recommend AUDI A6 2020 Owner's Guide

Wheels

Production options weight
means the combined weight of
those installed regular production
options weighing over 5 lbs.
(2.3 kg) in excess of those stand-
ard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb
weight or accessory weight, in-
cluding heavy duty brakes, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.
Radial ply tire
means a pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at substantially
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Recommended inflation
pressure
see > page 248, Cold tire infla-
tion pressure.
Reinforced tire
means a tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at higher in-
flation pressures than the corre-
sponding standard tire. Rein-
forced tires may be identified as
“XL”, “xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF”
on the sidewall.
250
Rim
means a metal support for a tire
ora tire and tube assembly upon
which the tire beads are seated.
Rim diameter
means nominal diameter of the
bead seat. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to pur-
chase new tires to match the new
rim diameter.
Rim size designation
means rim diameter and width.
Rim width
means nominal distance between
rim flanges.
Sidewall
means that portion of a tire be-
tween the tread and bead.
Speed rating (letter code)
means the speed at which a tire is
designed to be driven for extend-
ed periods of time. The ratings
range from 93 mph (150 km/h)
to 186 mph (298 km/h) > table
on page 246. You may not find
this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
The speed rating letter code,
where applicable, is molded on
the tire sidewall and indicates the >

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Wheels

maximum permissible road
speeds. See also > A in General
information on page 245.
Tire pressure monitoring
system
means a system that detects
when one or more of a vehicle's
tires are underinflated and illumi-
nates a low tire pressure warning
telltale.
Tread
means that portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Tread separation
means pulling away of the tread
from the tire carcass.
Treadwear indicators (TWI)
means the projections within the
principal grooves designed to give
a visual indication of the degrees
of wear of the tread. See
= page 254, Treadwear indicator
for more information on measur-
ing tire wear.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
is a tire information system devel-
oped by the United States Nation-
al Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration (NHTSA) that is designed
to help buyers make relative com-
parisons among tires. The UTQG is
not a safety rating and not a guar-
antee that a tire will last for a
prescribed number of miles (kilo-
meters) or perform in a certain
way. It simply gives tire buyers
additional information to com-
bine with other considerations,
such as price, brand loyalty and
dealer recommendations. Under
UTQG, tires are graded by the tire
manufacturers in three areas:
treadwear, traction, and tempera-
ture resistance. The UTQG infor-
mation on the tires, molded into
the sidewalls.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN)
This is the tire’s “serial number”.
It begins with the letters “DOT”
and indicates that the tire meets
all federal standards. The next
two numbers or letters indicate
the plant where it was manufac-
tured, and the last four numbers
represent the week and year of
manufacture. For example,
DOT... 2219...
means that the tire was produced
in the 22nd week of 2019. The
other numbers are marketing co-
des that may or may not be used >
251

Wheels

by the tire manufacturer. This in-
formation is used to contact con-
sumers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
means the rated cargo and lug-
gage load plus 150 lbs. (68 kilo-
grams) times the vehicle's desig-
nated seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the
tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by distrib-
uting to each axle its share of the
maximum loaded vehicle weight
and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by distrib-
uting to each axle its share of the
curb weight, accessory weight,
and normal occupant weight (dis-
tributed in accordance with > ta-
ble on page 257) and dividing by
two.
Occupant loading and distri-
bution for vehicle normal load
for various designated seating
capacities
Refer to the tire inflation pressure
label > page 255, fig. 165 for the
252
number of seating positions. Re-
fer to the table > table on
page 257 for the number of peo-
ple that correspond to the vehicle
normal load.
New tires or wheels
Audi recommends having all work
on tires or wheels performed by
an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
These facilities have the proper
knowledge and are equipped with
the required tools and replace-
ment parts.
>New tires do not yet have the
optimal gripping properties.
Drive carefully and at moderate
speeds for the first 350 miles
(500 km) with new tires.
> Only use tires with the same de-
sign, size (rolling circumfer-
ence), and as close to the same
tread pattern as possible on all
four wheels.
>Do not replace tires individually.
At least replace both tires on the
same axle at the same time.
> Audi recommends that you use
Audi Original Tires. If you would
like to use different tires, please
note that the tires may perform >

4K0012721BD
Wheels

heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A\.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

ZA WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics.

ZA WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.

ZA WARNING
Temperature grades apply to tires that are
properly inflated and not over or underinflat-
ed.


Tire pressure monitoring
system
(1) General notes
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and inflat-
ed to the inflation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure la-
bel, you should determine the proper tire infla-
tion pressure for those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-
tale when one or more of your tires is significant-
ly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving ona signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle's handling and stop-
ping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver's re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level
to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pres-
sure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the sys-
tem is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always check the
TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or
more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure
that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
263

4K0012721BD
Emergency assistance

> 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.
@) 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).
Additional information on towing with a tow
truck
The vehicle may only be towed with the front axle
raised. Do not wrap any chains or cables around
the brake lines.
Tow bar and towing cable
The vehicle can be towed with a tow bar or tow-
ing cable. Both drivers should be familiar with
the special considerations when towing, especial-
ly when using a towing cable.
Always make sure the traction force does not ex-
ceed the permitted level and there are no shock
loading conditions. There is always the risk of the
coupling becoming overloaded when driving off-
road.
For the most safety and security, drive with a tow
bar. You should use a towing cable only if a tow
bar is not available. Use a towing cable made of
synthetic elastic cable similar elastic material.

ZA WARNING
— Towing highly increases the risk of an acci-
dent, for example from colliding with the
towing vehicle.
— To reduce the risk of an accident, do not al-
low anyone to remain inside the vehicle
when it is being transported by a tow truck
or a special transporter.
C) Note
—If normal towing is not possible, for exam-
ple if the transmission is faulty or if the
towing distance is greater than 30 miles

281

4K0012721BD
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
Note the safety precautions > page 231, General
information and > page 276, Raising the vehicle.
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.
293

Accessories and technical changes

Usually maintenance and repair work requires
special tools, measuring devices, and other
equipment that is available to trained vehicle
technicians in order to help ensure that your vehi-
cle and all of its systems operate correctly, relia-
bly, and safely. Performing work on the vehicle
incorrectly can impair the operation and reliabili-
ty of your vehicle and may void one or more of
your vehicle's warranties.
Technical Modifications
Interference with electronic components, their
software, the wiring, and data transfer may cause
malfunctions. Because of the way electronic com-
ponents are interconnected, such malfunctions
can also impair systems that are not directly in-
volved. This means that you risk both a substan-
tial reduction in the operational safety of your ve-
hicle and increased wear of vehicle components.
Some convenience functions, such as the conven-
ience turn signal function, individual door open-
ing function, and displays, can be reprogrammed
using special workshop equipment. If functions
are reprogrammed, the information and descrip-
tions about these functions in this Owner's Man-
ual may no longer apply to the changed func-
tions. Audi recommends that an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility perform
and verify any reprogramming procedures.


carry out the job and have the correct tech-
nical information and the correct tools.
— If you are uncertain about what to do, have
the work performed by an authorized Audi
dealer, an authorized Audi Service Facility,
or another qualified workshop. Serious per-
sonal injury may result from improperly per-
formed work.


ZA WARNING
Maintenance procedures, repairs, or technical
modifications that are performed incorrectly
increase the risk of an accident and can lead
to serious injuries.


ZA WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially dangerous area and can cause
serious personal injury.
— Always use extreme caution when doing any
work in the engine compartment. Always
follow commonly accepted safety practices
and use common sense. Never risk personal
injury.
— Never perform any work in the engine com-
partment unless you know exactly how to

294
C) Note
— Maintenance procedures, repairs or techni-
cal modifications that are performed incor-
rectly can cause damage to the vehicle, such
as corrosion.
— If emergency repairs must be performed,
take your vehicle to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility as soon
as possible.
— Audi is not liable for damage to the vehicle
resulting from failure to comply with these
guidelines.
@) For the sake of the environment
— Regular maintenance can help protect the
environment.
— Technical modifications to the vehicle can
have a negative impact on fuel consumption
and vehicle emissions.
@) For the sake of the environment
Certain components in your vehicle such as
undeployed airbag modules, pretensioners
and remote control batteries may contain Per-
chlorate Material - special handling may ap-
ply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate. When the vehicle or parts of the
restraint system including airbag modules
and safety belts with pretensioners are scrap-
ped, all applicable laws and regulations must
be observed. Your authorized Audi dealer is
familiar with these requirements and we rec-
ommend that you have your dealer perform
this service for you.
(i) Tips
Because of your vehicle's aluminum body de-
sign, all service and repair procedures

4K0012721BD
Accessories and technical changes

affecting the body should be performed by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility, who will perform the work ac-
cording to Audi factory specifications. Only
Audi Genuine Parts are used when Audi ex-
perts perform repair or service procedures.
Failure to use Audi Genuine Parts or Audi Gen-
uine Accessories or performing repairs incor-
rectly
may result in severe vehicle damage,
such as corrosion.
Accessories and parts
Consult with an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility before purchasing ac-
cessories or replacement parts. We recommend
that you have your vehicle serviced by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty and that Audi Genuine Parts and Audi Genuine
Accessories are used.
Audi does not endorse the use of products and
accessories that it has not evaluated, even if the
product is approved by a certified testing agency
or government agency.

ZA WARNING
— Installing unapproved accessories or incor-
rect replacement parts can cause vehicle
damage and can increase the risk of an acci-
dent.
— Never attach accessories, such as telephone
holders or cup holders, to the airbag covers
or within the airbag deployment zone, be-
cause this increases the risk of injury if the
airbag deploys.
— On vehicles that have factory-installed li-
cense plate brackets on the front of the ve-
hicle, the brackets may only be replaced
with ones that are the same size and made
of the same material. Do not install any li-
cense plate brackets on the front of vehicles
that do not have factory-installed brackets.
Otherwise, the function of the system could

be impaired.

() Note
A correctly-installed exterior antenna is re-
quired for operating radio equipment in the
vehicle. Otherwise, the increased electromag-
netic waves can cause malfunctions in the ve-
hicle. Observe the regulations in the country
where the vehicle is being operated and the
instructions from the radio equipment manu-
facturer.
Reporting Safety Defects
Applicable to U.S.A.
If you believe that your vehicle
has a defect which could cause a
crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately in-
form the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying
Audi of America, Inc.
2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investiga-
tion, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer, or Audi of America,
Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call
the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-
free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-
800-424-9153); go to http://
www.safercar.gov;
295