brakes AUDI Q8 2021 Owner´s Manual

4M8012721BF
Driving dynamic

console, in front of the selector lever. The ESC is
automatically switched on when the ignition is
switched on.
Limiting ESC
In some situations, it may make sense to limit
the stabilizing function of the ESC so that the
wheels can spin, for example to rock a vehicle to
free it when it is stuck or to drive with snow
chains. The ESC can also be limited to provide
more sporty driving characteristics with fewer
stabilizing corrective actions.
—To limit the ESC, press the 0 button briefly.
The B indicator light will turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
light turns off.
Depending on the Audi drive select mode that is
selected, one of the following ESC modes will be
selected automatically:
— sport - this mode is designed for driving ona
level surface. It is used in all Audi drive select
modes except offroad.
— offroad - this mode is suited for driving offroad
and is designed for uneven terrain or loose
ground. If you select the offroad Audi drive se-
lect mode, the offroad ESC mode will be auto-
matically used.
Switching off ESC
For a more active control of the vehicle where the
stabilizing functions of the ESC cannot intervene,
the ESC can be switched off.
— To switch off the ESC, press and hold the Sor
button for more than three seconds. The B
and Ea indicator lights turn on.
— To completely reactivate the ESC stabilization
function, press the button again. The indicator
lights turn off.

ZA WARNING
— When the ESC is switched off or limited,
there will be no vehicle stabilization or it will
be limited. The driving wheels could spin
and the vehicle could swerve, especially on
slick or slippery road surfaces. When there is


a heavy vehicle load and sudden driving ma-
neuvers, it may not be possible to prevent
the vehicle from tipping under certain cir-
cumstances, which increases the risk of an
accident.
— Because of the increased risk of an accident,
only drive with the ESC switched off or Limit-
ed when it is necessary. Reactivate the ESC
as soon as possible.
@ Tips
— If you select the Audi drive select* offroad
mode, hill descent assist will switch on.
— If the ESC is limited, switched off, or mal-
functioning, systems with an automatic
braking intervention function may not be
fully available.
— If malfunctions occur in other systems or
certain driver assist systems are active, the
ESC must be switched on by the system. The
ESC
may switch on automatically and can-
not be operated with the button.
B is / B © Stabilization control (ESC/
ABS): malfunction! See owner's manual


There is a malfunction in the ABS or EDL. This al-
so causes the ESC to malfunction. The brakes still
function with their normal power, but ABS is not
active.
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately to have the
malfunction corrected.
Other indicator lights
iff blinks while driving, the ESC is actively reg-
ulating. Operating noises may occur. If the indi-
cator light stays on, the ESC has been switched
off due to system needs. The indicator light turns
off when the system is fully functional.
117

Trailer towing

Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
er else)
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 > @.
118

ZA\ 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 emia aCe
Towing capacity

The permitted towing capacity must not be ex-
ceeded under any circumstances > page 314.
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 feet (1,000 m) above sea level.
As the elevation increases, the engine power de-
creases due to the decreasing air pressure. This
reduces the hill climbing ability and towing ca-
pacity. For every additional 3,200 feet (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.
For driving safety, Audi recommends always us-
ing
the maximum permitted tongue weight, but
do not exceed this weight. Distributing the cargo >

Trailer towing

Vehicle levels below the values set in the comfort
level will no longer be available, even if you are
lowering the vehicle manually.

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.
©) 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.
G) 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.
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
120
exceed the maximum legal speed limit when
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 14. Shift to a higher gear in a timely man-
ner.

Z\ WARNING
Constant braking causes the brakes to over-
heat and can substantially reduce braking per-
formance, increase braking distance, or cause
complete failure of the brake system.

Driver assistance

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

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

C) Note
Before driving downhill a long distance ona
steep hill, decrease your speed and select a
lower gear. This makes use of the engine brak-
ing effect and reduces the load placed on the
brakes.
@) Tips
The brake lights turn on when the brakes are
applied automatically.
134
Switching the system on
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system


BFV-0220



Fig. 96 Operating lever: switching the system on
Requirement: the ignition must be switched on.
> To switch the system on, pull the lever toward
you to position @).
The Ga or i$) indicator light and the corre-
sponding message will appear in the instrument
cluster.

A WARNING
If the brakes are malfunctioning (for example,
overheating) while the cruise control system
is switched on, the regulating functions may
shut off automatically.



etal Rom lad lalate Ragas)
speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
When the vehicle is stationary, you can preselect
the cruise control speed or activate the speed
while driving.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To preselect a cruise control speed when the ve-
hicle is stationary, tap the lever toward @)/G)
=> page 134, fig. 96.
> To activate the cruise control speed, pull the
lever toward position (@ while driving.
> To set the current driving speed as the cruise
control speed, press the button @) on the lever.
The active cruise control speed is indicated with
the ICRUISE| or indicator light in the instrument
cluster.

4M8012721BF
Driver assistance

An additional indicator will appear in the head-up
display*.
Changing the cruise control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in small increments, tap the lever up to the
first level toward @)/G) & page 134, fig. 96.
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
in larger increments, tap the lever up to the
second level toward (4)/).
> To increase or decrease the cruise control speed
continuously, tap and hold the lever at the first
or second level toward @)/G).
Overriding or deactivating the cruise
control speed
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
You can override or deactivate the cruise control
system. When you deactivate the system, your
cruise control speed will be stored and you can
resume that speed.
Requirement: the system must be switched on
and the regulated speed must be activated.
Overriding
> To temporarily override the cruise control
speed, press the accelerator pedal.
> To resume the stored regulated speed, remove
your foot from the accelerator pedal.
If you override the cruise control system for a
long period of time, the cruise control system
will be deactivated. The (Usd or [RM indicator
light will be displayed and the cruise control
speed will be saved.
Deactivating
> To deactivate the cruise control speed, press
the lever toward (2) (not locked into place)
=> page 134, fig. 96, or
> Press the brake pedal.

ZX WARNING
Resting your foot on the accelerator pedal
could override the cruise control. This will pre-
vent braking interventions by the system.
Seem NLU ai
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system

When you switch the system off, the cruise con-
trol speed will be erased.
Requirement: the system must be switched on.
> To switch the system off, press the lever toward
@ (locked into place) > page 134, fig. 96, or
>» Switch the ignition off.
Applies to: vehicles with cruise control system
Gs / 3) Speed control system: currently un-
available. See owner's manual
If the indicator light turns on and this message
appears, the cruise control system has been deac-
tivated. There is a temporary malfunction, for ex-
ample the brakes are overheating. Switch the
cruise control system on again later.
Efficiency assist
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist
Efficiency assist can assist the driver with predic-
tive information in order to reduce fuel consump-
tion. Depending on vehicle equipment, the sys-
tem may access data from the navigation system,
the camera behind the windshield, and the radar
sensors.
Adjusting the efficiency assist
You can adjust efficiency assist functions individ-
ually. The settings depend on the vehicle equip-
ment.
— Accelerator pedal feedback > page 99.
— Predictive messages > page 136.
— Predictive control > page 145, Adjusting the
adaptive cruise assist.
135

4M8012721BF
Driver assistance

route guidance, the system displays mes-
sages based on an assumed route.
— The wording of the message may vary de-
pending on the selected Audi drive select*
mode and the selected gear. No messages
are displayed when in the "S" driving pro-
gram.
Adaptive cruise assist
General information
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the adap-
tive cruise assist may consist of the following
functions:
Within the limits of the system, the adaptive
speed
assist assists the driver in controlling the
speed and the set distance to the vehicle driving
ahead. If the system detects a vehicle driving
ahead, the adaptive speed assist can brake and
accelerate your vehicle within the limits of the
system. On open roads with no traffic, it func-
tions like a cruise control system. The stored
speed is maintained. When approaching a vehicle
driving ahead, the adaptive speed assist auto-
matically brakes to match that vehicle's speed
and then maintains the set distance as much as
possible. Once the system does not detect a vehi-
cle driving ahead, adaptive speed assist will ac-
celerate up to the set speed.
The additional lane guidance assists the driver
with corrective steering in order to stay in the
lane. You can adjust if the adaptive cruise assist
will provide support with lane guidance
=> page 140, Switching lane guidance on and off.
In stop-and-go traffic and in traffic jams, the ve-
hicle may brake to a full stop and then may also
start driving again automatically under certain
conditions.
Applies to: vehicles with efficiency assist: Predic-
tive control can adjust the speed based on traffic
and road conditions > page 141, Predictive con-
trol.


ZX WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.


@ Tips
The system complies with United States FCC
regulations and ISED regulations > page 311.

Pie ace)
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist
B4m-0093

Fig. 97 Example: driving into a curve
In some situations, the adaptive cruise assist
function is limited and you must assume control
of the vehicle when necessary, for example by ap-
plying the brakes.
— When driving into a curve > fig. 97 and out of a
curve, the system may react to a vehicle in the
neighboring lane and apply the brakes. You can
override the system by pressing the accelerator
pedal briefly.
— The system works with the various sensors and
cameras in the vehicle. Vehicles can only be de-
tected once they are within the area and range
covered by the sensors > page 122, fig. 88.
— When driving around tight curves, a vehicle
driving ahead that was previously detected may
no longer be detected, and the adaptive cruise
assist may accelerate unexpectedly.
— The system does not react to a stationary vehi-
cle in the same lane if it expects that you can
easily drive around the stationary vehicle by
turning the steering wheel.
— The system cannot react to stationary objects,
such as vehicles at the end of a traffic jam, es-
pecially when traveling at high speeds. >
137

Driver assistance

— The system has a limited ability to detect
vehicles that are a short distance ahead, off to
the side of your vehicle, or moving into your
lane.
— Objects that are difficult to detect, such as mo-
torcycles, vehicles with high ground clearance,
or vehicles with an overhanging load, may be
detected late or not detected at all.
— The system does not respond to people, ani-
mals, or objects that are crossing or approach-
ing from the opposite direction.

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
Display overview
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

3| | | IN| | G3

Fig. 99 Instrument cluster: driver assistance display
Indicator lights and messages in the speedome-
ter @ - @ inform you about the driving situation
and the settings. In the Driver assistance display
@- @, you can find more detailed information
about the system. The displays depend on the
country and equipment.
Display in the speedometer
The display in the speedometer is not available in
all layouts*.
138
@ Marking for the set speed
@ Current vehicle speed
@® Available speed range for adaptive cruise as-
sist (example)
Image in the Driver assistance display
The display only appears when the Driver assis-
tance display is open in the on-board computer
=> page 16.
Messages and settings
Your vehicle
Detected vehicle driving ahead
Messages and settings
Set target distance
If you fall below the set distance, the dis-
tance bars turn red from the bottom upward.
Lane departure warning availability
O©©
©©0OO®
Availability of lane guidance for adaptive
cruise assist
Indicator lights
BA - The speed/distance control is active. No
vehicles were detected ahead. The stored speed
is maintained.
A - The speed/distance control is active. A vehi-
cle was detected ahead. The system controls the
speed and distance from the vehicle driving
ahead, and accelerates and brakes automatically.
A - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. A vehicle was de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
SB - The speed/distance control is active but the
vehicle is not ready to drive. No vehicles were de-
tected ahead. Your vehicle is stationary and will
not start driving automatically.
B.- The automatic braking is not enough to
maintain a sufficient distance from a vehicle driv-
ing ahead. You must intervene > page 145, Driv-
er intervention request.
- Lane guidance is active.
- Lane guidance is switched on but not active.
> 4 - The limits of the system have been reached.
Take over steering.

Driver assistance

@ The marking shows the set speed (regulated
speed that was set by the driver or by predic-
tive control).
@ The red band shows the difference between
the speed limit and the set speed that is set.
@ The gray band shows if the vehicle speed is
planned to drop below the set speed due to
the road layout.
Overriding control
The driver can override the predictive control at
any time by pressing the accelerator or brake
pedal. If the system changes the vehicle speed to
adapt to speed limits, you can change the speed
using the lever > page 139, fig. 101.
Messages
If and a message with Adaptive cruise assist:
Predictive control is displayed when there is a
malfunction, the efficiency assist functions are
unavailable or 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 123 and try to turn the system 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.


— The speed when driving through curves may
be different from what you as a driver would
do or may not be suitable for the weather
and road conditions. If necessary, apply the
brakes and reduce the selected speed to be
maintained in the Adjustment to curves
along route setting to reduce the risk of an
accident.


ZA\ WARNING
— Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
— Pay attention to traffic and the area around
your vehicle when predictive control is
switched on. The driver is always responsible
for assessing the traffic situation.
— The system does not consider “right of way”
rules and does not respond to traffic lights,
so lack of driver attention in these situations
can increase the risk of an accident.


D_Incertain countries.
142
@) Tips
— Predictive control can exceed or drop below
the maximum permitted speed. The driver
is responsible for adhering to the permitted
speed limit.
— The traffic signs on the road always take pri-
ority over the display. The driver is always
responsible for adhering to the regulations
applicable in the country where the vehicle
is being operated.
— Ifa speed limit is detected, the marking @
of the set speed limit will be adjusted even
if the adaptive cruise assist is not actively
regulating.
— Control by the system depends on which
adaptive cruise assist driving program is set
or on the selected Audi drive select* mode.
— After switching on the ignition and first
driving onto a freeway or similar road with-
out a speed limit, the system will regulate
the speed to 80 mph (130 km/h). Then
the system adjusts to the last speed set by
the driver.
— There is no adaptation to speed limits when
driving through highway interchanges and
when driving on or off the expressway.
— The system can fail to provide control or the
control may be faulty if the values from the
camera-based traffic sign recognition* are
incorrect or the navigation system map data
is outdated.
— When route guidance is switched on, the
system adapts to the route provided by the
navigation system. Driving without route
guidance or leaving a route can result in
faulty control.

4M8012721BF
Driver assistance

Setting the distance
Applies to: vehicles with adaptive cruise assist

B4M-0234


Fig. 104 Operating lever: setting the distance
If you adjust the speed, you must also change the
time gap to the vehicle driving ahead. The higher
the speed, the greater the distance that is need-
ed.
> Tap the rocker switch to display the distance
that is currently set.
> To increase or decrease the distance in incre-
ments, tap the switch again toward @) or ().
The newly-set distance will be shown briefly, for
example with the indicator light. In the Driv-
er assistance display, a graphic display is shown
instead of the indicator lights > page 138,
fig. 99. The display matches the functions of the
indicator lights.
When approaching a vehicle driving ahead, the
adaptive cruise assist brakes to the set speed and
then maintains the set distance. If the vehicle
driving ahead accelerates, then the adaptive
cruise assist will also accelerate up to the speed
that you have set.
The following distances can be set:

Meaning

The time between is approximately 1
second. This setting corresponds to a
distance of approximately 92 feet (28
m) when traveling at 62 mph (100
km/h).
The time between is approximately 1.3
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 118 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(36 m/h).
The time between is approximately 1.8
seconds. This setting meets the general
recommendation of “half the speed
shown on the speedometer”. This cor-
responds to a distance of approximate-
ly 164 feet (SO m) when traveling at
62 mph (100 km/h).
The time between is approximately 2.4
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 219 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(67 m/h).
The time between is approximately 3.6
seconds. This setting corresponds toa
distance of approximately 328 feet
(100 m) when traveling at 62 mph
(100 m/h).
i)
1D



ZA\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.

G@) Tips
— When setting the distance, the driver is re-
sponsible for adhering to any applicable le-
gal regulations.
— Depending on the selected driving program
and distance, driving behavior when acceler-
ating may vary from moderate to sporty
=> page 145, Adjusting the adaptive cruise
assist.
— The distances provided are specified values.
Depending on the driving situation and how >
143

Driver assistance

Audi pre sense preemptive safety measures
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
Depending on the vehicle speed and the vehicle
equipment, the following functions may be initi-
ated in certain situations:
— Visual and audio warnings
— Reversible tensioning of safety belts
— Closing the windows and panoramic glass roof
— Adjusting the seats
— Other preemptive safety measures by individual
systems

ZA WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
@ Tips
— Depending on the risk situation that is de-
tected and the selected Audi drive select*
mode, not all preemptive safety measures
may be initiated under certain circumstan-
ces. Certain functions can be adjusted or
skipped if necessary.
— Audi pre sense may be restricted or unavail-
able under certain circumstances, for exam-
ple if:

— There are passengers with unfastened
safety belts
— After turning on the ignition, as long as
the 8 indicator light is on.
— When driving in reverse.
— There is an airbag control module mal-
function
— System functions may not be available if
the ESC is limited or switched off, or if
there is a malfunction.
Audi pre sense basic
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense basic
Audi pre sense basic is automatically active at
speeds of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) and
higher. Audi pre sense basic can trigger preemp-
tive safety measures during emergency braking
and dangerous braking maneuvers as well as in
unstable driving situations, such as oversteering
150
or understeering > page 150, Audi pre sense pre-
emptive safety measures.
The message Audi pre sense © will warn you
about the danger.

A WARNING
Observe the safety precautions and note the
limits of the assist systems, sensors, and
cameras > page 121.
Audi pre sense front
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense front

Within the limits of the system, Audi pre sense
front can warn about an impending front end col-
lision and brake the vehicle strongly, if necessary.
The system uses the camera behind the wind-
shield and is available at speeds above approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h).
Driving situations
The situations to which the system reacts de-
pends on the vehicle speed.
Up to speeds of approximately 50 mph
(85 km/h), the system may react to the following
situations:
— Pedestrians and cyclists in your lane
Up to speeds of approximately 155 mph
(250 km/h), the system may react to the follow-
ing situations:
—Avehicle driving ahead clearly applies the
brakes
— When approaching a vehicle ahead that is clear-
ly traveling more slowly
— When approaching a stationary vehicle
Prewarning
To warn about detected dangers, Audi pre
sense [@ will appear in the instrument cluster
and an audio signal will sound.
A brief application of the brakes
If a collision is imminent, there may be an acute
warning using a brief application of the brakes.
You
will also be warned about the danger by an
indicator in the instrument cluster display. You >