brake AUDI R8 2007 Owner's Manual

Automatic gearbox93
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Applies to vehicles: with R tronicLaunch control programmeThe launch control programme enables maximum accel-
eration.– Press the ESP switch once while the engine is running.
The ESP warning lamp
 will light up in the driver infor-
mation system display.
– Press and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.
– Engage a gear.
– Press the button.
– Press the accelerator all the way down with your right
foot until the engine reaches a constant rpm speed.
– Take your left foot off the brake ⇒.
WARNING
•
Always adapt your driving style to the traffic conditions.
•
Only use the launch control programme when road and traffic
conditions permit, and make sure your manner of driving and
accelerating the vehicle does not inconvenience or endanger other
road users.
•
Please note that, when the ESP is switched off, the driven
wheels may start to spin, causing the vehicle to lose grip, in partic-
ular on slippery or wet roads - danger of skidding!
•
When acceleration has been completed, the ESP should be
reactivated by pressing the ESP switch.
Note
Accelerating with the launch control programme places a heavy
load on all parts of the vehicle. This can result in increased wear and
tear.Applies to vehicles: with R tronicSteering wheel with paddle leversThe paddle levers behind the steering wheel allow you to
change gear manually without taking your hands off the
steering wheel.– Briefly pull the left-hand paddle lever to change down
to a lower gear.
– Briefly pull the right-hand paddle lever to change up
to a higher gear.The manual shift programme can, of course, still be operated using
the selector lever in the centre console.
SPORT
Fig. 79 Sports steering
wheel with Paddle
leversA-A+
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Safe driving 104Correct sitting positionsCorrect sitting position for driver
The correct driving position is important for safe and
fatigue-free driving.For your own safety, and to reduce the risk of injury in the
event of an accident, we recommend the following driving
position.
– Adjust the steering wheel so there is a distance of at least
25 cm between the steering wheel and your breastbone
⇒fig. 82.– Move the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you
can press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals all the
way to the floor with your knees slightly bent ⇒.
– Make sure that you can comfortably reach the top of the
steering wheel.
– Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head
restraint is level with the top of your head ⇒fig. 83.
– Adjust the backrest to an upright position so that your
back remains in contact with the upholstery.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒page 109.
– Keep both feet in the footwell so that you are in full
control of the vehicle at all times.
For detailed information on how to adjust the driver's seat, see
⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
WARNING
An incorrect driver sitting position can result in serious personal
injury.•
Adjust the driver's seat so there is a distance of at least 25 cm
between your breastbone and the centre of the steering wheel
⇒fig. 82. The airbag system will not be able to protect you prop-
erly if you sit closer than 25 cm.
•
If physical limitations prevent you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, please consult a qualified workshop.
The workshop will be able to tell you whether your vehicle can be
suitably modified.
•
While driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands
on the outside of the rim at about the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tion. This reduces the risk of injury if the driver's airbag inflates.
Fig. 82 Minimum
distance between
driver and steering
wheelFig. 83 Correct head
restraint position for
the driver
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Safe driving105
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Never hold the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or
with your hands inside the rim or on the steering wheel hub. This
could result in serious injuries to the arms, hands and head if the
driver's airbag inflates.
•
To reduce any risk of injury to the driver during a sudden brake
application or in an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted
too far back. The airbag system and seat belts can only provide
proper protection when the backrest is in an upright position and
the driver is wearing the seat belt in the correct position. The
further the backrest is tilted back, the greater the risk of injury due
to incorrect positioning of the belt webbing or an incorrect sitting
position.
•
Adjust the head restraint properly so that it can give maximum
protection.
Correct sitting position for front passenger
The front seat passenger must sit at least 25 cm away
from the dash panel so that the airbag has enough room
to inflate and give maximum protection in an accident.For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the
event of an accident, we recommend adjusting the front
passenger's seat as follows:
– Move the front passenger's seat as far back as possible
⇒.
– Adjust the backrest to an upright position so that your
back remains in contact with the upholstery.
– Adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head
restraint is level with the top of your head ⇒page 106.
– Keep both feet in the footwell in front of the seat.– Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒page 112.
In exceptional cases you can disable the front passenger's airbag
⇒page 120.
For detailed information on how to adjust the front passenger's
seat, see ⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
WARNING
A passenger sitting out of position in the front seat can suffer
serious injuries.•
Adjust the front passenger's seat so there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between your breastbone and the dash panel. The
airbag system will not be able to protect you properly if you sit
closer than 25 cm.
•
If physical limitations prevent you from maintaining the
minimum distance of 25 cm, please consult a qualified workshop.
The workshop will be able to tell you whether your vehicle can be
suitably modified.
•
Always keep your feet on the floor when the vehicle is moving;
never rest them on the instrument panel, out of the window or on
the seat. If you sit in an incorrect position, you increase your risk
of injury in the event of sudden braking or an accident. If the airbag
is triggered, you could sustain potentially fatal injuries by sitting
out of position.
•
To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger in the case of
sudden braking or an accident, the passenger should never travel
in a moving vehicle with the backrest reclined. The airbag system
and seat belt can only provide proper protection when the back-
rest is in an upright position and the passenger is wearing the seat
belt in the correct position. The further the backrest is tilted back,
the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt
webbing or an incorrect sitting position.
•
Always adjust the head restraints properly for maximum
protection.
WARNING (continued)
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Safe driving107
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
never stand on the seats,
•
never kneel on the seats,
•
never travel with the backrest reclined too far,
•
never lean against the dash panel,
•
never sit on the front edge of a seat,
•
never sit sideways,
•
never lean out of the window,
•
never put your feet out of the window,
•
never put your feet on the dash panel,
•
never put your feet on the seat cushion,
•
never ride in the footwell,
•
never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
WARNING
Sitting out of position increases the risk of severe injuries.•
Sitting out of position exposes the occupants to potentially
fatal injuries: if the airbags inflate they can strike any occupant
who is not in one of the designed seat positions.
•
Before starting a trip, sit in the correct position and stay in this
position as long as the vehicle is moving. Before every trip, make
sure all passengers are sitting in the correct positions and remain
correctly seated at all times ⇒page 67, “Seats and storage”.
Pedal are aPedal s
The pedals must always be free to move and must never
be obstructed by floor mats or any objects in the footwell.– Make sure that the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals
are not obstructed and can be pressed all the way down
to the floor.
– Make sure that all pedals are able to return freely to their
original positions.Only use floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be
securely fastened in the footwell.
If one of the brake circuits should fail, increased brake pedal travel
will be required to bring the vehicle safely to a stop.
WARNING
Any obstructions that restrict pedal travel can cause loss of
vehicle control and critical situations in traffic.•
Never place objects in the driver's footwell. Such objects could
move under the pedals and interfere with their proper function. In
the event of sudden braking or a change of direction, you would
not be able to use the pedals. This could result in a loss of control
and possibly cause an accident.
Floor mats on the driver's side
Use only floor mats which can be securely fastened in the
footwell and do not obstruct the pedals.– Make sure that floor mats are securely fastened and
cannot interfere with the pedals ⇒.
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Seat belts109
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Seat beltsWhy is it so important to use seat
belts?Seat belts provide effective protection
The common belief that passengers can brace their
weight with their hands in a minor collision is false.It is an established fact that seat belts provide good protection in
accidents. Therefore wearing a seat belt is required by law in most
countries.
Properly worn seat belts hold the occupants in the best position for
maximum protection ⇒fig. 86. The seat belts are capable of
absorbing much of the kinetic energy arising in a collision. Also they
help to prevent uncontrolled movements which could lead to severe
injuries ⇒page 110, “Important safety instructions for using seat
belts”.
If they wear the seat belts correctly, the passengers benefit greatly
from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy gradually.
The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as
the airbag system) are also designed to absorb the kinetic energy
generated in a collision. Taken together, all these features reduce the forces acting on the occupants and consequently the risk of
injury.
Although these examples are based on a frontal collision, the phys-
ical principles involved are the same in other types of accidents and
for vehicles with an airbag system. This is why it is so important to
put on the seat belts before every trip – even when “just driving
around the corner”. Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well ⇒.
Properly worn seat belts have been shown to be an effective means
of reducing the potential for injury and improving the chances of
survival in a serious accident ⇒page 110, “Forces acting in a colli-
sion”.
For information on how children can travel safely in the car
⇒page 122, “Points to remember if children are travelling in the
car”.
WARNING
•
Seat belts must be put on before every trip – even when driving
in town. This also applies to the rear passengers (injury risk).
•
During pregnancy, women should always ensure they wear a
seat belt. The best way to protect the unborn child is to protect the
mother ⇒page 113, “Wearing and adjusting the seat belts during
pregnancy”.
Fig. 86 Driver with
properly positioned
seat belt – good
protection if the brakes
are applied suddenly
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Intelligent technology 132Intelligent technologyElectronic stabilisation program (ESP)The Electronic Stabilisation Program increases the car's
stability.Description
The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock
(EDL) and the traction control system (ASR) are all integrated into
the electronic stabilisation program (ESP). The ESP is designed to
enhance the control over the vehicle in critical handling situations,
such as when accelerating and cornering. It reduces the tendency to
skid at all speeds under all road conditions and improves the
stability and roadholding of the vehicle. ESP helps the car to start
moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions
where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible. The ESP is
switched on automatically when the engine is started. It should
normally be left switched on at all times for optimum car stability.
Driving situations
If the car is oversteering (rear wheels losing grip first) the ESP
mainly brakes the outside front wheel; if the car is understeering
(front wheels losing grip first), the ESP brakes the inside rear wheel
and possibly also other wheels. This automatic brake application is
accompanied by characteristic noises.If, when braking, one of the wheels is turning too slowly in relation
to the road speed and is close to locking up, the system will reduce
the pressure in the brake line to this wheel. The driver is made aware
of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal and accom-
panying noise. In this situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application
- do not “pump” the brake pedal. However, the ABS will not neces-
sarily guarantee shorter stopping distances in all conditions. For
instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top of an icy surface the
stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer.
Whenever it detects a significant difference in the speed of the driven
wheels of one axle (for example, if the road is slippery on one side)
the electronic differential lock (EDL) applies the brake to slow down
the spinning wheel so that more of the power is directed to the
other wheels. This function is active up to about 100 km/h. The brake
system will make noises while it is working.
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of
the driven wheels is on ice), press the accelerator hard until the car
starts moving.
If the wheels start to spin, the traction control system (ASR) auto-
matically reduces the engine torque to match the amount of grip
available.
Activating the sport mode
If required (for instance if you want to use the launch control), you
can switch the traction control system (ASR) and electronic stabili-
sation program (ESP) to sport mode by pressing the button
once. The ESP warning lamp will light up and the message ASR off
will appear in the driver information system display. The amount of
wheel slip is regulated according to the road speed. You should only
use this feature if your driving ability and traffic conditions allow
you to do so safely.
Fig. 110 Centre
console with ESP
switch
ESP
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Intelligent technology133
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Switching off the ESP and traction control system
(ASR)
To switch off the ASR and ESP in certain situations (e.g. when
driving with snow chains, in deep snow, or on a loose surface, or
when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it from mud)
press the button for longer than 3 seconds. The ESP warning
lamp will light up and the message ESP switched off will appear in
the driver information system display. You should only use this
feature if your driving ability and traffic conditions allow you to do
so safely.
Switching on the ESP/traction control system (ASR)
To activate the ASR/ESP, press the button again.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the disc brake of a braked wheel from overheating, the
EDL cuts out automatically on the wheel in question if subjected to
excessive loads. The car remains operational and will behave in the
same way as a car without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
WARNING
•
The grip provided by the ESP, ABS, EDL and ASR systems is still
subject to the physical limits of adhesion. Always bear this in
mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice the
systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed immediately to
suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety
features tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can
cause accidents.
•
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you
drive too fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you
follow too close behind the vehicle in front of you. Please bear in
mind that even ESP, ABS, EDL and ASR cannot compensate for the
increased accident risk.
•
When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance
all four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and
carefully. The driven wheels may otherwise start to spin (in spite
of the EDL), which would impair the car's stability and could lead
to an accident.
•
Please note that, when the traction control system (ASR) or
ASR/ESP is switched off, the driven wheels may start to spin,
causing the vehicle to lose grip, in particular on slippery or wet
roads - danger of skidding!Note
•
In the event of a malfunction in the rear spoiler system or in the
Audi magnetic ride, it may not be possible to switch off the traction
control system (ASR) or ASR/ESP, or the ASR/ESP may be reactivated
automatically from the deactivated status.
•
If a malfunction should occur in the EDL, this is indicated by a
warning lamp ⇒page 19.
•
Some racing circuits (e.g. with banked curves) can affect the
behaviour of the ESP.
ESP
ESP
WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology 134Rear spoilerThe automatic rear spoiler increases the car's stability.The rear spoiler can be extended or retracted manually or automat-
ically.
Automatic mode (normal operation)•
Automatic extension: The rear spoiler is automatically extended
at road speeds above approximately 100 km/h.
•
Automatic retraction: The rear spoiler is automatically retracted
at road speeds below approximately 35 km/h.
Manual mode
•
Manual extension: Press the switch ⇒page 134, fig. 111 briefly
to extend the rear spoiler all the way out.
•
Manual retraction: At road speeds up to about 20 km/h, press
and hold the switch to retract the rear spoiler. At road speeds
between 20 km/h and 100 km/h, press the switch briefly to retract
the rear spoiler all the way back.
Manual mode will be deactivated for up to 2.5 minutes after 15
extension and retraction cycles. The system switches to automatic
mode at road speeds above approximately 100 km/h.
WARNING
•
If the rear spoiler warning lamp lights up, the rear spoiler may
have failed to extend. In this case, the car's handling may be
different at high speeds. We recommend you not to exceed 140
km/h. Drive to a qualified workshop as soon as possible and have
the fault corrected.
•
When extending or retracting the rear spoiler, please make sure
that no persons or objects are close to the moving spoiler - risk of
injury!Caution
•
If you need to push the vehicle, never put your weight on the rear
spoiler - Risk of damage!
•
Do not operate the rear spoiler manually when the engine lid is
open - Risk of damage!Note
Clean the rear spoiler housing every 2 to 3 months. The rear spoiler
housing must be free of ice, snow and leaves in order to operate
correctly.BrakesNew brake pads
New brake pads do not give full braking effect for the first 400 km,
they must first be “bedded in”. However, you can compensate for
the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pressure on
the brake pedal. Avoid placing a heavy load on the brakes during the
running-in period.
Fig. 111 Switch for
rear spoiler
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Intelligent technology135
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data We ar
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you
drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative
factors are, for instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard
driving with abrupt starts and stops.
Wet roads; road salt
When you are driving at a speed higher than 70 km/h and have the
windscreen wipers switched on (at or above intermittent setting 4)
the brake pads are very briefly brought into contact with the brake
discs. This automatic process which goes unnoticed by the driver is
carried out at regular intervals and is intended to improve braking
response in wet conditions.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the car
or driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by
moisture (or in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. The
brakes should be “dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full
braking effect.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if
the car is driven for some distance without using the brakes when
there is a lot of salt on the road in winter. The layer of salt that accu-
mulates on the discs and pads can be removed with a few cautious
brake applications.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for dirt to build up on the brake pads and
corrosion to form on the discs if the car is used infrequently, or if
you only drive low mileages without using the brakes very much.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if corrosion has formed on
the discs, it is advisable to clean off the pads and discs by braking
firmly a few times from a moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may
mean that one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immedi-
ately to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified. On the way to the dealer, be prepared to use more pressure on the
brake pedal and allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is
too low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
Brake servo
The brake servo amplifies the pressure you apply to the brake pedal.
It only works when the engine is running.
WARNING
•
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and
discs, select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or
endanger other road users; do not risk an accident.
•
Never let the car coast with the engine switched off (this can
cause accidents).Caution
•
Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal
when you do not really intend to brake. This overheats the brakes,
resulting in longer stopping distances and greater wear.
•
Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to
reduce speed and select a lower gear. In this way you will make use
of the engine braking effect and relieve the load on the brakes. If you
still have to use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at intervals
than to apply the brakes continuously.Note
•
If the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the
car has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal consid-
erably harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
•
If you wish to equip the car with accessories such as a front
spoiler or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the
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Intelligent technology 136front wheels is not obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Power steeringThe power steering assists the driver when turning the
steering wheel (with the engine running).The power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed
to turn the steering wheel.
The power steering does not function when the engine is switched
off. In this case the steering wheel is very hard to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the car is stationary,
this will place an excessive load on the power steering system. In
this case, the power steering system will make noises. It will also
reduce the idling speed of the engine.
Caution
Do not keep the steering in the full-lock position for longer than
15 seconds when the engine is running – this could cause damage
to the power steering system.
Note
•
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is
switched off (for instance when being towed), the car can still be
steered. However, more effort will be required to turn the steering
wheel.
•
If the system is leaking or malfunctioning, please take the car to
a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
•
The power steering requires a special hydraulic fluid. The
container for the fluid is located in the engine compartment. The
correct fluid level in the reservoir is important for the power
steering to function properly. The hydraulic fluid level is checked at
the Inspection Service.
Four-wheel drive (quattro®)On quattro models the engine power is distributed to all
four wheelsGeneral notes
On four-wheel drive vehicles, the engine power is distributed to all
four wheels. The distribution of power is controlled automatically
according to your driving style and the road conditions. Also refer
to ⇒page 132.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction
in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we
still recommend that winter tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will
give a better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars
with four-wheel drive ⇒page 171, “Snow chains”.
Replacing tyres
The dimensions of the wheels and tyres used on four-wheel drive
vehicles must comply with the manufacturer's specifications
⇒page 168, “Replacing wheels and tyres”.
WARNING
•
Even with four-wheel drive, you should always adjust your
speed to suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety provided
tempt you into taking any risks when driving – this can cause acci-
dents.
•
The braking ability of your car is limited by the grip of the tyres.
In this respect, your car is no different from a car without four-
wheel drive. So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slip-
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