run flat AUDI A4 2008 B8 / 4.G Owners Manual

Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe driving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correct sitting positions . . . . . . . .
Pedal area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stowing luggage safely . . . . . . . . .
Seat belts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Why is it so important to use seat
belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forces acting in a collision . . . . . .
How to wear seat belts properly .
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airbag system
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Description of airbag system . . . .
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head-protection airbags
(sideguard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deactivating the front passenger's
airbag via the key-operated switch
Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Points to remember if children are
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fitting child safety seats . . . . . . . .
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stabilisation program
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power steering (servotronic) . . . . .
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . .
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your vehicle and the
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission control systems . . . . . . .
How to improve economy and
minimise pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the vehicle with a trailer or
caravan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removable towing bracket . . . . . .
General maintenance
. . .
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . .
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and topping up fluidsBonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment layout . . . . . .
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Run flat tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and modifications
to the vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and replacement
parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio transmitters and business
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
186
186
188
191
192
194
194
195
197
199
201
201
203
205
207
208
210
210
213
216221
222
222
224
225
226
226
229
229
229
229
231
232
232
235243
244
244
244
247
251
251
251
252
254
254
256
257
260
262
263
267
268
268
274
277
277
277
278
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Driver information system 40The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors
to compare the rolling circumference and the vibration of the
wheels. The display in the instrument cluster alerts the driver if
changes are detected on one or more wheels. If only one tyre is
affected, the display will indicate its position ⇒fig. 27.
Each time you change a tyre or the tyre pressures on your vehicle,
you must store the new tyre pressures via the sound system or
MMI* ⇒page 41.
The rolling circumference and vibration can change if:•
The tyre pressure is too low
•
The tyre has suffered structural damage
•
The air pressure in one or more tyres was changed and the new
tyre pressures were not stored ⇒page 41, “Storing the tyre pres-
sures”
•
The wheels were changed and the new tyre pressures were not
stored ⇒page 41, “Storing the tyre pressures”
•
There is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are
carrying more passengers or luggage)
•
The road surface under the left wheels is different to the road
surface under the right wheels for a long period
Warning lamp
 / TPMS Tyre pressure ! System malfunction
If the warning lamp  flashes for about a minute and then remains
lit after you switch on the ignition, there is a fault in the system. TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) Tyre pressure ! System
malfunction ⇒page 40, fig. 28 will also be displayed in the instru-
ment cluster. Please contact the nearest qualified workshop as soon
as possible.
WARNING
•
If the tyre pressure warning lamp appears in the instrument
cluster display, slow down immediately and avoid any severe
braking or steering manoeuvres. As soon as you can do so safely,
stop and check the tyres and the tyre pressures.
•
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the tyre pressures
are correct. For this reason you must check the tyre pressures
regularly.
•
Under certain conditions (e.g. driving at high speeds, on ice and
snow or on poor road surfaces) the tyre pressure warning lamp
may not light up immediately or not at all.
•
Please ask your Audi dealer or qualified workshop whether run
flat tyres can be used on your vehicle. Unauthorised use of these
tyres can invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public
roads. Furthermore, this could cause damage to your vehicle and
possibly also result in an accident.
Fig. 28 Display:
System fault ("System-
störung")
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Lights and vision63
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Caution
Do not use the main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if this
would dazzle oncoming traffic.Interior lightsFront interior lights
The front interior lighting also incorporates the reading
lights for the driver and passenger.The rocker switch ⇒fig. 62 for the interior light has the
following functions:
Courtesy light position
– Move switch to the centre position.
Interior light switched on
– Move switch to position I.
Interior light switched off
– Move switch to position O.Front reading lights

– Press one of the switches ⇒fig. 62 to switch the left
or right reading light on and off.If you switch on the courtesy lighting, the interior lights come on
automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or the doors are opened.
The light also comes on when the key is pulled out of the ignition. It
goes out approximately 30 seconds after the doors are closed. The
interior light is switched off immediately when the vehicle is locked
or when the ignition is switched on.
If a door is left open, the light is switched off after about 10 minutes
to prevent the battery from running flat.
The brightness of the light is automatically adjusted by a dimmer
when it is switched on.Rear interior lights
Reading lights are also provided for rear passengers.The reading lights are switched on and off with the switches
.
Fig. 62 Headliner:
Front interior
lighting/reading lights
AA
AAAAAA
AB
Fig. 63 Headliner: Rear
reading lights
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Heating and cooling113
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with auxiliary heating - under development at the time of printingRemote control
The auxiliary heating and auxiliary ventilation can also be
switched on or off with the remote control.Switching on
– Press the button for about 2 seconds to activate the
auxiliary heating/ventilation ⇒fig. 125.
Switching off
– Press the button for about 2 seconds to switch
off the auxiliary heating/ventilation.Changing the battery
– Push back and remove the battery cover on the remote
control ⇒fig. 126.
– Change the battery. The diagram in the battery compart-
ment shows how the battery should be fitted. The new
battery must be of the same type as the original one.
– Re-fit the battery cover.
When it is switched on, the auxiliary heating or auxiliary ventilation
starts immediately and remains on for the period set in the menu.
The maximum running time is 60 minutes.
If you want to switch the system on again after the end of the
programmed running time, press the button .
Transmitter indicator lamp
The transmitter indicator lamp will flash accordingly to show
whether the command you sent via the remote control was
successful.
When you switch the system on by pressing the button the
indicator lamp will flash green for about 30 seconds to confirm that
the heating/ventilation has been switched on. When you switch the
system off by pressing the button the indicator lamp will
flash red to confirm that the heating/ventilation has been switched
off.
If the remote control is outside the transmitting range the indicator
lamp will flash red slowly. If there is a fault in the system (e.g. fuel
level is down to reserve), the indicator lamp will flash red rapidly. In
both cases the command will not be executed.
When the battery of the remote control is almost completely flat, the
transmitter indicator lamp will not light up and no commands will
be executed.
Fig. 125 Remote
control for auxiliary
heatingFig. 126 Remote
control: Changing
battery

A1
OFF
A2

A1
A3

A1
OFF
A2
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Your vehicle and the environment 230Anticipate well in advance
A car uses most fuel when accelerating. If you anticipate hazards
and speed changes well in advance, you will need to brake less and
thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let the car slow down grad-
ually with a gear engaged, for instance when you can see that the
next traffic lights are red. This takes advantage of the engine
braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions
and fuel consumption will drop to zero due to the overrun fuel cut-
off.
Change gear early to save fuel
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the
gears. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an
unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Shift up to second gear as soon as possible. If
possible, we recommend shifting up to the next gear at approx.
2,000 rpm.
Automatic gearbox: Press the accelerator slowly and avoid using
the “kick-down” feature.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions
and noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Do not let the engine idle for longer than necessary
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic
jam, at level crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The
fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of
fuel needed to restart the engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at
idling speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also
especially high during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best
to drive off immediately after starting the engine. Avoid running the
engine at high speed.Regular servicing
Regular servicing can establish a basis for good fuel economy
before you start driving. A well-serviced engine gives you the
benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability
and an enhanced resale value. A badly tuned engine can consume
up to ten percent more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short trips
The engine and emission control system need to reach their proper
working temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine uses disproportionately more fuel. The engine only
reaches its working temperature after about four kilometres, when
fuel consumption will return to a normal level. This is the reason
why we recommend avoiding short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressures
⇒page 268 to save fuel. If the tyre pressures are just 0.5 bar too low,
this can increase the fuel consumption by as much as 5 %. Due to
the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also increases tyre
wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year; they will increase fuel
consumption by up to 10 %.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Every kilo of extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, so it is
worth checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make
sure that no unnecessary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even
when it is no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will
use about 12 % more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance
caused by the roof carrier - even when it is empty.
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Wheels and tyres 268Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notes–When driving with new tyres, be especially careful during
the first 500 km.
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive
very slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the
kerb.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or
blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign bodies embedded in
the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as possible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so that they
rotate in the same direction when put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should be stored in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place.New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight away and should
therefore be “run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for
about the first 500 km. This will also help to make the tyres last
longer.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and
make of tyre and the tread pattern.Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged. Reduce speed immediately if there
is any reason to suspect that damage may have occurred. Inspect
the tyres for damage. If no external damage is visible, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always note the direction of rotation
indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip
and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre service life
Correct inflation pressures and sensible driving habits
will increase the service life of your tyres.– Check the tyre pressures at least once a month.
Fig. 261 Open driver's
door (LHD vehicle) with
sticker listing tyre
inflation pressures
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Wheels and tyres 272replacement parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
WARNING
•
It is very important to ensure that the tyres you have chosen
have adequate clearance. When selecting replacement tyres, do
not rely entirely on the nominal tyre size marked on the tyre; with
some makes of tyre the effective tyre size can differ significantly
from the nominal dimensions, even though the tyres have the
same size designation. Inadequate tyre clearance can result in
damage to the tyres or the vehicle, causing a serious safety risk. It
may also invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public
roads.
•
Please ask your Audi dealer or qualified workshop whether run
flat tyres can be used on your vehicle. Unauthorised use of these
tyres can invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public
roads. Furthermore, this could cause damage to your vehicle and
possibly also result in an accident.
•
Avoid running the car on tyres that are more than 6 years old.
If you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra
care at all times.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country
concerned.
Note
•
Never mount used tyres if you are not sure of their previous
history.
•
For technical reasons it is not normally possible to use wheel
rims from other vehicles. In some cases this also applies to rims
from other vehicles of the same model.
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts are designed to suit the rims on your car.The wheel bolts are matched to the rims. When installing different
wheels (for instance wheels with winter tyres) it is important to use
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped
bolt heads. This is essential for the secure fit of the wheels and for
the proper function of the brake system.
Audi dealers have full information on the technical requirements
when installing or changing tyres, rims or wheel trims.
The wheel bolts should be clean and turn easily.
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel bolts*
⇒page 292.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will significantly improve the car's handling
in winter road conditions.–Use only radial ply winter tyres.
– Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
– Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for
your vehicle.
– Please note that the maximum permissible speed for
winter tyres may be lower than for summer tyres.
– Also note that winter tyres are no longer effective when
the tread is worn down.
– After fitting the wheels you must always check the tyre
pressures. The correct tyre pressures are listed on the
sticker on the end face of the driver's door.
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Wheels and tyres 274For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with
certain wheel rim/tyre combinations.
Only use snow chains with fine-pitch links. The links must not
protrude more than 13.5 mm from the tyres (including tensioner).
Remove the chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise they will
impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Four-wheel drive: where snow chains are compulsory on certain
roads, this normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow
chains may only be fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with
four-wheel drive).Run flat tyresApplies to vehicles: with run flat tyresIntroduction
Run flat tyres allow you to continue your journey in the
event of a loss of tyre pressure.Run flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls which support the tyre in
the event of a loss of pressure.
Run flat tyres must only be used on vehicles which were already
factory-fitted with these tyres and which also have a tyre pressure
monitoring system*.
Run flat tyres can be identified by the marking “RSC” (Runflat
System Component) on the sidewall.If you change the tyres on your vehicle from regular tyres to run flat
tyres or vice-versa, the control unit must be reprogrammed by an
Audi dealer or other qualified workshop.
What are the benefits of run flat tyres?
Run flat tyres ensure that you remain mobile, even in the event of a
loss of tyre pressure. In favourable conditions these tyres have an
operating range of at least 30 km, however the vehicle must not be
driven faster than 80 km/h ⇒ in “Driving with run flat tyres” on
page 275.
The tyre pressures are constantly checked by the tyre pressure
monitoring system. When the run flat system becomes active
(centre display), it is still the driver's responsibility to check the
tyre(s) affected and to decide whether it is possible to continue
driving. Also refer to ⇒page 275, “Driving with run flat tyres”.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving with
the help of the run flat tyres?
•
If the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is out of operation
or is triggered continuously.
•
If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.
•
If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc.
If a tyre has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the
tread can be thrown off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake
pipes or fuel filler.
•
You must stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.
•
You must also stop driving if damage to the tyres (e.g. tears in
the sidewalls) becomes apparent.
WARNING
Please ask your Audi dealer or qualified workshop whether run flat
tyres can be used on your vehicle. Unauthorised use of these tyres
can invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
Rim size
Rim offset
Tyre size
7Jx16
39 mm
205/60
7Jx16
46 mm
225/55
7Jx17
46 mm
225/50
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Wheels and tyres275
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Furthermore, this could cause damage to your vehicle and
possibly also result in an accident.
Note
•
If you cannot continue driving even with run flat tyres please
obtain professional assistance.
•
You should obtain professional assistance if you are in any doubt
regarding the rims and tyres for your vehicle.
Applies to vehicles: with run flat tyresDriving with run flat tyres
Please remember that the vehicle's handling will be
impaired.Driving a vehicle with a deflated tyre, or with insufficient
tyre pressure, is an abnormal situation. However, since the
handling of a vehicle equipped with run flat tyres is only
slightly impaired, it is important to remember that you are
driving with a deflated tyre. If you have to make use of the
run flat system please remember the following points:
– The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) must be
switched on.
–Do not exceed 80km/h ⇒.
– Anticipate the traffic situation well in advance.
– Be careful when accelerating.
– Avoid unnecessary braking and steering manoeuvres.
– Reduce speed in good time before corners and potential
hazards.
Please refer to ⇒page 274, “ When is it no longer possible to
continue driving with the help of the run flat tyres?”
Effects on handling when driving with defective tyres
If one of the front tyres is defective, your vehicle will tend to pull
slightly towards that side and braking performance will be
impaired.
A defective rear tyre will also make the vehicle pull slightly to one
side, and the braking response will again be slightly impaired.
These effects will be most noticeable when driving in a corner.
WARNING
•
When using the run flat system the changes in vehicle handling
will be noticeable when braking, in corners and during fast accel-
eration.
•
The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road
and weather conditions. Always observe the relevant rules and
regulations. Run flat tyres allow you to continue your journey in
the event of a loss of tyre pressure. However, the driver remains
responsible for the safety of the vehicle and for restoring the
correct tyre pressure and having defective parts replaced
⇒page 276. For these reasons you should always adjust your
driving to suit the circumstances.Caution
We recommend that you drive with great care when making use of
the run flat system. Avoid abrupt manoeuvres.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres 276Applies to vehicles: with run flat tyresRenewing defective components on run flat tyres
The run flat tyres have been specially developed for your
vehicle and matched to its requirements.Use and combine only the approved run flat tyres and rims. It is not
permissible to combine standard wheels and run flat tyres ⇒.
If you have to drive with low tyre pressure or with a completely
deflated tyre, you should always take the vehicle to an authorised
qualified workshop and have the defective parts inspected and the
condition corrected.
WARNING
•
We recommend that you have the run flat tyre renewed and
also have the rim checked by a qualified workshop to identify any
damage.
•
Using tyres or rims which have not been approved can cause
damage to the vehicle. Vehicle handling can be impaired and
driving safety can no longer be guaranteed. This can also void the
vehicle's certification for use on public roads.Note
Run-flat tyres can be repaired with the TMS ⇒page 285.
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