service interval AUDI A4 2021 Owner´s Manual

Table of contents


Additional settings.............. 212
System settingS.............ce ee eee 212
Software update... 1.2... .. cc cece ee eee 213
Connected devices.............000 005 214
Legalinformation................... 215
Additional information.......... 216
Brands and licenses..............0-0- 216
Maintenance and Care........... 217
Checking and Filling............. 217
LE 217
Refttelingiecs ss sees s eames s Reee ee ewe 218
Emissions control system............. 220
Engine compartment................. 221
ENGING2Otls sees 2 x seus « ones x ove Bee 224
Cooling:system « « ssccses ve emacs ve asecane s & ave 227
Brake fluid... 0.2... eee eee eee 229
Electrical system............22---05- 230
Battery’: « & ces «6 cow © 6 eee «8 eens ¥ oe 230
Windshield washer system...........- 233
Service interval display............... 233
WSENGRRES Ee ceicece 0 ccneace x 0 wprsnne x « scecane a 0 ane 235
Wheels and Tires . . 235
Tire pressure monitoring system....... 252
Care and cleaning................ 255
Generalinformation................. 255
Car washes « sscica ea scam a 0 eine oo acne 0 6 255
Cleaning and care information......... 256
Taking your vehicle out of service....... 260
Do It Yourself .................... 261
Emergency assistance........... 261
General information...........0..0.. 261
Equipment.............00- cece eee 261
Tire Mobility’ kit «0. ss cece se ces se ee 261
Changing’ tire = sco: +s ween so some 2 2 ore 263
Space-saving spare tire............... 266
Collapsible spare tire..............0.. 267
JUIMP'StAFting « wos s = weve s eerws F coos 268
TOWING wwewiwe «2 exersie w > suseine 6 > cxememe 6 4 cuneec 269
Fuses and bulbs.................. 272
FUSCSiercs ao accsans wo cena wo ee @ 8 ROIS & ore 272
Bulbs... 0.0... cee eee eee eee 276
Customer information........... 277
Data privacy..................008. 277
Privacy MOtiCe « mes x x eee 2 Ree ¢ RES ¥ 277
Image recording): « « sus 2 wanes 2 2 wweem 2 2s 277,
Data memories............0..00 eee ee 277
Transmitted information.............. 278
Accessories and technical
changes................ 0.0.02 eee 281
Warranty’: « + esos & + meen & ¢ eee se sees 281
Audi Literature Shop.............000- 281
Driving in other countries............. 281
Maintenance, repairs, and technical
IMOGIFICATIONS « snocue so sume = emmace # m annem 281
Accessories and parts..............-. 283
Reporting Safety Defects.............. 283
Declaration
of compliance for
telecommunications equipment and
electronicisysteMms:: s = caws se waa « 2 gems 284
Technical data.................... 286
Identification data................04. 286
Vehicle datas ss nico s ves se oman evs 286
Index ...... 00.0... eee eee 288

Driving

This message appears when specific conditions
are not met during a Stop phase. The Start/Stop
system will not be able to restart the engine. The
engine must be started with the
START ENGINE STOP] button.


Vehicle starting system: malfunction! Please
contact Service
There is a malfunction in the Start/Stop system.
Drive the vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Service Facility as soon as possible to
have the malfunction corrected.
Brakes
General information
You can apply the vehicle's brakes using the brake
pedal.
Operating noise
Noises may occur when braking depending on the
speed, braking force, and outside conditions such
as temperature and humidity.
Braking effect
The response time from the brakes depends on
the weather and environmental conditions. To
ensure the optimal braking effect, the brake sys-
tem is cleaned at regular intervals. This is done
by applying the brake pads to the brake rotors for
a short period of time when driving at high
speeds when the windshield wipers are switched
on.
If the brake system becomes damp, for example
after driving in heavy rain, the braking effect may
be delayed. Other factors that could temporarily
increase the response time of the brakes include:
— Wet conditions
— Low temperatures, ice, and snow
— Roads covered in salt
— Dirty brake pads
Corrosion
Corrosion may form on the brake rotors if there is
no heavy braking, if the vehicle is not driven for
long periods of time, or if the vehicle is not driv-
en
frequently or for long distances. In this case,
104
braking heavily several times while driving at
high speeds can clean the brake rotors > A\.
Brake pads
New brake pads do not achieve their full braking
effect during the first 250 miles (400 km). They
must be “broken in” first. However, you can com-
pensate for the slightly reduced braking force by
pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Avoid heavy
braking during the break-in period.
Brake pad wear depends largely on the way the
vehicle is driven and on operating conditions.
Brake pad wear increases when driving frequently
in the city or short distances or when using a very
sporty driving style.
Ceramic brakes
Applies to: vehicles with ceramic brakes
Ceramic brakes provide excellent deceleration
rates.
The break-in period for new ceramic brakes may
be significantly longer than for standard brake
rotors. Due to the properties of the material,
they may cause noises at lower speeds. Ceramic
brakes also absorb more moisture in wet condi-
tions. Therefore, there will temporarily be less
braking force than when the brakes are dry. You
can compensate for this by pressing the brake
pedal harder.
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

Driving


stabilize the vehicle will no longer be availa-
ble. This could cause the vehicle to swerve,
which increases the risk that the vehicle will
slide. Do not continue driving. See an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility for assistance.

Electromechanical
parking brake
Operating the parking brake
The electromechanical parking brake is used to
secure the vehicle from rolling away unintention-
ally.
The ©) switch is located under the selector lever
in the center console. It turns on when the park-
ing brake is set. You can release the parking brake
manually or automatically when you start to
drive.
Setting and releasing the parking brake
> Setting: pull the ©) switch.
> 1f BM / © appears, the parking brake is hold-
ing the vehicle. You can remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
> Releasing: when the ignition is switched on,
press and hold the brake pedal and press the ©)
button.
If the red indicator light flashes, the braking
force has not built up enough or it has decreased.
You can also secure the vehicle by selecting the
“P” gear or pressing the brake pedal. Make sure
the indicator light is off before you start driving.
Automatically releasing the parking brake
when starting to drive
Requirement: the driver's door must be closed
and the driver’s safety belt must be fastened.
> Press the accelerator pedal to start to drive.

ZA\ WARNING
—To reduce the risk of an accident, always
make sure the vehicle is situated safely
while stationary.
— If the parking brake is set, it can release au-
tomatically when the accelerator pedal is

106
pressed. To reduce the risk of an accident,
do not inadvertently press the accelerator
pedal and always shift into “P” when the ve-
hicle is stopped.
— If the power supply fails, you cannot set the
parking brake once it is released, or release
it if it is set. Secure the vehicle against roll-
ing before exiting the vehicle > page 96. See
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility for assistance.
G) Tips
— On steep inclines, especially when in trailer
mode, the vehicle may roll backwards unin-
tentionally when starting to drive. To reduce
the risk of this happening, pull and hold the
switch while pressing the accelerator
pedal. If enough drive power has built up at
the wheels and the vehicle does not roll
backwards, then release the switch to start
to drive.
— If you leave the vehicle when “D” or “R” are
engaged, the parking brake will be set auto-
matically.

— Noises when the parking brake is set and re-
leased are normal and are not a cause for
concern.
— The parking brake goes through a self-test
cycle at regular intervals when the vehicle is
stopped. Any noises associated with this are
normal.
Emergency braking function
Emergency braking should only be used in an
emergency, if the standard brake pedal is mal-
functioning or obstructed. When the emergency
braking function is activated, the braking effect is
similar to a heavy braking maneuver.
> Pull and hold the @) switch while driving.
» An audio warning signal will sound and emer-
gency braking will begin.
> If you press the accelerator pedal, emergency
braking will be canceled.

8W1012721BC
Driving


ZA WARNING
Heavy braking while driving through curves or
in poor road or weather conditions can cause
the vehicle to slide or the rear of the vehicle to
swerve, which increases the risk of an acci-

dent.
Messages
ERG / GB) Parking brake: malfunction! Safely
stop vehicle. See owner's manual
Gg / @ Parking brake: malfunction! Please
release parking brake

If one of the two messages appears, there is a
malfunction in the parking brake. If the message
appears while stationary, check if the parking
brake is released and can be reset. If this is the
case, switch the ignition off and back on.
If the message stays on, if the parking brake can-
not be released, or if the message appears while
driving, do not continue driving. Secure the vehi-
cle against rolling before exiting the vehicle
=> page 96. See an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility for assistance.
ww Parking brake: malfunction! Please contact
Service
There is a malfunction in the parking brake. Drive
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected. Do not park the vehicle on inclines
and secure it against rolling before exiting the ve-
hicle > page 96.
xt | / Parking brake: warning! Vehicle parked
too steep
The braking force may not be enough to secure
the vehicle from rolling away. Park the vehicle in
a place with less of an incline.
fa / Parking brake: applied
The parking brake is set. Press and hold the brake
pedal
to release the parking brake.
Take over!
The vehicle cannot be held in place automatically.
Press the brake pedal to secure the vehicle from
rolling away unintentionally.
Special driving situations
Driving uphill and downhill
When driving uphill, downhill, or at high alti-
tudes, note the following information:
— 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 98. This especially applies when towing
a trailer. This reduces the load on the brakes.
— Apply the brakes in intervals and do not press
the brake pedal continuously.
— Use the hill hold assist > page 108.

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

107

Trailer towing

you are operating the vehicle. Contact an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty for more information.
Before you start driving, check all lighting equip-
ment on the trailer while it is hitched to the vehi-
cle.
The headlight range control automatically ad-
justs the light range of the headlights.
Safety chains
Make sure the safety chains are correctly applied
when pulling a trailer. The chains should hang
enough so that the trailer can drive around
curves. However, they must not touch the
ground.
@) Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion checked by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
@ Tips
— Block the wheels with chocks when parking
on inclines if the trailer is loaded.
— Audi recommends having the vehicle in-
spected between the inspection intervals if
you tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
Driving with a trailer requires extra caution.
Speed
Adhere to the legal speed limits. Follow the legal
regulations that are applicable in the country
where you are operating the vehicle.
As the speed increases, the driving stability of
the trailer decreases. Therefore you should not
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
116
Hill
When you start driving uphill or downhill, trailers
may tilt or sway sooner than when driving ona
level surface. If small swaying movements have
already occurred, you can stabilize the trailer by
firmly braking immediately. Never attempt to
“straighten out” the trailer by accelerating.
Downshift before driving on hills to utilize the en-
gine braking effect > A\.
Brakes
When using a trailer with overrun brakes, first
brake gently then quickly. This reduces the risk of
jerking while braking if the trailer wheels lock up.
Engine coolant temperature
Pay attention specifically to the coolant tempera-
ture display when there are high outside temper-
atures, and when driving on long inclines
=> page 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

Checking and Filling

> Unscrew the cap %~ for the engine oil filler
opening > fig. 160.
> Carefully add 0.5 quart (0.5 liter) of the correct
oil > page 224.
> Close the engine oil filler opening cap.
> Close the hood > page 222.
> Restart the ignition after two minutes and read
the current oil level in the MMI > page 225,
Checking the engine oil level.
> Applies to: using engine oil that meets the rec-
ommended specification: Add some more en-
gine oil again if necessary.

ZA\ WARNING
— When adding oil, do not let oil drip onto hot
engine components. This increases the risk
of a fire.
— You must close the cap on the oil filler open-
ing correctly so that oil does not leak out on-
to the hot engine and exhaust system when
the engine is running, because this is a fire
hazard.
— Always clean skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact with engine oil.
—
Engine oil is poisonous and must be kept out
of reach of children.
— Store the engine oil securely in the original
container.

@) Note
— The New Vehicle Limited Warranty does not
cover damage or malfunctions if the recom-
mended intended use of the vehicle and
maintenance measures listed in the Audi
Owner's Manual and the Warranty & Main-
tenance Booklet were not followed.
— Only use high-grade engine oil that explicit-
ly meets the Audi oil quality standard for
your vehicle. Using another oil may cause
severe vehicle damage.
— Do not mix any additives with the engine oil.
Additives may cause engine damage that is
not covered by your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
226
@) For the sake of the environment
— Oil should never enter the sewer system or
come into contact with the ground.
— Follow the legal regulations in the country
where you are located when disposing of
empty oil containers.
Changing engine oil
Audi recommends having the oil changed at an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Serv-
ice Facility.
Observe the safety precautions > page 221, Gen-
eral information.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals
specified in the Warranty & Maintenance Book-
let. This is very important because the lubrication
function of the oil gradually declines during regu-
lar vehicle operation.
The engine oil should be changed more frequent-
ly under certain circumstances. Have the oil
changed more frequently if you often drive short
distances, your vehicle is predominantly in stop-
and-go traffic situations, is in very dusty environ-
ments, or is operated for long periods of time in
temperatures below zero.
Cleansing additives in the oil make fresh oil ap-
pear darker after the engine has run briefly. This
is normal and no reason to change the engine oil
more frequently than recommended.
Because correctly disposing of engine oil is diffi-
cult and special tools and technical knowledge
are needed for an oil change, Audi recommends
having your engine oil changed by an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility.
If you change the engine oil yourself, please note
the following important information:

Z\ WARNING
If you change the engine oil on the vehicle
yourself, the following precautions must be
followed:
— Wear protective eyewear.
— Due to the risk of scalding, allow the engine

to cool down sufficiently. >

8W1012721BC
Checking and Filling

Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.

A WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle is a
potentially dangerous area. Stop the engine,
switch the ignition off, and allow the engine
to cool before working in the engine com-
partment. Always follow the information
found in > page 221, General information.
— Never open the hood if you can see or hear
steam or coolant escaping from the engine
compartment. This increases the risk of
burns. The cooling system is under pressure.
When you no longer see or hear steam or
coolant escaping, you may open the engine
compartment with caution.
— When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away
from children. There is a risk of poisoning.

® Note
Do not continue driving if the coolant expan-
sion tank is empty. Do not add any coolant,
because air could enter the cooling system
and damage the engine. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
for assistance.
Brake fluid

BFV-0229]


Fig. 162 Engine compartment: cap on brake fluid reservoir
Observe the safety precautions > page 221, Gen-
eral information.
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located under a cover
on the driver’s side.
> Lift the cover > page 223, fig. 159 at both
openings and remove it.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir > page 223, fig. 159. The brake fluid lev-
el must be between the MIN and MAX markings
of.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Messages
EG / @ Brakes: stop vehicle and check brake
fluid level
Stop the vehicle and check the brake fluid level.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be changed at regular inter-
vals. Have the brake fluid changed by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty. The authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will inform you of the replace-
ment intervals.

Z\ WARNING
— If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect and
driving safety, which increase the risk of an

229

8W1012721BC
Checking and Filling


— A highly explosive mixture of gases can form
when charging batteries. Only charge the
battery in well-ventilated areas.
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). Do not charge or
use a frozen or thawed battery. If ice forms,
the battery housing can crack and battery
electrolyte can leak out, which increases the
risk of an explosion and chemical burns.
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for more informa-
tion.
— Do not connect or disconnect the charging
cable while charging because this increases


the risk of an explosion.

@) Tips
Read all of the manufacturer's instructions
for the charger before charging the battery.
Windshield washer
system

B8W-0125



Fig. 164 Engine compartment: washer fluid reservoir cap
Observe the safety precautions > page 221, Gen-
eral information.
The windshield washer reservoir © contains the
cleaning solution for the windshield/rear win-
dow* and the headlight washer system*
> fig. 164, > page 223. The reservoir capacity
can be found in > page 287.
To reduce the risk of lime scale deposits on the
spray nozzles, use clean water with low amounts
of calcium. Always add window cleaner to the wa-
ter. When the outside temperatures are cold, an
anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.
Messages
3 Please add washer fluid
Fill the washer fluid for the windshield washer
system and the headlight washer system* when
the ignition is switched off.
@) Note
— The concentration of anti-freezing agent
must be adjusted to the vehicle operating
conditions and the climate. A concentration
that is too high can lead to vehicle damage.
— Never add radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives to the washer fluid.
— Do not use a glass cleaner that contains
paint solvents, because this could damage
the paint.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when your ve-
hicle is due for service.
The service interval display works in two stages:
— Inspection or oil change reminder: after driv-
ing acertain distance, a message appears in the
instrument cluster display each time the igni-
tion is switched on or off. The remaining dis-
tance or time is displayed briefly.
— Inspection or oil change due: if your vehicle
has reached an inspection or oil change interval
or both intervals at the same time, the mes-
sage Inspection due! or Oil change due! or Oil
change and inspection due! appears briefly af-
ter switching the ignition on or off.
Checking service intervals
You can check the remaining distance or time un-
til the next oil change or next inspection in the
Infotainment system.
Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Service intervals.
Resetting the indicator
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will reset the service interval dis-
play after performing service.
233
>

Checking and Filling

If you have changed the oil yourself, you must re-
set the oil change interval.
Applies to: MMI: To reset the display, select on
the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings & Service
> Service intervals.
@) Note
— Only reset the oil change indicator if the oil
was changed.
— Following the service intervals is critical to
maintaining the service life and value of
your vehicle, especially the engine. Even if
the mileage on the vehicle is low, do not ex-
ceed the time for the next service.
234

8W1012721BC
Accessories and technical changes

Accessories and
technical changes
Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by various warranties:
— New Vehicle Limited Warranty
— Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation
— Emissions Control System Warranties: Federal
Emissions Control System Defect Warranty,
Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
— Applies to: USA models: Kansas Safety Belt
Limited Warranty
— Applies to: USA models: California Emissions
Control Warranties: Short-term Emissions De-
fects Warranty, Long-term Emissions Defects
Warranty, TZEV models Emissions Defects
Warranty, California Emissions Performance
Warranty
You can find detailed information in your Warran-
ty & Maintenance Booklet and in the California
Emissions Booklet*.
Audi Literature Shop
Service information is made available as soon as
possible after a model is introduced and can be
ordered in the Audi Literature Shop: http://
literature.audiusa.com
Driving in other
countries
Government regulations in the United States and
Canada require motor vehicles to comply with
emissions regulations and safety standards.
Therefore, vehicles that were produced for the
U.S. and Canadian markets are different from
vehicles produced for other countries.
If you plan to use your vehicle outside of the
United States or Canada, it is possible that:
— Fuel may have a significantly lower octane rat-
ing. Unsuitable fuels can cause engine damage.
— Proper maintenance and repair work may not
be possible because special service equipment,
tools, or measuring devices needed for your ve-
hicle may not be available.
— Replacement parts may not always be availa-
ble.
— Navigation systems for vehicles built for the
U.S.A. and Canada will not necessarily work in
Europe, and may not work in other countries.
() Note
Audi is not liable for damage to the vehicle re-
sulting from these country-specific differen-
ces.
Maintenance, repairs,
and technical modifi-
cations
Observe the safety precautions > page 221, Gen-
eral information and > page 264, Raising the ve-
hicle.
General information
Due to the increasing complexity of technology in
these vehicles, as well as the safety and environ-
mental standards that apply, you can only per-
form a very limited amount of repairs and modifi-
cations to the vehicle yourself.
Proof of maintenance work may be required to
submit a claim within the warranty period.
We recommend that you have your vehicle serv-
iced by an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility and that Audi Genuine Parts
and Audi Genuine Accessories are used. This
helps to ensure that your vehicle's functionality,
performance, and safety are not impaired.
Maintenance and repairs
Your vehicle was designed to help keep mainte-
nance requirements to a minimum. Some regular
maintenance is required to help ensure that your
vehicle runs in a safe, economical, and reliable
manner. Please refer to your Warranty & Mainte-
nance Booklet for more detailed information
about vehicle maintenance.
When operating the vehicle under more extreme
operating conditions, for example when outside
temperatures are very low or in very dusty envi-
ronments, certain maintenance should be per-
formed between the specified intervals.
281