tires AUDI TT ROADSTER 2019 User Guide

Wheels

Tread separation
means pulling away of the tread
from the tire carcass.
Treadwear indicators (TWI)
means the projections within the
principal grooves designed to give
a visual indication of the degrees
of wear of the tread. See
=> page 249, Treadwear indicator
for more information on measur-
ing tire wear.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
is a tire information system devel-
oped by the United States Nation-
al Highway Traffic Safety Adminis-
tration (NHTSA) that is designed
to help buyers make relative com-
parisons among tires. The UTQG is
not a safety rating and not a guar-
antee that a tire will last fora
prescribed number of miles (kilo-
meters) or perform in a certain
way. It simply gives tire buyers
additional information to com-
bine with other considerations,
such as price, brand loyalty and
dealer recommendations. Under
UTQG, tires are graded by the tire
manufacturers in three areas:
treadwear, traction, and tempera-
ture resistance. The UTQG infor-
246
mation on the tires, molded into
the sidewalls.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN)
This is the tire’s “serial number”.
It begins with the letters “DOT”
and indicates that the tire meets
all federal standards. The next
two numbers or letters indicate
the plant where it was manufac-
tured, and the last four numbers
represent the week and year of
manufacture. For example,
DOT... 2218...
means that the tire was produced
in the 22nd week of 2018. The
other numbers are marketing co-
des that may or may not be used
by the tire manufacturer. This in-
formation is used to contact con-
sumers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
Vehicle capacity weight
means the rated cargo and lug-
gage load plus 150 lbs (68 kg)
times the vehicle's designated
seating capacity.
Vehicle maximum load on the
tire
means that load on an individual
tire that is determined by

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 252) 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 252 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
>New tires do not yet have the
optimum 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, size (rolling circumfer-
ence), 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 > 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
8S8012721BA
tires or wide tires), only use the
spare tire* temporarily in case of
emergency and drive carefully >
the required tools and replace-
ment parts.
247

Wheels

while it is in use. It should be re-
placed with a regular tire as soon
as possible.
Applies to: vehicles with all wheel
drive: All four wheels must be
equipped with tires that are the
same brand and have the same
construction and tread pattern so
that the drive system is not dam-
aged by different wheel speeds.
For this reason, in case of emer-
gency, only use a spare tire* that
is the same circumference as the
regular tires.

Z\, WARNING
—Only use tire/rim combina-
tions and suitable wheel bolts
that have been approved by
Audi. Otherwise, damage to
the vehicle and an accident
could result.
—For technical reasons, it is not
possible to use tires from oth-
er vehicles. In some cases, you
cannot even use tires from the
same vehicle model.
—Make sure that the tires you
select have enough clearance
to the vehicle. Replacement
tires should not be chosen
simply based on the nominal
size, because tires with a dif-



248

ferent construction can differ
greatly even if they are the
same size. If there is not
enough clearance, the tires or
the vehicle can be damaged
and this can reduce driving
safety and increase the risk of
an accident.
—Only use tires that are more
than six years old when abso-
lutely necessary and drive
carefully when doing so.
—Do not use run-flat tires on
your vehicle. Using them when
not permitted can lead to ve-
hicle damage or accidents.
—If you install wheel covers on
the vehicle, make sure they al-
low enough air circulation to
cool the brake system. If they
do not, this could increase the
risk of an accident.

Tire wear and damage
B4H-0415

aa
Fig. 182 Tire profile: treadwear indica-
tor

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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. 182. 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.
Tire rotation
Rotating the tires regularly is rec-
ommended to ensure the tires
wear evenly. To rotate the tires,
install the tires from the rear axle
on the front axle and vice versa.
This will allow the tires to have
approximately the same length of
service life.
For unidirectional tires, make sure
the tires are installed according to
the running direction indicated on
the tire sidewall > page 273.
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 >
249

Wheels

the nearest authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Fa-
cility to have the vehicle inspect-
ed.

Z\ 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
risk of hydroplaning when driv-
ing through deep puddles.
SUT C=w yee)





BFV-0295
2)
Fig. 183 Driver's side B-pillar: tire pres-
sure label



B8K-1151
‘SEATING CAPACITY TOTAL FRONT i REAR NOMBRE DE PLACES TOTAL AVANT ARRIERE
TIRE SIZE
DIMENSIONS
COLD TIRE PRESSURE
PRESSION DES PNEUS A FROID
am KPA, Ml PSI
a KPA, Ml PSI



REAR
ARRIERE
‘SPARE
a
SE
ve secours |




Fig. 184 Tire pressure label
250
The correct tire pressure for tires
mounted at the factory and for
the spare tire* is indicated on a la-
bel. The label is located on the B-
pillar > fig. 183, > fig. 184.
Use the tire pressure specified for
a normal vehicle load when the
vehicle is partially loaded > table
on page 252. If driving the vehi-
cle when fully loaded, you must
increase the tire pressure to the
maximum specified pressure > A.
Checking and correcting tire
pressure
>Check the tire pressure at least
once per month and also check it
before every long drive.
> Always check the tire pressure
when the tires are cold. Do not
reduce the pressure if it increas-
es when the tires are warm.
> Check the label > fig. 184 for
the correct tire pressure based
on vehicle load.
>Correct the tire pressure if nec-
esSary.
> Vehicles with Tire Pressure Moni-
toring System*: store the modi-
fied tire pressure in the Infotain-
ment system > page 258.
> Check the pressure in the emer-
gency tire*/spare tire*. Always >

Wheels

maintain the maximum temper-
ature that is specified for the
tire.


Z\ WARNING
Always adapt the tire pressure
to your driving style and the ve-
hicle load.
—Overloading can lead to loss of
vehicle control and increase
the risk of an accident. Read
and follow the important safe-
ty precautions in > page 252,
Tires and vehicle load limits.
—The tire must flex more if the
tire pressure is too low or if
the vehicle speed or load are
too high. This heats the tire up
too much. This increases the


risk of an accident because it
can cause the tire to burst and
result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
—Incorrect tire pressure increas-
es tire wear and has a negative
effect on driving and braking
behavior, which increases the
risk of an accident.


@) Note
Replace lost valve caps to re-
duce the risk of damage to the
tire valves.
(4) For the sake of the envi-
ronment
Tire pressure that is too low in-
creases fuel consumption.
8S8012721BA
Wee ye em 10) (=
Make sure that the tire designa-
tion on your tire matches the des-
ignation on the tire pressure label
and the tire pressure table.
Please note that the information
contained in the following table
was correct at the time of print-
ing, and the information is sub-
ject to change. If there are any
differences, you should always
follow the tire pressure sticker
=> page 250, fig. 183.
The following table lists recom-
mended tire pressures in cold
tires according to the load and
the size of the tires installed. >
251

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limits > page 252.
Tires and vehicle load limits
There
are limits to the amount of
load or weight that any vehicle
and any tire can carry. A vehicle
that is overloaded will not handle
well and is more difficult to stop.
Overloading can not only lead to
loss of vehicle control, but can al-
so damage important parts of the
vehicle and can lead to sudden
tire failure, including a blowout
and sudden deflation that can
cause the vehicle to crash.

Your safety and that of your pas-
sengers also depends on making
sure that load limits are not ex-
ceeded. Vehicle load includes ev-
erybody and everything in and on
252

Model/ Tire designation Tire pressure
Engine Normal load Maximum load
(up to 2 people)
Front Rear Front Rear
PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA | PSI | kPA
TT: 245/45 R17 95Y 32. | 220 | 29 | 200 | 33 | 230] 30 | 210
2.01 245/40 R18 93H 32 220 | 29 | 200 | 33 | 230 | 30 | 210
4-cylinder — [>45/aorig93y | 32 | 220 | 29 | 200 | 33 | 230 | 30 | 210
245/35 R19 93Y 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 35 | 240 | 32 | 220
255/30 R20 92Y 35 | 240 | 32 | 220 | 38 | 260/] 32 | 220
/\ WARNING the vehicle. These load limits are
7 7 ; technically referred to as the vehi-
ease note the important safe- , 7 3 :
rt cle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
ty precautions regarding tire ii ‘i
¥P garang (“GVWR”).
pressure > page 250 and load
The “GVWR” includes the weight
of the basic vehicle, all factory in-
stalled accessories, a full tank of
fuel, oil, coolant and other fluids
plus maximum load. The maxi-
mum load includes the number of
passengers that the vehicle is in-
tended to carry (“seating capaci-
ty”) with an assumed weight of
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each passen-
ger at a designated seating posi-
tion and the total weight of any
luggage in the vehicle.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating
(“GAWR’”) is the maximum load
that can be applied at each of the
vehicle’s two axles.
The fact that there is an upper
limit to your vehicle’s Gross Vehi-
cle Weight Rating means that the >

8S8012721BA
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total weight of whatever is being
carried in the vehicle is limited.
The more passengers in the vehi-
cle or passengers who are heavier
than the standard weights as-
sumed mean that less weight can
be carried as luggage.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
are listed on the safety compli-
ance sticker label located on the
driver’s side B-pillar.

Z\ WARNING
Overloading a vehicle can cause
loss of vehicle control, a crash
or other accident, serious per-
sonal injury, and even death.
—Carrying more weight than
your vehicle was designed to
carry will prevent the vehicle
from handling properly and in-
crease the risk of the loss of
vehicle control.
—The brakes on a vehicle that
has been overloaded may not
be able to stop the vehicle
within a safe distance.
—Tires on a vehicle that has
been overloaded can fail sud-
denly, including a blowout and
sudden deflation, causing loss
of control and a crash.

—Always make sure that the to-
tal load being transported
does not make the vehicle
heavier than the vehicle’s
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Determining correct load
Talks
Use the example below to calcu-
late the total weight of the pas-
sengers and luggage or other
things that you plan to transport
so that you can make sure that
your vehicle will not be overload-
ed.


Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “THE
COMBINED WEIGHT OF OCCU-
PANTS AND CARGO SHOULD
NEVER EXCEED XXX KG OR XXX
LBS” on your vehicle’s placard
(tire inflation pressure label)
=> page 250, fig. 183.
2. Determine the combined
weight of the driver and pas-
sengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from “XXX” kilograms or “XXX” >
253

Wheels
pounds shown on the sticker Wheel bolts and rims
=> page 250, fig. 183. Wheel bolts
4. The resulting figure equals the Wheel bolts must be clean and loosen/tighten
. ily.
available amount of cargoand =“
luggage load capacity. For ex-
ample if the “XXX” amount Rims with a bolted rim ring* or with bolted wheel
, . covers* consist of multiple pieces. These compo-
equals 1400 lbs and there will nents were bolted together using special bolts
be five 150 lbs passengers in and a special procedure. You must not repair or
. disassemble them > A.
your vehicle, the amount of .
available cargo and luggage ZX WARNING
tee Wheel bolts that are tightened or repaired in-
load capacity is 650 lbs correctly can become loose and result in loss
(1400-750 (5 X 150) = 650 lbs) of vehicle control, which increases the risk of
5. Determine the combined an accident. For the correct tightening specifi-
, cation, see > page 273, Finishing.

Rims

weight of luggage and cargo — Always keep the wheel bolts and the threads
being loaded on the vehicle. in the wheel hub clean and free of grease.
3 — Only use wheel bolts that fit the rim.
That weight may not safely ex: — Always have damaged rims repaired by an
ceed the available cargo and authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
. Service Facility. Never repair or disassemble
luggage load capacity calculat- rims yourself, because this increases the risk
edin Step 4. of an accident.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a
. . Winter ti trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi- Winter tires significantly improve the vehicle's
handling when driving in winter conditions. Be-
cle. Consult this manual to de- cause of their construction (width, compound,
termine how this reduces the tread pattern), summer tires provide less traction
: on ice and snow.
available cargo and luggage
i 5 >» Use winter tires on all four wheels.
load capacity of your vehicle. > Only use winter tires that are approved for your
>Check the tire sidewall vehicle.
. > Please note that the maximum permitted
(> page 241, fig. 181) to deter- speed may be lower with winter tires > A\ in
mine the designated load rating General information on page 240. 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 250.
for a specific tire.
254

8S8012721BA
Wheels

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.
G) 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 “ symbol may be permit-
ted.
Snow chains improve both driving and braking in
winter road conditions.
> Only install snow chains on the front 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.
ee cil med
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 250.
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
255