towing AUDI A5 2020 User Guide

Stowing and using

The rear seat backrests can be folded forward ei- Cargo net
ther separately* or together. Applies to: vehicles with luggage compartment net
Follow the safety precautions > page 89. Use the cargo net (2) to secure lighter objects in
the luggage compartment
> Applies to: Coupe:To fold the left/right backrest
forward, pull the left/right lever ©@/@ > Fold the clip for the tie-downs upward.
© fig. 91 in the direction of the arrow. To fold » Attach the hooks for the cargo net to the tie-
the center backrest* forward, pull the smaller downs.
release lever (3).
> Applies to: Cabriolet: To fold the backrest for-
ward, pull the release lever > fig. 92 in the di- Applies to: vehicles with pass-through
rection of the arrow.
> To set up the backrest again, fold it back until it
locks or the red marking (8) > page 91, fig. 89
is no longer visible.
Tie-downs and luggage comp

Fig. 95 Backrest: pass-through release
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
> To release the pass-through, turn the lock on
the backrest.
> Fold the pass-through cover down.
@) Tips
The pass-through can be locked and unlocked
from within the luggage compartment. This
prevents any access to the luggage compart-
ment from the vehicle interior.

al. eum Ld
Fig. 93 Luggage compartment: location of the tie-downs

Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
Tie-downs
There are tie-downs (a) in the luggage compart-
ment to secure pieces of luggage and objects.
> Use the tie-downs to secure the cargo.
92

8W7012721BA
Stowing and using



Juels ]

Fig. 96 Luggage compartment: cargo mat spread out
lengthwise

Fig. 97 Luggage compartment:
lengthwise cargo mat

L) crosswise cargo mat /


The cargo mat protects the luggage compart-
ment and bumper from dirt and scratches. You
can use both sides of the cargo mat.
Follow the safety precautions > page 89.
> To protect the luggage compartment and
bumper when loading and unloading objects,
lay the cargo mat out lengthwise with the
backrests folded down or upright > fig. 96.
> After loading or unloading, fold up the cargo
mat and close the luggage compartment lid.
> To also protect the side trim panels, lay the car-
go mat out widthwise.

> To divide the loading surfaces into separate sec-
tions > fig. 97, fold the cargo mat.
> Only store the cargo mat if it is dry.
You can save room by storing the cargo mat at
the sides of the luggage compartment.
Roof rack

Applies to: vehicles with roof rack mount

BeW-0245
Applies to: Coupe
Fig. 98 Roof: mounting points

BaWw-0244
Applies to: Sportback
Fig. 99 Roof: mounting points
If luggage or cargo is to be carried on the roof,
you must observe the following:
— These roof racks are the basis for a complete
roof rack system. Only roof racks that are suita-
ble for your vehicle may be used. Roof racks and
attachments from the Audi Genuine Accesso-
ries program are recommended.
— Make sure the roof rack is mounted on the vehi-
cle only at the specified locations.
— Note the permitted axle load, permitted total
weight, and permitted roof load of your vehicle
=> page 284. The roof load is the total of the
weight of the roof rack, the attachments and
the cargo you are carrying. However, you must >
93

Stowing and using

also note the permitted load of the carrier sys-
tem being used.

— Follow the installation instructions provided
with the roof rack system. If you do not se-
cure the roof rack system and objects on the
roof correctly, they could come loose from
the vehicle and cause an accident.
— The risk of an accident increases when using
a roof rack system, because it changes the
driving characteristics by shifting the center
of gravity and/or the increasing the surface
area exposed to wind. You may need to
adapt your driving style and speed to the
current conditions.
Make sure that the luggage compartment lid
and the panoramic glass roof* do not come in-
to contact with objects on the roof when they
are open.
Energy usage will increase because of the in-
creased wind resistance. Remove the roof rack
when you are no longer using it.

Driving

necessary. This can cause the brakes to over-
heat and increases braking distance and
causes wear.
— Observe the important information for driv-
ing downhill > page 112. This especially ap-
plies when towing a trailer.
@ Tips
— If you retrofit your vehicle with a front spoil-
er, wheel covers or similar items, make sure
that the air flow to the brakes is not ob-
structed. Otherwise the brake system can
overheat.
— Also refer to the information about brake
fluid > page 229.
Messages
Ge / @ Brakes: malfunction! Safely stop ve-
hicle
There is a malfunction in the brake system. If
fs / © and B also turn on, there is a malfunc-
tion in the ABS, ESC, and braking distribution.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for as-
sistance. Read and follow the other safety pre-
cautions > A\.
BRENG / ) Warning! No brake booster function
If the brake booster is not working, you have to
use much more force when braking the vehicle.
See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
HG / | Brake pads: wear limit reached. You
can continue driving. Please contact Service
The brake pads are worn. Drive to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility as
soon as possible to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
Brake booster: limited functionality.You can
continue driving. Please contact Service
There is a brake booster malfunction. The brake
booster is available, but its effectiveness is re-
duced. The braking performance may be different
compared to the usual performance. Drive to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
110
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Brake booster: deactivated. See owner's manual
The brake booster remains active for a brief peri-
od of time after switching off the ignition. Secure
the vehicle from rolling by selecting “P” and set-
ting the parking brake.
Other indicator lights
When you switch the ignition on, the indicator
light Ea / ® turns on briefly to check the
function. If the indicator light does not turn on,
there is a system malfunction.
if fie /@) stays on, there is a malfunction in
the brake system.
@® - There was a heavy load on the brakes. Fol-
low the instructions in the message to utilize the
engine braking effect and to relieve the brakes.

ZA WARNING
If a malfunction occurs in the ABS, ESC, and
braking distribution, interventions that stabi-
lize the vehicle will no longer be available.
This could cause the vehicle to swerve, which
increases the risk that the vehicle will slide.
Do not continue driving. See an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
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.

8W7012721BA
Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
General information
Your vehicle is primarily intended for transport-
ing people and luggage. However, if you drive
with a trailer, follow the technical requirements,
the operation and driving tips, and the legal reg-
ulations.
Driving with a trailer affects the vehicle's energy
usage, performance, and wear. It also requires
higher concentration from the driver.

Z\ WARNING
Do not transport any people in a trailer due to
the risk of fatal injury.
Technical requirements
Trailer hitch

Only use a trailer hitch with a removable ball
hitch mount and ball hitch. The trailer hitch must
be permitted for the vehicle, the trailer and the
permitted total weight of the trailer being
pulled. Above all, it must be securely and safely
attached to the vehicle trailer.
Never mount a trailer hitch on the bumper. The
trailer hitch must be mounted in a way that does
not impair the function of the bumper. Do not
make any changes to the exhaust system and the
brake system.
Check regularly if the trailer hitch is securely
mounted. Always follow the instructions given by
the trailer hitch manufacturer.
Trailer brakes
If the trailer has its own brake system, then fol-
low the manufacturer specifications. However,
the brake system on the trailer must never be
connected to the vehicle brake system.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer means a higher load on the
engine and the cooling system. The cooling sys-
tem must be designed for additional load and
contain enough coolant > @.
CG) Note
Longer inclines cannot be driven without a
suitable cooling system, especially if the out-
side temperatures are high. Otherwise, this
increases the risk of engine damage.
Operating instructions
Towing capacity
Your vehicle can only be operated with class 1 or
class 2 trailers.
Load distribution
Poor cargo load and distribution can negatively
impact vehicle handling. Load the trailer based
on the following criteria as much as possible:
— Store objects in the vehicle luggage compart-
ment, if possible. The vehicle should always
carry the heaviest possible load and the trailer
should have the lightest possible load.
— Distribute the load in the trailer so that the
heavy objects are as close to the axle as possi-
ble.
— Secure objects so that they do not slide.
— Utilize the maximum permitted tongue weight
if possible.
Tires
Set the tire pressure on your vehicle for a “full
load”; see the tire pressure sticker > page 244. If
necessary, also adjust the tire pressure on the
trailer according to the manufacturer's specifica-
tions.
The trailer and the vehicle should be equipped
with winter tires when driving in winter tempera-
tures.
Outside mirrors
If you cannot see the traffic behind the trailer
with the standard exterior mirrors, then you
must attach additional exterior mirrors. Adjust
them so you have a sufficient visibility behind
you.
Exterior lighting
Follow the legal regulations for lighting on your
trailer that are applicable in the country where
119
>

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.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended 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.
120
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 13. 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.

8W7012721BA
@) Tips
Audi pre sense rear functions may also switch
off if there is a malfunction in the side assist
system.
Rae oid
Applies to: vehicles with swerve assist
The swerve assist can help you to steer the vehi-
cle around an obstacle detected in a critical area.
If you avoid an obstacle after the acute warning,
then the swerve assist assists you by applying
slight steering adjustment to correct your steer-
ing wheel angle as long as you are actively steer-
ing. Swerve assist is available at speeds between
approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) and 90 mph
(150 km/h).

ZX WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— Swerve assist does not react to pedestrians,
animals, crossing objects, and objects not
detected as vehicles.
G@) Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
sea
Applies to: vehicles with turn assist

When your vehicle is turning
The turn assist can assist you with a braking in-
tervention when starting to drive or when driving
slowly, to reduce the risk of your vehicle colliding
with an oncoming vehicle when you are making a
left turn. The braking intervention causes your
vehicle to stay in its lane. The function is only
available when the turn signal is turned on and at
speeds up to maximum of 6 mph (10 km/h).

D_ In certain countries
Driver assistance

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— The turn assist does not react to pedes-
trians, animals, crossing objects, and ob-
jects not detected as vehicles.
@ Tips
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.

— An indicator in the instrument cluster will
inform you when there is an intervention.
Oe Tree se ee)
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
You can adjust the Audi pre sense functions to
your preferences. The settings depend on the ve-
hicle equipment.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > Audi pre sense.
Possible settings:
The pre sense functions can be switched on and
off.
Prewarning!) - The prewarning can be switched
off or the Audi pre sense warning time can be set
(Early/Medium/Late).
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If this causes undesired early warn-
ings to appear, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
@) Tips
— If Audi pre sense is switched off, it switches
on again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again.)
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing >
149

8W7012721BA
Wheels

Determining correct load
Talis
Use the example below to calcu-
late the total weight of the pas-
sengers and luggage or other
things that you plan to transport
so that you can make sure that
your vehicle will not be overload-
ed.
Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-
PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX
LBS” on your vehicle’s placard
(tire inflation pressure label)
=> page 244, fig. 176.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and pas-
sengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX”
pounds shown on the sticker
=> page 244, fig. 176.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lbs. passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650
lbs.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex-
ceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculat-
ed in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to de-
termine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
> Check the tire sidewall
(=> page 235, fig. 173) 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\.
249
>

8W7012721BA
Emergency assistance

> Set the parking brake.
> Select the “P” position.
> When towing a trailer: disconnect the trailer
from your vehicle.
> Lay out the vehicle tool kit > page 260 and the
spare tire > page 265.
> Switch the ignition off.
> Turn the wheel bolt approximately one turn to
the left. To achieve the required torque, hold
the end of the wheel wrench. If the wheel bolt
will not loosen, press carefully on the wheel
wrench with your foot. Hold onto the vehicle se-
curely while doing this and make sure your foot-
ing is stable.

ZA WARNING
The vehicle must also be secured to prevent it
from rolling when using the vehicle jack*. Use
suitable objects to block the front and back of
the wheel that is diagonal from the wheel
with the flat tire.


Removing the caps

B4L-1337
\
®

©
4
&
_——_ A
Fig. 181 Wheel: wheel bolts with caps
?
> Slide the plastic clip from the vehicle tool kit
onto the cap until it engages > fig. 181.
> Remove the cap with the plastic clip.
Loosening the wheel bolts

B8K-1481

Fig. 182 Wheel: loosening the wheel bolt
> Slide the wheel wrench from the vehicle tool kit
all the way onto the wheel bolt.
ZA\ WARNING
To reduce the risk of an accident, only loosen
the wheel bolts gently one turn before raising
the vehicle with the vehicle jack*.
Raising the vehicle
Applies to: vehicles with vehicle jack

2
2 8
Ss a oa


Fig. 184 Sill: positioning the vehicle jack
> Place the vehicle jack from the vehicle tool kit
ona firm surface. Use a flat, stable support if
necessary. On a slippery surface such as tile,
you should use a non-slip pad such as a rubber
mat > A\.
> Find the marking on the sill that is closest to
the tire that will be changed > fig. 183. Behind
the marking, there is a lifting point on the side
sill for the vehicle jack.
> Turn the handwheel to raise the vehicle jack un-
der the lifting point on the side sill until the
263
>

8W7012721BA
Emergency assistance

The jump start cable connections are located in
the engine compartment.
Follow the information about the vehicle battery
=> page 230.
Connecting the positive cable (red) to the
positive terminal
> Open the red cover on the positive terminal
> fig. 187.
1. Attach one end of the positive cable (red) to
the jump-start pin @ © fig. 188 on your vehi-
cle.
2. Attach the other end of the positive cable
(red) to the positive terminal @ on the pow-
er source.
Connecting the negative cable (black) to the
negative terminal
3. Attach one end of the negative cable (black)
to the negative terminal @) on the power
source.
4. Attach the other end of the negative cable
(black) to the negative terminal @) on the ve-
hicle.
Starting the engine
> Start the engine in the vehicle giving the charge
and let it run at idle.
> Now start the engine in your vehicle, which has
the
drained battery.
> If the engine does not start, stop the starting
procedure after 10 seconds and then repeat it
after approximately 30 seconds.
> Turn on the rear window defogger in your vehi-
cle in order to reduce any voltage peaks that
may occur when disconnecting the jump start
cables. The headlights must be switched off.
> With the engines running, remove the cables in
reverse order of the way they were installed.
> Close the red cover on the positive terminal.

ZA WARNING
— Never connect the jump start cable directly
to your vehicle battery. Only use the connec-
tions in the engine compartment.
— Do not touch the non-insulated parts of the
terminal clamps. The cable must also not
come into contact with vehicle components

that conduct electricity when it is connected
to the positive vehicle battery terminal. This
can cause a short circuit.
— The plugs on the battery cells must not be
opened.
— Keep ignition sources (such as open flames,
burning cigarettes, etc.) away from the vehi-
cle batteries to reduce the risk of an explo-
sion.
— Route the jump start cables so they cannot
get caught in the moving parts in the other


vehicle's engine compartment.
@) Note
Please note that the connecting process previ-
ously described for the jump start cables is in-
tended for when your vehicle is being jump
started.
(i) Tips
Make sure that the connected jump start ca-
bles have sufficient contact with metal.

Towing
General information
You should only perform the steps that follow if
you have the necessary tools and technical ex-
pertise.
Towing requires a certain amount of practice.
Audi recommends contacting a towing company
to have the vehicle transported.
You should only have your vehicle towed by an-
other vehicle when disabled in exceptional cir-
cumstances. Inexperienced drivers should not
tow.
Notes on towing
When the engine is stopped, the transmission
will not be sufficiently lubricated if traveling at
high speeds and long distances:
— The maximum permitted towing speed is 30
mph (50 km/h).
— The maximum permitted towing distance is 30
miles (50 km).
267
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