weight AUDI A7 2021 Owner´s Manual

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Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
eT e e eeu)
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 284. 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
135
>

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.
Air suspension
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
The Audi drive select* Comfort mode > page 111
must be selected before you adjust the tongue
weight on the trailer and hitch the trailer >@,
=> page 112.
Likewise, the vehicle cannot be raised manually
using the Raise function > page 112.
The air suspension trailer mode must be switched
on.
Applies to MMI: select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Settings & Service > Air suspension:
trailer.
Switch trailer mode off again when you are no
longer towing a trailer.
When using rear carrier systems that are mount-
ed directly on the trailer hitch ball head, you can
also switch trailer mode off manually.
If you must drive on roads that are in poor condi-
tion, you can raise the vehicle again after hitching
the trailer or after adjusting the tongue weight
=> page 112.
Vehicle levels below the values set in the Com-
fort level will no longer be available, even if you
are lowering the vehicle manually.
136

ZA WARNING
Applies to: vehicles with air suspension
— Never turn off trailer mode while driving
when a trailer is hitched, because then the
restrictions for controlling the vehicle level
will be turned off.
— Driving with a trailer on unpaved roads when
the vehicle is raised may change the vehicle
handling. Adapt your speed.
— Note that the vehicle will lower automatical-
ly at certain speeds if you have lifted the ve-
hicle manually.
C) Note
— Applies to: vehicles with air suspension: Se-
lect the Audi drive select* Comfort mode.
Otherwise, the tongue load specified for
your vehicle will no longer be applicable.
— Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer
hitch ball head. In cases of damage, have
the function 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.
Pie Rie Relig
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.

Wheels

@ US DOT number (TIN) and
manufacture date
The manufacture date is listed on
the tire sidewall (it may only ap-
pear on the inner side of the tire):
DOT... 2220...
means, for example, that the tire
was produced in the 22nd week of
the year 2020.
@) Audi Original Tires
Audi Original equipment tires
with the designation “AO” have
been specially matched to your
Audi. When used correctly, these
tires meet the highest standards
for safety and handling. An au-
thorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility will be
able to provide you with more in-
formation.
@) Mud and snow capability
“M/S” or “M+S” indicates the tire
is suitable for driving on mud and
snow. /\ indicates a winter tire.
Composition of the tire cord
and materials
The number of plies indicates the
number of rubberized fabric lay-
ers in the tire. In general: the
more layers, the more weight a
tire can carry. Tire manufacturers
276
must also specify the materials
used in the tire. These include
steel, nylon, polyester and other
materials.
@) Maximum permitted load
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and
pounds that the tire can carry.
@ Uniform tire quality grade
standards for treadwear,
traction and temperature
resistance
Treadwear, traction, and tempera-
ture ranges > page 291.
@ Running direction
The arrows indicate the running
direction of unidirectional tires.
You must always follow the speci-
fied running direction
> page 310.
Maximum permitted
inflation pressure
This number indicates the maxi-
mum pressure to which a tire can
be inflated under normal operat-
ing conditions.

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Glossary of tire and loading
terminology
Accessory weight
means the combined weight (in
excess of those standard items
which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steer-
ing, power brakes, power win-
dows, power seats, radio, and
heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-in-
stalled equipment (whether in-
stalled or not).
Aspect ratio
means the ratio of the height to
the width of the tire in percent.
Numbers of 55 or lower indicate a
low sidewall for improved steer-
ing response and better overall
handling on dry pavement.
Bead
means the part of the tire that is
made of steel wires, wrapped or
reinforced by ply cords and that is
shaped to fit the rim.
Bead separation
means a breakdown of the bond
between components in the bead.
Cord
means the strands forming the
plies in the tire.
Cold tire inflation pressure
means the tire pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer for a tire of a designated
size that has not been driven for
more than a couple of miles (kilo-
meters) at low speeds in the three
hour period before the tire pres-
sure is measured or adjusted.
Curb weight
means the weight of a motor ve-
hicle with standard equipment in-
cluding the maximum capacity of
fuel, oil, and coolant, air condi-
tioning and additional weight of
optional equipment.
Extra load tire
means a tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at higher in-
flation pressures than the corre-
sponding standard tire. Extra load
tires may be identified as “XL”,
“xl”, “EXTRA LOAD”, or “RF” on
the sidewall.
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Wheels

Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR’”)
means the load-carrying capacity
of a single axle system, measured
at the tire-ground interfaces.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(“GVWR”)
means the maximum total loaded
weight of the vehicle.
Groove
means the space between two ad-
jacent tread ribs.
Load rating (code)
means the maximum load that a
tire is rated to carry for a given in-
flation pressure. You may not find
this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
Maximum load rating
means the load rating for a tire at
the maximum permissible infla-
tion pressure for that tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
means the sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight, and
(d) Production options weight
278
Maximum (permissible)
inflation pressure
means the maximum cold infla-
tion pressure to which a tire may
be inflated. Also called “maxi-
mum inflation pressure.”
Normal occupant weight
means 150 lbs. (68 kilograms)
times the number of occupants
seated in the vehicle up to the to-
tal seating capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Occupant distribution
means distribution of occupants
in a vehicle.
Outer diameter
means the overall diameter of an
inflated new tire.
Overall width
means the linear distance be-
tween the exteriors of the side-
walls of an inflated tire, including
elevations due to labeling, deco-
rations, or protective bands or
ribs.
Ply
means a layer of rubber-coated
parallel cords.

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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 277, 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.
Rim
means a metal support for a tire
or a 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 275. 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 >
279

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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 286) 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 284, fig. 173 for the
number of seating positions. Re-
fer to the table > table on
page 286 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.
> Applies to: RS models: Only use
tires with the same design, size
(rolling circumference), and the
same tread pattern on all four
wheels.
>Do not replace tires individually.
At least replace both tires on the
same axle at the same time.
281
>

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Z\ WARNING
Please note the important safe-
ty precautions regarding tire
pressure > page 284 and load
limits > page 287.
Tires and vehicle load limits
There are limits to the amount of
load or weight that any vehicle
and any tire can carry. A vehicle
that is overloaded will not handle
well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to
loss of vehicle control, but can al-
so damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
and sudden deflation that can
cause the vehicle to crash.

Your safety and that of your pas-
sengers also depends on making
sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-
erybody and everything in and on
the vehicle. These load limits are
technically referred to as the vehi-
cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(“GVWR”).
The “GVWR” includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in-
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids
plus maximum load. The maxi-
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in-
tended to carry (“seating capaci-
ty”) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-
ger at a designated seating posi-
tion and the total weight of any
luggage in the vehicle. If you tow
a trailer, the weight of the trailer
hitch and the tongue weight of
the loaded trailer must be includ-
ed as part of the vehicle load.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR”) is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle’s two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating means that the
total weight of whatever is being
carried in the vehicle (including
the weight of a trailer hitch and
the tongue weight of the loaded
trailer) is limited. The more pas-
sengers in the vehicle or passen-
gers who are heavier than the
standard weights assumed mean
that less weight can be carried as
luggage.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating >
287

Wheels

are listed on the safety compli-
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.

TN WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per-
sonal injury, and even death.
—Carrying more weight than
your vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and in-
crease the risk of the loss of
vehicle control.
—The brakes on a vehicle that
has been overloaded may not
be able to stop the vehicle
within a safe distance.
—Tires on a vehicle that has
been overloaded can fail sud-
denly, including a blowout and
sudden deflation, causing loss
of control and a crash.
—Always make sure that the to-
tal load being transported -
including the weight of a trail-
er hitch and the tongue
weight of a loaded trailer -
does not make the vehicle
heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

288
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 284, fig. 173.
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 284, fig. 173.
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 >

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Wheels

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 275, fig. 170) 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\.

ZA\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 311, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident.
Loose wheel warning
Applies to: vehicles with loose wheel warning

Within the limits of the system, the loose wheel
warning in the instrument cluster warns you if
one or more wheels are loose.
Using the ABS sensors, the loose wheel warning
system compares the vibration characteristics of
the individual tires. If one or more wheels are
loose, it will be indicated in the instrument clus-
ter display with the fi indicator light and a mes-
sage. If only one wheel is affected, the location
of that wheel will be indicated.
Messages
fi Wheel bolts loose. Please safely stop the ve-
hicle and check all wheel bolts!
Loose wheel warning for at least one wheel > A\.
Check the wheel bolts on all wheels with the
wheel wrench (vehicle tool kit). Have the tighten-
ing specification checked as soon as possible with
a torque wrench. Drive carefully until then. For
the correct tightening specification, see
=> page 311, Finishing.
fi Wheel assessment active. Please continue
driving carefully
After this message appears and you have checked
the wheel bolts, the assessment phase begins
when the vehicle is in motion. This may take sev-
eral minutes. >
289