AUDI Q3 2019 Owners Manual

83A012721BA
Wheels

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

AN 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 ona 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.

229

Wheels

Determining correct load
limit
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 226, fig. 152.
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 226, fig. 152.
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
230
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 ex-
ceed the available cargo and
uggage 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 217, fig. 149) 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. You will need a special adapter to loosen
the anti-theft wheel bolts* > page 243.
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\.

83A012721BA
Wheels


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 245, 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 245, 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.
fi Loose wheel warning: malfunction! See
owner's manual
There is a system malfunction. Drive immediately
to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility to have the malfunction repaired.

Z\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened incorrectly can
become loose and result in loss of vehicle con-
trol, which increases the risk of an accident.
— If a message appears, reduce your speed im-
mediately and avoid any hard steering or
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.
(i) 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 > A\ in
General information on page 216. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
231
>

Wheels

> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 226.
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 - symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains not only improve the driving in win-
ter road conditions, but also the braking.
> 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.
232

Z\ 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/wheel cov-
ers* if the chains come into direct contact
with them. Remove the wheel covers* first.
Use coated snow chains.
G) Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 99.
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 226.
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.

83A012721BA
Wheels

Uniform tire quality grading
— Tread wear
— Traction AAABC
— Temperature A BC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width > page 217, fig. 149.
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
>A.
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.

Z\ 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.


Z\ 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 >
233

Wheels

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.
If the tire pressure monitoring indicator
appears
The tire pressure indicator in the instrument
cluster informs you if the tire pressure is too low
or if there is a system malfunction.
Using the ABS sensors, the tire pressure monitor-
ing system compares the tire tread circumference
and vibration characteristics of the individual
tires. If the pressure changes in one or more
tires, this is indicated in the instrument cluster
234
display with an indicator light @ and a message.
If only one tire is affected, the location of that
tire will be indicated.
The tire pressures must be stored again each
time you change the pressures (switching be-
tween partial and full load pressure) or after
changing or replacing a tire on your vehicle
=> page 235. The tire pressure monitoring system
only monitors the tire pressure you have stored.
Refer to the tire pressure label for the recom-
mended tire pressure for your vehicle
=> page 226, fig. 152.
Tire tread circumference and vibration character-
istics can change and cause a tire pressure warn-
ing if:
—the tire pressure in one or more tires is too low
— The tires have structural damage
— the tire was replaced or the tire pressure was
changed and it was not stored > page 235
— Tires that are only partially used are replaced
with new tires
Indicator lights
@ - Loss of pressure in at least one tire > A\.
Check the tires and replace or repair if necessary.
Check and correct the pressures of all four tires
and store the pressure again > page 235.
/TPMS| (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Tire pres-
sure: malfunction! See owner's manual. If i
appears after switching the ignition on or while
driving and the @ indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster blinks for approximately one minute
and then stays on, there is system malfunction.
Try to store the correct tire pressures
= page 235. In some cases, you must drive for
several minutes after storing the pressures until
the indicator light turns off. If the indicator light
does turn off or turns on again after a short peri-
od of time, drive to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility immediately to
have the malfunction corrected.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the tire pressure indicator appears in the
display, reduce your speed immediately and
avoid any hard steering or braking

83A012721BA
Wheels


maneuvers. Stop as soon as possible and
check the tires and their pressure.
— The driver is responsible for maintaining the
correct tire pressure. You must check the
tire pressure regularly.
— Under certain conditions (such as a sporty
driving style, winter conditions or unpaved
roads), the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator may be delayed.

@ Tips
— The tire pressure monitoring system can al-
so stop working when there is an ESC mal-
function.
— Using snow chains may result in a system
malfunction.
— The tire pressure monitoring system in your
Audi was calibrated with “Audi Original
Tires” > page 223. Using these tires is rec-
ommended.
Storing tire pressures
If the tire pressure changes or a tire is replaced,
it must be confirmed in the system.
> Before storing the tire pressures, make sure the
tire pressures in all four tires meet the speci-
fied values and are adapted to the load
=> page 226.
> Switch the ignition on.
> Select on the home screen: VEHICLE > Settings
& Service > Tire pressure monitoring > Store
tire pressure > Yes, store now.
@) Tips
Do not store the tire pressures if snow chains
are installed.
235

Care and cleaning

Care and cleaning
General information
Regular, proper care helps to maintain your vehi-
cle's value. It can also be a requirement when
submitting warranty claims for corrosion damage
and paint defects on the body.
The required cleaning and care products can be
obtained from an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Service Facility. Read and follow the in-
structions for use on the packaging.

ZA\ WARNING
— Using cleaning and care products incorrectly
can be dangerous to your health.
— Always store cleaning and care products out
of reach of children to reduce the risk of poi-
soning.

@ For the sake of the environment
— Preferably purchase environmentally-friend-
ly cleaning products.
— Do not dispose of leftover cleaning and care
products with household trash.
Car washes
The longer that deposits such as insects, bird
droppings, tree sap or road salt remain on the ve-
hicle, the more the surface can be damaged. High
temperatures such as those caused by sunlight
increase the damaging effect.
Before washing, rinse off heavy deposits with
plenty of water.
Stubborn deposits such as bird droppings or tree
sap are best removed with plenty of water anda
microfiber cloth.
Also, wash the underside of your vehicle once
road salt stops being used for the season.
Pressure washers
When washing your vehicle with a pressure wash-
er, always follow the operating instructions pro-
vided with the pressure washer. This is especially
important in regard to the pressure and spraying
distance. Do not aim the spray directly at the
236
seals on the side windows, doors, lids or the sun-
roof* or at tires, rubber hoses, insulating materi-
al, sensors* or camera lenses*. Keep a distance of
at least 16 in (40 cm).
Do not remove snow and ice with a pressure
washer.
Never use cone nozzles or high pressure nozzles.
The water temperature must not be above 140 °F
(60 °C).
Automatic car wash
Spray off the vehicle before washing.
Make sure that the windows and roof* are closed
and the windshield wipers are off. Follow instruc-
tions from the car wash operator, especially if
there are accessories attached to your vehicle.
If possible, use car washes that do not have
brushes.
Washing by hand
Clean the vehicle starting from the top and work-
ing down using a soft sponge or cleaning brush.
Use solvent-free cleaning products.
Washing vehicles with matte finish paint by
hand
To avoid damaging the paint when washing, first
remove dust and large particles from your vehi-
cle. Insects, grease spots and fingerprints are
best removed with a special cleaner for matte
finish paint.
Apply the product using a microfiber cloth. To
avoid damaging the paint surface, do not use too
much pressure.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water. Then
clean using a neutral shampoo and a soft micro-
fiber cloth.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly again and let it air
dry. Remove any water residue using a chamois.

ZA WARNING
— Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is
off and follow the instructions from the car
wash operator to reduce the risk of acci-
dents.

83A012721BA
Care and cleaning


—To reduce the risk of cuts, protect yourself
from sharp metal components when wash-
ing the underbody or the inside of the wheel
housings.
— After washing the vehicle, the braking effect
may be delayed due to moisture on the
brake rotors or ice in the winter. This in-
creases the risk of an accident. The brakes
must be dried first with a few careful brake
applications.

@) Note
— If you wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash, you must fold the exterior mirrors in
to reduce the risk of damage to the mirrors.
Power folding exterior mirrors* must only
be folded in and out using the power folding
function.
—To reduce the risk of damage to the rims
and tires, compare the width between the
wheels on your vehicle with the distance be-
tween the guide rails in the car wash.
—To reduce the risk of damage, compare the
height and width of your vehicle with the
height and width of the inside of the car
wash.
—To reduce the risk of paint damage, do not
wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.
—To reduce the risk of damage, do not wash
decorative decals* with a pressure washer.
—To reduce the risk of damage to the surface,
do not use insect removing sponges, kitchen
sponges or similar items.
— Matte finish painted vehicle components:
—To reduce the risk of damage to the sur-
face, do not use polishing agents or hard
wax.
— Never use protective wax. It can destroy
the matte finish effect.
— Do not place any stickers or magnetic
signs on vehicle parts painted with matte
finish paint. The paint could be damaged
when the stickers or magnets are re-
moved.
@) For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle in facilities specially de-
signed for that purpose. This will reduce the
risk of dirty water contaminated with oil from
entering the sewer system.
Cleaning and care information
When cleaning and caring for individual vehicle
components, refer to the following tables. The
information contained there is simply recommen-
dations. For questions or for components that
Exterior cleaning
are not listed, consult an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility. Also follow
the information found in > A.





Component Situation Solution
Windshield wiper | Deposits Soft cloth with glass cleaner > page 50
blades
Headlights/ Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®
Tail lights
Sensors/ Deposits Sensors: soft cloth with solvent-free cleaning solution
Camera lenses Camera lenses: soft cloth with alcohol-free cleaning solu-
tion
Snow/ice Hand brush/solvent-free de-icing spray
Wheels Road salt Water
Brake dust Acid-free special cleaning solution >

237

Care and cleaning



Component Situation Solution
Exhaust tail pipes | Road salt Water, cleaning solution suitable for stainless steel, if nec-
essary
Decorative parts/ | Deposits Mild soap solution ®), a cleaning solution suitable for stain-
Trim less steel, if necessary

Paint Paint damage Repair with touch-up paint

Spilled fuel Rinse with water immediately

Surface rust Rust remover, then protect with hard wax; for questions,
consult an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Serv-
ice Facility.

Corrosion Have it removed by an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility.

Water no longer
beads on the surface
of clean paint
Protect with hard wax (at least twice per year)

No shine even though
paint has been pro-
tected/paint looks
poor
Treat with suitable polish; then apply paint protectant if
the polish that was used does not contain any protectant

Deposits such as in-
sects, bird droppings,
tree sap and road salt
Dampen with water immediately and remove with a micro-
fiber cloth

Grease-based con-
taminants such as
cosmetics or sunblock
Remove immediately with a mild soap solution ® anda
soft cloth

Carbon parts Deposits Clean the same way as painted components > page 236

Decorative decals Deposits Soft sponge with a mild soap solution®)

a) Mild soap solution: maximum two tablespoons of
Interior cleaning
neutral soap in 1 quart (1 liter) of water


Component Situation Solution
Window glass Deposits Glass cleaner, then wipe dry
Decorative parts/ | Deposits Mild soap solution®)
Trim
Plastic parts Deposits Damp cloth

Heavier deposits Mild soap solution ®), detergent-free plastic cleaning solu-
tion, if necessary



Displays/instru- | Deposits Soft cloth with LCD cleaner; dust in the lower area of the
ment cluster instrument cluster can be removed using a soft brush.
Controls Deposits Soft brush, then a soft cloth with a mild soap solution®
Safety belts Deposits Mild soap solution ®), allow to dry before letting them re-

tract

238