towing AUDI Q3 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.

ZA 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 >@®.
102

Z\ WARNING
— Never mount a "weight-distributing" or
"load-balancing" trailer coupler as the trailer
hitch. The vehicle was not designed for
these types of trailer hitches. The trailer
hitch can malfunction and the trailer can
break off from the vehicle.
— If the trailer is equipped with electronic
brakes, these brakes cannot be activated by
a factory-installed control system, which in-
creases the risk of an accident.
—To reduce the risk of injury, always remove
the ball hitch mount if no trailer is mount-
ed
@) 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.
ey Teale met ada)
Towing capacity

Never exceed the maximum permitted weights
=> page 262.
In some scenarios, the load in trailer mode can
be reduced due to the permitted towing weight.
You can drive up larger inclines if you are not us-
ing the maximum towing capacity.
The specified towing weights only apply at eleva-
tions up to 3,200 ft (1,000 m) above sea level. As
the elevation increases, the motor power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 ft (1,000 m),
the maximum permitted towing weight must be
reduced by approximately 10%. The permitted
towing weight is the combined weight of the
(loaded) vehicle and the (loaded) trailer.
Tongue weight
The maximum permitted tongue weight of the
trailer drawbar on the trailer hitch ball head must
not be exceeded.

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Trailer towing

Having the tongue weight too low affects the ve-
hicle's handling. For driving safety, always using
the maximum permitted tongue weight is recom-
mended, but not exceed it. Distributing the cargo
in the trailer correctly will help to achieve this
weight.
You can determine the tongue weight using a
tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a pub-
lic weigh station, for example.
The permitted tongue weight of your vehicle can
be found in the vehicle documentation or in
=> page 262.
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 224. 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
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.
() Note
Attachments retrofitted on the vehicle may
cause damage, especially on the trailer hitch
ball head. In cases of damage, have the func-
tion 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.
— Having the vehicle inspected between the
inspection intervals is recommended if you
tow a trailer frequently.
— Avoid driving with a trailer during the vehi-
cle break-in period.
Driving with a trailer
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
103
>

Trailer towing

there are unfavorable road, weather, and/or wind
conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
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 13. 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.

104

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Assist systems

Assist systems
General information
Sica eel delay
ZA WARNING
— As the driver, you are always completely re-
sponsible for all driving tasks. The assist
systems cannot replace the driver's atten-
tion. Give your full attention to driving the
vehicle, and be ready to intervene in the
traffic situation at all times.
— Activate the assist systems only if the sur-
rounding conditions permit it. Always adapt
your driving style to the current visual,
weather, road, and traffic conditions.
— 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.
— For the assist systems to be able to react
correctly, the function of the sensors and
cameras must not be restricted. Note the in-
formation on sensors and cameras
= page 106 or page 107.



@ Tips
— Pay attention to applicable local regulations
relating to driving tasks, leaving space for
emergency vehicles, vehicle distance, speed,
parking location, wheel placement, etc. The
driver is always responsible for following
the laws that are applicable in the location
where the vehicle is being operated.
— You can cancel a steering or braking inter-
vention by the system, by braking or accel-
erating noticeably, steering, or deactivating
the respective assist system.
— Always check the assist systems settings be-
fore driving.
System limitations
ZA\ WARNING
—The use of an assist system cannot over-
come the natural laws of physics. A collision
cannot be prevented in certain circumstan-
ces.
— Warnings, messages, or indicator lights may
not be displayed or initiated on time or cor-
rectly, for example, if vehicles are approach-
ing very fast.
— Corrective interventions by the assist sys-
tems, such as steering or braking interven-
tions, may not be sufficient or they may not
occur. Always be ready to intervene.
@) Tips
— Due to the system limitations when detect-
ing the surrounding area, the systems may
warn or intervene unexpectedly or too late
in certain situations. The assist systems may
also interpret a driving maneuver incorrectly
and then warn the driver unexpectedly.
— The systems may not function as expected
in unusual driving situations, such as driving
offroad, on unpaved roads, on loose ground,
on inclines, or on grooves in the road.
— The systems may not function correctly in
unclear traffic situations, such as turning
lanes, exit ramps, construction zones, rises
or dips that obstruct visibility, intersections,
toll stations, or city traffic.
— The detection of the surrounding area can
be limited, for example by vehicles driving
ahead or by rain, snow, heavy spray, or light
shining into the camera.
—In trailer mode, some assist systems may be
limited, may not react as usual, or may be
unavailable. Please refer to the instructions
for towing a trailer located in > page 102.
— If accessories have been mounted on the
steering wheel, the ability for the steering
systems to react may be limited.



105

Driver assistance

Take-over
If the message Bo 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 105.
— 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.
— Among other things, Audi pre sense front
does not react to pedestrians who are sta-
tionary, stopped, oncoming, and crossing at
an angle. It also does not react to cyclists,
groups of people, animals, crossing vehicles,
or oncoming vehicles and objects, such as
posts, guardrails, and railway vehicles.
— 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.
— In trailer mode, the braking behavior of the
trailer can be different than usual during au-
tomatic braking.

G) Tips
— If you switch off the ESC, Audi pre sense al-
so switches off automatically.
— Certain Audi pre sense front functions are
unavailable or have limited availability for
approximately 20 seconds after starting the
vehicle (may be longer depending on the
driving situation).

YD In certain countries
124
Adjusting Audi pre sense
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
You can adjust the Audi pre sense functions to
your preferences. The settings depend on the ve-
hicle equipment.
> Applies to MMI: Select on the home screen: VE-
HICLE > Driver assistance > Audi pre sense.
Possible settings:
The system can be switched off and on.
Prewarning!) - The prewarning can be switched
off or the Audi pre sense warning time can be set
(Early/Medium/Late).
Set the warning time for the early warning to
Early at first. If you feel that the prewarnings ap-
pear too early, then set the warning time to Me-
dium. The Late warning time should only be set
in special circumstances.
G) Tips
— If Audi pre sense is switched off, it switches
on again automatically once the ignition is
switched on again.)
— Switch Audi pre sense off when you are not
using public streets, when loading the vehi-
cle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or oth-
er type of transportation, or when towing
the vehicle. This can help to prevent an un-
desired intervention from the Audi pre
sense system.
Messages
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
a | or fal is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the Audi pre sense 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 106, fig. 86 and try to turn on
the systems again later.

Driver assistance

Detection range
The radar sensors are designed to detect the left
and right adjacent lanes when the road lanes are
the normal width. In some situations, the display
in the exterior mirror may turn on even though
there is no vehicle located in the area that is criti-
cal for a lane change. For example:
— If the lanes are narrow or if you are driving on
the edge of your lane. If this is the case, the
system may have detected a vehicle in another
lane that is not adjacent to your current lane.
— If you are driving through a curve. Side assist
may react to a vehicle that is in the same lane
or one lane over from the adjacent lane.
—If side assist reacts to other objects (such as
roadside structures like guard rails).

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— The display may not appear in time when
vehicles are falling behind or approaching
very quickly.
@ Tips
— If the window glass in the driver's door or
front passenger's door has been tinted, the
display in the exterior mirror may be incor-
rect.
— The system is not available when towing a
trailer. There is no guarantee the system
will switch off when using a retrofitted trail-
er hitch. Do not use these functions when
towing a trailer.

— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 259.
One eC
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
You can adjust the side assist to your preferences.
The settings depend on the vehicle equipment.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
VEHICLE > Driver assistance > Side assist.
126
Possible settings:
The system can be switched on and off. If the sys-
tem is switched on, the displays in the exterior
mirrors will turn on briefly each time the ignition
is switched on.
Brightness - Change the brightness only when
side assist is switched on, so that the selected
setting can be checked in the exterior mirror dis-
plays. Adjust the brightness to a level where the
display will not interfere with your view ahead.
Because the display brightness automatically
adapts to the ambient light, it may have already
been adjusted to the highest or lowest setting
during the automatic adaptation.
Applies to: vehicles with side assist
if fg or is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the side assist functions may be unavailable
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 sensor area in the ve-
hicle rear and try to turn the systems on 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.

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Parking and maneuvering

Entertainment fader - The volume of the audio/
video source is Lowered when the parking system
is activated.
The new level is demonstrated briefly* when the
volume is adjusted.
Error messages
If P4 appears, the sensor in the respective area
or the speaker is faulty. Drive immediately to an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility to have the malfunction repaired. The
LED in the Ps button may also flash when the
system is activated.
iff or Ba is displayed when there is a malfunc-
tion, the parking system 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 106, fig. 86 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.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

© Note
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Applies to: vehicles with park assist: If you
park in short parking spaces using park as-
sist, a continuous tone will sound from the
parking system when the distance to an ob-

ject is less than approximately 0.7 ft
(0.20 m). Do not continue driving farther.
G) Tips
— The segments in the side area* are detected
and analyzed when passing. There may have
been changes to the surrounding area after
switching the ignition off and on again, af-
ter opening the doors, or if the vehicle is left
stationary for a long period of time. In this
scenario, the side area* will appear black
until the area has been detected and evalu-
ated.
— If the distance to an obstacle remains con-
stant, the volume of the distance warning
gradually lowers after a few seconds until it
is muted (this does not apply to the continu-
ous tone). If the obstacle comes closer than
it was before the sound was muted, the
tone will sound again. If the obstacle be-
comes farther away than it was before the
sound was muted, no tone will sound. Pay
attention to the vehicle's surroundings
when you start to drive.
— There is no distance warning for the rear
and the sides* when trailer towing mode is
detected. The front sensors remain activat-
ed. The visual display switches to trailer
mode. There is no guarantee the functions
will be deactivated when using a retrofitted
trailer hitch.
Rearview camera and
peripheral cameras
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with rearview camera/peripheral cameras

B8V-0629

Fig. 108 Orientation line display when parking
129

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Parking and maneuvering

@ You should stop driving in reverse when the
red orientation line touches the edge of an
object, at the latest.
Trailer view
Applies to: vehicles with trailer view
The trailer view > fig. 111 assists you in position-
ing the vehicle in front of a trailer.
— Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras:
Switch to the Rear view > page 132, fig. 112.
— Select || > Trailer view in the center display
when the parking system is active.


Now you can position your vehicle in front of the
trailer. The orange orientation line ©) > fig. 111
indicates the expected path toward the trailer
hitch. Use the blue markings © to help you esti-
mate the distance to the trailer hitch. Each mark-
ing represents approximately 1 foot (0.30 me-
ters). The width of the blue surface represents
the maximum steering wheel angle.
Symbols
Applies to: vehicles with peripheral cameras
If 2/&9/< is displayed and the display area
represented by that symbol is not available, then
the camera on the that side is not available. The
power exterior mirrors may have been folded in
or a door or the luggage compartment lid may
have been opened.
If # is displayed, there is a system malfunction
and the display area represented by that symbol
is not available. The camera is not working in this
area.
If one of the symbols continues to be displayed,
drive immediately to an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility to have the mal-
function repaired.


ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not
become distracted.

@) Note
— The orange orientation lines @ show the di-
rection the rear of the vehicle will be travel-
ing, based on the steering wheel angle. The
front of the vehicle swings out more than
the rear of the vehicle. Maintain plenty of
distance so that an exterior mirror or a cor-
ner of the vehicle does not collide with any
obstacles.
— Keep enough distance from the curb to
avoid damage to the rims.
— Only use the images provided by the camera
on the rear of the vehicle when the luggage
compartment lid is completely closed. Make
sure any objects you may have mounted on
the luggage compartment lid do not block
the rearview camera.
@) Tips
There is no distance warning for the rear and
the sides* when trailer towing mode is detect-
ed. The front sensors remain activated. The
visual display switches to trailer mode. The
rearview camera image will not show the ori-
entation lines and the blue surfaces. There is
no guarantee the functions will be deactivat-
ed when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
131

Parking and maneuvering

Messages
if or > is displayed when there is a mal-
function, the rear cross traffic assist functions
may be unavailable 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 sensor area in the ve-
hicle rear and try to turn the systems on 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.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— The rear cross-traffic assist will not provide
alerts about people and cannot warn you
about every type of approaching objects,
such as cyclists. Always monitor the traffic
as well as the vehicle's surroundings with di-
rect eye contact.
— The system may not react if objects are ap-
proaching very quickly.
— The rear cross-traffic assist will not provide
alerts if your vehicle is parallel or diagonally
parked or if your vehicle is pulled too far in-
to the parking space so that it is hidden by
adjacent vehicles.

@ Tips
— Once an automatic brake activation occurs,
the system cannot brake automatically
again for several seconds.
— System functions may not be available if the
ESC is limited or switched off, or if there is a
malfunction.
— If there is an acoustic warning signal from
the rear cross-traffic assist, then the park-
ing system may not warn you of detected
obstacles under certain circumstances.
— The system is not available when the vehicle
detects that you are towing a trailer. There
134
is no guarantee the functions will be deacti-
vated when using a retrofitted trailer hitch.
Do not use these functions when towing a
trailer.
— For an explanation on conformity with the
FCC regulations in the United States and the
Industry Canada regulations, see
=> page 259.
— The coverage areas of the sensors > fig. 113
are diagrams and do not represent a true-
to-scale image of the sensor ranges.
Assisted parking
General information
Applies to: vehicles with park assist
If your vehicle is equipped with park assist, this
system helps you find suitable parking spaces.
Parking spaces are measured using ultrasonic
sensors on the sides of the vehicle.
If a parking space is found, the system helps you
to park while the driver monitors the vehicle's
surroundings with the parking aids, cameras”,
and direct eye contact. The vehicle moves the
steering wheel autonomously.

ZA\ WARNING
Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.

Parking and maneuvering

be displayed. The system automatically suggests
a parking option @.
If the parking space allows different parking op-
tions, they can be selected manually. Press one of
the suggested parking options (@ in the center
display.
Starting the parking process
As soon as the vehicle has reached the correct po-
sition, a P will appear in the center display above
the selected parking space @). The roof in the
parking system display @) may show the required
braking or driving direction.
> Keep the vehicle as parallel as possible to the
parked vehicles or to the side of the road.
> Make sure that the parking space is suitable for
your vehicle >@).
Start parking using the park assist > page 137.
Maneuvering area
The vehicle can go off course during the parking
process
> A\. If there are obstacles within the
maneuvering area that block or endanger the
parking process, for example on the opposite
side of the street, a message may appear. You
may need to drive farther forward and stay closer
to the row of parking spaces.

ZA WARNING
— Follow the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 105.
— The driver is always responsible when enter-
ing or exiting a parking space and during
similar maneuvers.
— Sensors and cameras have spots in which
the surrounding area cannot be detected.
Objects, animals, and people may only be
detected with limitations may not be detect-
ed at all. Always monitor the traffic and the
vehicle's surroundings directly and do not

become distracted.

@) Note
— Parking spaces classified as suitable by the
system may have been detected incorrectly.
136
The driver must decide if the parking space
displayed is suitable for the vehicle.
— Certain conditions near the parking space
may cause the parking process to fail, such
as if the parking space is near trees or posts,
or if the ground is covered, for example,
with gravel, snow, or ice.
(i) Tips
— If you did not drive past a suitable parking
space too quickly, the system can also be ac-
tivated afterwards by pressing P@ in the cen-
ter display.
— The Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC)
must not be switched off during the parking
process. If the ESC intervenes, the parking
process will be canceled.
— You can also drive into a perpendicular park-
ing space yourself and then activate the sys-
tem. If this is the case, the front of the vehi-
cle should already be in the space @)
=> page 135, fig. 115 so that the sensors
can measure the space.
— You cannot park with the parking assist sys-
tems when you are towing a trailer or have
the connector inserted in the trailer socket.
— The system is not available when certain as-
sist systems are switched on.
—If there are suitable parking spaces on both
sides of the street, for example on a one-
way street, you can change the side where
the system is searching for parking spaces
by activating the turn signal for the other
side or by pressing on that side in the center
display.
— The park systems do not provide support for
assisted parking on tight curves.
Park assist
General information
Applies to: vehicles with park assist
The park assist helps you when parking and exit-
ing parking spaces after the parking space
search. The park assist takes over the steering of
the vehicle while the driver accelerates, brakes,
and monitors the vehicle's surroundings. Park as-
sist can be interrupted at any time.