AUDI R8 2007 Owners Manual

Checking and topping up fluids159
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused
by the use of such additives would not be covered by the factory
warranty.For the sake of the environment
•
Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
•
Always observe statutory requirements when disposing of
empty oil canisters.
Cooling systemCoolant
The purpose of the coolant is to carry heat away from the
engine. The correct amount of anti-freeze is important to
prevent the cooling system from freezing in winter.The cooling system is filled for life at the factory, so the coolant does
not need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of water
and anti-freeze additive G12++. This is a glycol-based anti-freeze
with anti-corrosion additives.
Anti-freeze additive
The amount of anti-freeze additive required depends on the temper-
atures to be expected in the winter season. If the anti-freeze concen-
tration is too low the coolant can freeze, resulting in failure of the
cooling system and heater.
The cooling system is filled at the factory with the correct amount of
anti-freeze for the country concerned.
In most cases the mixture consists of 60% water and 40% additive.
This mixture gives the required anti-freeze protection at tempera-
tures down to – 25 °C and protects the alloy parts of the cooling
system against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and raises the
boiling point of the coolant.Countries with warm climate
The coolant concentration must not be reduced by adding plain
water, even in the summer or in warm climates. The concentration
of the anti-freeze additive must always be at least 40%.
Countries with cold climate
If greater anti-freeze protection is required in very cold climates, the
proportion of the anti-freeze additive G12++ can be increased. A
concentration of 60% offers protection down to about -40 °C. The
concentration of the anti-freeze additive must not be more than
60%, otherwise this would reduce the anti-freeze protection. In addi-
tion, the cooling effect will be adversely affected.
Vehicles for export to countries with a cold climate (such as Sweden,
Norway and Finland) are supplied with antifreeze protection down
to about -35 °C. The concentration of the antifreeze additive for
these countries should always be at least 50%.
Caution
•
It is advisable to have the cooling system checked before the
winter season to make sure that the anti-freeze concentration is
adequate for the conditions to be expected. This applies particularly
if you intend to take the car into a colder climate zone. If necessary,
have the anti-freeze concentration increased to 50 - 60% as required.
•
Use only antifreeze additive G12++, an additive meeting the
specification “TL-VW 774G”. Other additives may give considerably
inferior corrosion protection. The resulting corrosion in the cooling
system can lead to a loss of coolant, causing serious damage to the
engine.
•
The coolant additive G12++ must not be mixed with any other
additives.
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Checking and topping up fluids 160Checking coolant level
Be careful when checking the coolant.– Switch off the ignition.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank with a cloth, and
carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Read off the coolant level on the inside of the radiator
expansion tank ⇒fig. 120. When the engine is cold it
must be above the “min” mark. When the engine is hot it
may be slightly above the marked area.The expansion tank is located in the engine compartment on the
right. Its location is also shown in the illustration of the engine
compartment ⇒page 156.
The coolant level should be checked with the engine switched off.
The coolant level is monitored by a warning lamp in the instrument
cluster ⇒page 35. However, we recommend that it should be
checked occasionally.
Coolant losses
Any loss of coolant normally indicates a leak in the cooling system.
In this case the cooling system should be inspected by a qualified workshop without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the
coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of coolant can only occur
if the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating.
WARNING
•
The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap
on the expansion tank when the engine is hot: you could be
scalded by escaping steam
•
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store
the coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the coolant– Add coolant.
– Turn the cap clockwise until it engages.Make sure that the coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 159, “Coolant”. Do not use a different type of additive if anti-
freeze additive G12++ is not available. In this case use only water
and bring the coolant concentration back up to the correct level as
soon as possible by putting in the specified additive.
Always top up with fresh, unused coolant.
Fill up only to the top edge of the marked area. Excess coolant is
forced out of the system through the valve in the filler cap when the
engine gets hot.
Fig. 120 Engine
compartment: Mark-
ings on radiator expan-
sion tank
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Checking and topping up fluids161
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data If a lot of coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to cool down
before putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in
serious engine damage.
WARNING
The coolant and coolant additive can be a health hazard. Store the
coolant additive in the original container in a safe place out of
reach of children – risk of poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used
coolant into a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper
manner (observe environmental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The radiator fan is powered electrically. The speed of the fan is
varied according to the temperature registered by a thermostat.
The radiator fan or auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as
10 minutes after stopping the engine – even after the ignition is
switched off. It may also start running suddenly after a while if•
residual heat raises the coolant temperature, or
•
the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the
sun.
Brake fluidNote
When required, the brake fluid should be changed by a
competent mechanic with the proper equipment.Brake fluid gradually absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. If the
water content in the brake fluid is too high, this may cause corrosion
in the brake system over time. In addition, the boiling point of the
brake fluid will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect
the braking ability in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Schedule will tell you when the brake fluid has
to be changed.
The brake fluid is replaced by your Audi R8 dealer as part of the
Inspection Service. They are familiar with the procedure and have
the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper
facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Use only the genuine brake fluid specified by the factory Qualified
workshops know that the brake fluid “DOT 4” is approved by Audi.
The brake fluid must be fresh and unused.
WARNING
Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the
efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the car – risk of
accident.
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Checking and topping up fluids 162BatteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is located behind the cover in the luggage compart-
ment. To remove the cover, slide it to the left and lift it out.
The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the
Inspection Services.
We recommend that you replace a battery once it is older than 5
years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle's functions will
become inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will
require resetting after the battery is reconnected. For this reason,
the battery should only be disconnected from the vehicle's electrical
system when absolutely necessary.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical
equipment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off.
If you park the vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should
have your Audi R8 dealer take the battery out of the vehicle and keep
it in a frost-proof room. This ensures that it cannot “freeze up” and
be damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient to
disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the
battery is not connected you should charge it from time to time.
Winter conditions
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the
starting power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked
and charged if necessary before the start of winter.Replacing the battery
A replacement battery must have the same capacity, voltage and
current rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the orig-
inal, factory-fitted battery and have sealed caps. The Audi batteries
which have been specially developed fulfil the maintenance,
performance and safety specifications for your vehicle.
We recommend to use only maintenance-free batteries or deep-
cycle resistant and leakproof batteries which comply with the
standards TL 825 06 (dated December 1997 or later) and VW 7 50 73
(August 2001 or later).
Since the battery is difficult to access, we recommend having it
replaced by an Audi R8 dealer or qualified workshop.
WARNING
•
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. For queries
regarding the vehicle battery please contact an Audi R8 dealership
or other qualified workshop (risk of chemical burns / risk of explo-
sion).
•
The battery must not be opened. Do not attempt to make any
changes to the electrolyte level of the battery. Otherwise, there is
a risk that a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gas can accumulate
and cause an explosion.Caution
•
The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.
•
Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the
warnings listed under ⇒ in “Important safety warnings for
handling a car battery” on page 163.For the sake of the environment
 Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and
lead. They must be disposed of appropriately and must not be put
together with ordinary household waste. Make sure the battery
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Checking and topping up fluids163
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data removed from the vehicle cannot tip over. Otherwise, sulphuric acid
could escape.
Important safety warnings for handling a car battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as
well as the risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and
the electrical system.•
Switch off all electrical equipment and remove the ignition key
before starting any work on the vehicle electrical system. The
minus cable of the battery must be disconnected. When changing
a light bulb, it is sufficient to only turn off the light.
•
Keep children away from the battery and battery acid.
•
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
safety glasses. Do not tilt the battery - acid can leak out of the
vapour vent. Do not allow acid or lead particles to come into
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. If electrolyte should splash
into the eyes rinse at once for several minutes using clear water.
Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor
immediately.
•
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away from battery. Avoid sparks (including those from static
charges) when handling cables and electrical equipment. Never
cross the battery poles. The resulting high-energy sparks can
cause injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the
battery is under charge. Only charge battery in a well ventilated
area.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle's electrical
system, first disconnect the minus cable and then the plus cable.
•
Before reconnecting the battery, turn off all electrical equip-
ment. First connect the plus cable, then the minus cable. The
battery cables must not be connected to the wrong battery poles
- serious risk of cable fire.
•
Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery - risk of explosion
and chemical burns! A battery must be replaced once it has been
frozen. When it is discharged the battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 0°C.
•
Never use a damaged battery - risk of explosion! Replace the
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the car's battery with the engine running or
with the ignition turned on, otherwise the electrical system or elec-
trical components will be damaged.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of
time, as the intense ultraviolet radiation can affect the battery
housing.

Wear safety glasses!

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protec-
tive gloves and safety glasses.

Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and
lit cigarettes away from battery!

A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off
when the battery is under charge!

Keep children away from the battery and battery
acid.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and topping up fluids 164Charging the battery
A fully-charged battery is important for reliable starting.–Note the warnings ⇒ in “Important safety warnings
for handling a car battery” on page 163 and ⇒.
– Switch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
– Only if “fast-charging”: both battery cables must be
disconnected (first the “negative” cable, then the “posi-
tive” cable).
– Connect the charger cables to the battery terminals,
noting the colour code (red is used for “positive”, black
or brown for “negative”).
– Now connect the battery charger to the mains and switch
on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the battery charger
and disconnect the mains cable.
– Now disconnect the charger cables.
– If necessary, reconnect both battery cables to the battery
(first the “positive” cable, then the “negative” cable).When charging with a low current (for example with a small battery
charger) the battery cables do not normally have to be discon-
nected. However, both battery cables must be disconnected before
“fast-charging” the battery with a high current. However, always
follow the instructions given by the manufacturer of the battery
charger.
Fast-charging a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Important safety
warnings for handling a car battery” on page 163. This work should
only be performed by a competent mechanic with the proper equip-
ment. If necessary, we therefore recommend that this work should
only be performed by a qualified workshop.When it is discharged the battery can freeze at temperatures
around 0°C. A frozen battery must be thawed before charging ⇒.
However, it is advisable to replace the battery if it has frozen,
because the ice can crack the battery casing and allow the battery
acid to escape.
The battery caps should not be opened while the battery is being
charged.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen battery – it could explode. Windscreen washerPlain water on its own is not sufficient for the windscreen
washer system.The container for the windscreen washer
 is located in the
luggage compartment and contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen and the headlight washer system ⇒fig. 121. Container
capacity: ⇒page 199.
Plain water on its own is not enough to clean the glass properly. It
is therefore advisable to add a suitable washer fluid additive (with
Fig. 121 Luggage
compartment: Wind-
screen washer
container
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Checking and topping up fluids165
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data wax solvent) to the water. A washer fluid with freeze-resistant addi-
tive should be used in winter.
Caution
•
Never put in radiator anti-freeze or other additives.
•
Never use washer fluid which contains paint thinners or solvents
as it can damage the paintwork.
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Wheels and tyres 166Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notes–When driving with new tyres, be especially careful during
the first 500 km.
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive
very slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the
kerb.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or
blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign bodies embedded in
the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as possible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so that they
rotate in the same direction when put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should be stored in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place.New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight away and should
therefore be “run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for
about the first 500 km. This will also help to make the tyres last
longer.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and
make of tyre and the tread pattern.Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged. Reduce speed immediately if there
is any reason to suspect that damage may have occurred. Inspect
the tyres for damage. If no external damage is visible, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always note the direction of rotation
indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip
and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Wheels with bolted rim flange*
Light-alloy wheels with a bolted rim flange consist of several
components. A special technique is applied to bolt these compo-
nents together. Apart from safety and true running this also ensures
that the wheel functions correctly and that there is no leakage.
Damaged rims must therefore be replaced; you must never attempt
to repair or dismantle them ⇒.
Wheels with bolted trim parts*
Light-alloy wheels can be fitted with interchangeable trim parts
which are attached to the rim using self-locking bolts. Should you
wish to replace damaged trim parts please contact a qualified work-
shop.
WARNING
Never remove the bolts on a wheel with bolted rim flange* (acci-
dent risk).
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Wheels and tyres167
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Tyre service life
Correct inflation pressures and sensible driving habits
will increase the service life of your tyres.– Check the tyre pressures at least once a month.
– The tyre pressures should only be checked when the
tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres
must not be reduced.
– The pressures must be altered to suit major changes in
the load being carried.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.The service life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres
considerably and also impair the car's handling. The inflation pres-
sures are listed on a sticker on the driver's door pillar.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high
speeds. The pressures should therefore be checked at least once a
month and before starting a journey.
Driving habits
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing
tyres) all increase tyre wear.
Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors
encountered in normal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration.Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause
excessive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the
safety of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, contact your
Audi R8 dealer.
WARNING
•
Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle
load changes.
•
Under-inflated tyres flex more and can overheat at continuous
high speeds. This can cause tread separation and tyre blow-out,
which could result in an accident. Always observe the recom-
mended tyre pressures.For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
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Wheels and tyres 168Tread wear indicators
The tread wear indicators show the condition of the tyre
treads.The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear
indicators” ⇒fig. 122 running across the tread. Depending on the
make, there will be 6 to 8 of them spaced at equal distances around
the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI”
or a triangle) indicate the positions of the tread wear indicators.
The minimum tread depth required by law in Germany is 1.6 mm
(measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Different figures may apply in other countries.
WARNING
To avoid putting safety at risk, the tyres must be replaced at the
latest when the tread is worn down to the tread wear indicators.•
Especially in difficult driving conditions such as wet or icy
roads, it is important that the tyres have sufficient tread depth.
The tread depth should same on the tyres of both the front and the
rear axles.
•
The decrease in driving safety due to insufficient tread depth is
particularly evident in vehicle handling, when there is a risk of aquaplaning in deep puddles of water and when driving through
corners. Braking is also adversely affected.
•
The speed has to be adapted accordingly, otherwise there is a
risk of losing control over the vehicle.
Replacing wheels and tyres
It is important to use the correct wheels and tyres when
replacement is necessary.– All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type
and preferably the same tread pattern.
– If possible, tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and
not individually (i.e. both front tyres or both rear tyres
together).
– Never use tyres whose actual size exceeds the dimen-
sions of the factory-approved makes of tyre.
– If you wish to fit the vehicle with non-standard rims or
tyres, it is advisable to consult an Audi R8 dealer before
purchasing them.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's
design. The tyres and rims approved by Audi are specially matched
to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major contribution
to good roadholding and safe handling ⇒.
The sizes of the rims and tyres approved for your vehicle are listed
in the vehicle's documents (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC
document
2)). The vehicle documents vary depending on the
country of residence.
Fig. 122 Tyre tread:
Tr e a d w e a r i n d i c a t o r s
2)COC = Certificate of conformityWARNING (continued)
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