service AUDI R8 COUPE 2020 Manual Online

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

> Tighten the cap @ again.
Coolant loss usually indicates that there is a leak.
Immediately drive your vehicle to an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility
and have the cooling system inspected. If the
cooling system is not leaking, coolant loss can re-
sult from the coolant boiling due overheating
and then being forced out of the cooling system.
Brake fluid


ZA\ WARNING
— The engine compartment in any vehicle can
be a dangerous area. Stop the engine and al-
low it to cool before working in the engine
compartment. Always follow the informa-
tion found in > page 229, General informa-
tion.
— Never open the engine compartment lid if
you can see or hear steam or coolant escap-
ing from the engine compartment. This in-
creases the risk of burns. The cooling system
is under pressure. When you no longer see
or hear steam or coolant escaping, you may
open the engine compartment with caution.
— When working in the engine compartment,
remember that the radiator fan can switch
on even if the ignition is switched off, which
increases the risk of injury.
— Coolant additive and coolant can be danger-
ous to your health. For this reason, store the
coolant in the original container and away
from children. There is a risk of poisoning.


Fig. 186 Luggage compartment: brake fluid reservoir cover

BFV-0229



@) Note
Do not add coolant if the expansion tank is
empty. Air could enter the cooling system and
damage the engine. If this is the case, do not
continue driving. See an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility for assis-
tance.
Fig. 187 Luggage compartment: brake fluid reservoir cap
Checking the brake fluid level
> Open the luggage compartment lid > page 27.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit and position it on the cover (driver's side)
(arrow) © fig. 186.
> Lift off the cover carefully.
> Read the brake fluid level on the brake fluid res-
ervoir. The brake fluid level must be between
the MIN and MAX markings > A\.
The brake fluid level is monitored automatically.
Changing the brake fluid
Brake fluid should be changed at regular inter-
vals. Have the brake fluid changed by an author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty. The authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will inform you of the replace-
ment intervals.

ZA\ WARNING
— If the brake fluid level is below the MIN
marking, it can impair the braking effect and
driving safety, which increase the risk of an
accident. Do not continue driving. See an >


239

Checking and Filling


authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for assistance.
— If the brake fluid is old, bubbles may form in
the brake system during heavy braking. This
could impair braking performance and driv-
ing safety, which increases the risk of an ac-
cident.
— The brake fluid in your vehicle must meet
the standard VW 501 14 and is available at
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Au-
di Service Facility. If this brake fluid is not
available, another high-grade brake fluid of
equivalent quality may be used, and it must
meet the U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Stand-
ard (FMVSS) 116 DOT 4, Class 6.

@) Note
— If the brake fluid level is above the MAX
marking, brake fluid may leak out over the
edge of the reservoir and result in damage
to the vehicle.
— Do not allow any brake fluid to come into
contact with the vehicle paint, because it
will corrode the paint.
Electrical system
If the = or fl] indicator light turns on, there is a
malfunction in the generator, the battery, or the
vehicle electrical system.
= Electric system: malfunction! Battery is not
being charged
Drive to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility immediately. Turn off all un-
necessary electrical equipment because it will
drain the battery. See an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility if the battery
charge level is too low.
= Electrical system: low battery charge. Bat-
tery will be charged while driving
The starting ability may be impaired.
If this message turns off after a little while, the
vehicle battery has charged enough while driving.
240
If this message does not turn off, drive immedi-
ately to an authorized Audi dealer or authorized
Audi Service Facility.
Battery
Battery general information
Because of the complex power supply, all work on
batteries such as disconnecting, replacing, etc.,
should only be performed by an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility > A\.
Multiple batteries with different technologies
may be installed in your vehicle:
— Vehicle battery (for example, for starting the
engine, basic power supply) > page 241, Lead
battery or > page 241, Other battery types
— Auxiliary battery (for example, for recuperation
or optional equipment) > page 241, Other bat-
tery types
Not running the vehicle for long periods of
time
The battery will gradually drain if the vehicle
does not run for long periods of time. To ensure
that the vehicle can still be started, the electrical
equipment will be limited or switched off. Some
convenience functions, such as interior lighting
or power seat adjustment, may not be available
under certain circumstances. The convenience
functions will be available again when you start
the
engine.
Even when electrical equipment is switched off,
the equipment can still drain the battery if the
vehicle is not driven for long periods of time.
Deep draining results in a chemical reaction that
destroys the inside of the battery. The battery
must be charged every month to prevent this
= page 242. Contact an authorized Audi dealer or
authorized Audi Service Facility for more infor-
mation.
Winter operation
Cold weather places higher demands on the bat-
tery. This results in reduced starting ability. Have
the battery checked by an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facility before cold
weather begins.

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling


ZA\ WARNING
— All work on the battery or electrical system
in your vehicle can result in injuries, chemi-
cal burns, accidents, or burns. Because of
this, all work must be performed only by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
— Never connect the charging cable or jump
start cable directly to your vehicle battery.
Only use the connections in the luggage
compartment > page 242.

ZA\ WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
— Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harms.
Wash hands after handling.


@) Note
If the vehicle will be parked for long periods
of time, protect the battery against the cold
so that it will not be destroyed by “freezing”
= page 242, Charging the battery.
Lead battery
Explanation of warnings:

Always wear eye protection.

Battery acid is highly corrosive. Always
wear protective gloves and eye protection.

Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are
forbidden.
ment. Do not dispose of them in household
trash. They contain harmful substances, such
as sulfuric acid and lead, and also recyclable
raw materials. Contact an authorized Audi
dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for
more information.
Cold altaya ay 1)
Explanation of warnings:
Fire, sparks, open flame, and smoking are
& forbidden.

Always keep children away from battery
4) acid and the battery.

@/ | Always follow the instructions in the oper-
CQ | ating manual.


Z\ WARNING
All work on the batteries must only be per-
formed by an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
— Gases that escape from these different bat-
tery types can be poisonous or flammable.
— The contents of these battery types can be
corrosive. If any battery contents come into
contact with the skin, flush the affected
area for at least 15 minutes with clean wa-
ter. Then wash the affected area with soap.
Have the affected area examined by a medi-
cal professional.


A highly explosive mixture of gases can
form when charging batteries.

Always keep children away from battery
acid and the battery.

Always follow the instructions in the oper-
ating manual. 5e@
>
@
EO

© For the sake of the environment
©» % Lead-acid batteries must be disposed of
using methods that will not harm the environ-

CG) Note
Components must not be connected to the
battery terminals and wires on these battery
types because this increases the risk of dam-
age, for example due to overvoltage.
@) For the sake of the environment
XE These types of batteries must be dis-
posed of using methods that will not harm
the environment. Do not dispose of them in
household trash. They contain harmful sub-
stances and recyclable raw materials. Contact
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility for more information.
241

Checking and Filling

arging the battery
5 Ss 3 ° d
z a
|
Fig. 189 Luggage compartment: connectors for a charger
or jump start cables
Note the safety precautions > page 229, General
information, /\ in Battery general informa-
tion on page 241 and > /A\.
Requirement: only use chargers with a maximum
charging current of 14.8 volts. The battery ca-
bles remain connected.
> Switch off the ignition and all electrical equip-
ment.
> Open the luggage compartment lid > page 27.
> Remove the screwdriver from the vehicle tool
kit and position it at the upper edge of the trim
panel > fig. 188.
> Carefully pry the trim panel out and fold it in
the direction of the arrow > fig. 188.
> Clamp the terminal clamps on the charger cor-
rectly onto the ground point ©) and the positive
terminal @).
> Insert the power cable for the charging device
into the socket and switch the device on.
>» At the end of the charging process, switch the
charger off and pull the power cable out of the
socket.
> Remove the charging device terminal clamps.
242

> Insert the trim panel again and close the lug-
gage compartment lid > page 27.

ZA WARNING
— A highly explosive mixture of gases can form
when charging batteries. Only charge the
battery in well-ventilated areas.
— A drained battery can freeze at tempera-
tures around 32 °F (0 °C). Do not charge or
use a frozen or thawed battery. If ice forms,
the battery housing can crack and battery
electrolyte can leak out, which increases the
risk of an explosion and chemical burns.
Contact an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility for more informa-
tion.
— Do not connect or disconnect the charging
cable while charging because this increases
the risk of an explosion.

@ Tips
Read all of the manufacturer's instructions
for the charger before charging the battery.
Windshield washer
system

zt
s e &
¥ &
Fig. 190 Water drip tray: washer fluid reservoir cover
The washer fluid reservoir & contains the wind-
shield washer fluid. The reservoir capacity can be
found in > page 290.
To reduce the risk of lime scale deposits on the
spray nozzles, use clean water with low amounts
of calcium. Always add window cleaner to the wa-
ter. When the outside temperatures are cold, an
anti-freezing agent should be added to the water
so that it does not freeze.

4S1012721BA
Checking and Filling

@) Note
— The concentration of anti-freezing agent
must be adjusted to the vehicle operating
conditions and the climate. A concentration
that is too high can lead to vehicle damage.
— Never add radiator anti-freeze or other addi-
tives to the washer fluid.
— Do not use a glass cleaner that contains
paint solvents, because this could damage
the paint.
Service interval display
The service interval display detects when your ve-
hicle is due for service.
The service interval display works in two stages:
— Inspection or oil change reminder: after a cer-
tain distance driven, a message appears in the
Infotainment system display each time the ig-
nition is switched on or off. The remaining dis-
tance or time is displayed briefly.
— Inspection or oil change due: if your vehicle
has reached an inspection or oil change interval
or both intervals at the same time, the mes-
sage Inspection due! or Oil change due! or Oil
change and inspection due! appears briefly af-
ter switching the ignition on or off.
Checking service intervals
You can check the remaining distance or time un-
til the next oil change or next inspection. Select
in the Infotainment system: the [MENU] button >
Vehicle > left control button > Service & checks >
Service intervals.


Resetting the indicator
An authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility will reset the service interval dis-
play after performing service.
If you have changed the oil yourself, you must re-
set the oil change interval.
To reset the display, select in the Infotainment
system: the [MENU] button > Vehicle > left con-
trol button > Service & checks > Service intervals
> Reset oil change interval.



CG) Note
— Only reset the oil change indicator if the oil
was changed.
— Following the service intervals is critical to
maintaining the service life and value of
your vehicle, especially the engine. Even if
the mileage on the vehicle is low, do not ex-
ceed the time for the next service.
243

Wheels

@ US DOT number (TIN) and
manufacture date
The manufacture date is listed on
the tire sidewall (it may only ap-
pear on the inner side of the tire):
DOT... 2219...
means, for example, that the tire
was produced in the 22nd week of
the year 2019.
@) Audi Original Tires
Audi Original equipment tires
with the designation “AO” have
been specially matched to your
Audi. When used correctly, these
tires meet the highest standards
for safety and handling. An au-
thorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility will be
able to provide you with more in-
formation.
@) Mud and snow capability
“M/S” or “M+S” indicates the tire
has properties making it suitable
to drive in mud or snow. /& indi-
cates a winter tire.
Composition of the tire cord
and materials
The number of plies indicates the
number of rubberized fabric lay-
ers in the tire. In general: the
more layers, the more weight a
246
tire can carry. Tire manufacturers
must also specify the materials
used in the tire. These include
steel, nylon, polyester and other
materials.
@ Maximum permitted load
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and
pounds that the tire can carry.
@ Uniform tire quality grade
standards for treadwear,
traction and temperature
resistance
Treadwear, traction and tempera-
ture ranges > page 260.
@ Running direction
@ Maximum permitted
inflation pressure
This number indicates the maxi-
mum pressure to which a tire can
be inflated under normal operat-
ing conditions.
Glossary of tire and loading
terminology
Accessory weight
means the combined weight (in
excess of those standard items
which may be replaced) of auto-
matic transmission, power steer-
ing, power brakes, power

4S1012721BA
Wheels

distributing to each axle its share
of the maximum loaded vehicle
weight and dividing by two.
Vehicle normal load on the tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by distrib-
uting to each axle its share of the
curb weight, accessory weight,
and normal occupant weight (dis-
tributed in accordance with > ta-
ble on page 256) and dividing by
two.
Occupant loading and distri-
bution for vehicle normal load
for various designated seating
capacities
Refer to the tire inflation pressure
label for the number of seating
positions. Refer to the table > ta-
ble on page 256 for the number
of people that correspond to the
vehicle normal load.
New tires or wheels
Audi recommends having all work
on tires or wheels performed by
an authorized Audi dealer or au-
thorized Audi Service Facility.
These facilities have the proper
knowledge and are equipped with
the required tools and replace-
ment parts.
>New tires do not yet have the
optimal gripping properties.
Drive carefully and at moderate
speeds for the first 350 miles
(500 km) with new tires.
> Only use tires with the same de-
sign and as close to the same
tread pattern as possible on all
four wheels.
>Do not replace tires individually.
At least replace both tires on the
same axle at the same time.
> Audi recommends that you use
Audi Original Tires. If you would
like to use different tires, please
note that the tires may perform
differently even if they are the
same size 9 A.
>If you would like to equip your
vehicle with a tire and rim com-
bination that is different from
what was installed at the facto-
ry, consult with an authorized
Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility before making a
purchase > A.
Because the spare tire” is differ-
ent from the regular tires instal-
led on the vehicle (such as winter
tires or wide tires), only use the
spare tire* temporarily in case of
emergency and drive carefully
while it is in use. It should be
251

4S1012721BA
Wheels

Tire wear
Check the tires regularly for wear.
—Inflation pressure that is too low
or high can increase tire wear
considerably.
—Driving quickly through curves,
rapid acceleration, and heavy
braking increase tire wear.
—Have an authorized Audi dealer
or authorized Audi Service Facili-
ty check the wheel alignment if
there is unusual wear.
—Have the wheels rebalanced if an
imbalance is causing noticeable
vibration in the steering wheel.
If you do not, the tires and other
vehicle components could wear
more quickly.
Treadwear indicator
Original equipment tires contain
treadwear indicators in the tread
pattern, which are bars that are
1/16 in (1.6 mm) high and are
spaced evenly around the tire per-
pendicular to the running direc-
tion > fig. 192. The letters “TWI”
or triangles on the tire sidewall
indicate the location of the tread-
wear indicators.

D Obey any applicable regulations in the
country where the vehicle is being oper-
ated.
The tires have reached the mini-
mum tread depth ) when they
have worn down to the treadwear
indicators. Replace the tires with
new ones > A.
Hidden damage
Damage to tires and rims can of-
ten occur in locations that are hid-
den. Unusual vibrations in the ve-
hicle or pulling to one side may
indicate that there is tire damage.
Reduce your speed immediately.
Check the tires for damage. If no
damage is visible from the out-
side, drive slowly and carefully to
the nearest authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility to have the vehicle inspect-
ed.

AN WARNING
Tread that has worn too low or
uneven tread depths on the
tires can reduce driving safety.
This can increase the risk of an
accident because it has a nega-
tive effect on handling, driving
through curves, and braking,
and because it increases the

253

4S1012721BA
Wheels


ZA\ WARNING
Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
correctly can become loose and result in loss
of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
cation, see > page 276, Finishing.
— Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
— Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
— Always have damaged rims repaired by an
authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
rims yourself, because this increases the risk
of an accident.

Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-
cause of their construction (width, compound,
tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction
on ice and snow.
> Use winter tires on all four wheels.
> Only use winter tires that are approved for your
vehicle.
> Please note that the maximum permitted
speed may be lower with winter tires > A\ in
General information on page 244. An author-
ized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility can inform you about the maximum per-
mitted speed for your tires.
> Check the tire pressure after installing wheels
=> page 254.
The effectiveness of winter tires is reduced great-
ly when the tread is worn down to a depth of
0.157 in (4 mm). The characteristics of winter
tires also decrease greatly as the tire ages, re-
gardless of the remaining tread.
@ For the sake of the environment
Reinstall summer tires at the appropriate
time, because they provide better handling
when roads are free of snow and ice. Summer
tires cause less road noise, tire wear, and fuel
consumption.
@) Tips
You can also use all season tires instead of
winter tires. Please note that in some coun-
tries where winter tires are required, only win-
ter tires with the 4 symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> Only install snow chains on the rear wheels.
> Check and correct the seating of the snow
chains after driving a few feet, if necessary. Fol-
low the instructions from the manufacturer.
> Note the maximum speed of 30 mph
(50 km/h). Observe the local regulations.
Use of snow chains is only permitted with certain
rim/tire combinations due to technical reasons.
Check with an authorized Audi dealer or author-
ized Audi Service Facility to see if you may use
snow chains.
You must remove the snow chains on roads with-
out snow. Otherwise, you could impair driving
ability and damage the tires.

ZA\ WARNING
Using incorrect snow chains or installing snow
chains incorrectly can result in loss of vehicle
control, which increases the risk of an acci-
dent.
CG) Note
— Snow chains can damage the rims and
wheel covers* if the chains come into direct
contact with them. Remove the wheel cov-
ers* first. Use coated snow chains.

— Using snow chains that add more than 0.53
in (13,5 mm) of height can severely damage
the wheel housings and other vehicle com-
ponents.
@) Tips
When using snow chains, it may be advisable
to limit the ESC > page 87.
259

Wheels

Low-profile tires
Applies to: vehicles with low-profile tires
Compared to other tire/rim combinations, low-
profile tires offer a wider tread surface and a
larger rim diameter with shorter tire sidewalls.
This results in an agile driving style. However, it
may reduce the level of comfort and increase
road noise when driving on roads in poor condi-
tion.
Low-profile tires can become damaged more
quickly than standard tires when driving over
large bumps, potholes, manhole covers, and
curbs. Therefore, it is particularly important to
maintain the correct tire pressure > page 254.
To reduce the risk of damage to the tires and
rims, drive very carefully on poor roads.
Check your wheels regularly every 2,000 mi
(3,000 km) for damage. For example, check for
bulges/cracks on the tires or deformations/cracks
on the rims.
After a heavy impact or damage, have the tires
and rims inspected or replaced immediately by
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility.
Low-profile tires can wear out faster than stand-
ard tires.
Uniform tire quality grading
— Tread wear
— Traction AAABC
— Temperature ABC
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire side wall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width > page 245, fig. 191.
For example: Tread wear 200, Traction AA, Tem-
perature A.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
260
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, Band C. Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured un-
der controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance
oA.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure > A\.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

ZA\ WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning or peak traction charac-
teristics. >