tire pressure AUDI A8 2020 User 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 292, 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.
294
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 290. 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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maximum permissible road
speeds. See also > A in General
information on page 289.
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 298, 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 >
295

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 301) 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 299, fig. 192 for the
296
number of seating positions. Re-
fer to the table > table on
page 301 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 >

Wheels


not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
—If you install wheel covers on
the vehicle, make sure they al-
low enough air circulation to
cool the brake system. If they
do not, this could increase the
risk of an accident.


Tire wear and damage
B4H-0415

a
Fig. 190 Tire profile: treadwear indica-
tor
Tire wear
Check the tires regularly for wear.
—Inflation pressure that is too low
or high can increase tire wear
considerably.
—Driving quickly through curves,
rapid acceleration, and heavy
braking increase tire wear.
—Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facili-


) Obey any applicable regulations in the
country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
298
ty check the wheel alignment if
there is unusual wear.
—Have the wheels rebalanced if an
imbalance is causing noticeable
vibration in the steering wheel.
If you do not, the tires and other
vehicle components could wear
more quickly.
Treadwear indicator
Original equipment tires contain
treadwear indicators in the tread
pattern, which are bars that are
1/16 in (1.6 mm) high and are
spaced evenly around the tire per-
pendicular to the running direc-
tion > fig. 190. The letters “TWI”
or triangles on the tire sidewall
indicate the location of the tread-
wear indicators.
The tires have reached the mini-
mum tread depth !) when they
have worn down to the treadwear
indicators. Replace the tires with
new ones > A.
Tire rotation
Rotating the tires regularly is rec-
ommended to ensure the tires
wear evenly. To rotate the tires, >

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install the tires from the rear axle
on the front axle and vice versa.
This will allow the tires to have
approximately the same length of
service life.
For unidirectional tires, make sure
the tires are installed according to
the running direction indicated on
the tire sidewall > page 321.
Hidden damage
Damage to tires and rims can of-
ten occur in locations that are hid-
den. Unusual vibrations in the ve-
hicle or pulling to one side may
indicate that there is tire damage.
Reduce your speed immediately.
Check the tires for damage. If no
damage is visible from the out-
side, drive slowly and carefully to
the nearest authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility to have the vehicle inspect-
ed.

Z\ WARNING
Tread that has worn too low or
uneven tread depths on the
tires can reduce driving safety.
This can increase the risk of an
accident because it has a nega-
tive effect on handling, driving
through curves, and braking,

and because it increases the
risk of hydroplaning when driv-
ing through deep puddles.
Tire pressure



B4l-1383


Fig. 191 Driver's side B-pillar: tire pres-
sure label


B8K-1151
@ SEATING CAPACITY. “TOTAL uj FRONT ul REAR a) (ooun NOMBRE DE PLACES TOTAL AVANT ARRIERE soa
‘Tho combined woight of occupants and cargo shi — Ko OF pm ibs. Le poids total des occupants et du chargement n =... a,

TIRE SIZE
PNEU _| DIMENSIONS
FRONT
AVANT
REAR
ARRIERE
‘SPARE
DE SECOURS
COLD TIRE PRESSURE
PRESSION DES PNEUS A FROID
as KPA, Ml PSI
a KPA, Ml PSI
a KPA, Ml PSI






Fig. 192 Tire pressure label
The correct tire pressure for tires
installed at the factory is listed on
a label. The label is located on the
B-pillar > fig. 191, > fig. 192.
Use the tire pressure specified for
a normal vehicle load when the
vehicle is partially loaded > table
on page 301. If driving the vehi-
cle when fully loaded, you must
increase the tire pressure to the
maximum specified pressure > A. >
299

Wheels

Checking and correcting tire
pressure
>Check the tire pressure at least
once per month and also check it
before every long drive.
> Always check the tire pressure
when the tires are cold. Do not
reduce the pressure if it increas-
es when the tires are warm.
>Refer to the sticker > fig. 192
for the correct tire pressure.
>Correct the tire pressure if nec-
essary.
>Store the new tire pressure in
the MMI & page 308.
> Check the pressure in the spare
tire*. Always maintain the maxi-
mum temperature that is speci-
fied for the tire.


and follow the important safe-
ty precautions in > page 301.
—The tire must flex more if the
tire pressure is too low or if
the vehicle speed or load are
too high. This heats the tire up
too much. This increases the
risk of an accident because it
can cause the tire to burst and
result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
—Incorrect tire pressure increas-
es tire wear and has a negative
effect on driving and braking
behavior, which increases the
risk of an accident.


Z\ WARNING
Always adapt the tire pressure
to your driving style and the ve-
hicle load.
—Overloading can lead to loss of
vehicle control and increase
the risk of an accident. Read

() Note
Replace lost valve caps to re-
duce the risk of damage to the
tire valves.
©) For the sake of the envi-
ronment
Tire pressure that is too low in-
creases fuel consumption.
Ncw ee] c
Please note that the information
contained in the following table
was correct at the time of print-
ing, and the information is sub-
300
ject to change. If there are any
differences, you should always
follow the tire pressure sticker
> page 299, fig. 191.

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Make sure that the tire designa- The following table lists recom-
tion on your tire matches the des- mended tire pressures in cold
ignation on the tire pressure label tires according to the load and





and the tire pressure table. the size of the tires installed.
Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure
Engine Normal load Maximum load
(up to 2/3* people)”
Front Rear Front Rear
PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA
AB L: 255/45 R19104H | 35 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260
3.0L 255/45 R19104Y | 35 240 | 32 | 220 | 35 | 240 | 35 | 240
6-cylinder
265/40 R20 104H 35 240 32 220 38 260 38 260
265/40 R20 104Y 35 240 32 220 35 240 35 240
275/35 R21 103Y 35 240 32 220 35 240 35 240




A8L: 255/45R19104H| 38 | 260 | 33 | 230 | 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
4.0L 255/45 R19104Y | 35 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260
8-cylinder
265/40R20104H| 38 | 260 | 33 | 230 | 41 | 280 | 41 | 280
265/40 R20104Y | 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260
275/35 R21103Y | 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260 | 38 | 260
A8LTFSIe: |255/45R19104H| 36 | 250 | 36 | 250 | 39 | 270 | 42 | 290
3.0L 255/45 R19104Y | 35 240 | 35 | 240 | 38 | 260 | 41 | 280








Groytinder 265/40R20104H| 36 | 250 | 36 | 250 | 39 | 270 42 | 290
265/40R20104Y | 35 | 240 | 35 | 240 | 38 | 260 41 | 280
275/35R21103Y | 35 | 240 | 35 | 240 | 38 | 260 41 | 280
S8L: 265/40R20104Y | 38 | 260 | 33 | 230 | 42 | 290) 39 | 270
4.0L 265/35R21101Y | 42 290 | 36 | 250 | 46 | 320 | 44 | 300
8-cylinder
275/35 R21 103Y 39 270 35 240 44 300 41 280

@) Vehicles with four seating positions: two people in the front, Vehicles with five seat-
ing positions: two people in the front, one person in the rear

JN WARNING Tires and vehicle load limits
Please note the important safe- | There are limits to the amount of
ty precautions regarding tire load or weight that any vehicle
pressure > page 299 and load and any tire can carry. A vehicle
limits > page 301. that is overloaded will not handle

well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to >
301

4N0012721BD
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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.

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 299, fig. 192.
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 299, fig. 192.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
uggage 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
oad capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650
bs.)
5. Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely

303
>

4N0012721BD
Wheels


braking maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible
and check the wheel bolts.
— Check your wheels for damage. Have the
damaged wheels checked and/or replaced
immediately by an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions, or unpaved
roads), the message may be delayed.
— The driver is responsible for ensuring that

the wheels are attached correctly.
@ Tips
— The loose wheel warning system can also
stop working when there is an ESC malfunc-
tion.

— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-
cause of their construction (width, compound,
tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction
on ice and snow.
> Use winter tires on all four wheels.
> Only use winter tires that are approved for your
vehicle.
> Please note that the maximum permitted
speed may be lower with winter tires > /\ in
General information on page 289. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 299.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.16 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter tires
also decrease greatly as the tire ages, regardless
of the remaining tread.
@ For the sake of the environment
Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate
time, because they provide better handling
when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer
tires cause less road noise, tire wear, and fuel
consumption.
G) Tips
You can also use all season tires instead of
winter tires. Please note that in some coun-
tries where winter tires are required, only win-
ter tires with the a symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> Only install snow chains on the front wheels.
> Check and correct the seating of the snow
chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol-
low the instructions from the manufacturer.
> Note the maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Observe the local regulations.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use
snow chains.
Use fine-mesh snow chains. They must not add
more than 0.40 inch (10.5 mm) in height, includ-
ing the chain lock.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.

ZA\ WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
@) Note
— Snow chains can damage the rims and
wheel covers* if the chains come into direct
contact with them. Remove the wheel cov-
ers* first. Use coated snow chains.

— Do not install and use snow chains if there is
a malfunction in the air suspension, because
the vehicle height will be very low. If you
305
>

Wheels

drive with snow chains anyway, the wheel
housings and other vehicle components can
be severely damaged.
@ Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 134.
Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.
This results in an agile driving style. However, it
may reduce the level of comfort and increase
road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-
tion.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 299.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/cracks
on the rims.
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand-
ard tires.
Uniform tire quality grading
— Tread wear
— Traction AAABC
— Temperature ABC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width > page 290, fig. 189.
306
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-
perature A.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un-
der controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance
SA.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
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.