2 Oil level sensor: oil change necessary. Please
contact Service
Fuel has entered the engine oil. This will cause
the engine oil level to rise slowly and the engine
oil quality to decrease. Do not extract engine oil
to reduce the level, because this will increase the
risk of engine damage. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility im-
mediately to have engine oil extracted.
& Oil level system: malfunction! Please con-
tact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil level has
malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty to have the malfunction repaired.
& Oil pressure sensor: malfunction! Please
contact Service
The sensor that checks the engine oil pressure
has malfunctioned. Drive immediately to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired.
Engine warm-up request
i Please drive to warm up engine
Fuel has entered the engine oil, either due to low
outside temperatures or frequent short drives.
Drive until the engine is warm so that the fuel in
the engine oil will evaporate. Avoid high engine
speeds, full accelerating, and heavy engine loads
when doing this.
G@) Tips
The oil pressure warning EE is not an oil level
indicator. Always check the oil level regularly.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil level can be checked in the MMI.
Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 214.
> Park the vehicle on a level surface.
» Shut the engine off when it is warm.
> Switch only the ignition back on.
> Wait approximately two minutes.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Settings & Service > Oil level.
217
>
Page 220 of 296
Checking and Filling
> Read the oil level in the display. Add engine oil
if the bar in the oil level indicator is just below
“min” > page 218.
@) Note
If the engine oil level is too low or too high,
there is a risk of engine damage.
@) Tips
The oil level indicator in the display is only an
informational display. If the oil level is too
low, a minimum oil warning appears in the in-
strument cluster. Add oil and close the hood.
The current oil level will be displayed on the
MMI the next time the ignition is switched on.
@) Tips
The engine oil consumption may be up to
0.5 quart/600 miles (0.5 liter/1,000 km), de-
pending on driving style and operating condi-
tions. Consumption may be higher during the
first 3,000 miles (5,000 km). The engine oil
level must be checked regularly. It is best to
check each time you refuel your vehicle and
before long drives.
— Because of the lubrication and cooling of
the engine, combustion engines consume
oil. The oil consumption varies depending
on the engine and may change during the
service life of the engine. Engines generally
consume more oil at the beginning during
the break-in period. Then oil consumption
stabilizes after the break-in period.
— Under normal conditions, oil consumption
depends on the quality and viscosity of the
oil, the engine RPM, the climate conditions,
and the road conditions. The dilution of oil
from condensation or fuel residue as well as
the age of the oil also play a role. Because
engine wear increases with mileage, oil con-
sumption will increase again over time until
it may be necessary to replace worn compo-
nents.
— Because all these variables play a role, it is
not possible to define an oil consumption
standard. Therefore, the oil level must be
checked regularly.
218
— If you believe that your engine has in-
creased its oil consumption, contact an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to determine the cause.
Please note that an exact oil consumption
measurement must be done with the neces-
sary care and accuracy and may take time.
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility is trained in accurately
measuring the oil consumption.
— You can find information on engine oil and
engine oil capacities for the USA at www.
audiusa.com/help/maintenance, or for Can-
ada at www.audi.ca/ca/web/en/
customer-area/care-and-maintenance/
audi-service-schedules.html, or call
800-822-2834.
Adding engine
B8K-2120
Fig. 163 Engine compartment: engine oil filler opening
cover
Observe the safety precautions > A\ in General
information on page 214.
> Turn the engine off.
> Open the hood > page 215.
> Unscrew the cap 7 for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 163.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 216.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the hood > page 215.
> Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
the current oil level in the MMI > page 217,
Checking the engine oil level.
> Add more oil if necessary. >
Page 229 of 296
8W1012721BB
Wheels
Wheels Wheels
and Tires
General information
> Check your tires regularly for
damage, such as punctures,
cuts, cracks, and bulges. Remove
foreign objects from the tire
tread.
>If driving over curbs or similar
obstacles, drive slowly and ap-
proach the curb at an angle.
>Have faulty tires or rims re-
placed immediately.
>Protect your tires from oil,
grease, and fuel.
>Mark tires before removing
them so that the same running
direction can be maintained if
they are reinstalled.
>Lay tires flat when storing and
store them ina cool, dry location
with as little exposure to light as
possible.
A WARNING
—Never drive faster than the
maximum permitted speed for
your tires. This could cause the
tires to heat up too much. This
increases the risk of an acci-
dent because it can cause the
tire to burst.
—Always adapt your driving to
the road and traffic condi-
tions. Drive carefully and re-
duce your speed on icy or slip-
pery roads. Even winter tires
can lose traction on black ice.
() Note
—Please note that summer and
winter tires are designed for
the conditions that are typical
in those seasons. Audi recom-
mends using winter tires dur-
ing the winter months. Low
temperatures significantly de-
crease the elasticity of summ-
er tires, which affects traction
and braking ability. If summer
tires are used in very cold tem-
peratures, cracks can form on
the tread bars, resulting in
permanent tire damage that
can cause loud driving noise
and unbalanced tires.
—Burnished, polished or
chromed rims must not be
used in winter driving condi-
tions. The surface of the rims
does not have sufficient corro-
sion protection for this and
could be permanently dam-
aged by road salt or similar
substances.
227
Page 232 of 296
Wheels
Glossary of tire and loading
terminology
Accessory weight
means the combined weight (in
excess of those standard items
which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steer-
ing, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and
heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not).
Aspect ratio
means the ratio of the height to
the width of the tire in percent.
Numbers of 55 or lower indicate a
low sidewall for improved steer-
ing response and better overall
handling on dry pavement.
Bead
means the part of the tire that is
made of steel wires, wrapped or
reinforced by ply cords and that is
shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation
means a breakdown of the bond
between components in the bead.
230
Cord
means the strands forming the
plies in the tire.
Cold tire inflation pressure
means the tire pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer for a tire of a designated
size that has not been driven for
more than a couple of miles (kilo-
meters) at low speeds in the three
hour period before the tire pres-
sure is measured or adjusted.
Curb weight
means the weight of a motor ve-
hicle with standard equipment in-
cluding the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, air condi-
tioning and additional weight of
optional equipment.
Extra load tire
means a tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at higher in-
flation pressures than the corre-
sponding standard tire. Extra load
tires may be identified as “XL”,
“xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF” on
the sidewall.
Page 240 of 296
Wheels
B-pillar (driver's side) > fig. 170,
> fig. 171. The location may vary
depending on the model.
Use the tire pressure specified for
a normal vehicle load when the
vehicle is partially loaded > table
on page 2339. If driving the vehi-
cle when fully loaded, you must
increase the tire pressure to the
maximum specified pressure > A.
Checking and correcting tire
pressure
>Check the tire pressure at least
once per month and also check it
before every long drive.
> Always check the tire pressure
when the tires are cold. Do not
reduce the pressure if it increas-
es when the tires are warm.
>Refer to the sticker > fig. 171
for the correct tire pressure.
>Correct the tire pressure if nec-
essary.
>Save the changed tire pressure
> page 246.
> Check the pressure in the spare
tire (compact spare tire)*. Al-
ways maintain the maximum
temperature that is specified for
the tire.
238
Z\ WARNING
Always adapt the tire pressure
to your driving style and the ve-
hicle load.
—Overloading can lead to loss of
vehicle control and increase
the risk of an accident. Read
and follow the important safe-
ty precautions in > page 240.
—The tire must flex more if the
tire pressure is too low or if
the vehicle speed or load are
too high. This heats the tire up
too much. This increases the
risk of an accident because it
can cause the tire to burst and
result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
—Incorrect tire pressure increas-
es tire wear and has a negative
effect on driving and braking
behavior, which increases the
risk of an accident.
@) Note
Replace lost valve caps to re-
duce the risk of damage to the
tire valves.
(*) For the sake of the envi-
ronment
Tire pressure that is too low in-
creases fuel consumption.
Page 242 of 296
Wheels
Tires and vehicle load limits
There are limits to the amount of
load or weight that any vehicle
and any tire can carry. A vehicle
that is overloaded will not handle
well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to
loss of vehicle control, but can al-
so damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
and sudden deflation that can
cause the vehicle to crash.
Your safety and that of your pas-
sengers also depends on making
sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-
erybody and everything in and on
the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehi-
cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(“GVWR”).
The “GVWR” includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in-
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids
plus maximum load. The maxi-
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in-
tended to carry (“seating capaci-
ty”) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-
240
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-
ance sticker on the driver’s side B-
pillar respectively on the front
end of the driver's door.
Page 244 of 296
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 228, fig. 168) 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\.
242
Z\ 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 258, 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 227. 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 237.
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, regardless
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.