AUDI A3 2020 Owner´s Manual

8V2012721BK
Driving


Z\ WARNING
— The parking lock may only be released using
the emergency release if the parking brake
is set. If it is not working, secure the vehicle
from rolling using the brake pedal or other
suitable means, such as blocking a front and
a rear wheel. An unsecured vehicle may roll
away, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
— Only activate the emergency release while
ona level surface or a slight slope.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you must
not drive when the emergency release is ac-
tivated.
Emergency release operation


®@
RAZ-0760


Fig. 95 Selector lever: release button
> Press and hold the yellow release button on the
side with a screwdriver.
> Now press the unlock button on the selector
lever and move the selector lever to the “N” po-
sition.
Special driving situations
Sy Toa AS ENA Las |
Applies to: RS models
When driving in a sporty style, for example ona
driving track, the wear on all vehicle components
is greatly increased, especially on the engine,
transmission, tires, brakes, and suspension. This
can result in increased wear. Also note the fol-
lowing 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
(70°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:
— Audi drive select* dynamic mode = page 91
— Launch Control > page 77
— Limit ESC > page 94
@® Tips
Wear caused by load does not constitute a ve-
hicle fault as defined by the terms of the war-
ranty.
Driving uphill and downhill
Please note the following when driving on in-
clines and hills:
— Drive slowly and carefully.
— Do not try to turn around if you cannot safely
drive on an incline or hill. Instead, drive in re-
verse.
— When driving down hills, you can activate the
hill descent control if you press the brake pedal
while driving in “D” gear. The automatic trans-
mission will select a gear suitable for driving
down the hill and will attempt to maintain the
speed at which the vehicle was traveling at the
time the brake pedal was pressed. Press the
brake pedal if necessary. The hill descent con-
trol will switch off once the hill levels out or
you press the accelerator pedal.
— Utilize the engine braking effect when driving
downhill by selecting the “S” driving program
=> page 75. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Brake in intervals and do not press the brake
pedal continuously.

A WARNING
— Only drive on inclines that your vehicle is de-
signed to handle. Do not exceed the hill >

89

Driving


climbing ability of your vehicle. Your vehicle
could tip or slide.
— Do not drive at an angle on steep inclines
and hills. If your vehicle is about to tip, you
must immediately start steering in the di-
rection of the downward slope to reduce the
risk of an accident.
— Always be ready to brake when using the hill
descent control function.
Driving through water
If you must drive through water, follow these in-
structions:

— Check the stability of the ground, the current,
and the water depth. If the ground is unstable,
there is a strong current, or there are waves,
the water must only reach up to the lower edge
of the body at the most.
— Deactivate the Start/Stop system*.
— Drive carefully and no faster than at walking
speeds to prevent the front of the vehicle from
creating waves, because they could splash
above the lower edge of the body. Oncoming
vehicles could also create waves.
— Do not stop the vehicle while in the water.
— Drive in reverse.
— Do not turn the engine off.

ZA\ WARNING
After driving through water, press the brake
pedal carefully to dry the brakes so that the
full braking effect will be restored.
@) Note
Vehicle components such as the engine, drive
system, suspension, or electrical system can
be severely damaged by driving through wa-
ter.
G) Tips
If possible, avoid driving through salt water
because it increases the risk of corrosion. Use
fresh water to clean any vehicle components
that come into contact with salt water.

90

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic

Driving dynamic
Audi drive select
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
Drive select makes it possible to experience dif-
ferent types of vehicle characteristics in one vehi-
cle. With different driving modes, the driver can
switch the setting, for example from sporty to
comfortable. This allows you to adjust the set-
tings to your personal preferences. This makes it
possible to combine settings such as a sporty
drivetrain setting with comfortable steering.
Selecting an Audi drive select mode
Applies to: vehicles with Audi drive select
The ssise button is located above the selector lever
in the center console.
> Press the sis@ button repeatedly until the de-
sired mode appears in the instrument cluster or
center display, or:
> In the Infotainment system, select: [MENU
button > Vehicle > left control button > Audi
drive select.


You can change the driving mode when the vehi-
cle is stationary or while driving. If traffic per-
mits, briefly remove your foot from the accelera-
tor pedal after changing modes so that the mode
you have selected will be activated for the drive
system.
The following modes may be available depending
on the equipment:
comfort - Provides a comfort-oriented vehicle
setup and is suited for long drives on highways.
auto - Provides an overall comfortable yet dy-
namic driving feel and is suited for everyday use.
dynamic - Gives the driver a sporty driving feel
and is suited to a sporty driving style.
individual - Provides the option for personalized
vehicle settings > page 91.
@) Tips
When the ignition is being switched on, indi-
vidual systems, such as the drive system, will
be reset to a balanced setting. Select the cur-
rent mode again to attain its full configura-
tion.
Adjusting the “individual” mode
> Select in the Infotainment system: [MENU] but-
ton > Vehicle > Audi drive select> Individual >
right control button.


The equipment in your vehicle will determine
which settings you can adjust.
Engine/transmission
The drive system will react to accelerator pedal
moves more quickly or in a more balanced man-
ner. The shift points are Located in higher or low-
er engine speed ranges on vehicles with automat-
ic transmissions.
Steering
The power steering will adapt. Light steering is
suitable for long trips on highways or smooth
driving around curves, for example.
quattro
The all wheel drive system controls balanced to
sporty profiles.
Engine sound
The engine sound adapts and can be subtle to
sporty.
ACC
The driving behavior of the adaptive cruise con-
trol adjusts based on the acceleration and reac-
tion to vehicles driving ahead.
Suspension control
The suspension adjusts to be tighter or more
comfort-oriented when it comes to compensat-
ing for uneven spots on the road.
91

Driving dynamic

Suspension
CET NRC Ld
Applies to: vehicles with suspension control
The adaptive dampers are an electronically-con-
trolled damping system. The firmness of the sus-
pension will adapt to the driving conditions and
the driving situation. The settings are dependent
on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
Ground clearance
The vehicle height and clearance can be influ-
enced by the following factors:
— Change in temperature
— Change in load

Z\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, make sure no one
gets pinched when the vehicle level is chang-
ing, for example when cleaning the under-
body or the wheel housings.
@) Note
Always make sure there is enough clearance
above and below the vehicle. This is especially
important for entrances with height restric-
tions, for example, before driving into under-
ground garages. You could also scrape the
ground when driving over the edges of curbs
or on steep ramps, which could damage your
vehicle.

EET
| 8 | Suspension: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance.
Steering
Electromechanical steering supports the driver's
steering movements by electronically adapting
the power steering depending on the vehicle
92
speed. The settings are dependent on the select-
ed Audi drive select* mode.
Progressive steering
Applies to: vehicles with progressive steering
The driving dynamic and driving stability are in-
creased by the steering ratio based on the steer-
ing wheel angle. The steering is very direct when
the steering wheel angle is sharp, and indirect
when the angle is low. This enables comfortable
maneuvering and a precise steering response at
higher driving speeds.
Messages
a Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
The power steering may have failed. Adapt your
driving style immediately to compensate for the
fact that it may be more difficult to turn the
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.
|2—| Steering: malfunction! Please stop vehicle
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. You cannot turn the ignition on. Do not tow
your vehicle because it cannot be steered. See an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility for assistance.
a Steering: malfunction! You can continue
driving
There is a malfunction. Steering may be more dif-
ficult or more sensitive. Adapt your driving style.
Have the steering system checked immediately
by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Please note that the red indicator
light may turn on after restarting the engine. Do
not continue driving if it does.
& Steering lock: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the electronic steering
lock. Drive immediately to an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility to have
the malfunction repaired.

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic


ZA\ WARNING
Do not tow your vehicle if there is a malfunc-
tion in the electronic steering lock because
this increases the risk of an accident.
@) Tips
If the & or El indicator light only stays on
for a short time, then you may continue driv-
ing.


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 around curves > page 94.
The all-wheel drive system is designed for high
engine power. Your vehicle is exceptionally pow-
erful and has excellent driving characteristics
both under normal driving conditions and on
snow and ice. Always read and follow safety pre-
cautions > 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.
— Note that on wet streets, the front wheels
can “hydroplane’” if driving at speeds that
are too high. Unlike front wheel drive
vehicles, the engine 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.


Electronic Stabilization
Control
Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) supports
driver safety. It reduces the risk of slipping and
improves driving stability. ESC detects critical sit-
uations, such as if the vehicle is oversteering or
understeering, or if the wheels are spinning. The
brakes are applied or the engine torque is re-
duced in order to stabilize the vehicle.
If the I indicator light blinks while driving, the
ESC is actively regulating.
If the BB indicator light turns on, the system has
switched the ESC off. In this case, you can switch
the ignition off and then on to switch the ESC on
again. The indicator light turns off when the sys-
tem is fully functional.
If the BB indicator light turns on, ESC was limit-
ed or switched off manually > page 94.
The following systems are integrated in the ESC:
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brak-
ing. The vehicle can still be steered even during
hard braking. Apply steady pressure to the brake
pedal. Do not pump the pedal. A pulsing in the
brake pedal indicates that the system is acting to
stabilize the vehicle.
Brake assist
The brake assist system can decrease braking dis-
tance. It increases braking power when the driver
presses the brake pedal quickly in emergency sit-
uations. You must press and hold the brake pedal
until the dangerous situation is over. Depending
on the activated driver assistance systems, the
brake assist system may react with increased sen-
sitivity.
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
ASR reduces drive power when the wheels begin
spinning and adapts the power to the road condi-
tions. This will increase the driving stability.
93

Driving dynamic

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
The EDL applies the brakes to wheels that are
slipping and transfers the drive power to the oth-
er wheels. This function is not available at higher
speeds.
In extreme cases, EDL automatically switches off
to keep the brake on the braked wheel from over-
heating. The vehicle is still functioning correctly.
EDL will switch on again automatically when con-
ditions have returned to normal.
Power steering
The ESC can also support vehicle stability
through steering.
Selective wheel torque control
Selective wheel torque control is used when driv-
ing on curves. Braking is targeted toward the
wheels on the inside of the curve as needed. This
allows more precise driving in curves.
Automatic post-collision braking system
The automatic post-collision braking system can
help to reduce the risk of sliding and of addition-
al collisions after an accident. If the airbag con-
trol module detects a collision, the vehicle is
braked by the ESC.
The vehicle does not brake automatically if one of
the following occurs:
— The driver presses the accelerator pedal, or
— The braking force generated by the pressed
brake pedal is greater than the braking force
that
would be initiated by the system
— The ESC, the brake system, or the vehicle elec-
trical system is not functioning

ing risks. This could increase your risk of a
collision.
— Please note the risk of a collision increases
when driving fast, especially through curves
and on slippery or wet roads, and when driv-
ing too close to objects ahead. There is still
a risk of accidents because the ESC and its
integrated systems cannot always prevent
collisions.
— Accelerate carefully when driving on
smooth, slippery surfaces such as ice and
snow. The drive wheels can spin even when
these control systems are installed and this
can affect driving stability and increase the
risk of a collision.



ZA\ WARNING
— The ESC and its integrated systems cannot
overcome the limits imposed by natural
physical laws. This is especially important on
slippery or wet roads. If the systems begin
acting to stabilize your vehicle, you should
immediately alter your speed to match the
road and traffic conditions. Do not let the in-
creased safety provided tempt you into tak-

94

G) Tips
— The ABS and ASR only function correctly
when all four wheels have a similar wear
condition. Different tire sizes can lead toa
reduction in engine power.
— You may hear noises when the systems de-
scribed are working.
The 0 button is located above the selector lev-
er in the center console.
The ESC is automatically switched on when the
ignition is switched on. It may make sense in
some situations to limit the ESC so that the
wheels can spin:
— Rocking the vehicle to free it when it is stuck
— Driving in deep snow, on unpaved ground, or
with snow chains
Limiting ESC (sport mode)
—To limit the ESD, press the 0 button briefly.
The B indicator light turns on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Switching off ESC
—To switch off the ESC, press and hold the oF
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.

8V2012721BK
Driving dynamic

— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

Z\ WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.

G) Tips
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B /ABS} if BA © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual
There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
95

High-voltage system

High-voltage system
General information
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
All work done on the high-voltage system must
only be performed by certified high-voltage tech-
nicians at authorized Audi dealers or authorized
Audi Service Facilities in accordance with Audi
guidelines.
The high-voltage system is composed of the fol-
lowing high-voltage components, among other
things: the high-voltage battery, the power elec-
tronics, the electric motor, the high-voltage A/C
compressor, the high-voltage heater, the charg-
ing system and charging port, and the orange
high-voltage wiring.
The high-voltage battery is located on the vehicle
underbody in front of the rear axle and does not
require any maintenance from the driver.

ZA WARNING
The voltage in the high-voltage system is life-
threatening. Touching a damaged high-volt-
age component can result in a fatal electric
shock. The components in the high-voltage
system are marked with a warning label which
warns against the high-voltage.
— The voltage level in the high-voltage system
is still dangerous and potentially life-threat-
ening when the ignition is switched off.
— Never perform work on the orange high-
voltage cables or on other high-voltage
components. Only authorized repair facili-
ties that are certified may perform work on
the high-voltage system.
— Never damage, alter or remove the orange
high-voltage cable or disconnect it from the
high-voltage system.
— Never perform any work using cutting, shap-
ing or sharp-edged tools or heat sources
near the high-voltage system and high-volt-
age cables.
— Gases that escape from the high-voltage
battery can be poisonous or flammable.

96

— Damage to the high-voltage battery could
cause the high-voltage battery to leak im-
mediately or in the future, and poisonous or
flammable gases could escape. Do not in-
hale the gases!
— Do not expose yourself to any leaking fluids
and do not come into contact with them.
— The high-voltage battery electrolyte fluid is
caustic. If electrolyte fluid comes into con-
tact with the skin, flush the affected area for
at least 15 minutes with clean water. Then
wash the affected area with soap. Have the
affected area examined by a medical profes-
sional.
— In the event of a technical emergency, in-
form the responders that the vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage battery.
@) Note
— The high-voltage system can be damaged if
the vehicle underbody comes into contact
with the ground. Immediately drive your ve-
hicle to an authorized repair facility and
have it inspected.
— The electric drive motor can become very
hot during operation. Do not stop the vehi-
cle if there is oil, fuel residue or other flam-
mable substances under or next to the vehi-
cle.
Special considerations for the high-voltage
battery
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive

Please first read and note the introductory infor-
mation and heed the warnings > page 96.
All batteries age with use and over time. There
are things you should know about the care of the
high voltage battery that will help it keep giving
you good service and reliability over time. Please
read and keep the following information in mind
while you enjoy the performance and economy of
your vehicle.
— Be sure to charge the high voltage battery be-
fore leaving the vehicle parked and unused for a
longer period of time. Ideally the high-voltage >

8V2012721BK
High-voltage system

battery should have a charge level between
40 % and 60 % when parked for a Long time.
If the battery charge level is below 3 %, never
park the vehicle for more than 21 days without
charging the high-voltage battery. Should you
have to park the vehicle for a long time, make
sure that the charge level is sufficient to help
prevent the battery from aging prematurely.
Frequent and consecutive charging of the high-
voltage battery when the charge level is above
98 % can also decrease the capacity of the
high-voltage battery. Make sure the charge lev-
el is below 98 % when you start the charging
process.
Should the vehicle be parked for longer than
2 days at temperatures below - 13 °F (-25 °C),
the high-voltage battery could freeze and not
be able to provide energy to the electric motor.
The battery will start working again, once it
warms up. The battery can be warmed up when
the outside temperature rises or when the vehi-
cle is garaged appropriately. The battery will al-
so warm up when being used (switching on the
air conditioner, the heater or by driving the ve-
hicle). Should you have to park your vehicle at
very low temperatures for longer than 1 day,
make sure that the high-voltage battery does
not freeze by parking the vehicle in a garage
that is heated or protected from the outside
temperature.
The high-voltage battery can be damaged and
the capacity can be decreased when the vehicle
is parked for longer than 24 hours when the
ambient temperature is higher than 118 °F
(48 °C). Always make sure that the high-voltage
battery is not exposed to temperatures above
118 °F (48 °C) for a long time.
Never park the vehicle in areas that are likely to
be flooded, such as beaches or river banks, and
never drive the vehicle in WATER, on flooded
roads or through water that is higher than the
bottom of the vehicle body. The high-voltage
battery, along with other vehicle components,
can be damaged severely if the high-voltage
battery is exposed to open water especially for
a longer time. However, you can drive through
water on roads under certain conditions
=> page 90.
Failure to heed any of these requirements can
age the battery prematurely and lead to a perma-
nent decrease of the high-voltage battery’s ca-
pacity.
G@) Tips
Always make sure that the high-voltage bat-
tery is not exposed to extremely low and high
temperatures as well as to water especially
for a longer time. Failure to protect and care
for the high voltage battery can lead to seri-
ous damage and/or a decrease of the capacity
void coverage under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle transport
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
This section contains information you should
know about transporting your vehicle.
A lithium-ion high-voltage battery system equip-
ped in your vehicle has passed test 38.3 in ac-
cordance with the UN Tests and Criteria hand-
book and is manufactured in accordance with a
quality management program. The vehicle may
be transported with the high-voltage battery in-
stalled as conventional class 9 hazardous materi-
als without additional official authorization for
air and sea shipment (current law IATA-DGR and
IMDG code 01.01.2019).
Charging the high-
voltage battery
General information
Applies to: vehicles with plug-in hybrid drive
Two options are available for charging the vehi-
cle:
— Charge at a public charging station with a spe-
cial charging cable* > page 100.
— Charge with household and industrial* sockets
using the Audi charging system > page 101.
Using the charging equipment
Pay attention to the following information for
safe handling of the charging equipment:
97

High-voltage system

— Secure the charging equipment against any
strain, such as being run over, falling, pulling,
bending, and crushing.
— Do not submerge the charging equipment in
water and do not cover it with snow or ice.
— Only pull at the plugs when removing the
charging cable from the vehicle and from the
power supply.
— Put the cap on after using the charging cable.
— Only operate the Audi charging system ina
power supply system with a frequency of
50 Hz/60 Hz.
— Only operate the Audi charging system at a hu-
midity level between 5% and 95% (non-con-
densing).
— The Audi charging system is protected against
dust and splashing water (IP54 (USA: enclosure
3R)) or protected against dust and jet streams
of water (IP55 (USA: Enclosure 3))
Depending on the country, different warnings
may be on the charging equipment.

Symbol Meaning

Operate the Audi charging system
el at a temperature range of -22 °F
(-30 °C) to +122 °F (+50 °C).

Operate the Audi charging system
FAN at a maximum elevation of
13,000 ft (4,000 m) above sea lev-
el.

The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a ground conductor that is
not connected.
©

The Audi charging system is equip-
ped with a connected ground con-
ductor.
©

Do not operate the Audi charging
system in power networks that are
not grounded (for example, IT net-
works). Only operate the Audi
charging system in grounded power
networks.
&

Surfaces can become very hot when
in direct sunlight.



Symbol Meaning

Incorrect use increases the risk of
electric shock.


Pay attention to the applicable own
er's manual, particularly the safety
precautions.


Pay attention to all applicable dis-
posal regulations when disposing.

Do not use any extensions cords or
cable reels.

Do not use any travel adapters.

Do not use any power strips.

y Do not use any charging cables with
oo, damage to the electronics or the
connecting wires.

Grounding instructions
Audi charging systems must be grounded. If it
should malfunction or break down, grounding
provides a path of least resistance for electric
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. Audi
charging systems are equipped with a cord hav-
ing an equipment grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into
an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

ZA WARNING
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor is able to result in a risk
of electric shock. Check with a qualified elec-
trician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to
whether the product is properly grounded. Do
not modify the plug provided with the product
— if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper out-

let installed by a qualified electrician.


98