brakes AUDI A7 2020 User Guide

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
ere eleurl lela)
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 >@®.
112
C@) 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 251. 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 >

Trailer towing

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.

114

4K8012721BC
Driver assistance

Driver assistance
Cruise control system
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
The cruise control system assists the driver in
maintaining a constant speed above approxi-
mately 15 mph (20 km/h). The system maintains
the desired speed by braking and accelerating.

ZA\ WARNING
— Always pay attention to the traffic around
your vehicle when the cruise control system
is in operation. As the driver, you are always
responsible for controlling your vehicle
speed and the distance between your vehicle
and
other vehicles.
— For safety reasons, cruise control should not
be used in the city, in stop-and-go traffic, on
winding roads, and when road conditions are
poor (such as ice, fog, gravel, heavy rain,
and conditions that could lead to hydroplan-
ing), because this increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— Switch the cruise control off temporarily
when driving in turning lanes, highway exits,
or in construction zones.
—To reduce the risk of an accident, you should
only resume the stored speed if it is suitable
for the current traffic conditions.


() Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

BFV-0220



Fig. 89 Lever: switching on the cruise control system
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @.
The ICRUISE| or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

ZA\ WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, it may shut off automatically.
Preselecting or activating a cruise control
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/C)
=> page 127, fig. 89.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position @ while driving, or
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the Gs or El indicator light in the instrument
cluster.
An additional indicator appears in the head-up
display*.
127

Driver assistance

Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @/G) & page 127, fig. 89.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward @)/G).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> Once you release the accelerator pedal, the sys-
tem will adjust back to the stored cruise control
speed.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The ICRUISE| or {g) indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 127, fig. 89.
> Press the brake pedal.

Z\ WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.

128
See mea
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When you switch the system off completely, the
cruise control speed will be deleted.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 127, fig. 89, or:
> Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gi / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
When you remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal, efficiency assist controls downhill mode
with recuperation, depending on the situation.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Predictive messages > page 129.
— Predictive control > page 130.
— Accelerator pedal feedback > page 94.
Situation symbols
Depending on vehicle equipment, the following
symbols may be shown. The symbols indicate the >

4K8012721BC
Driver assistance

A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 117, fig. 83 and try to turn on
the systems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.

Z\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when predictive control is
switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
— The system does not consider “right of way”
rules and does not respond to traffic lights,
so lack of driver attention in these situations
can increase the risk of an accident.
— The speed when driving through curves may
be different from what you as a driver would
do or may not be suitable for the weather
and road conditions. If necessary, apply the
brakes and reduce the selected speed to be
maintained in the Adjustment to curves
along route setting to reduce the risk of an
accident.

@ Tips
— Predictive control can exceed or drop below
the maximum permitted speed. The driver
is responsible for adhering to the permitted
speed limit.
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
—If a speed limit is detected, the marking @
of the set speed limit will be adjusted even

D_ In certain countries
if the adaptive cruise assist is not actively
regulating.
— Control by the system depends on which
adaptive cruise assist driving program is set
or on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
— After switching on the ignition and first
driving onto a freeway or similar road with-
out a speed limit, the system will regulate
the speed to 80 mph (130 km/h). Then
the system adjusts to the last speed set by
the driver.
— There is no adaptation to speed limits when
driving through highway interchanges and
when driving on or off the expressway.
— The system can fail to provide control or the
control may be faulty if the values from the
camera-based traffic sign recognition* are
incorrect or the navigation system map data
is outdated.
— When route guidance is switched on, the
system adapts to the route provided by the
navigation system. Driving without route
guidance or leaving a route can result in
faulty control.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
Adaptive cruise assist
General information
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the adap-
tive cruise assist may consist of the following
functions:
Within the limits of the system, the adaptive
speed
and distance control assists the driver in
controlling the speed and the set distance to the
vehicle driving ahead. If the system detects a ve-
hicle driving ahead, the adaptive cruise assist can
brake and accelerate your vehicle within the lim-
its of the system. On open roads with no traffic, it
functions like a cruise control system. The stored
speed is maintained. When approaching a vehicle
driving ahead, the adaptive cruise assist auto-
matically brakes to match that vehicle's speed
131
>

Driver assistance

and then maintains the set distance as much as
possible. As soon as the system does not detect a
vehicle driving ahead, adaptive cruise assist ac-
celerates up to the set speed.
The additional lane guidance assists the driver
with corrective steering in order to stay in the
lane. You can adjust if the adaptive cruise assist
will provide support with lane guidance
= page 135, Switching lane guidance on and off.
In stop-and-go traffic and in traffic jams, the ve-
hicle may brake to a full stop and then may also
start driving again automatically under certain
conditions.
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist: Predic-
tive control can adjust the speed based on traffic
and road conditions > page 130, Predictive con-
trol.

\
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.


For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see > page 289.
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

B8V-0630


Fig. 91 Example: vehicle changing lanes and stationary ve-
hicle
132



Fig. 92 Example: driving into a curve
In some situations, the adaptive cruise assist
function is limited and you must assume control
of the vehicle when necessary, for example by ap-
plying the brakes.
— If a vehicle that was already detected @ turns
or changes lanes, the adaptive cruise assist will
react to the vehicle ahead of it @).
— When driving into a curve > fig. 92 and out of a
curve, the adaptive cruise assist may react to a
vehicle in the adjacent lane and apply the
brakes. You can override the system by pressing
the accelerator pedal briefly.
— The adaptive cruise assist works with the vari-
ous sensors and cameras in the vehicle.
Vehicles can only be detected once they are
within the area and range covered by the sen-
sors > page 116, fig. 81.
— When driving around tight curves, a vehicle
driving ahead that was previously detected may
no longer be detected, and the adaptive cruise
assist may accelerate unexpectedly.
— The adaptive cruise assist does not react toa
stationary vehicle in the same lane if the sys-
tem expects that you can easily drive around
the stationary vehicle by turning the steering
wheel.
— The adaptive cruise assist may not react to sta-
tionary obstacles, such as the end of a traffic
jam, especially at high speeds.
— The adaptive cruise assist has a limited ability
to detect vehicles that are a short distance
ahead, off to the side of your vehicle, or moving
into your lane.
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance,
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be
detected late or not detected at all.

4K8012721BC
Driver assistance

— The adaptive cruise assist does not respond to
people, animals, or objects that are crossing or
approaching from the opposite direction.

ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.
Display overview
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

8} | 9) IN| | G3

Fig. 94 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ -@) inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
@-©®, you can find more detailed information
about the system. The displays depend on the
country and equipment.
Display in the speedometer
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@® Available speed range for adaptive cruise as-
sist (example)
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
=> page 16.
Messages and settings
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Set target distance
If you fall below the set distance, the dis-
tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.
Your vehicle
©®
CC®
Availability of lane departure warning
= page 141 and lane guidance
© Lane guidance for adaptive cruise assist is ac-
tive © or not active
Indicator lights
A - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
a - The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The adaptive cruise as-
sist controls the speed and distance from the ve-
hicle driving ahead, and accelerates and brakes
automatically.
A - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
BS - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
A - The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance to a vehicle driving
ahead. You must intervene > page 138, Driver in-
tervention request.
& This indicator light appears if steering activity
is no longer detected. Always keep your hands on
the steering wheel so you can be ready to steer at
any time. The indicator light will also turn off, for
example if the steering power from the system is
not sufficient and adaptive cruise assist is can-
celed > page 136.
133

Driver assistance

— The driver's hands are not on the steering
wheel
Steering intervention request
If no steering activity is detected or the steering
power is not sufficient, the driver steering inter-
vention request will alert the driver using audio
and visual signals. Take over the steering and
keep your hands on the steering wheel so that
you will be ready to steer at any time. The system
will become inactive after a short time and will
only be active again later.
If the driver does not take over steering, adaptive
cruise assist will be canceled. If the vehicle is
equipped with emergency assist and it is ready to
function, it will be activated > page 151.

ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.

G@) Tips
— Always keep your hands on the steering
wheel. The driver is always responsible for
adhering to the regulations applicable in
the country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
— It is recommended to only switch on lane
guidance on well-constructed roads.
— Certain settings are stored automatically in
the active personal profile.
—The & fig. 97 button switches lane guidance
availability and the lane departure warning
on or off simultaneously, if lane guidance is
preset in the adaptive cruise assist settings.
136
Setting the distance
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

B4M-0234


Fig. 98 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher
the speed, the greater the distance that is need-
ed.
> Tap the rocker switch to display the distance
that is currently set.
> To increase or decrease the distance in incre-
ments, tap the switch again toward G) or ().
The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for
example with the indicator light. In the Driv-
er assistance display, a graphic display is shown
instead of the indicator lights > page 133,
fig. 94. The display matches the functions of the
indicator lights.

When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the
adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and
then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle
driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive
cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed
that you have set.
The following distances can be set:

Driver assistance

Audi pre sense basic
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense basic
Audi pre sense basic is automatically active at
speeds of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) and
higher. Audi pre sense basic can trigger the Audi
pre sense preemptive safety measures during
emergency braking and dangerous braking ma-
neuvers as well as in unstable driving situations,
such as oversteering or understeering.

ZA WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.
Audi pre sense front
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense front

The Audi pre sense front uses the data from the
camera and calculates the probability of a rear-
end collision. Within the limits of the system, an
impending frontal impact with vehicles, pedes-
trians), or cyclists!) may be detected in both ur-
ban and rural speed ranges.
Audi pre sense front is active at speeds of approx-
imately 6 mph (10 km/h) and higher. It can react
to pedestrians”) or cyclists!) at speeds up to ap-
proximately 50 mph (85 km/h), and can react to
vehicles at speeds up to approximately 155 mph
(250 km/h).
Early warning/acute warning
The system can recognize various dangerous sit-
uations. The early warning occurs if:
—Avehicle driving ahead brakes suddenly
— Your own vehicle approaches a vehicle in front
of you that is traveling at a significantly slower
speed or that is stationary
— A pedestrian or cyclist) is standing in the lane
or is moving into the lane
The message Audi pre sense [J and a warning
tone will warn you about the danger.
The brakes may also be applied as an acute warn-
ing when there is an impending collision. You will

D_ This is not available in some countries.
144
also be warned by an indicator in the instrument
cluster display. When this warning occurs, it may
only be possible to avoid a collision by swerving
or braking strongly.
Automatic deceleration
If you do not react to the acute warning, Audi pre
sense front can brake the vehicle to a full stop
within the limits of the system ). This reduces
the vehicle speed in the event of a collision.
Automatic braking force increase
If Audi pre sense determines that you are not
braking strongly enough when a collision is immi-
nent, it can increase the braking force based on
the situation.
Take-over
If the message Oo Please take over! appears, the
vehicle has been braked to a stop by Audi pre
sense and you must resume control of the vehi-
cle.

ZA\ WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 115.
— Audi pre sense front cannot overcome natu-
ral physical laws. It is a system designed to
assist and it cannot prevent a collision in ev-
ery circumstance. The driver must always in-
tervene. The driver is always responsible for
braking at the correct time. Do not let the
increased safety provided tempt you into
taking risks. This could increase your risk of
a collision.
— Audi pre sense front does not react to cer-
tain objects, such as animals, crossing or on-
coming vehicles, bars, railings, or railcars.
— Audi pre sense front may be limited or un-
available when driving in curves.
— Loose objects can be thrown around the ve-
hicle interior during sudden driving or brak-
ing maneuvers, which increases the risk of
an accident. Store objects securely while
driving.

4K8012721BC
Driver assistance


as well as the vehicle's surroundings with di-
rect eye contact.
— The system may not react if vehicles are ap-
proaching very fast.
@ Tips
For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see > page 289.

Emergency assist
Applies to: vehicles with emergency assist
General information
Within the limits of the system, the emergency
assist detects if the driver is inactive. In these in-
stances, the system warns the driver, assumes
control of the vehicle if necessary, and brings the
vehicle automatically to a stop in the lane.
Regardless of the speed, the emergency assist is
automatically available when the adaptive cruise
assist* is activated. When the adaptive cruise as-
sist* is deactivated, the system is only active at
speeds higher than approximately 40 mph
(65 km/h).
Emergency assist functions
Within the limits of the system, the emergency
assist monitors the driver’s steering, accelerator,
and brake pedal activity. Depending on the se-
verity of the situation, it may initiate visual, au-
dio, and haptic warnings in stages:
— Reduces the speed
— Messages
— Lowers the volume of the Infotainment system
— Audible warning
— Tightening of the safety belt
—A brief application of the brakes

D_ This function is not available in every market and on all ve-
hicle equipment levels.
If the driver remains inactive despite the warn-
ings, the emergency assist controls the vehicle
within the limits of the system:
— The Audi pre sense preemptive safety measures
are triggered > page 143.
— The vehicle will stay in the lane and will be
braked to a stop.
— As soon as the vehicle comes to a full stop, the
emergency flashers are activated and the vehi-
cle prepares for the vehicle passengers to be
rescued. The parking brake is set, “P” gear is
engaged, the doors are unlocked, and the inte-
rior lighting is activated. If there is no move-
ment for several seconds, the emergency call ))
will be made if necessary.
Overriding the emergency assist
You can override the emergency assist > A\:
— Move the steering wheel. Or
— Press the brake pedal. Or
— Press the accelerator pedal distinctly.
When stationary, you can end the emergency as-
sist by leaving the "P" position or releasing the
parking brake > page 101.
Switching the emergency assist on and off
The system can be switched on and off in the
MMI & page 118.
Messages
If Bor s displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the emergency assist functions may be un-
available or may be limited.

A message that indicates the cause and possible
solution may appear with some displays. The
weather conditions may be too poor or a sensor
may be covered. Clean the area in front of the
sensors > page 117 and try to turn on the sys-
tems again later.
If the malfunction remains, drive to an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty immediately to have the malfunction correct-
ed.
151
>